Scarlet Tea Room

05/13/2008 Posted by springchicken320

Though it was a little difficult to find, the minute we walked through the door we were warmly greeted by the friendly staff. They led us to our beautiful table as they gave us a little history of the place. Beautiful decor, fine china adorning the tables, I could see why they wouldn't encourage 2 year olds to come...after all, this is no Chuck-E Cheese. We celebrated my daughters sweet 16 with the Tea Ceremony. It was all of our first time and we enjoyed every morsal. The delicious strawberry sorbet which is served first (for palette cleansing) was served on the most delicate leave shaped china with a sprig of fresh mint. It did the job brilliantly and left our mouths fresh and watering for the scones. The scones were so light and delicious, we had apricot, maple and vanilla, and they were served with the most tongue tickling lemon curd, cream and strawberry jam I had ever tasted. The assorted tea sandwiches we had next were perfection. I have never been a finger food person but these were slightly larger than other tea sandwiches I've seen, and with so many different ones we got enjoy many diverse flavors. My favorites were the Brie with walnut and watercress and the egg salad with tarragon. The mini desserts were delectable as well as immensely visually pleasing, and the final course was exactly what our waitress told us it would be, the perfect ending to a wonderful afternoon. Not only a great place for afternoon tea and holiday celebrations, but also for a power lunch as well as an unforgettable dinner experience. See you soon Scarlet!

Pros: service, special diet accomodations, ambience

Cons: zero!

04/14/2008 Posted by robert4009

One of the best restaurants I have visited in a long time. Great staff, delicious food and wonderful atmosphere where you could forget time and get away from your everyday norm. I have been there for an afternoon tea and for dinner. All my guests loved it. Robert k.

Pros: food, ambience, service

Cons: Difficult to get in on weekends.

03/31/2008 Posted by naksgandako

Upon entry in the lovely room, they first thing that comes to mind is "aahhhh, this is going to be a sweet afternoon." Unfortunately, the less than welcoming greeting was enough to make me turn around. But who was I to complain, it was my teenage daughter who invited me and was paying with her hard earned babysitting money. The place was half empty yet it took about five minutes before we were seated and another ten minutes before someone came around to take our order. Okay, so the the tea menu is $29 and looks very pretty on paper, but that's it. Left half on the plates. We couldn't wait to leave the place. This is the worst tea salon. The service is indifferent and the food is marginal. Go to the Langham Hotel or Chado nearby -- $39 or $15, you'll come away much happier.

Pros: Pretty Dining Room

Cons: Indifferent attitude. Marginal service. Overpriced, lackluster food.

03/16/2008 Posted by bbme

The staff is very rude. We hadn't finished our food, and they were rushing us by removing our plates. When it was time to pay the waitress said in a very rude way that they could only take two credit cards from our group. We had a reservation for ten people and one of our friends did not come, and they charged us anyway (their policy). So make sure if you have a party there that everybody shows up. It is very expensive for what they gave us.

10/18/2007 Posted by rittag

Just moved back to this area from San Diego and wanted to enjoy a refined setting for a light lunch with my friend and goddaughter. Why didn't I check with citysearch first? Previous reviewers remarked on the rude treatment they received from the staff. Well, I could not agree more. First, I did not make reservations (did not think it necessary for a Thursday) and just as another reviewer experienced, before letting the door close behind us, immediatley and snobishly (ie no smile or friendly hello just a raised eyebrow and a scowl) asked if we had one. Still, we were seated only a minute later. Hmmm, feeling self important? The setting was comfortable despite the very "grandmothers house" vibe of the main dinning room. We wanted to go the tradional route and ordered the high tea; two orders. Our waitress suggest ordering something for my goddaughter, but as three year olds are, she is a light eater who usually ends up sharing our plates. The sandwiches were tasty, tea flavorful and the scones were good if not traditional . The desserts , though, should have been passed. Stale petite fours,sour out of season strawberries served three different times during our courses, and a creme brule that had a wierd taste (burn hair?) because of no caramel crust ; just a burnt cream top. Ugh!!!! Just thinking of it still repulses me. All of that does not compare to the final insult we endured. Remember, we each ordered a high tea and my goddaughter just nibbled on our food without receiving any extra table service. When we received our checks ( we split the bill) we were EACH charged a $5 split tab fee. Never, in any restaurant I have dined at previously was I charged a fee to split a tab. Really, I felt we were being penalized for sharing our food with a three year old. Not a nice thing to do and really not something I would mind overlooking for what amounts to a barely mediocre tea experience.

Pros: Hot tea, good sandwiches

Cons: Desserts, rude staff, unfair surprise fees

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

08/29/2007 Posted by karen485

The tea, sorbet, sandwiches, desserts... all very tasty morsels. The sole reason I will NEVER RETURN is the poor customer service we were given. As soon as I walked in the door, with the door not yet closed behind me, I was stopped in mid-step by the general manager and one of the waitresses who began to interrogate me about the details and the correctness of my reservation, with my party seated at a table just a few feet away. The general manager wanted to argue with me and insisted everyone in my party order only the tea ceremony and I pay more than what was ordered due to a simple misunderstanding in the reservation. She did this in front of all her other customers and in front of my guest of honor seated right next to me. This was VERY EMBARRASSING. To make the matter worse, the general manager proceeded to make disgusting gestures and facial expressions and harsh eye contact for the entire duration of our dinner! I will gladly opt to have my next tea at Tea Rose Garden on 28 S.Raymond just a couple blocks away!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

08/09/2007 Posted by keighty9

I was told over the phone while making a reservation for my family and some out of town guests that there is no place for children at the Scarlet Tea Room. More specifically there is no "room" for them. I've never had a problem at other tea rooms in the city let alone in Scottish or English tea rooms or any other tea room I have taken my children. I was told that the delicate china and hot tea would pose a risk. I've managed to keep them safe from burns so far - in fact every morning in my house. So I can't rate the tea room itself or the tea or the food - but if you have kids stay away! In our case we will stay far, far away.

Cons: Does not recommend bringing children.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/18/2006 Posted by museum_flavor

Very small and brightly lit, but still elegant and sophisticated, the Scarlet Tea Room is a lovely backdrop for afternoon tea. Prices are reasonable and the tea service is very complete, if a bit heavy on the berries. Service is attentive and friendly.

Pros: delicious tea and food, highly attentive service

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful