Discover the Artistry of Tea at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room
At The Rittenhouse Hotel, we’ve created a space where tradition and elegance meet in the most timeless way. Tucked just off the lobby, the Mary Cassatt Tea Room is a calm and inviting setting for Afternoon Tea. Named for the renowned American painter known for her intimate portrayals of domestic life, the Mary Cassatt Tea Room honors her legacy with a ceremony that celebrates both artistry and reflection.
Afternoon Tea has long been a cherished tradition, and we’re proud to offer what many consider the most refined afternoon tea in Philadelphia. With a rotating selection of loose-leaf teas from the world’s most respected purveyors and an ever-evolving menu of seasonal sweets and savories, we invite you to take a moment to pause and enjoy every detail.
Enjoy Tea With Loved Ones
Afternoon Tea at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room is served every Thursday through Sunday at 12:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Reservations open on the 15th of the preceding month and are required in advance.
Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just want a moment to slow down, our tea room welcomes all ages. Families, friends, and solo guests alike find it to be an easy escape from the pace of the city. It’s a way to connect over tradition, a beautifully set table, and a well-brewed pot of tea.
Explore the Mary Cassatt Tea Room Menu
The Mary Cassatt Tea Room menu combines both tradition and innovation, featuring a carefully curated selection of teas from all over the world.
When you step foot into this elegant space, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and flooded with natural light, not only will you discover new teas but also a peaceful oasis in the heart of Center City. Sip on complex teas from In Pursuit of Tea, based in New York, or rather enjoy delicate flavors from Vancouver’s Tealeaves. Escape to Paris with brews from Palais des Thés, or go on a journey to the Big Apple with Tay Tea.
The menu includes classic choices like Bai Mu Dan, Genmaicha, and Darjeeling, alongside more adventurous blends such as Milk Oolong, Duchess’ First Love, and Apple Pie. No matter where your taste buds take you, our staff will be happy to guide you to a tea that suits your unique preferences.
Savories include items like our rich truffled egg salad with trout roe, roast beef with horseradish, and a classic spinach and tomato Gruyère quiche. On the sweet side, guests can expect seasonal favorites such as hazelnut financier with blueberry jam, raspberry cake, and chai-spiced macarons. These elegant bites are the perfect way to sample a variety of flavors, perfectly paired with our menu of teas.
If you prefer to order á la carte, our beverage list boasts wines by the glass like brut rosé from France and a local, Pennsylvania-made Cab Franc Rosé, as well as iced lattes and specialty teas. Caviar service, served with house-made chips, crème fraîche, and chives, can also be added to elevate the experience. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself to a little indulgence.
Private Events to Remember
When planning a private event, we understand that the venue sets the tone for the festivities ahead. Our tea room offers an elegant outpost for everything from bridal showers and birthday gatherings to team outings and afternoon receptions. For private events of 15 guests or more, discover an inviting backdrop complete with soaring ceilings, elegant styling, and courtyard views, making the space feel both elevated and comfortable.
Guests can enjoy individually plated tea sandwiches and compotiers of assorted scones and sweets to share, adding a thoughtful touch to the event. Our curated tea service is poured tableside, and this memorable experience can be customized with wines by the glass, sparkling selections, signature cocktails, or elegant mocktails.
A Touch of History in Every Sip
The Mary Cassatt Tea Room blends global inspiration with Philadelphia sensibility. As a modern inspiration tea room, it’s rooted in the rituals of the past but shaped for today’s guests—elegant, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated. Every element—from the teaware to the menu pairings—has been selected to reflect care and creativity, honoring the spirit of Mary Cassatt herself.
Tea to Take Home
Our experience doesn’t end at the table. Guests can take home any tea from the menu, available in half-ounce or three-ounce tins. Enjoy your take-home keepsake as you start a new tea ritual, share it as a thoughtful gift, or simply savor this piece of The Rittenhouse in your everyday life and routine.
Whether it’s your first time experiencing Afternoon Tea or a long-standing tradition, we invite you to enjoy one of Philadelphia’s most elegant escapes. Discover the Mary Cassatt Tea Room and explore the artistry of tea in a new way.