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A friend and I visited this website yesterday looking for reviews on The Royal Tea Room. We immediately made a reservation for this afternoons lunch. Now, I have to say that I LOVE TEA! I have never visited an actual 'Tea Room', but my associate is a tea aficionado, LOL. She loves everything tea, service and all! We arrived to a very warm welcome. Dee takes such great care to make you feel at home. It is truly a pleasure to patronize a business that appreciates your business. Dee made sure to point out some of the restaurant favorites, in addition to giving us some ideas as to what we may enjoy based on our brief conversation. I chose the Indian Nimbu (the hint of caramel, hooked me, FAST). My friend chose a full bodied black tea...I can't remember the name of it. But both teas w... (more)ere fabulous. The wait staff was very busy, but attentive when we needed her. I would recommend a trip to The Royal Tea Room anytime! I plan on bringing my 7yo for tea next time. This would make a great mother, daughter, granddaughter outing.
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- Tameka Love 06/26/08
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My trip to the Royal Tea Room was definitely memorable. While the food was good and the tea selection was varied, the service was incompetent and rude. The afternoon tea started with the selection of tea cups. They had a wide selection, which I thought was very nice. I selected a small, delicate cup. One of the servers told me my cup looked childish, I did not realize that belittlement was part of afternoon tea. There was no vegetarian selection for the soup (understandable), but the waitress did not offer to substitute a salad for the soup course, so my vegetarian companion had to watch me eat the first course. When the tea tray arrived with our sandwiches, no explanation of the sandwich selection was offered, and when I inquired, the waitress could only guess as to the contents of ... (more)the sandwiches. Further we were not offered plates at any time during the meal, so we had to eat our food off of our tea saucers; a very awkward arrangement. I have been to a lot of tea rooms, and have found cucumber sandwiches a staple of the tea menu. There were none at the Royal Tea Room which I found odd. Although the desserts were tasty, they appeared to be store bought. Honestly, I am a little surprised that this tea room is in the top 100.
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- Denise 06/26/08
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Thank you for your review of the Royal Tea Room. We are always open to favorable as well as less than favorable reviews so that we might be able to offer the best of services. Currently, we are making some changes to our service staff and your concerns and issues have been addressed to the staff. Also, if there are any special dietary needs or concerns, it is strongly suggested that those needs be addressed at the time of making a reservation for any of our Tea Services. We can accommodate any dietary need as long as we know in advance. We pride ourselves in being an innovative tea room and try to give a bit of a twist to the 'traditional' Tea Service, but if tradition is what you want, just let us know in advance. I would hope that you would give us another chance and visit again in the near future.
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For my first experience at a Tea Room, the service and food was incredible. I treated my mother for her birthday to Royal Tea, Salad & soup, Scones, then finger sandwiches small warm petite aps and desserts. Everything was very nicely presented and OMGosh the SCONES are heavenly, they are served with LEmon curd and Devonshire, INCREDIBLE. I would definately return for tea service and lunch again.
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- Brittany 06/26/08
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I have NO idea what Michele is talking about. I am a person who has never been one for tea, until coming to The Royal Tea Room. The food is wonderful, the tea is amazing, and the service quality is the highest I have ever experienced. All the waitresses and the owner treated me and the party I was with, with the utmost respect. My party and I were treated like we were the only guests there, when in fact the place was completely filled. I love The Royal Tea Room and it remains one of my favorite places to eat and enjoy tea.
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- Cassie King 06/16/08
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My experience at the Royal Tea Room was less than pleasant. Myself and two other guests entered the tearoom and gave the host the reservation name. At this time we informed them that one person from our party (of 4) was unable to attend. The host then proceeded to loudly scold us for not calling ahead to inform them of the change. With this the host took off into the kitchen and started barking commands and yelling that our party was 3 instead of 4. I was quiet unsettled by this overreaction. While we were waiting to be seated a waitress came out to the waiting area carrying clean silverware, which she then placed on the checkout counter next to the cash register. This is a surface where money is exchanged and items (mostly antiques) are purchased. A table was then set with this silver... (more)ware. The poor service continued once we were seated. We received our pot of tea and no cream. We had to ask several times before we received cream. The first course of soup arrived which the waitress almost spilled on me. After soup we anxiously awaited the sandwiches and deserts. However they did not arrive and when we asked, our waitress said that we did not order them. We then had to get a menu and show the waitress that we did order the afternoon tea that included sandwiches and dessert. At this point our teapot was empty and we asked for a second pot, thirty minutes later we received our second pot of tea. Overall I found the service to be less than acceptable for a tearoom.
