Tea Anytime

My tea friends and I have been enjoying tea here for years. Looking at this web site I realize it's time to schedule another tea. We have enjoyed so many of the special features from previous teas; classical music, halloween tea in costume, and special recipes from the trade shows. The food is really good(try the tomato soup), and the staff is very friendly. This is a perfect setting to visit with friends. I have made visiting tearooms a hobby. Tea Anytime is unique and on my visit again list.

I was looking forward to coming here, after being to several tea services in the past. The main part I was most put off was the attitude of the owner. She is very blunt, abrupt, and not very 'warm and cozy'. She has an attitude that she is very sophisticated but lacks the tact of someone who is trying to offer a refined, elegant afternoon.

While constantly being asked if I have chosen my tea, another guest commented how she didn't like the way the owner spoke to her. I chimed in and commented as well, because I did know if I was over reacting. My guests at tea thought the same of her, and her cold employees. I get better warm vibes at a restaurant. But, everyone is different on how they prefer to be spoken to.

I was asked if I wanted to leave a tip, so I asked ... (more)her what does she usually recommend? She said, 'Don't you leave tips?'...this kind of attitude where she may not even realize she is being rude. While there, another customer asked if she could make accommodations to the timing of the tea, her reply 'Your lucky I don't have any other customers today or else I wouldn't do it...'

My husband went in there to check it out too and once he heard the owner speak to me and other patrons inside, the first thing he told me was, 'what a bad vibe, don't go back.'

We ordered multiple tea services but yet they brought them out on the same tray, stuffing them all onto one plate, and the larger service, although there were two services, looks small as if one service only. There were more flowers on the tray than sandwiches. We were disappointed in that. But if you have not had tea services in the Bay Area, then you won't know the difference. If you want full service, I would recommend the $16.95 instead of the $18.95 which is really lacking. I seem to be on my own when I say, I won't spend my money there. They also sell 2 oz teas for $8.50? That is double what other tea houses charge, even for Bay Area prices...The food was average, nothing that blew my socks off, but by all means it was tasty, there is no doubt. It would be nice if they had more traditional tea flavors rather than everything mixed with berries & chocolate & caramel. They only offered one black tea that did not have a 'flavor' added, nor did they have a traditional green tea without adding apricot, or strawberry. Very strange.

This is my honest opinion, and I welcome you to patron this place, but I am only giving this kind of review as constructive criticism as a business owner myself. I hope it helps in order to get better customer service.

Tea- loose leaf, you choose, served in individual pots and you may change or get a refill anytime
Food- tea sandwiches, homemade scones, Madeline's (not home made you can tell), bagged salad, boxed brownies (so they seem, but yummy), various goodies
Ambiance- Victorian (sort of), French shabby chiqe (sort of), eclectic. Looks like 'everything' is for sale...they have stuff everywhere, small and cozy, you would think you can hear neighbors conversation but we were so into our conversation you can't hear anything at the other tables. There are only about 5 or so tables, it is very small and intimate.

Wonderful tea, good prices, excellent staff. They have a web site now at teaanytime.net. Also, coming up: they are beginning a Girl's Night Out the 2nd Thursday of each month from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at a cost of $29.95 for two Full Teas. My friend and I cannot wait -- we'll see you there!

This is my favorite tea place. I've been to Tea Anytime many times--with my husband and young grandsons, with my sister and with many close friends. Cindy and Olivia are very dedicated to quality food and excellent service. And when it's a tea for children, Olivia goes to great lengths to make it extra special with 'kids' food and a goodie package. My grandkids hugged her when we left. Tea Anytime continues to excel with their creative and delicious tea fare. Everyone who has gone with me to Tea Anytime has totally enjoyed it. My husband loves to go there. AND there's the added delight of an excellent selection of gifts!