Tea On The Tiber
8081 Main Street
Ellicott City, MD
410-480-8000
visit website
#6
of 53in MD
Map of Tea On The Tiber
Overview
Our shop has been designed to resemble an English tearoom from the 1850s, the time when tearooms began popping up throughout England, and 'teatime' became a national pastime for our British friends.
Our shop has been designed to resemble an English tearoom from the 1850s, the time when tearooms began popping up throughout England, and 'teatime' became a national pastime for our British friends.
In the wintertime you can warm yourself by our coal-burning fireplace in the foyer, and in nicer weather you can 'take tea' on our deck, overlooking the Tiber River.
Our tearoom is unique in several ways. Not only do we plan to serve the finest loose teas available, and wonderful foods done in the English manner, but everything you see in the shop itself is for sale ... from the window and wall treatments, moldings, furniture, pictures, and lighting fixtures, right down to the ruffled aprons our servers will be wearing. Anything that can't actually leave the building the day you visit, can be ordered through 'The Source Unlimited,' the interior design shop on our second and third floors. Please feel free to visit them and peruse hundreds of fabric and wallpaper samples. You may also go downstairs to our Victorian gift shop, where you'll find wonderful treasures for gift-giving, or simply for pampering yourself.
Reviews
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Food: My girlfriends and I have tea frequently and love to travel to find different tea rooms. On my very first visit to this tea room we had a pleasant experience. Back in Spring 2007, I decided to invite my friends to Tea on the Tiber to ask them to be my bridesmaids. On this particular occasion the service and attitude by both the server and manager were lacking. We felt rushed througout the entire time and could not enjoy our meal. The server asked us about every 15mins if we were done. You could feel it in the air, as if they wanted to scream 'hurry up and be done!.' Ignoring my better judgement, I visited yet again with my aunt and grandma (their first tea experience) and recieved the same treatment. I am in the process on planning another tea for our 'girls time' and I would NOT choose this tea room to visit again. There are comparable tea rooms in the area that do not come with the uncomfortable atmosphere. |
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- Miyoshia 10/08/08 |
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Food:  My friend and I were at this tea room over the weekend. We had a nice experience despite the horrible weather. I do wish the A/C had been on to take the humidity out of the air in the room we were in (upstairs). Due to the heat we had iced tea which was lovely and tasted nice. It was not the kind of day to have hot tea for sure, so I cannot speak for the 'artistry' of the tea prep. But, if what the other reviews say is correct then I think I probably would have been disappointed to have to fish a tea bag out of a tea pot with a spoon or fork. In all the tearooms I've visited this has never been the case. Additionally, something I noticed and was disappointed about (and not just with this tea room but with others in the Baltimore area) ia that seconds were not offer... (more) |
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- Anon 09/29/08 |
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Food: I have enjoyed the Afternoon Tea here quite a few times and have never been disappointed. The choice of loose teas is large enough to please all tastes (I'm a no-frills black tea person, my friend Patti is more adventurous). The good sized cranberry scone was just the way I prefer it...NOT like a cookie! I absolutely love the addition of cheese and fruit too. I wish more tearooms did this. The tea sandwiches: an excellent cucumber and dill on white bread with a slice of hard boiled egg that made it interesting, a delicious curried chicken salad on a butter croissant, a tomato sandwich (Patti happily gobbled mine since I'm not fond of tomatoes), and a spiral sandwich that was tasty but I can't remember what it was. The sweet course is always good: a moist and very pretty yellow cake wi... (more) |
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- Lori A. S. 09/27/08 |
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Food: I had the pleasurable experience of afternoon tea at this establishment today and I was happily surprised. I really wasn't looking forward to it given some of the negative reviews, but I am pleased to say this is one of the best teas I have been to ever. The hostess was friendly and seated us immediately. The tea choices were limited but seemed well rounded and I really liked my jasmine. I did ask that my tea leaves be taken away and the waitress did take them but she said they leave them in case we want a second round of the tea since the leaves are stong they can be brewed a second time. I can't imagine finishing one pot of tea let alone two but the answer made sense. The food was beautifully presented and diverse. I'm used to standard tea fare elsewhere but the sandwiches here we... (more) |
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- Keeley Travers 09/25/08 |
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Food: I was going to host my best friend’s bridal shower here due to several good reviews I have heard about the tea room. But after reading the “Tearoom Responses” to other perfectly innocuous reviews I refuse to ever patronize this establishment again. How unprofessional and insulting, reading those responses destroyed any trust I might have had in the staff to help me make a very special day the best that it could be. |
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- Tracy Lynn 09/22/08 |
