Few dining experiences are as luxurious and impressive as afternoon tea. Dating back to the 1840s — when a peckish Duchess Anna of Bedford began taking a midday snack in her room — afternoon tea is a beloved British tradition that’s been embraced around the world, including here in the States. The ritual has evolved over the years — some take place in posh hotel restaurants, others in quaint cozy cafes — but they all have this in common: a strong pot of tea, a tower of sweets and savories and time to connect with family or friends. Before you head out to enjoy a cuppa, don’t forget to brush up on your afternoon tea etiquette.

Nashville, Tennessee

To celebrate its 111th birthday, The Hermitage Hotel tapped fellow Nashvillian Reese Witherspoon to curate an afternoon tea program that highlighted her Southern roots. A partnership with Witherspoon’s lifestyle brand, Spillin’ Tea with Draper James offers a variety of tea sandwiches, tarts, scones and desserts inspired by the New Orleans native’s cookbook Whiskey in a Teacup. Along with loose leaf tea from In Pursuit of Tea, guests can also enjoy an actual cup of whiskey, a nod to how the storied hotel’s bar cleverly served alcohol during Prohibition. Tables are decked out in custom Draper James linen — the print is called The Hermitage Ditsy Floral — and there’s a special take-home gift, too. Afternoon tea is available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

New York, New York

The iconic Palm Court at The Plaza reopened in 2014 after a renovation helmed by famed architect Thierry Despont that, as its name suggests, features plenty of greenery: Soaring palm trees, a trellised bar and caning create a lush and luxurious environment. Its famed daily afternoon tea made a return as well, featuring custom tableware, china and Palais de Thés tea. Guests can choose from four services, including the popular Eloise Tea inspired by the children’s book, each with a unique menu of savory sandwiches, warm scones and pastries served on regal round towers. Wine and cocktails by mixologist Brian Van Flandern are available for those who prefer things boozy.

Charleston, South Carolina

Hotel Bennett joined Charleston’s exceptional hospitality scene in 2019, bringing a mix of old-world grandeur and Instagrammable moments to historic King Street. Its champagne lounge Camellias is dressed head-to-toe in pink, true to its namesake flower and the stunning marble bar and tabletops, all made using material reclaimed from the library that previously occupied Hotel Bennet’s location. Guests can enjoy tea service on the weekends in the glamorous lounge outfitted with an etched-mirror ceiling, cascading chandelier and plush velvet chairs. Choose from a selection of green, black and herbals teas from Tealeaves and three options: a Children’s Tea for kids 12 and under, Adult Tea featuring chilled canapes, tea sandwiches, scones and tea pastries from sibling restaurant La Pâtisserie or Crown Tea, which includes an additional flute of sparkling rosé.

San Francisco, California

Chef Danel de Betelu and husband David put a French touch on the British tea tradition at their stylish cafe located in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. Inspired by Europe’s tea salons, Maison Danel offers three services: Le Classique, L’Eugénie with an additional glass of Crémant d’Alsace and Le Petit for kids under 12. Each comes with a selection of petits sandwiches, mini viennoiseries, small treats and mignardises, plus toppings and a pot of tea. The loose-leaf selection is extensive, ranging from tea-time standards like Earl Grey and Vanilla Rooibos to special house blends such as the rose-infused La Parisienne and David’s favorite Taiwanese Oolong. The space is a combination of industrial chic (exposed brick wall and beams) and European elegance that nods to Danel’s native Biarritz (blue banquettes, floral tiled flooring), a lovely setting for a leisurely afternoon tea.

Chicago, Illinois

The Langham Chicago’s afternoon tea traces its roots back to the tradition’s birthplace: Britain. It carried over from the hotel’s London location, which has hosted afternoon tea since 1865. The Chicago version has, of course, evolved over the years and the current iteration boasts hints of Caribbean flavor thanks to executive chef Damion Henry’s Jamaican background. Per tradition, there are three courses — savories, scones, desserts — served alongside a tea of your choice. The Langham has its own exclusive blends, including one called the Wedgwood Original (a black tea with hints of malt and caramelized sugar) that’s kept in its tea vault. Offered on weekends, the service takes place in the lofty Pavilion, which overlooks the city, and features live classical music to complete the experience.

Denver, Colorado

A vibrant flower installation by local florist Lalé Florals ushers guests into Babe’s Tea Room, a downtown Denver spot that hosts afternoon tea all day long, seven days a week. In addition to the traditional assortment of tea sandwiches and scones, the prix-fixe set comes with Scottish shortbread, homemade petit fours and a French macaron. There’s a trio of condiments (Devonshire cream, house made lemon curd and strawberry preserves), plus unlimited tea. And true to its tearoom moniker, you’ll find no shortage of options. The current menu has 70-plus and boasts some intriguing blends — think French vanilla pu-erh, oolong sweet watermelon and coconut custard rooibos. The service can be enjoyed on the sidewalk patio or in the charming dining room decked out in muted hues of pink, blue and yellow.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston was the setting place for perhaps the most famous tea-related event in American history, so it’s fitting that its historic central library serves one of the city’s finest afternoon tea services. Located inside the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, The Courtyard Tea Room offers two variations: a classic afternoon tea on Wednesdays and Thursdays and The Copley Tea — which includes a sparkling wine or non-alcoholic drink — on Fridays and Saturdays. The menu has some modern additions. The meal kicks off with a seasonal starter; there are tea lattes and iced teas in addition to the more traditional tea offerings; and an additional cocktail menu features tea-infused cocktails with whimsical literary names.

Portland, Oregon

Housed inside Hotel deLuxe, Gracie’s has become a downtown dining destination for its classic American brunch and seasonal afternoon tea. In true Portland spirit, Gracie’s has partnered with local businesses to round out its tea-time offerings. The tea sandwiches, scones and clotted cream are made in-house, while preserves are sourced locally and pastries come from Marsee Baking. Teas are selected by the experts at Smith Teamaker, who picked out seven classic blends and created two custom options offered here exclusively: the Provenance Black, a breakfast blend with hints of smoke, spice and jasmine; and the floral, peppery Green deLuxe. With soaring ceilings and old-school Hollywood decor, Gracie’s exudes elegance and charm.