Where: Dunwoody, Georgia Style: Modern farmhouse Tea Selection: 3 preselected Ark Coffeehaus loose leaf teas Teatimes: Special Tea Events, Private parties of 10 or more Reservations: Ticket purchase required Contact: Purchase tickets here Cost: $35 Afternoon Tea; $15 Child (ages 10 and under) Destination Tea Tips: Every month, Ark Coffeehaus releases a new calendar of events, and checking their Instagram is the best way to see when they’ve added an upcoming afternoon tea to the calendar. We also suggest leaving yourself time to shop their selection of fair trade and locally made gifts.
Destination Tea Notes: Whenever we hear of a new afternoon tea service in the Atlanta area, we have to balance our serious desire to make a reservation immediately with the reality that an early experience is not representative of what it will become as it is refined over time. That said, we happily report we have very few notes for Ark Coffeehaus after attending their first afternoon tea, this one a “Mommy & Me” theme. Notably, the teas, (blended in-house), are varied and expertly brewed, the homemade pastries are wonderfully yummy, and the service at this after-hours event is attentive, while encouraging guests to be at their leisure. We especially liked that this modestly priced afternoon tea generously included three teas. A far cry from the frilly Victorian teahouse, Ark Coffeehaus’ atmosphere is one of honest goodness and relaxed coolness (make sure to peruse their custom pop culture pins at checkout). Opened recently in November 2023, by brother John Yacoub and sister Priscilla Wells (who is also a Metro Atlanta farmer), the tea shop’s focus on natural living and eco-conscious practices means that you will enjoy teas free of artificial ingredients and plastics, that change throughout the year to reflect seasonal flavors. We happily anticipate return visits to see how the afternoon tea here evolves.
When the centerpiece is a gift! Inside we found slivers of locally made soaps and three ounces (!!) of Ark Coffeehaus’ newly launched Berries & Cream black tea blend (with vanilla, rose hips, hibiscus, cranberry, blueberry, wild foraged strawberry and cherry essence).
Tea Selection
The courses (listed in reverse order), are printed on pretty menus, which it happens understated the dessert course, (no complaints). John and Priscilla poured two of the teas for us, and brought a third steep to the table for us to help ourselves. They were excellent about keeping our cups filled.
We could not believe the Peach Rooibos Tea had no added sugar. We very much appreciate a juicy tea that has no sugar or caffeine (good thinking for young customers, too). This one was our favorite of the three.
We were provided a timer so that we would know when our Honeysuckle White Tea was ready to pour. This lightly fragrant tea paired well with the rich sandwiches and sweet pastries.
Deep berry color of their Berries & Cream black tea blend
Scones & Spreads, Savories and Sweets
Here’s what two young ladies look like when they are exercising extreme patience so that photographs can be taken before we explore this tempting three tiered tray.
Served on potato bread, the curry chicken salad (aka coronation chicken) and pimento cheese sandwiches were our favorites. We like a thinner spread on a cucumber with herbed cream cheese, but noticed that everything about this menu is generously done. The smaller triangles they offered for the children would have been perfect finger sandwiches for the adults as well.
Vanilla Bean and Creamsicle scones break open easily, to be spread with whipped cream (which they graciously fortified when we requested a second helping). The housemade dessert course was scrumptious and plentiful, including large molasses cookie, chocolate-dipped biscotti…
…lemon bars, jammy thumbprint cookies and a hazelnut chocolate cupcake. And now a note on size:
Customarily, afternoon tea foods are dainty bites, and there’s a minor debate about whether or not cupcakes belong at an afternoon tea, unless they are minis. (American tea parties do very often include cupcake displays). We must emphatically state here that Ark Coffeehaus cupcakes being the soft, moist delectable creations they are, had to be absolutely welcome in their full-size state. Teaspoons averted any inherent messiness, (we’d suggest pastry forks in future) and we took home any and every morsel we couldn’t finish. We wouldn’t mind one bit if these became a regular at Ark Coffeehaus afternoon teas, but might (reluctantly) suggest they be made into mini cupcakes.
We love comments! Destination Tea's comment policy shares a guiding principle with afternoon tea etiquette: please be gracious. We welcome honest comments that are not rude or scathing.
Sounds wonderful! Thanks for the review.
Wonderful post and photos!
Angela-
Thank you once again for such great recommendations! Arc teas were excellent. Enjoyed the tea.
You have been such a great resource. I am saving your site so that I can continue to enjoy great teas when I travel.
You’re the best!
Dr. B
So glad to hear that you liked Ark, Dr. B! They are certainly a neighborhood gem. And thank you for the kind words.
If you discover excellent teahouses on your travels, please pass on your recommendations so we can share with DT followers. Happy tea travels!