Tea On the Tiber
8081 Main St, Ellicott City, MD, 21043
Tea On the Tiber Menu
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Address :
8081 Main St
Ellicott City, MD, 21043 - Phone (410) 480-8000
- Website https://teaonthetiber.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
- Mon :Closed
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
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Erica B.
Located in historic Ellicott City, this Victorian-style tea house offers a very reasonable and filling $23 afternoon tea. For added fabulousness, the servers all wear costumes resembling the lady's maid uniforms in Downton Abbey. The tea menu is substantial, with a nice range of varieties and styles, including plenty of low and no caffeine options. We went with black tea, sampling both the fragrant rose petal and wintery orange spice. I'll run through this tea tier by tier - starting with the lovely citrus cranberry scones. These were sweeter than most scones, but still scrumptious - and accompanied by clotted cream, lemon curd, and berry jam. The savory selection included chicken salad on croissant, a sort of deconstructed egg salad on water crackers, spicy pimento cheese in phyllo cups, tomato and mayonnaise on white bread, and for the vegetarian - a wee salad. These were all tasty, but not remarkable. Finally, the dessert tier included a crumbly, buttery shortbread cookie, fudgy brownie, and slice of tasty, if somewhat overly sweet, coconut layer cake (buttercream frosting on top and coconut custard between layers of delicate white cake.) For the price, the atmosphere, and friendly service - Tea on the Tiber is well worth the trip.
(4)Lauren M.
I just had my bridal shower here this past weekend and everyone loved it. The food was delicious and the tea was great (everyone got their own full pot). Only recommendation would be to add a few extra finger sandwiches. Parking and traffic are something to consider, but if you're familiar with old Ellicott City, this is nothing new. Comments from my mother, who arranged the party, were that they were extremely detail oriented, calling to check in on details before the event, coordinating colors, checking for food allergies etc. My seven year old daughter was the hostess, and upon arrival to set up, the staff talked to her to make sure everything was set up correctly.
(5)Sara A.
Had a "Shoppers Cream Tea" here with my husband a couple of months ago. It was a busy Sunday and they still managed to sneak us in. The food was excellent and the Shopper Cream was perfectly portioned, we got it with the iced tea as it was hot out and the carafes they serve it in are enormous, I could've sat there with a book drinking tea all day! Our server was delightful and I can't wait to go back!
(5)Shaina V.
Checked out Tea on the Tiber for a high-tea to celebrate a friend's baby on board! We sat in the back room on the second floor with many windows. It felt like we had been transported to some lovely English tea room. We each got a different pot of tea - and really didn't even think to share since each tea matched our personalities and desires perfectly. The tier of treats was yumm-O. We especially liked the chicken salad croissant and the refreshing fruits. I wasn't the biggest fan of the bulky scones or the slices of cake but I think that might just be preference. The point is that there was plenty of food and different types of sandwiches and treats to satisfy all our cravings. Our reservation was at noon and we didn't feel rushed and the service was impeccable - questions were answered and we were checked on the appropriate amount. We'll definitely be back. Pro tip - they're booked up almost a month in advance, we snuck in because many people were afraid of the pending snow storm! Note: Many reviews say its a ladies who lunch kind of spot but we were two couples and it didn't feel super out of place to have our men there with us
(4)Margaret R.
A lovely, classic Victorian tearoom in the historical stretch of Ellicott City. Service, food, and tea selection were great. Although the desserts were likely not homemade, the huge cinnamon chip scones were and the sandwiches were certainly tasty (my friend raved about the fresh tomatoes). Each person receives their own pot of tea (with 5 cups worth), a large scone served with clotted cream, lemon curd, and fruit preserves, 3 mini sandwiches, a large slice of cake, and a piece or shortbread and brownie. Oh, and a piece of cheese and fruit. Bottom line: yummy and filling sweets and savories for a great price of $22.
(4)Jessica C.