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- Michele 06/13/08
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I'm sorry that your experience wasn't enjoyable. Your comments were brought to the attention of all staff members, and no such incident will re-occur. For the benefit of yourself and future customers I would like to explain the process. The formal tea services with the exception of the Cream Tea require preperation time that would exceed the tolerance level of most people. This is why we require reservations for booking them. This allows us to prepare in advance and serve our guests promptly upon their arrival. When we have a late cancellation such as this case we are forced to discard a large portion of the unused service. Our margins as an afternoon only dining venue are very thin. We have not raised prices in the three years we have been in operation, there are significant inflationary pressures to do so. Customer notification of a problem such as this will help us to maintain our current price structure. Again, you have our sincere apology for your experience.
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My sister took me to the Royal Tea Room for my birthday. Initially, I was not enthused, however, when I entered the building my mind was changed. I had no idea that the tea room was also an antique shop! Lots of rooms to browse with so many nifty items! We then had tea, and what a surprise! Not only was the food scrumptious, but it was almost too pretty to eat! The service was impecible! I'm going to treat my sister to tea at the Royal Tea Room when her birthday comes!
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- Betty 06/02/08
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What a lovely experience this was. Our group felt really treated to a great luncheon and wonderful service.
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- BG 06/01/08
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Once weekly I visit the Royal Tea Room. The atmosphere is beautiful, the food 'to die for' and the staff, especially the owner, Dee go out of the way to make you feel like you are the only patrons in the dining room. I enjoy the cream of crab soup, while my daughter enjoys the cream of broccoli. The scones are also a favorite of mine. It is a wonderful way to take a much needed break in my hurried week. If you drop by make sure to ask for Heather. She'll make sure your visit is an enjoyable one.
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- Shelley R. 05/16/08
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What an absolute delight. We took our mother here for a Mothers Day Tea and we were treated like Princesses from the moment we walked in the door.The staff are wonderful and there isn't anything Dee won't offer to do for you or your guests. I highly recommend The Royal Tea Room.
Love It!
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- Debbie 05/12/08
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Five of us visited the Royal Tea Room on 5/9/08, one regular customer who told the other four about it, and all of us enjoyed ourselves immensely. The food is delicious, the ambiance great, and the variety of items for sale is interesting and reasonably priced. We feel fortunate to have learned about La Plata's little gem, and we will be returning with more friends in the future. Thank you, Dee and staff, for a delightful afternoon.
Alice Velky, Bowie, MD
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- Alice Velky 05/10/08
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I have been to the Royal Tea Room on several occasions; I am never disappointed. Dee is always a charming hostess. The cream of crab soup is the best I've ever tasted. The tea is always piping hot. I've sampled the wraps, sandwiches, salads, quiche, and of course,the scones - all are delicious. We residents of La Plata are fortunate to have this little gem in our backyard.
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- Sue 05/09/08
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I love the whole dining experience at the Royal Tea Room. Dee is a delightful hostess, friendly and efficient. The food is a delight to the eye as well as the palate.
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- Carolina 05/07/08
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I am a military officer's wife and was unable to attend a function we had there. Dee very sweetly packed my lunch up in boxes for them to bring home to me - absolutely divine!!! My daughter and I went there yesterday and it was the best tea room I have ever been to and Dee was so wonderful. Will definitely be coming back soon!!
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- Lois Grove 04/23/08
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Visiting tea rooms is a hobby that I share with a few girlfriends. We made our first visit to the Royal Tea Toom on 04/06/08 and were very impressed. We would definitely put it in our top 3-5 tea rooms. Food, serice and atmosphere were beyond excellent! Definitely will come again.
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- Jackie 04/07/08
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I get take out from the The Royal Tearoom quite a lot and Dee always makes me feel special even though I am not eating this great food there.
I have had tea there a least 5 times and I need to find the time to do it again. Lovely experience and the food is fantastic!
