Long Island Tea Shops

9/12/12 - By brooke

By three my daughter was ordering decaf Earl Grey with milk, accompanied by a chocolate chip cookie, astounding waiters with her sophisticated palate. She and I have enjoyed the ritual of high tea since she was a toddler, and although we love setting up our own tea set, or using my grandmother’s bone china, we also love to explore new tea shops. To our delight, there are many on Long Island that specialize in the tea experience.  Several also cater to children, with special menus and miniature teacups and plates for their small hands.

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Babylon Bean
17 Fire Island Avenue, Babylon
631-587-7729
Although Babylon Bean is not specific to tea alone, it is a cozy place to enjoy a cup of tea and some tasty treats.  My daughter loves to admire the local artwork displayed and sometimes we catch a live show as well.  The staff is very cordial and the ambiance is kid friendly.

Greenport Tea Company
120-122 Front Street, Greenport
631-477-8744
My mother-in-law first introduced me to this shop through a generous gift of a tea infuser and decaf vanilla rooibos tea. Upon further investigation of their website, I realized that in addition to selling an incredible variety of teas and tea products, they also have a tea shop where they serve high tea.   

Hidden Oak Cafe
440 Montauk Highway, Great River
631-277-3895
Located at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, the Hidden Oak Cafe serves a Victorian tea in an enchanting environment. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.  There is an $8 fee to enter the arboretum, but that can be avoided if you have an Empire State pass.

Jacqueline’s
199 East Main Street, Babylon
631-893-5334

Tea is not the main attraction of Jacqueline’s, owned by a local mother, but this delectable bakery cannot be missed. Jackie’s cakes and pastries are amazing. There is a small area to sit, and I love getting a cup of tea and a scone with my daughter, as we admire the intricately designed cakes.

Milk and Sugar
49 West Main Street, Bay Shore
631-969-3655
This is more of a cafe than a tea shop, but it is extremely kid-friendly and has a nice assortment of teas and desserts, as well as many other delicious items.

Robinson’s Tea Room
97 Main Street, suite E, Stony Brook
631-751-1232
Reservations are not required, but they are definitely recommended, since this small tea room is in great demand.  My mom took my daughter and me to a Valentine’s tea here, and it was truly outstanding. There was an extensive menu, including a wonderful kid’s menu, and the food was fantastic.  My daughter was thrilled with her heart-shaped grilled cheese and tea service sized just for her.  The waitstaff was very attentive and made my daughter feel like a princess. 

The Secret Garden
225 Main Street, Port Jefferson
631-476-8327
I have not yet had an opportunity to visit the Secret Garden, but I have a date to do so soon. A friend has recommended it several times and often brings her nieces there. This tea shop combines the elegance of tea with fun. Patrons are encouraged to wear hats and boas, as they sip tea and eat finger sandwiches. There are many tea options, including a children’s tea, where children can choose from tea, hot cocoa, or pink lemonade.