A street-level, low-angle photograph of the historic Rialto Theatre in Tampa Heights. The image features the building's distinctive yellow-brick facade with intricate blue-and-white patterned tile vertical columns. High on the wall are classic arched windows with dark frames. At street level, a large white-and-black striped umbrella shades a small outdoor seating area with black metal tables and chairs. A thin, dark cypress tree stands near a white wall segment, and the sidewalk stretches into the distance toward a clear blue sky with light clouds. — Rialto Theatre in Tampa, Florida on April 3, 2026. Credit: Ray Roa / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Last December, The Rialto Theatre, a mixed-use arts and events space in Tampa Heights, announced plans to open the Rialto Tea Room.

The Tea Room, former home of the Rosemary Cottage tea room, held its first afternoon teas for Easter this month, and will host a Kentucky Derby day watch party Saturday, May 2.

The event is a chance for neighbors to check out a space that doesn’t have regular hours as of yet.

Rialto Tea Room—located at 1617 N Franklin St.—has been designed to reflect the building’s 1920s-era roots as well as English-inspired decor like crystal chandeliers, elaborate gold-framed paintings, cherry blossom trees, and even a telephone booth.

Built in 1924, the Rialto’s live-stage theatre drew its last curtain in 1950, according to the University of North Florida. One of its last shows was “International Burlesque,” a production The Tampa Tribune lauded as a “sleeper” hit despite its small budget. The 10,500-square-foot space was then used as an industrial space until 2013, when 8-Count Creative renovated the room to an events venue, focusing on local arts.

Reservations will soon be available for two seatings per day, Tuesday through Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Reservations are required for afternoon tea services, but walk-ins are welcome for “Cream Tea,” which includes a pot of tea or coffee, a scone, devonshire cream, and jam.

At afternoon tea services, guests can enjoy an unlimited pot of Rialto’s Tea of the Day, selected to complement that afternoon’s menu, and a traditional English three-tiered tea tray, for $59 per guest.

Rialto’s tea trays feature two freshly baked scones served with traditional accompaniments, four finger sandwiches made with seasonal ingredients and classic pairings, and an assortment of three pastries and sweets that mix traditional and seasonal confections.

For an added cost, guests can also enhance their experience with seasonal mocktails, coffee and espresso drinks, and wine and champagne selections.

Children over five years old are welcome to attend afternoon tea services. Private tea parties are also available to accommodate guests of all ages.

Next month’s dress-to-impress Kentucky Derby party includes a hat contest, plus signature sips, appetizers, and live race viewing. Tickets go for $55 per person.

For reservations and updates on Rialto Tea Room, check rialtotampa.com and @rialtotea on Instagram.