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- Marcy 04/02/08
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I just read Elvie's comments and I think that she must have been talking about the wrong Royal Tea Room. Everything was bright and clean!!!! I'm a formal caterer that hosted many tea parties and know good food. The scones, the savories and the sweets were very tasty. Most tea houses don't offer tea menus. Normally, they tell you the teas that's being served that day.
Don't listen to Elvie, you will miss a treat. Look at the other 5 star comments.
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- Joyce 04/01/08
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I am a great lover of tea parties. I host about 8 tea parties of my own each year and I love visiting different tea houses for the pampered experience. After having tea at London's famous Harrod's I think that I am a seasoned tea critic as well. Some of my memorable experiences in the U.S. include tea at the Biltmore in Ashville, NC; Hershey Hotel in PA; Montpelier Mansion in Laurel,MD. So I have a lot to compare my dining experience with at the Royal Tea Room. Everything was simply wonderful. The teas were great and I would have to admit, the menu was not only delectable to the palate, it was pleasing to the eye. Although, I was having tea with a client, it made our meeting so much more relaxing and comfortable. I absolutely loved all of the treasures that the Royal Tea Room had to o... (more)ffer. I will definitely go back and will tell all of my family,friends and clients. It was a great place to meet someone The staff were very pleasant. It is definitely on my top ten list.
I loved the fact that you could pick your own tea cup. Great menu and very good tea. Very clean, comfortable atmosphere. I felt like a queen.
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- Joyce Dawkins 04/01/08
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We took a young girl (just turning 15) for her birthday tea/lunch. We were treated like 'Royalty'. Great food and wonderful selection of teas. Will go back for her sister's birthday in September.
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- June Peterson 03/24/08
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I just came to teamap.com to check in and am THRILLED and DELIGHTED to see may favorite Tea Room is now in the top 100. Woo Hoo. Congradualtions Dee and all the staff at the ROYAL TEA ROOM.
I had lunch at the Royal Tea room on monday. I decided to be tea-adventurous and tried two new tea blends. I found them both to be TEAriffic! Indian Nimbo sweeten with a demi spoonful of honey was a lovely complimentary drink to my Chicken salad sandwhich. I choose the multigrain bread and tried the pasta salad side. Delish! I love the almond slices in the chicken salad. I decided to skip my usual scones for dessert and tried Dee's bread pudding. Here I thought I didn't like bread pudding. Just didn't sound like it be all that. Was I wrong. It is served warm! To go with the warm ... (more)flavors of the Bread Pudding I tried Chocolate Tea. Perfection together. Both Tea's were suggested by Dee.
Looking foward to another visit and another teapot blend. See ya soon.
http://www.myspace.com/i_love_doxies
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- Ms. Linda of Upper Marlboro 03/14/08
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I donb't jknow where elvie is coming from. I was in earshot of her at the tea room and everyone did the3ur very best ti okease her, I love the royal tea room. food is superb, service excelllent, and it's a very friendly atmosphere. Simple elegance. I guess elvie wanted a hoity-toity tea room. I do not care for that type of atmosphere. I think she was a spy for another tea room! go and jusge for yourself!
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- strother 03/12/08
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This was our Red Hat group's second visit to the Tea Room and it was perfect, as was the first visit. The atmosphere is charming and inviting. The 'shop' upstairs has many beautiful items. The food, service, etc., was great. Everyone had a different lunch entree and each raved about their choice. We had three different Teas and they were delicious. We will go back again!
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- Brenda 03/10/08
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I had high hopes for this experience after reading the reviews but was sadly disappointed. Although the decor is lovely I was put-off by the tired and sad state of the tea cozies that sat atop every pot. They need laundering and to be freshened up. The soup was delicious but the salad tasted like it had been sitting in water too long. When I mentioned that to the owner Dee I was given a too long disertation on salads and made to feel that I was mistaken. Dee spent a great deal of the time 'selling' herself and her establishment to us which didn't allow for our foursome to chat. I was surprised to find the owner in jeans and a gray sweatshirt on a Sunday afternoon greeting customers. Having had tea at many tea parlours across the country I rate my experience here as mediocre. T... (more)he food was good (except for the salad) and not exceptional. There is no tea list and our waitress, although a charming young woman, spoke with a thick accent so it was difficult to understand the offerings. I wouldn't go out of my way again to visit the Royal Tea Room.
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- Elvie 03/10/08
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I am sincerely sorry that you did not enjoy your visit with us.
