This post was originally published on April 22, 2024 and was most recently updated on January 15, 2026.
If you read British period fiction or watch historical dramas, you're familiar with the ritual of afternoon tea. Traditionally, the miniature meal of sandwiches, scones, and sweets was served in the mid-afternoon and was intended to tide the upper classes over until dinner, which was served quite late in the evening in fashionable society. (High tea is actually something totally different—it's a hearty, early evening meal enjoyed by middle and working class folks.)
Today, afternoon tea is fun treat, with fancy china, tiered trays of beautiful desserts, and often, a unique, historic setting. Ready to settle in for an afternoon of tea, treats, and conversation? Here's where you can find afternoon tea in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities suburbs.
Minneapolis
Brit's Pub & Eating Establishment (Minneapolis)
If you're looking for a more casual tea in a traditional pub setting, downtown Minneapolis' Brit's Pub serves afternoon tea Monday through Friday from mid-October to mid-April. Seatings are 90 minutes and are available from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Enjoy an assortment of finger sandwiches, baked goods, fruit, cheese, and tea for $39.95 per guest plus tax and gratuity. A vegetarian option is available for the same price, as well as gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan tea menus for $44.95. Children 12 and younger can opt for the "Lads and Lassies Tea" for $19.95 per guest, with kid-friendly items like a strawberry jam and Nutella sandwich and chocolate chip cookie. Reservations are required and can be made online.
1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; 612-332-3908; britspub.com
Four Seasons Hotel (Minneapolis)
Afternoon tea at downtown Minneapolis' Four Seasons Hotel offers a modern, globally-inspired take on afternoon tea, with items like dukkha scones and tropical mousse. Tea is served in the hotel's Mara Restaurant on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The menu includes scones, savory sandwiches, and miniature desserts and costs $60 per person plus taxes and gratuity. Mini towers for children under 12 are available for $30. Pre-paid reservations can be made online.
If you want a less traditional, upscale tea, the Four Seasons is the best option—it has a chic feel and even includes a complimentary glass of champagne.
245 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis; 612-895-5700; fourseasons.com/minneapolis
Nicollet Island Inn (Minneapolis)
Nicollet Island Inn occasionally hosts afternoon tea in their elegant main dining room with views of the Mississippi River. Each two-hour tea features a seasonal multi-course tasting menu paired with custom-blended tea. Contact the restaurant in advance if you have any dietary restrictions. Details about upcoming teas and reservations are available online.
95 Merriam Street, Minneapolis; 612-331-1800; nicolletislandinn.com
St. Paul
Saint Paul Hotel (St. Paul)
The Saint Paul Hotel has hosted presidents, royalty, movie stars, and gangsters since 1910, and today guests can appreciate the building's storied history with afternoon tea in the hotel lobby. A two-hour afternoon tea is served most Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. Prepaid reservations are required, with prices ranging from $65-$70 per person (including tax and gratuity), depending on the specific date. Note any dietary restrictions when making your reservation—gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan menus are available. Upcoming tea dates are listed online.
I think the Saint Paul Hotel is the most elegant tea option in the Twin Cities due to the upscale surroundings—there's even a pianist who performs throughout tea. The menu changes seasonally and includes a first course of savory tea sandwiches and a second course tier of dried fruit, nuts, cheese, scones, and sweets, paired with the Saint Paul Hotel's custom-blended black currant tea.
350 Market Street, St. Paul; 651-228-3860; saintpaulhotel.com
Twin Cities Suburbs
Lowell Inn (Stillwater)
With a stately dining room inspired by 18th century Williamsburg, tea at Stillwater's Lowell Inn transports guests to a bygone era. Afternoon tea is served Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The four-course tea menu is $26 per guest plus tax and gratuity and includes a warm scone, a cup of the Lowell Inn's signature cream of mushroom soup, canapes, and assorted mini desserts. A kid-friendly menu with a scone, cup of soup or fruit, sandwiches, and ice cream sundae is available. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 651-439-1100.
102 North 2nd Street, Stillwater; 651-439-1100; lowellinn.com
Mad Hatter Restaurant & Tea House (Anoka)
Located inside the mid-19th century Woodbury House, Anoka's Mad Hatter Tea House has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Afternoon tea is served on select dates and times throughout the month, with a menu that changes seasonally. The Queen of Hearts tea includes scones, several tea sandwiches, and miniature desserts, and the kid-friendly Cheshire tea is available for guests 10 and under. Pre-paid reservations are required and can be made online. Vegetarian, nut-free, and gluten-friendly menus are available and can be selected when making your reservation.
If you like to try unique teas, this is the spot for you—there are dozens of house-blended black, green, oolong, and herbal teas to choose from. There's also a gift shop where you can purchase loose leaf tea and tea accessories.
Note that the Mad Hatter enforces a dress code, requiring guests dressed tastefully. Per the website, "it is unquestionably preferable to err on the side of being overdressed rather than underdressed."
1632 Ferry Street, Anoka; 763-422-4160; madhatteranoka.com
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