Famished Girl
Tea & Sympathy, West Village
Greenwich Avenue in the West Village is fast becoming the international smart spot for tea shops, Brit boutiques that sport London wares, quaint French bistros, and a newly-opened delish Argentinean restaurant, yet, Tea & Sympathy is my perennial, long-time favorite; this cozy restaurant hosts an insane selection of leaf teas (which you can get by the pot with infuser - and all the pots are dainty, stylish, porcelain, perfect for a mid-day tea date) and might I say that the T&S has probably THE BEST macaroni and cheese and bangers and mash in New York?! Gab and gossip while checking out the restaurant’s premiere selection of teacakes, scones with clotted cream, or perhaps sample their warm berry crisps drowning in rich custards? You’ll be satisfied either way.
Eating at T&S could be home if only your home were British and cooler, decorated with warm floral wallpaper and table lamps and candles. Whether you seek hearty fare (their steak & kidneys and Shepherd’s pie elicit raves) or a simple pot of tea with a tasty desert, the wait staff is warm, attentive and a New-York-minute fast. Go decadent with the afternoon tea for one: $21.95 snags you an unbelievable assortment of finger sandwiches (vegetarian upon request), scones with clotted cream and strawberry or raspberry jam (however, for $8 you can have a nice pot of tea and a little pastry). A selection of cakes and a pot of steaming hot tea (Seville orange to my favorite blackberry) rounds out your afternoon tea. Dash out after your meal to their shop next door where you’ll find your favorite British groceries, chocolates, sweets, teas alongside authentic tea pots, mugs, to name but a few. Seeking a little Union Jack or just an afternoon hideaway? Then Tea and Sympathy is the ideal nook.
Tea & Sympathy
108-110 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 989-9735
Subway: 1/9 to 14th Street or A/C/E to 14th Street
