What a wild ride we had in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea! Staten Island may not be everyone’s first pick for a fancy afternoon tea, but that’s just part of our magic—the journey is half the fun. Armed with Google Maps, and sheer determination, our two-hour adventure to Prince Tea House was basically a movie, minus the glamorous outfits and camera crew (though a couple of subway performers tried to audition for the soundtrack).
Urban Expedition: Subway, Ferry, Bus!
Our trek began with the familiar rumble of the NYC subway; classic: mysterious smells, questionable pole-wrapping skills, and enough character to inspire a whole book series. Jumping off at the Whitehall Terminal, we joined the legendary crowd boarding the Staten Island Ferry. This free trip is not only a commuter’s lifeline but doubles as a cheap harbor cruise for views of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. (Pro tip: Grab a spot at the back of the ferry for the best selfie angles without too many photobombers).
Once we landed in St. George, it was time for the much-anticipated city bus ride. Traffic may change but the bus’s commitment to unpredictable stops and wild acceleration remains constant. After navigating through clusters of locals, endless roadwork, and the occasional stroller derby, we finally reached New Dorp Lane, where Prince Tea House awaited us like a glittering oasis.
Prince Tea House: Afternoon Bliss
Stepping inside Prince Tea House felt like walking through a Pinterest board come to life: soft lighting, faux-flower arches, plush banquet seats, and the aroma of fresh-baked scones. Tea was promptly served in stylish pots with names we couldn’t quite pronounce (but that never stopped us from pretending to be experts). Our tower arrived loaded with bite-sized sandwiches (tuna, deviled egg, cucumber, pastrami—a smorgasbord for the senses), scones with cream and jam, and just enough sweets to launch us into a sugar high for the ride home.
The staff were lovely, always polite, and even as we fumbled our napkins, the vibe stayed cozy and fun—ideal for a long afternoon of sipping, munching.
The Return: Bus and Subway Again
Getting back was just as heroic: after the magical calm of tea service, we braved the bus maze and dived back into the subway’s endless parade of street musicians, confused tourists, and announcements about “train traffic ahead.” There’s something special about moving through so many neighborhoods and boroughs in a single day, chasing tea and stories from one end of the city to the other.
Final Thoughts: Worth Every Step
Staten Island may be tucked away, but it’s full of little surprises—gorgeous bites, friendly faces, and adventures you can retell over and over. Afternoon tea at Prince Tea House wasn’t just about scones and Earl Grey; it was pure wandering joy, city spirit, and just a pinch of New York chaos. Next time, maybe we’ll take the ferry at night, add an extra borough, and hunt for tea in an even more unlikely spot—bagpipes on the A train, anyone?