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Wonderful as always. Service amazing, food wonderful. The 3-bean soup was amazing, especially since I am not a huge soup fan. Dee is such an attentive person and checked on us every 15-20mins.
Thank you again, and see you soon.
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- Ebony 03/09/08
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A+++++ visit!!!! 3-9-08 sunday afternoon. My husband and I are just getting home from our latest visit to Dee's Tea room in LaPlata, MD. I must say I am again reminded why The Royal Tea Room receives TOP BILLING for places we love to eat and sip tea and be pampered like aristocrates. I had a cup of creamy crab soup and Quiche. My husband ordered 1/2 sandwhich and cup of soup. Ham and provalone on swirl rye and Dee's delicous ham and bean soup. We shared a Chicken Royal salad. Tim loved the unique ingredients to what I thought would be a rather boring ham and bean soup. 3 differnt beans and potato chunk with corn. I should have know the Royal Tea Room's Ham and Bean soup would be so much more satisfing to the pallet than my mom's plain kind. ^5! I commented to my husband my delig... (more)ht in the freshness of my salad's greens and veggies. Very crisp. Outstanding quality. Very yummy creamy onion dressing. My quiche was packed full of chunks of crab. I had to tell Dee her quiche was so far above the sad seafood quiche I had a few weeks ago at Reynolds Tavern. Theirs was bland and flavorless.
The waitress was very helpful in describing the available teas. I tried their Paris tea. It is a black tea with hints of fruity flavours. I drank every drop in my pot!
http://www.myspace.com/i_love_doxies for my souviner pictures of a few of our many visits
We will be back soon.
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- Ms.P of Upper Marlboro 03/09/08
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This was a very enjoyable tea. The recommended tea went very well with their royal tea service. The food was great, the staff was knowledgeable and they were all very friendly and accommodating. I would recommend it to anyone. The teas are seasonal, so try to get there at least once a quarter.
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- Chris 03/09/08
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This has to be the best tea room I have had the pleasure to visit. After visiting the Ritz Carlton in Tysons, the Westfields Marriott, the British Pantry, and many other local tea rooms in Maryland & Virginia, the Royal Tea Room far exceeds them all. We were greeted by the owner upon our arrival and were invited to visit the upstairs antique and gift shop rooms where there were many beautiful things to purchase. (I bought several beautiful bone china plates!) We then went downstairs and picked our cup/saucer from the selection on the bookshelf. The tea choices were excellent (Harney & Sons, need I say more!) and we were then brought a fresh pot to the table to share. Our first course, the cream of crab soup was superior. Next came the 'large' fresh baked almond, apricot scone served w... (more)ith cream and lemon curd. The two tiered tray came next. Freshly prepared tea sandwiches and mini pastries including cream puffs, fresh fruit, petit fours & more rounded out the selections. The service was exemplary and another fresh pot of a different tea choice was brought to our table. I cannot recommend this tea room enough. The owner and staff are friendly and very accomodating. My friends and I will be returing soon and bringing our other tea drinking friends with us. Go to the Royal Tea Room at soon you can; you won't be sorry.
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- Susan O 03/02/08
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The Royal Tea Room is a favorite place to dine for my mother and me when in La Plata. The food is superior, the service is excellent and Dee and her staff are so welcoming and efficient. The cream of crab soup is the best I've eaten and the Queen Elizabeth salad is scrumptious. My husband likes having lunch there, too, and says the crab cake is awesome! The Royal Tea Room is an asset to Charles County.
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- Anne B. 02/28/08
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This tea room is truly 'Royal' since we always receive first class service and food. It is a cozy spot to meet a friend, relax and chat on an afternoon. It is a gem and we are so pleased to have it!
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- Dena C. 02/28/08
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The atmosphere is delightful as is the food, which is consistently delicious. The cream of crab soup is the best I've every had. The service is excellent and the prices are very, very reasonable. The tea room is truly 'royal.'
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- carol whitsell 02/28/08
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I didn't really know what to expect when first visiting the Royal Tea Room. I was surprised to find that not only did they have a nice assortment of teas, but some very nice accompanying dishes as well. A peppermint tea goes well with the seafood duet of grilled tilapia and shrimp, or perhaps a fresh cup of French pressed coffee with a chicken cordon bleu wrap seems to be the perfect combination for lunch time.