I love tea houses, and I absolutely love love love love Tea on the Tiber!!! I came here with a group of 12 girls a little over a week ago for the Saturday afternoon tea the day before my wedding. I called only a week prior wondering if they had any reservations available because I decided last minute that I wanted to organize something with some of my girlfriends. They were able to accommodate us not only by booking a reservation, but they also asked about dietary restrictions and asked me what color I wanted the table decoration to be (and whether I wanted it to match my wedding colors)! We had a few girls who are vegetarians and they gladly made some optional sandwiches for them, which was really nice! First of all, the space itself is just adorable! Really quaint and pretty and exactly what you would want a tea house to be. Second of all, they have one of the most impressive tea lists I have ever seen. It was really hard to decide! And they don't bring you just a little cup of tea... no, we each got our own, full (beautiful) teapot! Third, and most importantly, the food was DELICIOUS. The scones were out of this world - the most delicious scones I have ever had. I could absolutely eat those scones with clotted cream and lemon curd every day for the next 100 years. The sandwiches were also amazing, particularly the tomato sandwiches (cut into the shape of a heart!) I don't know what they put on it, but it was phenomenal. (Maybe it was a tangy mayo? I don't know. We all tried to figure it out!) I could have eaten trays and trays of them (a la Harriet the Spy....) And then the top tier was dessert, which I think was fine but we were all so stuffed by that point that we barely nibbled on it. It's funny because you think of afternoon tea as being light and even when they brought out the tiered trays we all kind of figured that we would have a scone here, a tea sandwich there, a sip of tea.... but it's really a lot of food. We all left completely stuffed and happy and a few girls needed boxes to take the dessert home! So when you see the price tag (I think something around $23 or so per person) for afternoon tea, know that this isn't just some light fare - you will be getting a full meals worth of food! If you can't tell, I absolutely adore Tea on the Tiber. The space is great, the staff is great, the food is great... it's just great! I am so happy that I was able to come here to kick off my wedding weekend festivities, and I know I'll be back in the future (probably sooner than later) because it'll be really hard to stay away! What a gem!
(5)Helen C.
My mother and I felt like we were in England having our afternoon tea. We ordered one full afternoon tea ($22.50) and one cream tea (just the scone, tea, and fruit for $12.50) and split everything. It was actually a lot of food, especially since the scones are so large and heavy. We really enjoyed the chocolate mousse cake. This a really unique place, and afternoon tea houses are really hard to find. I would love to come back again with a group of girlfriends. FYI, there was not a single guy in sight, so leave your boyfriends or husbands at home if you don't want them to feel too out of place!
(5)Heather W.
The day before she got married, my friend decided to organize a tea party with some of the ladies. I had never been to Tea on the Tiber, and the only place I could compare it to was a tea parlor I had gone to in Rochester, New York. To start, the restaurant is just adorable. It's decorated from end to end, and I almost felt like I was walking into a doll house. I really liked the decor of the place. There were about 15 of us at the table, and each girl got her own pot of tea. The list was extensive, but it was easy to find something that I liked: chai. I liked how every person gets their own pot because it makes it easy to share. The staff also made sure to tell us where the bathroom was many times because you know how that can be. The food was the highlight of the experience. They brought out several three-tiered food trays that were absolutely beautiful. The bottom plate had different kinds of scones and fruit. The middle tray had an assortment of sandwiches. And best of all, the top was filled desserts including brownies, cookies, and the most beautiful fruit tars I had ever seen. Our waitress specially noted the heart-shaped tomato sandwiches and called them "their specialty." At first glance, these sandwiches where absolutely nothing special. It was tomato sandwiched between two pieces of white bread with some kind of mayonnaise on it. WRONG. I don't know what they put onto this sandwich, but it was one of the best things I have ever tried. Next time I go, I will probably just order a plate of tomato sandwiches. Overall, I really enjoyed my experience. The food was delicious, the presentations were gorgeous, and everyone who worked there was super nice. It was also very reasonably priced. I would absolutely recommend this place for women of all ages and for any occasion.
(4)Haleigh R.
I wish I could give this place a higher rating, I really do. My mom and I had our first visit at Tea On The Tiber earlier this year, I can't remember exactly when. The woman serving us was an older woman, and seemed very short with us. The other staff girls were very kind and sincere. After our Afternoon Tea and snacks came and we were almost done, the woman came back and said in a shocked tone, "You didn't eat your scones yet?!" this wasn't the first time she mentioned scones. It seemed as if everytime she came back to our table to check on us all she mentioned was "Don't forget to eat the scones." "Did you have the scones yet?" and as I stated before, "You didn't eat your scones yet?!" After we finished eating and walked back to our car I started to feel light headed, and on the way home I eventually got sick in the car, what a delight that was, right? Overall, the building Tea On The Tiber is located is very exquisite and beautiful! Wish I could've looked around at all the other different rooms there but didn't come to think of it until after we had gotten home. The tea and the food was great! I do reccomend the Rose tea I think its called.
(3)Latisha R.
I love this place. I attended a bridal shower here last weekend. The staff was very friendly and accommodating, the decor and ambience were perfect and I love the tea selection. The desserts were amazing as well.
(5)Melissa B.
