48 Hills editors and writers are highlighting their favorite people and things of 2025. Join us October 22, 6pm-9pm, at El Rio for the 48 Hills Annual Community Gala to party with the winners and celebrate the independent spirit of the Bay Area.
San Francisco’s traditional afternoon tea scene isn’t quite as robust as it was inside the city’s luxury hotels before the pandemic, but a three-year-old Union Square property has taken the lead in presentation and in the consistency of having a weekly schedule.
The Beacon Grand (450 Powell Street, SF) opened in June 2022 in the former Sir Francis Drake, which was in business from 1928 to 2020. Harry Denton’s former top floor club has been polished into the fresh, DJ-soundtracked form of Starlite, and a new lounge called The Post Room offers a stunning afternoon tea service inside historic architecture from 2-4pm on Saturdays.
Bubbles and chocolate-covered strawberries signal the beginning of service. Teas from J’Enway, including an intriguing smoky Black Bacon Assam tea that is meat-free, are then wheeled out for sniffing and visual inspection before one makes their selection. A trio of tea timers allow sippers to control their own steep.
With flavors like ube, mixed berry, and tomato, a plate of scones introduces the idea of modernity into the proceedings. Finger sandwiches are usually hilariously tiny at this kind of service, but The Post Room’s sandwiches are about four times bigger than average. The current lineup is New York strip steak with horseradish aioli and arugula on white bread; prosciutto, K&J Orchard figs, goat cheese, and pistachio on brioche; Maine lobster with brown butter and Meyer lemon on a house-made sweet roll; and quiche with heirloom tomato, feta, and baby spinach. Sweets include more international touches: coconut pandan rice cakes, cassava cake, French-style macarons with buttercream or jam.
The price tag ($105) is compatible with other high-end options that include bubbles, and is a strong new option for special occasions for generous portions of delicious, creative bites. You won’t leave hungry.
