Even in the hours between decadent brunches and late-night fun, there’s always something to do in Las Vegas. Happening most often between noon and 4 p.m., high tea is a great way to hit the trifecta: grab a bite, caffeinate for the night ahead and unwind from the day’s events with a libation.
Here is a tale of four teas and why we love them so.
A new addition to the Strip, afternoon tea at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star complex takes place in the airy Lobby Bar from noon to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday.
Herbal brews like the citrusy caffeine-free French lemon ginger and white tea like the floral sakura are the hallmarks of an afternoon of elegance at ARIA. Both blends offer cleansing benefits, ideal for recovering from a night of overindulgence.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy an elevated experience here. Champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true with the Royal Tee Tree service, which includes a glass of sparkling Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs and one ounce of osetra served as canapés.
More classic nibbles include a ham horseradish tea sandwich with Brie, a creamy egg mimosa flecked with chive and topped with toasted brioche, and a rosemary Viennois “Pompadour” puff pastry sprinkled with sea salt. Among the sweets, expect green tea opera cakes, a Nutella-cream-infused hazelnut financier (a light French cake) and a tier of delicate macarons.
Afternoon tea is a sophisticated staple of this non-gaming, non-smoking Strip-side stay. Three seatings occur daily in the 23rd-floor tea lounge, where you can soak up an elegant ambiance and views of Las Vegas through floor-to-ceiling windows.
In addition to the classic black, green, oolong and herbal selections, Waldorf Astoria also offers a variety of artisan blends with good-for-you properties. One of these favorites is Pu-Erh Tou Cha, a medicinal tea that is said to reduce cholesterol, help with digestion and aid in weight loss. The earthy brew is also low in tannins for those who are sensitive.
Another must-try is Jasmine Pearl White from the mountains of the Fujian Province — you can practically smell fresh blooms in every sip.
Afternoon tea can get a boost from a bottle of bubbly, mimosas or bellinis — this is Vegas, after all.
To soak up your tipples, nosh on sweet and savory bites. Placed on an Instagram-worthy multi-level serving tower, these tiny concoctions include a porchetta sandwich with Brie cream and apple compote; a salmon sandwich with cucumber, capers and cream cheese on marble rye; strawberry choux with white chocolate cream filling; and deliciously indulgent chocolate macarons.
For the traditionalists, there are plenty of fresh-baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and housemade jams — there are also gluten-free, vegan and children’s options to ensure that everyone can enjoy a little indulgence.
Perched within The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, this authentic Irish pub (the building was restored in a town just south of Dublin before being shipped to Las Vegas) offers a more refined vibe each day from 11 to 4 p.m.
Two menus provide different assortments of finger sandwiches — for simple fare like ham and tomato, opt for The Dunbrody, or choose The Macnean for more gourmet options like goat cheese and peppers with almond walnut pesto. But both include classics like made-from-scratch scones and an array of desserts.
Add to the atmosphere by ordering some champagne or a cocktail, or opt for the Cream Tea — a single scone and “cuppa” to get you through the afternoon.
Off the Strip in Henderson, this whimsical breakfast and lunch spot features a series of ticketed events in its purple- and gold-hued Tea Room.
Available for 10 or more people, tea service comes from the loose-leaf bar in mismatched china accented by small bites with an eclectic twist — think canapés in the vein of the restaurant’s most popular menu items, like the short rib omelette and egg tacos.
A “twisted” version of the service includes a glass of bubbles, sangria or local beer rather than the usual brew.
When the weather is nice, there is also a patio with a panoramic view of the city.
