What’s the tea?

Five BoCo spots to sip a comfy, cozy cup of cheer

By Courtney Johnson - Nov. 13, 2024
IMG_1623_Photo-Credit-Hotel-Boulderado-scaled
Courtesy: Hotel Boulderado

With temps dropping and the sun dipping below the mountains earlier each day, now is the perfect time to slow down by enjoying an afternoon tea service that captures the spirit of the season with those you love most. Don your best holiday garb and escape the hustle and bustle with laughter, storytelling and festive tradition at these winter warmer hotspots. Many of these cherished teas sell out, so make a note for next year if you miss out this season.

Dushanbe Tea House

1770 13th St., Boulder

Boulder’s sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, famously gifted the People’s Republic the only authentic Persian teahouse in the Western Hemisphere. Celebrate the holiday season with Tajik chai khana wood-carved decor along with lights, winter greenery and more.

A large selection of teas, house-made chai and tea cocktails highlight traditional tea service with fresh-made festive pastries, finger sandwiches and scones with jam, pastry cream and other accompaniments. The tea service begins with a seasonal amuse bouche (chef’s choice) to set the mood. Food allergies and diets can be accommodated. 

Cost: $32 per person / $18 for kids 9 and under

Time: 3-5 p.m 

Dates: Nov. 11 to Jan. 5, 2025

Reservations: Call 303-442-4993 at least 24 hours in advance 

Chautauqua Dining Hall 

900 Baseline Road, Boulder

With the snowy backdrop of the Flatirons, Chautauqua Dining Hall offers traditional tea service with a holiday twist. Expect customary linen table service with a pot of premium tea inside the Victorian-style dining hall, opened in 1898. A three-tier tray brims with scones, finger sandwiches and a mix of sweet and savory festive fare. Food allergies can be accommodated. 

Cost: $32 per person / $18 for children
12 and under

Time: 2-4 p.m.

Dates: Nov. 11 to Jan. 12, 2025 

Reservations: Call 303-440-3776 at least 24 hours in advance

Hotel Boulderado 

2115 13th St., Boulder

It’s not surprising that Hotel Boulderado’s Holiday Tea was selected in 2024 as one of the Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Afternoon Tea Experiences. With the stained glass ceiling, tables along a historical mezzanine overlooking a beautifully decorated lobby and linen service, Hotel Boulderado is sure to create beautiful holiday memories. 

Choose from a list of premium tea to accompany a buffet of sandwiches, pastries and sweets and all the add-ons. To extend the experience, Hotel Boulderado also offers seasonal cocktails and wine to enjoy post-tea. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available as well as accommodations for other food allergies. Dates are sold out through Dec. 22.

Cost: $42 per person / $28 per child / Free for kids 5 and under (served with hot cocoa upon request).
Tax + 20% service fee will be included in your bill

Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dates: Sundays Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Friday, Dec. 27, Saturday Dec. 28

Reservations: Open Table or call 303-440-2892 or parties of eight or more

The Huckleberry 

700 Main St., Louisville

Since first opening in 1998, holiday tea has become a tradition for many Huckleberry patrons. Gather your closest loved ones to enjoy a pot of their well known huckleberry peach pie tea, seasonal teas of the month or many other black, white and herbal offerings. 

Music softly plays in the background as you enjoy three towers of sandwiches, pastries and comforting, baked-fresh-daily sweets. Food allergies can be accommodated. Request the room with the fireplace for a cozier and quieter experience. Leave with wonderful memories plus a token of appreciation: a small gift bag with a sample of tea, cookies and truffles.

Cost: $24 per person / $15 for children under 9

Time: 2-3 p.m. 

Dates: Daily, November to January  

Reservations: Call 303-666-8020 at least 24 hours in advance 

St Julien

900 Walnut St., Boulder 

Like walking on the set of a Hallmark film, the Gingerbread Tea at St Julien gives all the holiday feels. From carols to classics, live jazz tunes fill the air as you enjoy a selection of premium tea, petit fours, savory sweets and finger sandwiches from a tiered tray. Children will feel like little chefs, donning aprons and hats while they decorate gingerbread cookies. 

Consider bringing an unwrapped toy for the annual toy drive presented by There with Care, a Boulder nonprofit supporting children and families facing critical illness. Don’t forget to snap a card-worthy pic by the large tree at the hotel entrance before you leave. Food allergies and diets can be accommodated. 

Cost: $49 per person/ $29 for children 6-12 /Free for children 5 and under 

Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Dates: Sundays Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

Reservations: Open Table or call 720-406-9696 for parties of eight or larger 

'You gotta be here'

An exterminating force has arrived. They come from below, kill without prejudice and cannot be destroyed by traditional means. The…

Nov. 13, 2024
Previous article

'Hello, gorgeous'

I once spent a week with a family friend in the London suburb of Cheltenham, England. “I call the place…

Nov. 13, 2024
Next article

Must-Reads

Adolescent cannabis use has decreased for…

So-called “dark money” has entered the…

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The term…

Welcome to our 2024 Primary Vote…

Picture in your mind’s eye the…

ON THE BILL: Following last week’s…

Movement Workshop6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13,…