I was quite unimpressed. It was a spectacular day, and we walked in and chose to sit on the outdoor deck. We wanted tea, not the tea service (with extensive food). I'm a tea house lover and wasn't impressed with the tea selections. I decided on jasmine pearl and it was good. The only scone flavor was cinnamon so I passed. Here's my biggest disappointment. When going out for tea, I want the entire experience. I want the beautiful floral china, pretty teapot, etc. The outdoor setting was Pier 1circa 2001. Bright, solid colors. It lacked the tearoom experience for which I was paying.
(2)Mary D.
I booked the Library at Tea on the Tiber for a baby shower recently. None of us had ever been there, but I had heard good things about it, so I took a chance. The reservation process was very easy, even when the morning of, we had to update the number of attendees. The staffed worked with me when I ended up having to make 2 changes an hour apart. As for the experience, it was a wonderful one! I knew not to expect a lot of food, since it was a mid-afternoon tea, but all of us were full and had to take home left overs. The portions were very generous,. Everything served was delicious, and each of us got a different tea, which were all very good as well. The setting was so nice, and even though we went a little over on the time, nobody rushed us out (which I wouldn't blame them for doing if they had). I will definitely return to Tea on the Tiber, and would absolutely recommend them for a shower as well.
(4)Dee D.
EXCELLENT!!!!! I LOVED TEA ON THE TIBER!!!! Went there today for a BDAY tea with 4 friends. The service was excellent!!!! There is such a variety of tea to choose from. The chai is TO DIE FOR!!! All of the platter items were delicious too.....and the desserts!!!! The venue is very cute and quaint along busy Main Street in Ellicott City. Very charming location!!!! Felt very Victorian! The only drawback is the parking. I happened to get a great spot RIGHT across the street (metered parking)...but my friends parked in the free lots further up the street. I wish there was more convenient parking, but it was totally worth it. I will DEFINITELY go back!!!!!
(5)Carl S.
Wife, daughter, and father in law went for 3 o'clock tea and were all very happy with the experience. Choose from 30 or so teas and go back in time to an old english tea. We have all been to England for tea and this was the same. They make their own clotted cream which is very important to an english tea. The main street is also nice to walk and soak up the ambience. About $25 dollars per person, well worth the cost for the experience.
(5)Thea B.
What a delightful way to celebrate my bridal shower with some of my closet friends. We each choose a different tea to enjoy and the food was amazing. I'd highly recommend popping in and spending the day walking around Elliott City and stopping in for some tea. Great for bridal showers, birthday, or general get togethers.
(5)Supraja M.
This place probably deserves about 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding down. It's a cute, kitschy place, as most similar tea places are. There was a decent selection of teas, and each person gets a generous pot with several cups. The food was just OK. The scones with lemon curd, whipped (not clotted) cream, and preserves were probably the best part. There were small bits of fruit and cheese, a couple of tea sandwiches each, and some cookies and massive slices of cake. I thought there needed ot be a better balance between sweet and savory foods, and the cake slices were overpowering (and not very good).
(3)Piper J. D.
Beautiful atmosphere and ambiance in the middle of Ellicott City. Table settings, wall paper, every detail is of high quality and in good taste. The scones are wonderful and the tea selection extensive. However, the simple tea sandwiches are a bit light and the cake was... not as good as the scones. If the savory selection was a bit more interesting or more plentiful and if the dessert were improved in quality to match those incredible scones, this would call me back again and again. As it is, the staff is wonderfully friendly and I have high hopes for the future.
(4)Paula H.
Pro's-nice atmosphere. tea and food was good. fun for a special occassion. Con's-like other reviewers have pointed out: the door sticks, we couldn't get in either and the managers said it sticks. A sign on the door would be helpful. -I wish when they seat you to tell the party to turn their cell phones on vibrate. Many guests cell phones were ringing and they even answered them. tacky. -very noisy. -having been to tea in England, would have more scones and forgo the large piece of cake they serve. i would also make the scones smaller so you can have two different kinds of scones instead of one large one.
(4)Connie P.
Having recently returned from a few weeks in England, I was looking for a place close to home that serves afternoon tea. My friend and I tried this place 2 weeks ago and had a wonderful time! Great tea selection, and the waitress was very knowledgeable and able to help when I had trouble choosing one. The tower of treats was beautifully presented and delicious! I already have plans to return. While England will always have the best afternoon tea, Tea on the Tiber is about as good as it gets here in the states!
(5)Olivia M.
I can't say enough good things about this place! Super quaint & authentic tea house. I had the peach iced tea which was a perfect brew. The finger sweets and savories were perfect! Cucumber sandwiches, chocolate dipped fruit, cakes, and BUTTERSCOTCH SCONES?! Service was also wonderful. Top notch experience and we will definitely be back! 12/7/14 Went back today it was excellent again! Cranberry scones and white Christmas tea with peppermint chocolate cake & petit fores. This place is just amazing.
