Alice's Tea Cup

If I were Alice, I would have been happy to stay at the Mad Hatter's never-ending tea party. Scones, clotted cream and preserves with a pot of hot tea sounds pretty perfect to me.

For all you New Yorkers in search of wonderland, go to my friend's tea shop in the Upper East Side aptly named Alice's Tea Cup (156 East 64th Street - 212-734-4832).

Their freshly baked scones are absolutely amazing (especially the pumpkin). Tea sandwiches include lapsang souchong smoked chicken breast with granny smith apples and herbed goat cheese and cucumber and watercress (natch) with lemon chive butter.

Alice's Tea Cup has an outstanding selection of teas including black, green, white, red, flavored, herbal and tisane. Some original offerings include Chocolate Mint Tea, Turkish Green Apple, Rooibos Bourbon and Sparrow's Soul which is French Vervain with chamomile, rosebuds and linden blossoms.

One of the most charming little shops in New York, Alice's Tea Cup is a great place to host a birthday party, bridal or baby shower. The private room holds 15-35 people and will cost you a room rate of $100/hour with a minimum of 2 hours. Guests are asked to order The Mad Hatter for $27/person which consists of a pot of tea, 2 scones with preserves and cream, 2 sandwiches and choice of dessert. Or, a la carte from their extensive menu of soups, salads and sandwiches.


Alice's Tea Cup is extremely kid friendly...in fact, they cater to the little ones. Children under 10 celebrating birthdays can have The Wee Tea for $15/child which includes tisane tea, 1 scone and an additional item such as chicken fingers, PB and J, banana bread or grilled cheese ($1 extra). Fairy wings and magic dust are free to use. Tiaras are for sale at the cash. And, arrangements can be made for a face-painter, magician or even for Alice herself, who will appear in costume to read for the kids.

Alice's Tea Cup will cater as well. To bring the tea party right to your home, call 212-734-4Tea. Other locations include 102 West 73rd Street and a newly opened shop at 220 East 81st Street.