Gothamist: A Proper Afternoon Tea as Antidote to New York Stress

dgh

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 20:56:38 -0500

my friend and i got food poisoning at lady mendl's last summer. overrated and expensive. not worth it esp. with other quality and more affordable options in town such as alice's tea cup and tea & sympathy.

Future Crazy Cat Lady

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 20:57:33 -0500

As a future crazy cat lady, I feel more than qualified to comment on tea houses- crazy-cat-ladyish and otherwise! 1) T Salon- service ok, tea-the best, scones- pretty good, ambience- the bestest!! 2) Alice's-service- pretty good, tea- awesome, scones- warmed and big! My personal favorite. Ambience- this is the least ambient, personally. The low ceiling, or something, makes the room really loud, even when it's not the bachelorette party/shower crowd. And even though I'm a girly girl, it gets a little too shreikey for me. 3)Tea Box- service- haughty, impersonal. Tea- great. My husband gets that thicker green tea here (sorry, I don't know what it's called). Food- neat fusion of East and West, if a bit pricey for tea time. 4) Tea and Sympathy service- great. Tea- awesome. Scones- a close second behind Alice's, and if you don't like your scones very sweet, then probably first place. Ambience- besides its small size, which can be a pain w/the wait (but avoided, if you go at off times), it's so cozy and warm. Love the shop next door. 5) Palm Court- haven't been- want to go before it's too late!!!!!!

hikaruhana

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 15:13:11 -0500

A recommendation: Keko Cafe: 121 Madison Avenue @ 30th Street. http://www.kekocafe.com/ They're tiny but a great refuge, quiet with friendly service and yummy treats. And a full tea set option complete with tiered trays and little sandwiches (although I don't know if it would meet the standards of English high tea fans not ever really having done high tea). Worth checking out!

Jen

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 12:31:32 -0500

The woman who runs T Salon is a STICKLER for British tea tradition, which makes it fun (ooh, a lace tablecloth!) and a little intimidating at the same time. It's all good fun and yummy. As a tea sucker, I've been to all of the places mentioned in the comments and like them for different reasons. Tea and Sympathy to stuff my face, Lady Mendl's for a refined experience, and Alice's Tea Cup for a more scattered boho time.

Ang.

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 11:32:37 -0500

Alice's Teacup on Columbus/73rd. 1) because I have a softspot for mismatched furniture and silliness and things that aren't cool, and 2) because it's nearby for me and also close to Central Park and museums. There are a few too many bachelorette and baby shower related festivies, but I can live with that.

Crystal

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 10:16:15 -0500

Lady Mendl's on Irving Place.

Allison Bojarski

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 10:14:49 -0500

Yes, Tim, this is the same place that used to be located in the Guggenheim Soho museum.

Tim N.

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 09:36:37 -0500

Isn't this the same place that used to be on Mercer Street in Soho?

forgot the name!

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 09:32:40 -0500

rats, I forgot the name, but there is a really sweet little place on Irving, a converted brownstone. I took my mom for mother's day one year, and it was filled with multigenerational grammas/moms/daughters. And they have this cake made of crepes layered with creme, sooooo good.

Meredith

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 09:08:20 -0500

Tea and Sympathy! (I think it's worth the wait in line.)