Southern Gardens Tea Room
497 Portage Lakes Drive
Akron, OH
(330) 644-8363
visit website
#1
of 87in OH
Hours
Hours
Hours
Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Sunday High Tea Buffet: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Closed Monday
After Hours: Available for bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties and other special events.
Overview
Southern Gardens would like to thank everyone for making us one of the Top 10 Antique Shops in the Ohio.com & Akron Beacon Journal Special edition.
Southern Gardens would like to thank everyone for making us one of the Top 10 Antique Shops in the Ohio.com & Akron Beacon Journal Special edition.
Old South decor and southern hospitality awaits you at Southern Gardens Tea Room.
Traditional Tea Room favorites (quiche, soups, sandwiches, salads) as well as southern style cuisine directly from our kitchen to your table. Daily Specials
"Afternoon Tea" and "Tea Time Delight" are available every day on our menu. High Tea "Tea Gathering" is available Tuesday through Saturday with 24 hours notice.
Southern Gardens is located in the center of it all; 18 minutes from Wadsworth, 6 minutes from Akron, 5 minutes from Green and 20 minutes from Hartville.
Reviews
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Food: I love the High Tea! It had a bit of everything that I enjoy. The decor is elegant, the staff is wonderful and the food is everything I had dreamed. I will be back and so will my family. Mel....why would you ruin the taste of todays' tea with milk, cream or complaints? Linen! the napkins are a lovely cross between paper and fabric. Shame on you. I wish you did serve dinner but am perfectly happy with luncheon. I do agree that a tea warmer would be nice as mine cooled rather quickly. |
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- Cynthia 11/18/09 |
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Food: I'm going to try this again. My virus protection has so far prohibited me from posting another review for some reason. Had you advertised your High Tea correctly as Afternoon Tea, my review would've been quite different. If you are going to meet the requirements of a 'larger segment of society', as you say, then a correct menu is imperative. There is no longer an aristocracy, especially in Akron, Ohio and we are all working class now, so High Tea should be served at the correct time w/the correct menu. To spend close to $25.00 in the afternoon, one should reasonably expect something more filling than sweets, UNLESS they're attending an Afternoon Tea. Also, as I mentioned, it's important to keep tea hot for as long as possible, so a tea warmer is a must, as well as skim milk. ... (more) |
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- MEL 09/18/09 |
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Food: I went w/a friend for 'high tea' even though I suspected that it wasn't high tea at all and I was right. The term 'high tea' may sound elegant but it's often misused as it was at Southern Gardens. High tea was for the working class who worked through lunch and didn't make it home in time for afternoon tea which is traditionally served between the hours of 3:00 and 5:00 PM. (We were there at 1:15.) Therefore, it had to be a hearty meal and it always included bread, cheese and meat, usually roast beef whether hot or cold and so it was often called 'meat tea'. And, of course, it always included hot tea but we had to pay extra for our tea at Southern Gardens. Can you imagine paying extra for tea when you were there for 'high tea'? Also there was no tea warmer available so my p... (more) |
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- MEL 09/04/09 |
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Tearoom Response
Dear MEL, I look forward to you revisiting Southern Gardens. I presume you did not see our menu on line or at Southern Gardens. Our 'Tea Gathering' list the sandwiches that are provided; Waldorf, shrimp, cherry, cucumber, raisin nut. As far as I know, only the cherry is sweet and the cinnamon in the raisin nut may be a little sweet. The shrimp has peppers and onion, the cucumber is somewhat spicy and the Waldorf has all of the ingredients of a Waldorf salad and the fruit may be a bit sweet. The fresh fruits that are also part of our 'Tea Gathering' are sweet as fresh fruit usually are. (watermelon, grapes, cantalope, kiwi fruit). Of course, the small cakes savories were always part of 'High Tea' as are our chocolate dipped strawberries and mini cakes.Your description of the origins or 'high tea' are profoundly correct for the 1400s to 1800s or some smaller more specialized tea rooms. However, in today's society, it becomes necessary to meet the requirements of a larger segment of clientele in both taste and monetarily. Thank you for visiting Southern Gardens and se look forward to your visit for lunch or you may want to try our Sunday Southern Style Buffet for a more hearty lunch. The menu is posted each week on our web site, www.southerngardenstearoom.com. |
