Tea lovers, take note! Whether you prefer a cup of tea to warm you up or you’re looking for something a little more elaborate complete with baked goods, sweets, and savories, here are a few tea houses in Chicago’s suburbs that you’ll want to cozy up to. Pinkies up!
Casting Whimsy
Fall down the rabbit hole and head down to Woodstock to add a little whimsy to your day. While the tea shop may be small with only 3 tables, the fun atmosphere more than makes up for its size. Submerse yourself in Alice in Wonderland-themed decor, a Queen of Hearts wall, and table tops with pages and illustrations from the books. Their collection of tea, named after pop culture and fairy tale twists, is sure to bring a smile to you face. Tale No. 62 or Dragon’s Breath, anyone?
More than tea: Love Dungeons and Dragons? Hang out with other fans during their Tea&D, a dungeon and dragons type game.
203 Main Street, Woodstock
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TeaLula
Pinecone Cottage Tea House
Pinecone Cottage Tea House in downtown Downers Grove has been a fixture in the community since 2002. Drop in to try the delectable Sweets and Savories lunch or any of the 35 varieties of loose teas. Want to experience a true afternoon tea? Make sure to make reservations for their Afternoon Tea available Wednesday through Sunday only.
More than tea: Make sure to try their cooking class on select weekends. The classed are centered around recent trips taken by the owners. Plus, with the holidays slowly creeping up on us, their holiday events such as a Thanksgiving and Pie Party Cooking Classes, Breakfasts with Santa or Wigilia, a traditional Polish Christmas Eve event, would be perfect!
1029 Burlington Ave., Downers Grove
TeaLula
With over 190 different loose leaf teas options, you’ll be sure to find a favorite at this Park Ridge tea shop. Sample different flavors from countries around the world at the tasting bar. Pair it with light refreshments of scones and shortbread cookies to round out your tasting experience.
More than tea: Interested in learning more about tea? Take a class such as Introduction to Loose Leaf Tea, Focused Tastings or a blending class by a certified tea specialist.
11 S. Fairview Ave., Park Ridge
Casting Whimsy
Ding Tea House
As their only location in Illinois, the international tea shop chain serves over 14 flavored teas as well as other types of milk tea. Their modern yet cozy Crystal Lake location includes a variety of fresh teas as well as flavored teas and milk teas. Prefer lattes? They have that too. Bring your kids because they will go wild over the different choices of boba tea and preferred toppings.
230 West Virginia, Unit 820A, Crystal Lake
Serenitea Café
Sit back and relax at this cozy tea house in Oak Park. For a traditional experience enjoy their Three Tier Afternoon Tea complete with an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones and miniature deserts with an individual pot of tea for each guest.
1046 Pleasant Street, Oak Park
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