Brooklyn High Low: A charming afternoon tea in New York

Brooklyn High Low offers afternoon tea and a relaxing, vintage ambiance for guests.

Brooklyn High Low has many of my favorite things: afternoon tea, antique furnishings, vintage china and decor, scrumptious desserts and an address that ties to one of the well-known names of the Gilded Age. With such a mix, it's no surprise that I truly enjoyed my visit to the charming tearoom last weekend.

Located on 611 Vanderbilt in Brooklyn's Prospect Heights, guests enter from the bustling New York congestion into a whimsical retreat of plush furnishings and quiet tones - the figurative "comfort food" ambiance that makes one feel relaxed and taken care of.

Celebrating the weekend with afternoon tea!

And, then, there's the literal food to complete the experience, comprised of afternoon tea classics:  sweets, scones and savories. There are several options to choose from for a variety of appetites and occasions (and "extras", like the bundt cake that adds little "something/something" to the festivities).

Brooklyn High Low offers a variety of options for afternoon tea as well as "extras" such as bundt cake.

Our occasion was "wedding weekend". My son and daughter-in-law were married last week in NYC and along with dinners, receptions and ceremonies, afternoon tea was part of the celebration. Matt and Jenna have taken afternoon tea with us many times - including, within the past twelve months, the Palm Court in Manhattan's Plaza Hotel to across the pond at The Prestonfield House, in Edinburgh, Scottland - so they're quite accustomed to this most civilized repast.  The Brooklyn High Low was just the spot for a refined, but laid back, enhancement to the wedding par-tea weekend.

Tray of scones, savories & sandwiches.

The "Classic" is served with the house tea.

We all chose the "Classic" which consists of a bottomless pot of the "house" black tea, eight finger sandwiches (two of each per guest), a baked scone served with jam and clotted cream and, atop the third tier tray, a sampling of sweets.

Vintage serving pieces add to the tablescape.

Our favorites were the scones and the dessert plate. The chocolate mousse was delicious, packing a wallop of flavor in a small shot glass. The macarons were tasty, too - just the right texture. I had a chocolate mint macaron which I will heartily admit, was the best macaron I've ever tasted.

Brookly High Low Manager offered tour of garden room

The service was wonderful and welcoming and, although it was a very busy Saturday afternoon at Brooklyn High Low during our stay, it was managed well and we were able to converse easily in our section of the tearoom.

Brooklyn High Low is filled with antiques and vintage pieces.

What I would try next time:  either an upgrade to our "Classic" or order teas a la carte. Our group of mostly seasoned afternoon tea goers love trying different teas (I'd be on board for their Earl Grey) and, while the house tea was very good, we enjoy sampling ones we don't have as much at home. (I confess, I overlooked that detail when placing our final order).

Also, I may try out the garden section of the tearoom. The manager took me on a small tour, and the back patio space is magical, accented with greenery and lattice walls. It's hard to imagine this tearoom oasis is only a few steps from the crowds and traffic of this Brooklyn neighborhood.

Brooklyn High Low's interiors are in contrast to the busy Brooklyn streets.

In addition, there is another location which I'd like to venture to. The Parlour is in Park Slope, "under the stoop of a Brooklyn Brownstone".

No matter what you're celebrating, Brooklyn High Low, is worth a visit.

For more information, check out their website:  Brooklyn High Low