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Food: I love this tea room!!!! I want to move in a stay there forever! I can't believe this place isn't full all the time. I can't think of a thing I would change about it other than having me there all the time at the little table in 'writer's corner' as Ms Linda called it. When I walked in I was greeted by Ms Linda and the friendliest greeting I have ever had. I felt as if she had been waiting forever for me to show up! We spoke a few minutes and she made me feel so comfortable even though I was alone. The aroma...well that was enough to make my mouth water before even ordering! The server was friendly and the food was good. The 'after luncheon browse' through the gift shop was an experience in itself with Ms Linda there to explain what some of the antiques were and joke... (more) |
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- Gloria 07/31/09 |
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Food: I attended the Bridal Faire at Southern Gardens and wanted to say that I was so impressed by absolutely everything! The decor for a chapel wedding, the food, the music presented by a young lady named Shar and the variety of vendors. The owners of this wonderful place have so much to be pround of that I have to add one surprising fact that I was unaware of; the many different types of art represented in their gift/antique shop. The local artists they represent in their shop is so varied and unusual that I truly spent so much time admiring everything that I will make a return trip not only for lunch but to spend time 'art shopping'. If you haven't already visited this amazing place then do so now. If you have...then do so again soon. |
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- Leila 07/31/09 |
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Food: My two friends and I were having our first visit to this tea room this week and were overjoyed to see a childs' party taking place at the other end of the large dining room! The children were so well treated by the staff. They were given 'dress-up' items to adorn themselves with. They even had a pirates hat and hook for the only little boy at the table! This establishment not only enjoys children's tea parties, but are fully prepared to encourage them to feel like little princesses and 'pirates'! I truly was a joy to watch. We enjoyed our wonderfully prepared luncheon even more. I did find out from the lady in the antique store part of the tea room that there is a Manners Class taught at the Tea Room! She said that many a Girl Scout had received their badge thanks to the Manners Class! It was just and wonderful visit. We had to drive a bit over 50 miles but it was well worth the trip and will do it again. |
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- Sheryl 07/09/09 |
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Food: This was my first visit. I came with a friend that has been raving about 'her' tea room. I have to admit that I am just as impressed. The gift shop, the decor, the friendliness, the food - it was all just fantastic. I will return and bring my friends as well. |
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- Carla 07/09/09 |
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Food: Took my mom for Mother's day outing in May 2009. Were treated with utmost respect and care by gentleman waiter. Food was tasty. Decor a bit busy...but it's maostly all for sale! |
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- b. l. k. 06/13/09 |
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Food: I have been to this tea room many times and I must say I love every visit! My server Rose is always cheerful and professional and that is comforting in this day. I especially like that Chef Joe will come out to the table and answer any questions. This tea room has fine staff and wonderful food! |
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- Joanie 04/16/09 |
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Tearoom Response
Thank you Joanie. we have had the pleasure of serving many lovely people like yourself over the past year we have been open and look forward to continuing to offer the best quality possible in both staff and food service.