(5)Margaret N.
Cute venue in old Ellicott city! Definitely make a reservation first! They have a great selection of tea. My favorite is their chocolate tea. Although it sounds sweet and odd, it is very light and refreshing. The package is a tad bit overpriced in my opinion. You're paying way too much for scones/pastries (scone is freshly baked and warm), cheese and fruit, simple tea sandwiches (literally had cream cheese spread with cucumbers) and a simple piece of store bought tasting cake. Overall, you're paying for the experience and the atmosphere.
(3)Chris G.
Loved everything about our tea experience!
(5)Sharon R.
I don't think I had ever been to Ellicott City before. Just going to this city is worth it, the town is very quaint and cute with the feel of an Old English town. Why not make it a day of walking around and then going out for tea? Sadly, I didn't do much of the walking around since it was FREEZING. But anyhow. The tea house is inside a house. Each room is set with tables. I think it's nice to come with a large party because you get your own room in a house. They have a huge selection of all sorts of teas. I opted for the "chocolate tea" which supposedly is loved by chocolate lovers. While I didn't love it, I must admit that as the pot got lighter, the tea did grow on me. Tea comes with the traditional three-tiered tray. The bottom comes with scones (warm and tasted as if they were just out of the oven) and fruit. Middle tier was little finger sandwiches. And top tier desserts. I have yet to complain about the two bottom tiers in any tea place I've been to. The problem is usually the desserts...and this one was no exceptions. Desserts included a huge piece of very heavy cheesecake, brownies and butter cookie. Admittedly the cheesecake was good, but no one could finish their piece. The brownies were mediocre at best, the cookie was okay. Why spoil such lovely tea with these types of desserts. Should probably come with tiny little English desserts, not a mammoth cheesecake.
(4)Jane L.
The venue was charming and the hostess was very warm and welcoming. There are several seating areas and we were seated in the largest room at the front of the building, so it was nice to share the room with other guests. There are several smaller, private rooms with a single table for a larger group. I was not that impressed with the service. The server was polite enough, but was not at all engaging. After dropping off the food/tea, he never once came back to check on us, or ask how we were enjoying the experience. I had to flag him down to get a re-fill on my hot water, and when I asked for the check, he merely pointed out that it was already on the table. The scones were wonderful, but that's about it. As other reviewers have pointed out, the sandwiches were a disappointment. There were three per guest, and they were so tiny--one was barely bigger than a quarter, and they were bland. There was a huge piece of cake for dessert, along with some other items, but it was definitely sweetness overload. The tea was fine. It's great for the experience, and I would recommend it for an event like a bridal shower, but don't go if you are more of a "savory person."
(3)Pastel I.
I had baby shower here on Saturday , First we reserved sun room for my shower and turn out they put us to the room on the first floor!! That's not what our agreement at all!! The owner was mean she just said oh sun room is booked and your room is over there that's your name!! Really lady? The sever was mean old asian lady , she was yell at my friends because she pour the tea in the cup right away without waiting 3 mins!! Tea was good , scones was delicious and fresh , sandwich was meh , cake was yum In the ends the server was very pushy and rush us out we have to hurries open present and leave! Never pay $300+ again for tea party here!!
(2)Lauren S.
I went this past Saturday with my mom (a surprise for her) and I can't speak highly enough of this place! Every little touch was there from our reserved name card on our table to the beautiful dishes to the delicious food. I can't wait to return with more people. Absolutely lovely place!
(5)Vickie S.
3.5 stars. Service is indeed wonderful. I wasn't impressed by the food. it's munchables arranged on a tiered set of plates with curd and creams and I'm told it changes regularly, but nothing made me stand up. (Figuratively speaking, of course - the atmosphere will have you sitting with your ankles crossed and hands politely folded in your lap, speaking in low tones, and demurring more than is natural for your character.) The place itself is charming. There was a refreshing lack of doilies, but a definite nod to Victorian parlor style. The kitchen door was a hidden panel in the wall in the room where we were sitting. My sister took me out here for my birthday and it was a fun deviance of an outing. We talked with our server about what we liked in teas, and they were happy to guide us through selections for our pots. I liked my choice, though I'll admit after a cupful or two I wanted to try a different variety. A tasting evening could be a neat offering, Tea on the Tiber. Bottom line: it's not going to turn into my newest hang out spot, but as a treat it's great fun and pretty affordable.
(4)Lori R.
