Afternoon tea in Austin? (Fredericksburg, West: hotels, house, living)

[GotHereQuickAsICould]

Meeting up with my daughters in Austin after the New Years. We want to go out for afternoon tea.

We like tasty sandwiches and sweet treats. Doesn't have to be a high class place like a 5 star hotel, but it can be if they do a great afternoon tea.

But can also be an English tea house where people take a lot of pride in their scones and tea service.

We only do this once a year, so don't want to waste our time on so so.

Where should we go?

[Idlewile]

I liked afternoon tea at The Four Seasons downtown. Very nice. Traditional tea

The Steeping Room offers tea but, of course, more causal-modern than a traditional English tea at one of the hotels. Tea Services in Austin, TX | The Steeping Room

[Gestbsjgd]

Originally Posted by Idlewile

The Steeping Room offers tea but, of course, more causal-modern than a traditional English tea at one of the hotels. Tea Services in Austin, TX | The Steeping Room

Haven't been myself, but I've heard really nice things about this place. Their gluten free scones and toffee cookies are pretty good, apparently

[Elizabethaknee]

Haven't been yet, but this could be a place you might want to look into...
[url=http://www.fullenglishfood.com/]Full English[/url]
And a list of places for "high tea" on Yelp...
[url=http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-west/top-10-tea-rooms-in-texas]Top 10 Tearooms in Texas - Southern Living[/url]
The Eteeping Room is ok- they have the sandwiches, the tea, and large tasty (but often too dry) scones.

[petro]

Without question, the Four Seasons has the best afternoon tea in Austin. I definitely recommend it.

[AguaDulce]

Walton's Fancy & Staple on West 6th.
It has loads more charm than stuffy corporate Four Seasons.
And it's owned by Sandra Bullock.

[petro]

Originally Posted by AguaDulce

Walton's Fancy & Staple on West 6th.
It has loads more charm than stuffy corporate Four Seasons.
And it's owned by Sandra Bullock.

Do they actually serve afternoon tea? I don't see any mention of it on their website and can't find any reference to it on the Internet.

And there's nothing stuffy about afternoon tea at the Four Seasons. It's the best traditional tea experience I've found here.

[AguaDulce]

Originally Posted by petro

Do they actually serve afternoon tea? I don't see any mention of it on their website and can't find any reference to it on the Internet.

And there's nothing stuffy about afternoon tea at the Four Seasons. It's the best traditional tea experience I've found here.

My apologies. I misunderstood the question.
I did some research and I learned something.

I now realize that the concept of "afternoon tea" is what's stuffy.

Stay calm and carry on.

[GotHereQuickAsICould]

I love stuffy. Particularly when it involves attention to detail. Been to afternoon tea in several cities. It seems such a civilized way to enjoy tasty morsels and catch up on family gossip. Nice break in a day of sightseeing and shopping.

I wish Nordstrom's Bistros served afternoon tea.

[Pinkribbonaustin]

I agree that Four Seasons would be top choice, but I just remembered 1886 Bakery in the downtown historic Driskill Hotel. Atmosphere for sure.

I was reading a post on another site from a visitor who stayed there this week and loved the 1886 Bakery. They also have good reviews on another site. I ate there once, but it was many years ago. I vote the 1886 as my second choice. I also have a feeling, if you call ahead they would make some special tea sandwiches to go with their pastries.

My 3rd choice would be Chez Nous because of their awesome pastries and nice atmosphere for tea.

I love high tea, but unfortunately Austin has no English tea rooms. Went to Peachtree in Fredericksburg last week and loved it. No high tea, just great fresh food and charming venue/gift shop.