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Food: What a disappointment!!!! This is supposedly the best tearoom in Ohio? Far from it!!! The price is high. The food below average! The quiche was so small and probably frozen and heated in microwave. The so called lemon bread was store bought pound cake the size of two dice. I have visited numerous tea rooms in Ohio and elsewhere. This one should not be called a tea room...call it an eatery! |
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- Jade 04/04/09 |
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Tearoom Response
Jade,I am so sorry you were disappointed in Southern Gardens. I did want you to know, however, we make all our food from scratch right in our own kitchen. Our quiche size is 1/7 of a whole pie just as most tearooms offer. The teabread (not lemon bread) is a pound cake recipe that my Aunt Martha used to make in Georgia, not store bought, and we put a peach/cream cheese spread between the 2 pieces you were given along with the cranberry salad sampler which came as part of your meal price. Since you seem to be able to use the computer well, I suggest in the future you use it to check out the prices prior to visiting a tearoom to make sure it fits your budget. Thank you for visiting Southern Gardens. |
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Food: I am in Ohio visiting my cousin and own a tearoom in Pennsylvania I love to visit other tearooms whereever I go. I pay attention to the small things and can honestly say this is one of the best tea rooms I've been to in a long time. The place and owners were charming and the food was great! We were very pleased and I highly recommend it to everyone. |
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- Patty Knouse 02/24/09 |
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Food: I have visited this tea room many times and enjoyed each visit. I think it is a real shame that they had to cut their hours so drastically due to the economy. I imagine the run of bad weather hasn't helped their bottom line much either. Come on ladies....I know I sure don't want to see anything bad happen to this lovely establishment.....so let's get calling for our reservations. Surely as much as we all love having our own tea room in this area we better get busy and do something to keep it here. |
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- Leila 02/03/09 |
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Food: I am a man (maybe I should say it loudly while pounding my chest...grin) and have eaten at Southern Garden several times. I enjoy the food and the service. The owners are great people and always seem to be there. If a customer has (or had) a problem I don't know why they didn't mention it while at the restaurant rather than go home and snipe about it on the internet. The food is filling. I order the ravoli and the chicken and biscuits often. The cranberry salad if my favorite side. Linda in the antique shop is usually the first and last person I see on my visits and have to say that she is the perfect addition to the friendly 'family' they have there at the Gardens. If you guys or girls haven't been there then get going and see for yourself that I am right and I tell it like it is. Come on...I'm a guy writing on this site....give me a break. Go and visit and then let give your opinion on who is right....the couple of complainers or me! grin |
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- BigGuy 01/16/09 |
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Food: I have been to this tea room many times and the service is great, the food is remarkable and I will continue to visit there on a regular basis. I don't understand the customers wanting an English dish or scone in a 'Southern' Tea Room. I guess some customers don't understand the written words 'southern style cuisine'. I adore Rose and Joe as my servers. I find them extremely knowledgeable and cheerful. They have been there since the grand opening.....which I attended. Chef Joe is amazing and he will accomodate any food allergies if asked. This restaurant has a wonderful selection of dishes to choose from and I have yet to leave there hungry. It also features a full size antique and gift shop! What a great combination! The people are so... (more) |
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- Mala 01/16/09 |
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Food: While I enjoy the friendly atmosphere while visiting this tea room there there are so many disappointments, I don't think I shall return. How it is ranked number one, I'll never know! The menu is limited, not child, allergy or glucose free friendly. And the price is a bit outrageous for what one is served. After spending $45 for two for tea, one shouldn't have to go home to snack! It is with great disappointment I make these statements because I was so thrilled to have a tea room in the location. |
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- TeaLady 01/11/09 |
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Food: I took my 3yr. old and 4yr. old nieces as well as my teenage children and mother for tea today. The hostess was very nice to my nieces and brought out the dress up buggy for them. They were all decked out and enjoyed playing dress up. However, the rest of us were very disappointed in the food. My mother ordered the tuna melt and nothing was melted. She had also ordered the soup as her side dish, but the server came out and told her that it wasn't ready yet. That is not acceptable. It was cold. I ordered the quiche, which was ok except for the rotten lettuce it was sitting on. I would have rather not have had any lettuce on the plate. The portion size was so small that I ate a snack when I got home. There should have been a side especially for the money. If scones are your specia... (more) |
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- LLM 12/23/08 |
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Tearoom Response
I believe I remember your visit with your lovely nieces and also the teenagers. That day we were very busy, as I remember, and our potato soup is very popular. Since our soups are made fresh at our tearoom and not frozen we needed to make a fresh batch. I am sorry you felt that unacceptible. However, I am troubled by your comments about our server. I believe Rose (our head server and manager) waited on your table. She is very knowledgable about our menu, teas and operation. I also waited on you at first since, as I said, we were very busy. In that case, you are right. I am very unsure of myself in the role of server and only attempt it when we are unusually busy, as was the case. I would like to apologize for my insecurity. Our scones, as I have been told, are the way they make them in Irland. Even though most of our customers from English seem to think they are just fine. I think it is a matter of preference when it comes to scones and each has a different idea as to what they should be. The specialty of our restaurant is the South Georgia Pecan Pie, not our scones. We are very proud of our pie and have our pecans shipped in from south Georgia to make them the very best. I hope your will give us another try and this time try the pie. |
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