OMG LOVE THIS PLACE! I have been 3 times now and gotten different teas each times. My favorites are the chocolate tea and the cinnamon black tea. There are do many choices though!! The ambiance is amazing and I cannot wait to have an excuse to have a party here. Great for a girls afternoon out, but make sure you call for reservations! I feel like I should be eating at downton abbey when I eat here! Also their scones are awesome!
(5)Crystal W.
This was a decent place. Positives: good tea selection, amazing dessert (German chocolate cake). Negatives: couldn't choose tea sandwich and they got upset that we didn't tell them when we called that we didn't eat red meat... although we have never had beef in a tea sandwich before, so we didn't know we needed to. Overall good experience, they bring the food quickly but our waitress seemed scattered and we had to ask repeatedly for water and cream.
(3)Flaneuse D.
We had an okay experience at Tea on the Tiber which would've been better with a more experienced server. Overall it was fine but there were many small things that prevent me from giving more stars. First, we couldn't get in the place. There were two OPEN signs and the lights were on, but the front door wouldn't open. I tried twice and then my partner tried it. We gave up and started to walk down the side alley to visit the establishment next door, and on a whim I tried the side door of Tea/Tiber and it opened. Once we were inside, the server said the front door sticks a lot. Okay, it's a cold, damp day and these things happen. But they almost missed our business because of it, and a small sign explaining that guests need to press down hard on the door handle might be helpful. While we were still standing in the side entry, we were asked if we wanted the cream tea or the afternoon tea. The hostess began to describe them as we stood there in our coats, and I interrupted (politely) to ask if we had to decide now or if we could please be seated first. We were seated at a table and given menus. Neither my partner nor I wanted the sweet desserty things but we DID want scones and savories, so we asked if it was possible to order a la carte. The server went back to ask the kitchen, and they were able to accommodate our request. So far, so good...then after we placed our order, we heard a nearby table exclaiming how good the soup was. What soup? Soup sounded good...but we hadn't seen any soup on the menu! Our tea appeared promptly. Sugar was on the table when we sat down, but there was no milk or cream, so we had to wait for the server to come back so we could ask for cream. Then we asked if there were other menu items available. No, she said. What about that soup at the other table? That was noted on a chalkboard sign in the entryway...the entryway we had to bypass because of the stuck door. Oy! The server brought our scones, fruit & cheese, and savories. The scones were indeed fresh and hot, but I hadn't realized they were *flavored* scones (cranberry/ orange, today) and if I had known that I probably would've skipped the scone. I prefer them plain, so the lemon curd and clotted cream don't have to compete with any other flavors. The cheese was literally one small cube of cheddar. The savories were small as "finger sandwiches" customarily are. Three of them were very good; the fourth one was a meager slice of tomato between bits of white bread with *barely* a dab of something creamy -- there wasn't enough of the substance to tell what it was. Butter? Cream cheese? It was such a laughably stingy amount that I almost sent it back, but at that point I just wanted to pay the bill and be on our way. Besides, I got the sense our waitress saw us as high maintenance because we were asking for so many things. This is too long a review for a visit that was neither excellent nor awful. Our server was young and probably new, so perhaps other diners have a smoother and more pleasant visit than ours.
(2)Irina G.
Delicious scones. Hot, flavourful teas. Beautiful decor. Polite and helpful staff. Savory items were tasty but not very inventive and there was not enough savory for the cost. Would have been fine if it wasn't lunch time but not for lunch. The desserts were average. Nothing special and could have been purchased at Sam's Club. Nice girls afternoon but wouldn't rush back or tell friends to rush there.
(3)Yaka H.
The Afternoon Tea set at Tea on the Tiber ($25, includes tax and tip) consists of a pot of tea (plus hot water refill in needed), a cranberry scone with fruit and cheese, tea sandwiches/savories (4 pieces), and sweets (ie: piece of black forest cake, butterscotch shortbread, and lemon crumb bar). Sugar cubes (brown and white) and skim milk are available to adorn your tea of choice. It's definitely a nice place to catch up with friends or host small parties like showers. The ambiance is elegant, yet not up-tight. It's a nice change of pace. Like the other reviews, you do need to have a reservation made in advance and at the time of reservation, they do take a credit card down.
(4)Emily L.
