Reviews

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: People complaining about this place simply do not understand how things are in New York. The teas and casual british fare at Tea and Sympathy are without compare as far as I have found. I've had both breakfast and lunch here countless times and it is consistently flawless every time. Sure, the waitresses are notoriously sassy, but if you treat them respectfully and recognize the fact that they are working with I think one of the tiniest dining areas on the planet you won't have any trouble. I see plenty of people sitting there for some time reading the paper or whatever when there's no line so I'm guessing people who claim it's impossibility haven't really been there very often. If you want tea prepared the way it should be and great british food, go here, be patient for your table and you won't regret it!

- Rachel 02/22/09

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I completely disagree with Sands up there - you must just expect everyone to bend over backwards for you, for the restaurant to revolve around YOU. I wonder how many times you've fought with servers over wanting different meal menus at the wrong time of a day. The rules are there for a reason. I've been to tea and sympathy I don't know HOW many times in the 6 years I've lived in New York, have taken countless out of towners and even one welshman there, and have never heard such dissatisfaction. I have found that it is a lovely, cozy place, with great English food, and sweet waitresses who will tell you they need to move you or need you to leave after a meal, but not in any manner that ever offends anyone rational. Like any New York restaurant, the servers are expecting a 20% tip. Like any ... (more)New York restaurant, they don't encourage squatters. And unlike most restaurants anywhere, the owner is willing to stick up for her employees, which I think is great. Those ladies run around like crazy with all the little bits and pieces that go into serving tea and I have never once seen them drop anything or knock into anyone. And now, off of my rant. Although there is no fancy presentation to the tea or meals, they are very good, very filling. I particularly love the scones with clotted cream, and the lentil stew sheperd's croquette style served at dinner time. And if you have room the desserts are to die for. In the winter bundle up for your wait outside, and in the summer grab a quick iced soy drink across the street at the soy luck club to sip while you wait. If you really want to go to sit and read, go at an off hour - breakfast times are particularly easy to stay for awhile since all the tourists come for tea time and all the locals come for dinner or lunch. Cheers!

- Kasey 02/22/09

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I will absolutely never go to this place again. I have been there three times. The first time, we were told that we could only order desserts. The second time was so-so.The third time, the waitress insisted on a larger tip and placed my tip back on the table. When I complained to the owner by letter, she telephoned me and was insulted that I had the audacity to complain about the waitress. Keep in mind that she was aware that I had been to her establishment more than once. She was very defensive and arrogant and she refused to back down. To tell the truth, if I had to choose between her and the waitress in terms of attitude, the waitress wins.I know why these waitresses feel comfortable being rude to the customers. It's because they're polite in comparison with the owner and she doesn't ca... (more)re about her customers anyway. Plus, the place was small and smoky. We waited in the cold on the sidewalk for at least a half hour and really, the food isn't all that. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone for any reason. They get a grade of F for service.

- Sands 10/09/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: It's an authentic cup of English tea, tea cozies and all. They have all the English sweet treats as well. But the service is, well, English. It's not friendly. It's not customer focused. And you will feel rushed, no matter what time of day you're there. (It's also very expensive for what you get). Good place to take a tourist. Not a good place to spend any time sipping a cup of tea and reading a book.

- Simon 10/05/08