Tea for two

An oasis in the middle of SoHo.

Jul 10, 2025

The neighborhood of SoHo is equal parts chic and annoying. Great shopping, endless crowds - classic NYC duality. Since I love complaining, SoHo is an ideal conversation starter.

When I’m schlepping down Prince Street or Broadway hunting for loafers, Japanese sunscreen, and an $11 tiramisu latte, I often think: I need calm! I need elegance! I need Gen-Z TikTokers to get out of my way!

Enter this itinerary: an afternoon tea oasis - serene, upscale, and blissfully un-chaotic. And in case the tea sandwiches don’t cut it (no shame), there’s a pizza nightcap (I’ve actually done this).

Pinky rings up - it’s tea for two.

This itinerary is perfect for: 2 people

Location: SoHo

Dress code: Sussex (County) Chic, Crustless Sandwich Couture

Crosby Street Hotel

What to expect: Elegant Wedgwood china teacups, quirky English artwork layered over elaborate wallpaper, wealthy people in… interesting outfits.

NIGHTCAPS pick: The Afternoon Tea Set - surprisingly reasonable at $75, or $90 with a glass of champagne.

Expect a generous spread of fancy tea sandwiches - from smoked salmon with yuzu dill cream cheese to French ham and Gruyère. House-made scones arrive warm, with clotted cream and jam, just as they should.

A beautiful loose-leaf tea menu pairs nicely with the silver tower of sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Regal indeed.

Lucia Pizza of SoHo

What to expect: An exceptional slice nearby (unless you live near their original Brooklyn spot on Avenue X), a high-cheekbone, lowbrow pairing for your afternoon.

NIGHTCAPS picks: The Spinach Slice (creamed spinach, three cheese blend) is super decadent, and the Papa Leone is a perfect vodka sauce slice. Please get both! All you’ve had today is a tower of tea sandwiches!

PSA

Here’s a reminder (friendly or unfriendly, you decide) that NIGHTCAPS is now taking reader questions about where to eat and drink in NYC!

I will feature questions - and my answers - in upcoming newsletters. To read more about it and how to submit your question, check out this previous newsletter: