A. MY FAVORITE SPOT IS CAFE LATTE (850 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-224-5687; tea served noon to 5 p.m. daily). It's the best deal and without any hassles, doilies or frumpy hats. For $9.95, you get a cup of loose-leaf tea, a cream cheese and cucumber sandwich, a scone with jam and cream, shortbread cookies, a slice of dessert and chocolate hearts.

Here are some other places, listed by city. Since most have limited hours and require reservations, call for schedule and details.

  • Anoka: Mad Hatter Tea Room (300 E. Main St.; 763-422-4160; madhattertearoom.com)

  • Mendota Heights: Maudie MacBride's (797 Sibley Memorial Highway; 651-224-3367)

  • Minneapolis: Brit's Pub (1110 Nicollet Mall; 612-332-3908)

  • Minnetonka: General Store of Minnetonka (14401 Minnesota 7; 952-935-7131)

  • St. Paul: St. Paul Hotel (350 Market St.; 651-228-3860) and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park (1225 Estabrook Drive; 651-487-8233)

  • Stillwater: Water Street Inn (101 S. Water St.; 651-439-6000)

  • White Bear Lake: Avalon Tearoom & Pastry Shoppe (2179 Fourth St.; 651-653-3822)

  • Woodbury: McHattie's Victorian Times Tea House (10350 Bailey Road; 651-768-8753)

    Kathie Jenkins writes about restaurants and food for the Pioneer Press.