Tea on the Tiber is a wonderful place to eat, drink and relax in a very different era, one that's slower and more enjoyable than our own. There are a myriad of options for tea, both hot and iced (note to management: please, please, please make up some sugar syrup for iced teas; even with great effort, cubes just don't dissolve in cold liquid!) As others have noted, quantity is very large, at least six cups or glasses per person. Excellent food, too: scones are always warm, served with clotted cream, berry jam and lemon curd (in tiny quantities, but they will bring more.) Savories include tartlets, sandwiches and tiny portions of salad, and they will gladly alter the menu for vegetarians or other requests. Cheese and fruit are flavorful and very fresh, and by the time we make it to the sweet tier, I'm usually asking for a to-go box: their cookies, cakes and candies are just as delicious the next day. The atmosphere is a little hokey, but that's to be expected at a tea room. I could do without a lot of the fluffy, lacy, tacky decor (some of which, in August, looked leftover from Christmas) but it looked clean, at least, and it didn't bother me enough to detract from the experience. Likewise, the staff is a little odd: they must have asked me half a dozen times if anyone in my party "had trouble with stairs," when 1) they were no different from any other stairs 2) you actually have to climb stairs just to enter the establishment, which as a historic building is exempt from ADA requirements. Finally, a HUGE thank-you to them for including tax and gratuity. $25 per person is really reasonable for what amounts to a full meal, and it's nice not to have to think too hard when the bill comes. They're also very patient with friends who have a lot of catching up to do: at my last visit, we stayed over two hours, and no one gave us the evil eye. I'll be back, as I have been many times before!
(4)J R.
Just celebrated Mother's Day at Tea on the Tiber and it was an enjoyable experience for my mother and myself! The butterscotch scone was fresh out of the oven and oh so tasty! The clotted cream was the perfect compliment for the scone. The soup and salad were tasty as well and the special event pricing was definitely worth it and although tip was included, we provided an additional tip because our server was great! I'm not giving 5 stars, because I'm a bit picky and I feel like the sugar container could have been wiped off, because there were specs of dried food/sauce on the container and the picture frame right above our table could have been dusted. Overall, the experience was great-I just seem to notice everything.
(4)Rachel L.
The building and rooms were they hold the teas are really lovely. Staff is always very friendly, warm and welcoming. I love the scones but the rest of the food is just ok. I come more for the experience then the food.
(4)Dazee D.
Went to this place with a large group of friends. The place is cute and was decorated nicely for Christmas. The food was good and we were able to linger for a long time just chatting. The staff was friendly. I would definitely go back here again.
(5)Karen S.
The whole ambience of the place makes it a great location for a tea party, and because they have just two seatings on weekends, you don't feel bad lingering and chatting with your friends. The decorations are kind of old-ladyish but cute and definitely the right vibe, and the waitresses in their frilly aprons fit that also. The tea was nice-- they had a decent selection, although they were out of the ginger peach I wanted to try! I ended up with the white orchard, which was okay. I know white tea is usually lighter, but I was still hoping it might have more flavor. My friend tried the coco chai, which was really good. You can definitely share with your friends because you get several cups out of each pot, and we didn't finish all of ours. The food was okay. The scone was warm and the lemon curd, fruit preserves and clotted cream were the best part. The fruit and cheese were a little warm, which was kind of weird. The little sandwiches were all right... the best one was probably the tomato. I didn't try the cake but the other cookies/sweets at the top were nothing amazing. (I've been to Lady Mendl's in New York, which has really great food and a particularly delicious crepe cake. Of course, it's also double the price) I think you really go to this place for the environment. There was a baby shower in the larger room facing the garden next to us, and that seems like a great idea!
(4)Elizabeth E.
I've been here many times, and it has been a "5 star" experience every time. The atmosphere is wonderful and authentic, in a 19th century granite building typical of Old Ellicott City. Everything from the furniture to the wallpaper is of noticeably high quality; there is nothing kitschy about it. I've always made reservations, and while it is crowded on the weekends, I've never been turned away. Service is always excellent and friendly. The tea selection is extensive, and everyone gets their own teapot. Everything is served on beautiful mixed china patterns. What sets them apart the most from other tea places (apart from the ambiance) is the fantastic food service. Most tea places give you a few tiny bites, but here, you get enough food that we always take some home. We never finish the scones, savory sandwiches, the sweet desserts, or the fruit, all of which are really fantastic. The three-tiered servers include small spatulas (other places actually do not always give you spatulas!). Last year, with their Mother's Day tea (about $45 per person, rather than the regular $20), we enjoyed a special menu with additional courses like salad topped with edible flowers. It can get a little warm inside in the summer, like any old building, but is always comfortable enough that we linger for a while. I always wear a dress, but dressy slacks would also be appropriate. You can park either on the street (very inexpensively - about $2 for the amount of time you are at tea), or up the street in a free lot, a 3 or 4 minute walk away. Of course, it's hilly in Old Ellicott City, so a walk of a few minutes could feel longer in heels!
(5)Dee B.
