When you think of tea, maybe it’s images of prim-and-proper Downton Abbey that come to mind. But the act of sitting down with gorgeous cup of something aromatically exciting has caught on here, too. The tea scene on the East End is royally good yet perhaps… a bit unheralded. Bucking the idea that tea leaves are for our friends across the pond, people of a certain age or fortune tellers are several purveyors steeped in the allure of the sipping tradition.
With what looks like a rainy week and weekend ahead of us, it may well be high time for high tea. Grab your favorite pinky-raised pal and plan a visit to one or more of these North and South Fork tea spots.
The Baker House 1650, 181 Main Street East Hampton, 631-324-4081
Tea in the Hamptons may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a region known for its beaches and hopping social calendar. But perhaps the area loved for its quaint yet upscale surroundings should be. Exhibit A: The Baker House 1650, the upmarket and chic bed & breakfast modeled (appropriately) after an English Manor. The spot set a mile from Main Beach hosts afternoon tea on Sundays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in a sprawling courtyard overlooking the hotel’s pristinely manicured grounds. Sweet treats like scones and macarons are also part of the tea party. Are you hoping for something a little buzzier than a caffeinated beverage? Champagne adds a little grown-up bubbly fun to the festivities.
North Fork Roasting Co., 55795 Main Rd, Southold, 631-876-5450
North Fork Roasting Co. provided an instant jolt to the East End scene when it opened in 2015 with a “slow-food” mindset. The coffee? It’s all roasted in-house. But tea types can also find a new go-to beverage, including some with local flavor. Iced and hot teas from Manhasset’s SerendipiTea are available, and the London Fog is mixed with North Fork Roasting Co.’s dreamy, soothing lavender vanilla syrup. The menu also includes rotating seasonal tea-based beverages.
Tea and Tchotchkes, 120 Front St., Greenport, 631-333-2575
This one is more of a retail experience than a tea shop, but it allows you to enjoy your beverage in the comfort of your own home — sans insulated mug – while it’s still hot. Tea and Tchotchkes allow customers to purchase teas online or in their boho-chic shop across from the iconic carousel. (Warning: the so-cool mix of eclectic pieces like summer scarves and rock ‘n roll-inspired nesting dolls may have you consider making your shopping budget steeper.) Tea options range from traditional (peppermint, Earl Grey and chai) to buzzy like turmeric ginger and a “feel-better” brew with organic orange peel and elderberries that’ll at least have tastebuds feeling well.
SpecialTea House, 455 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-2265
A go-to spot for primping, SpecialTea House also serves up a proper afternoon tea party. Guests can reserve tables for a simple afternoon tea with seasonal scones, cucumber finger sandwiches and sweets or a classic option (all of the above, plus more food, such as zucchini bread and a seasonal dessert). The tea menu is a good mix of herbal and caffeinated — chamomile, peppermint and cranberry orange are among herbal offerings, while green and black teas include cherry blossom, Thai coconut, and vanilla black. Tea boxes for to-go parties and private events, such as bridal and baby showers, are also available.
Grindstone Coffee & Donuts, 7 Main St, Sag Harbor, 631-808-3370
Don’t let the name fool you — teas are served inside this magnet for donuts and java aficionados. The spot, opened by Kyle Sanderson two years after he moved to the area from Cleveland, calls attention to its non-coffee options in a specific menu section called “not coffee.” You’ll find hot and iced tea, matcha and chai lattes there. Double tap on the “hot or iced” part of the tea menu. Unlike some businesses, Grindstone is grinding year round — open 365 days per year (or 366 in a Leap Year), including Christmas. Bonus: They just opened an East Hampton outpost this summer at 27 Race Lane.
Sagtown Coffee, 78 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-8696
The whitewashed walls, large windows and pink LED sign give Sagtown Coffee a hip yet sophisticated look. Black, green and a so-summer white peach tea are available iced. The hot tea menu is more generous — lemon drop, white peach, Earl Grey, chamomile and peppermint are just a sampling of what you’ll find. Patio seating allows for ample people-watching in the bustling village.
