JUST BACK FROM: Afternoon tea in Boston library

Afternoon tea at the courtyard in Boston Library was served by Holly Smith from County Leitrim

Afternoon Tea at the Boston Public Library is a refined and memorable experience, steeped in elegance and set within the historic McKim Building in Copley Square. Offered at the Courtyard Tea Room, with an adjacent option at the Map Room Tea Lounge, it’s a delightful blend of tradition, ambiance, and culinary charm.

Holly Smith bade us welcome, and revealed she is from county Leitrim, despite an accent straight from Bridgerton.

Visitors can expect a sophisticated yet welcoming afternoon, blending Boston’s literary heritage with a classic tea ritual. It’s less formal than some high-end hotel teas but richer in historic charm, making it a unique treat for locals and tourists alike. Dress is smart casual—hats and florals are welcome but not required—and the focus is on enjoying the moment, whether with friends, family, or solo with a good book in spirit. Here’s what visitors can expect:

Setting and Atmosphere

The Courtyard Tea Room: Located within the library’s iconic McKim Building, this bright, airy space overlooks the Italianate courtyard, a serene oasis with fountains and greenery. High ceilings, large windows, and white linen tablecloths create an elegant yet approachable vibe. The decor includes subtle literary touches, like menus presented inside vintage books, enhancing the library setting without feeling overdone.

Map Room Tea Lounge: For a moodier, more intimate alternative, this adjacent space features dramatic arched ceilings, an original chandelier, and historic Boston maps. It’s a cozy, intellectual retreat, perfect for those seeking a slightly less formal tea experience with a modern twist.

Timing: Served Wednesday through Sunday with seatings at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM, each lasting about 90 minutes. On weekends, the library closes at 5 PM, with bells signaling the end at 4:45 PM, so late seatings wrap up promptly.
Tea Selection: Guests choose from a variety of loose-leaf teas—classic black blends like Earl Grey, oolong, green teas, or herbal infusions like blood orange hibiscus. Teas are served in fine china with silver accents, complete with strainers, adding a touch of old-world charm. There is, of course, an Irish breakfast tea, not that we ever grew it. Open the copy of Anne of Green gables on the table and you find the sugar lumps.

Food Offerings:

The prix-fixe menu arrives on a classic three-tiered stand, after a starter, savory sweet pea & mint panna cotta pickled red onion, salted mascarpone, seed granola, and a scone with rhubarb, strawberry black pepper jam and clotted cream.
Bottom Tier (Savories): Delicate tea sandwiches, such as crab tartlet, chicken salad, spinach pancake, with fernell, benedictine cucumber, sunflower & pumpkin seed crunch smoked salmon with dill on pumpernickel, herbed chicken salad in phyllo, roasted mushroom crostini, and the standout lobster salad on brioche—a nod to New England flavours.
Middle Tier (Scones): Warm scones (often plain and currant or cinnamon varieties) come with clotted cream, lemon curd, and jam, offering a fluffy, buttery treat.
Top Tier (Sweets): A selection of petit fours and desserts, like French macarons, fruit tarts, chocolate mousse cups, or seasonal bites such as lemon lavender opera cake. The quality is high, though some find the sweets less remarkable than the savories.
Weekend Bonus: The “Copley Tea” on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays includes a starter (e.g., a small seasonal salad or soup like butternut squash) and a glass of sparkling wine or juice, elevating the experience.
Dietary Options: Staff accommodate restrictions (e.g., gluten-free sandwiches on lettuce) if notified in advance.

Service and Details

Service: Staff are friendly and attentive, though the coordinated seating of all guests at once can feel slightly rushed or impersonal during busy times. Tea may take a moment to arrive, but the team ensures a smooth flow.
Pricing: $56 per person Wednesday and Thursday; $68 per person Friday through Sunday (plus tax and gratuity). It’s a fair value for the setting and quality, though some wish for larger portions of sandwiches.
Reservations: Required via Resy, opening 30 days in advance. Book early, as it’s popular, especially on weekends. Larger parties (6–8 or 45–65 guests) have special arrangements and fees.

Additional Touches

Ambiance: The Courtyard Tea Room is quiet and calming, ideal for conversation, though it can get lively during peak times. The Map Room offers a darker, lounge-like contrast with tea-infused cocktails available for a twist on tradition.
Post-Tea Exploration: After tea, wander the library to see the courtyard up close, admire John Singer Sargent’s murals, or marvel at Bates Hall’s grandeur—a perfect way to extend the experience.