*3.5 stars* $25 pp includes tax and tip, which is a pretty damn good deal. The selection of teas was as enormous as the teapot in which my drink selection came. There is no way I could ever drink that much tea - not even during the 2.5 hrs my friends and I were there. Some of the food was very good (scone = amazing!), but other items were average.
(4)Celia W.
A friend of mine decided that she wanted to have tea for her birthday, so, we came here. I have to say, all of the food was wonderful. The service was really on point and the scones were delicious. Their tea list was bigger than their menu (which is something I look for in a tea room). The decor was really interesting. We were in a room with a lot of books...most of them Reader's Digest Anthologies...which made for some interesting conversation. They also had an excellent violinist playing Christmas carols while we were there (it was Christmas time). I would totally come back here again.
(5)Jackie S.
I came here for a birthday party. The service was mostly great and the atmosphere was very classy. Great for a ladies day out. They have a large selection of tea and the food is yummy, but don't expect it to fill you up. I would definitely go again.
(5)Susan B.
We had my sisters baby shower here so that is what I am basing the review on. They had the worst service. The owner just stood there and watched us set up and barely lifted a finger. Her staff was not the most professional. The food was pretty good. I would definitely go back for tea. If you have a shower here just expect poor service. This seems like the only option around there to have a shower.
(3)Bebe D.
I agree w the other review. The tea was great, and you get a good sized pot. I had about 5 cups. The food was excellent and the waitress tommie was very nice. The price is right too. We had a lot of leftovers which they gladly let us take home. The atmosphere is cozy Victorian. Parking in Elliott city can be tight so leave room for parking. Definitely worth a vist. Or two! One downside. They don't take am ex. The menu changes monthly so they won't always have the same scones, sandwiches or teas.
(5)Valerie H.
What a lovely Tea house!! My sorority sisters and I went there for a tea and were very pleased. We had reservations for tea and enjoyed our "tea talk" from the waitress and owner. I loved the scones, finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, and desserts. I will definitely go again. I loved everything about it!! Smiling just thinking about the lovely time I had there. Scenic old town Ellicott city is like a breath of fresh air!
(5)Marcey Z.
What a wonderful experience! Tea on the Tiber gives the pricey tea at the Ritz Carlton some real competition and is substantially less expensive. The price is still the same as Katie stated in 2006, $25 per person with tip and tax. Our young server was so good we left an additional couple of dollars for her. The food was wonderful and plentiful. My friend that shared the experience with me is well versed in the tea houses of jolly old England and she said this was very reminiscent of a true english tea house. There are many adorable rooms in this civil war house that is furnished with lovely antiques. Presentation of the tea was on antique china and dainty tea cups. We highly recommend that you request the Squire's Office. It is upstairs and boasts a fireplace. In the warm weather there is an outside patio area. The scones were so good that I wanted to take some home. You are able to purchase scones although a bit pricey at $3.50 each but, much to my glee, it also included a generous portion of clotted cream, lemon curd and jam! Now $3.50 isn't so bad! :) The only take two credits card one of which is Mastercharge ( I cannot remember the other one). What a great way to spend a cold, gray winter afternooon. Make your reservation and go!
(5)Maureen S.
The service was wonderful and the food is so SO good! I brought my mother-in-law here for fun during our day of shopping and we had such a good experience. It's quiet and intimate. You get a lot of food so the price is well worth it. Some of the best Carrot Cake I've ever had was from this place.
(5)Lauren P.
Really enjoyed this place! My roommate and I made a reservation for 3pm tea at Tea on the Tiber yesterday. While service is a little slow (hence the 4 stars instead of 5), the selection of tea is considerable, with an option for everyone, and the food is absolutely delectable. The area surrounding the Tea house, is quaint, and part of the historic downtown district of Ellicot City. I can't wait to go back to this place when the weather is warmer.
(4)Brenda S.
This is a lovely place to visit, especially to bring out-of-town guests, but the food, except for the scones, is not what it used to be. I visited yesterday with four friends from high school, and we all had the afternoon tea that comes with the three traditional courses. Our server was pleasant and helpful, but forgot to put our lemon scones on the tiered trays. To her credit, she apologized and brought them out promptly on a separate plate, warm and delicious. The cheese and fruit were nice, as were the scone toppings, although I would prefer a real Devonshire cream and not what I think is just stabilized whipped cream. The savories were, um, not very savory--white bread spread with a bland salmon salad, tomato and mayo on the same bread, and a strip of cucumber and mayo, yep, on the same bread. Yawn. The cucumber had a tiny edible violet on top, as did one of the desserts--a delicious, tiny lemon tart--which was a charming touch but not enough to make up for the disappointing savories. There was a perfectly fine shortbread cookie to go with the tart, but the biggest surprise (not in a good way) was an enormous slice of a sort of chocolate cheesecake that was so big, fluffy and airy that it was floppy, seriously. I think there was another savory or dessert item, but since I can't remember, it clearly wasn't memorable. My tea was very nice, and they have a decent selection of low-caffeine teas, but they were out of my first choice. I have never in all my previous visits questioned whether I had gotten my money's worth, but I this time I did. Tea on the Tiber, I love you, but you will have to do better than this with the food to get me to come back. (Oh, and it was uncomfortably warm upstairs, and a large fan that was running in our room was too far away to do any good. Not a good thing for "ladies of a certain age," ahem.)