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- Daniel Walls 02/26/08
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The Royal Tea Room has the BEST cream of crab soup I have ever eaten! The owner, Dee, and her staff are great. La Plata is fortunate to have this wonderful little gem!
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- Jessie Austin 02/26/08
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A lovely tea room in Maryland; a perfect place to stop and relax on a busy day. A very nice menu as well as the full tea! My quilting friends and I stop every year on our way south.
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- Shirley 02/25/08
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Had a great time the other day at the Tea Room.The quality of the food was to die for.Found a wide variety of gifts like home made soaps, bath salts, and room sprays. All hand made by a Cheryl Eisele. All of her products are handmade in small batches making each item a one of a kind creation. The sunflower oil was the ideal thing for my dry skin.I will be going back very soon with my mother for their upcoming mothers day tea.
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- Jason 02/24/08
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Service and atmosphere was excellent. I really enjoyed the afternoon.
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- Joy 02/23/08
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Fantastic!! Excellent!! 10 STAR SERVICE!!! They truly stand by the name 'ROYAL TEA ROOM.' You are immediately greeting with what I call 'red carpet' hospitality and the service is impeccable. This has become my favorite dining place. The staff is awesome and the food is out of this world. Add a couple of good friends and conversation and you have escaped to another world. The atmospher is wonderful and so enviting. I highly recommend The Royal Tea Room to everyone.
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- Clarice Floyd 02/21/08
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Everything about the Royal Tea Room is top notch! The atmosphere is relaxing; the decor is absolutely charming; the owner & staff are so FRIENDLY; and the FOOD so delicious that I don't have words to describe how good it is. And such a variety of teas and lovely teacups!! You just have to go there and see for yourself. I find every excuse (birthday, holiday, TGIF, etc. etc.) to invite a friend to meet me there... the kitchen staff even knows me now!
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- Juanita Butler 02/21/08
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Lunch at the Royal Tea Room is something my friends and I look forward to. The food is to die for and the service is fantastic. The price is very reasonable and if we have a short wait we browse the antique shops on the premises. I suggest guests try the cream of crab soup and my favorite tea is the Wedding Tea, with just a hint of vanilla. YUM!
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- Sandra Cornish 02/20/08
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The Royal Tea Room is the best thing to hit Southern Maryland! Not only do you get a superb meal in an elegant setting, you can also do your gift shopping in the antiques rooms on the 2nd floor! Having tea at the Royal Tea Room is something I look forward to!
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- Carolyn Billups 02/20/08
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Me and my husband went on a whim one Sunday after church for lunch. The atmosphere is very relaxing and the food is scrumptous!
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- Diann Zanakis 02/12/08
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I had the opportunity to have dinner here last evening with an organization I volunteer for and I must say the food and service was excellent. I was a day or so ago about favorite restaurants and I have to say this would make the top 3 list. The Bourbon Chicken was INCREDIBLE - thanks for a great evening out. Not a tea person more a coffee lover but the food will keep me going back.
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- Penny B 02/05/08
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This Tea Room to me is the example that all others need follow. I have been to the royal tea Room several times. I always tell others they HAVE to go there too. Dee is the fussiest of Hostesses. I feel most welcomed and valued.
Love you Dee! You are top drawer!
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- Linda self proclaimed Tea Snob 02/04/08
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120 8 Enjoyed the Royal tea service, Soup, salad, scone and a three tiered platter. The African Autumn Tea is flavorable and you can purchase the tea on the spot or it can be ordered for you. I plan to go back for lunch. The antiques and the service are great.
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- Jacinta 01/20/08
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Just two weeks ago, I had tea at the St. Regis in NYC.I think the Royal Tea Room did a better, more delicious job. They even make their own devonshire cream!!! Enjoy and bring your appetit.
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- Anne K 11/04/07
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Quaint and charming the staff and the establishment. The staff was very knowledgable and attentive.
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- Hlukat 08/28/07
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Had a wonderful time! Loved looking at all the antiques upstairs.
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- DMH 07/23/07
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Every tea was treated like a fine wine. The Royal tea was the bst I have had sine high tea at the Hotel Shelbourne in Dublin. The server was the friendliest, and the food was wonderful. The chef is first class.
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- Tricia Dumire 07/16/07
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