(3)Katie T.
How long would it take you to drink a 6-cup pot of tea? It's a good thing they don't rush you at Tea on the Tiber. Reservations are made in advance for the $25-per-person (including tax and tip) tea, which includes too much food for one person: fruit, cheese, scone, toppings like clotted cream (better than it sounds) and lemon curd, 4 tea sandwiches, and three varieties of dessert. Choose your tea at the beginning of the meal, and everything else is fixed. Scones, sandwiches, and desserts change from month to month, so you won't get bored if you visit more than once. If you're vegetarian or don't eat pork, make sure to mention it when you make the reservation--they don't like to substitute meatless sandwiches without advance notice (although they have done it for me in the past). The place itself is laid out like a tea party for adults, and the china is impressively charming, but the meal doesn't have to be cloying. Waitresses wear frilly victorian aprons, but underneath are utilitarian black pants and shirts. Everything in the restaurant/shop is for sale, but not in an obnoxious way. The staff won't mention it or try to sell you things, but you can browse the gift shop or buy the lamps from the walls if you really want them.
(5)Stevi E.
What a horrible experience. Seven of my friends and I visited Tea on the Tiber to celebrate my birthday. The manager(?) was very rude to us. First we had a reservation for 7, then asked to add one more person. She told us that it might be a problem, but not to worry about it. Well apparently it was a big problem since she constantly reminded the group that she had to accommodate our extra person. She even went as far as to bring our extra guests food out on a different plate, when it easily could have fit on one of the two other serving plates they brought out. Then an hour and a half before the next reservation she was trying to push us out. She kept reminding us that we needed to leave when we hadn't even received our check yet. Finally when the check did come, it took forever for someone to pick it up. While we were waiting for our server to pick up our payment and process our cards we got reminded again that we needed to leave. This lady was so rude! Everything she said to us was in this awful jabby tone. We should have taken our $200+ somewhere else.
(1)Diana M.
Enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing afternoon strolling through Old Ellicott City and having tea with friends at "Tea on the Tiber!" The staff was very warm and welcoming. I appreciated the modifications they made for one of our guests with dietary restrictions. This was a truly lovely way to enjoy an afternoon with good friends.
(5)Christina E.
This is my second time here spaced out over a few years. Both times service was fantastic, food was delicious/hot/fresh and they have a nice selection of teas. They really work with people with food allergies and special dietary needs. The decor is cute and cosy and atmosphere is warm and comforting. If you walk away hungry from this place you're doing something wrong.
(5)Donna S.
I honestly can not give this place a great view due to I went with a large group of tea people and we called a head of time to let them know that there were some food allergies and a vegetarian. When I arrived I found that I was late due to traffic and a Spring Festival going on in the same area. Took . me 2 times to finally get a menu of what tea they offer and then I had to ask another 2 times to finally get the sandwiches. I had already told the woman at the register I was vegetarian and again to the waitress again and she said no one said anything about having a vegetarian, which I knew was a lie because the reservation was made in plenty of time to arrange it. There is no excuse for this. I was told to trade with someone. If you pay for the tea ahead, they should make sure they can accommodate for everyone.. When you call and the place says we can't provide for vegetarians, that is fine, you will not get my business.
(3)Lauren W.
This place had so much potential. My friends and I were so excited to have a girl day. Our reservation for mixed up even though our table was open all day. After sitting at the table for 30 minutes and going to track down or own menus, the server came up and started making excuses and scolding us rather than politely saying it would be a bit of a wait.
(1)Katie T.
Between the delicious food, the wonderful tea and the amazing customer service, this place is great for any kind of occasion. Whether it be by yourself, a date, a bridal shower, graduation or birthday celebration, you definitely want to visit here. The only thing to take into consideration is that the upstairs is hard to get to due to the one-way staircase. It's a bit small and steep, so might not be best for older guests. However, they have plenty of nice seating outside and on the first floor.
(5)