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Food: Went with my girlfriends (one of them had been here previously) last week. So few teas to choose from compared to other area tea rooms. Tea sandwiches were made with normal thick white sandwich bread - nothing gourmet or special here. Things look dingy and overused from the china to the carpet. Service was only fair - don't expect the waitress to want to talk to you or give you special, preferential treatment other than giving you a teapot and setting down your tea tray. Save your money and time. This place (tea room? decorating shop? - it's unclear) is not worth the half tank of gas per person. I'm not planning on coming back. |
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- Lauren 09/18/08 |
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Food: I agree with other reviewers that this tea room was lacking. Could the high opinions and differing experiences really be accurate (friends of owners/family members writing in to boost reviews, etc)? When I went two weeks ago and had the afternoon tea, the tea menu selections were scant compared to other area tea rooms. I had to brew my own pot of tea at the table. No real tea room does this to their patrons. it's uncouth as the server did not take away the sopping wet tea leaves but left them on the table. the sandwiches were lackluster and the scones were not homemade. i was very disappointed at the high price, no matter if it included tax or tip. the included tip is automatically 20 percent. the service was so so and did not merit such a high percentage. the tip should be left up to the discretion of the patron, period. i am sorry to report that i will not be coming back. |
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- Eleanor M., Catonsville 08/10/08 |
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Food: Our visit to Tea on the Tiber was truly an elegant experience. Our hostess Jackie warmly welcomed us to this beautiful tearoom and our server Nicole ensured that we had a relaxing Afternoon Tea. We tried the ginger peach, apricot (our favorite) and chai teas, all were full bodied and perfect. The food was beautifully prepared and the presentation was wonderful. |
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- Jeannette Mendonca 07/25/08 |
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Food: I have been to this tea room several times and it is generally one of my favorites in the area. The cost of the afternoon tea includes tax and tip, which is nice. My positive rating is based on my multiple experiences at this tea house, but I do have to say that the last time we visited (about two weeks ago) I did not think it was a good as usual. We were seated upstairs at an unstable table. Every time one of us leaned on the table, it shifted in our direction. In addition, the food selection was not as good as I remembered it being on past visits. The ginger scone was large and tasty, but ginger is a very strong spice that not everyone likes (including one of our guests) so I was surprised it was the only option offered. The cheese was wonderful, as were the sandwiches, especia... (more) |
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- LR 07/23/08 |
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Food: We recently visited this tea house and had such high hopes. I was just going to comment on my experience when I saw the rude remarks of tea on the tiber's manager in response to a patron's concerns (see review below 4/05/08). How unprofessional. We were served scant portions, (as other patrons have noted), and over-microwaved scones. The china we were served with was cracked and the pattern was very faded and dingy. The service was fair. All in all, Tea on the tiber is not worth the money. it's all frills with little substance. I am very sorry to report a negative response, but a paying customer has a right to give truthful feedback. |
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- Margaret Boeck, Columbia 07/23/08 |
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Food: My friends and I have visited this tearoom on numerous occaissions, it has always been a most pleasant experience. However; we have noticed that the portions seem to be shrinking of late. The food is fresh and tasty, however, we would prefer that there be more of it. We hope that this teahouse improves a bit, as the building is lovely and we could not be happier with the charming and knowledgable hostess 'T.' |
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- Janet Nubben 06/24/08 |
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Food: three of us ladies visited the tea room yesterday. what a disappointment compared to other teas we've been to. the food was very, very skimpy (just as other reviewers said). you get one very small scone with servings of lemon curd, clotted cream that is enough to cover one person's small scone. oh, these toppings are 'unlimited' (unlike the actual tea food offerings as in other teas), but who wants to keep calling the server back every time for each person to have enough to spread on their scone? that was the extent of the first 'course'. the second course consisted of one inch-long wrap with a sliver of ham, a round tomatoe sandwhich the size of a half dollar, a tiny tart, and an opened faced cucumber sandwhich. the next course was one strawberry with chocolate coating only on the ... (more) |
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- francie butler 06/22/08 |
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Food: I came for tea with my girl friend and our husbands. We had a pretty good time. Since we are british and tea critics we can honestly say that it's not one of 'the best' we have been to. The portions were very very small. We ended up spending a little over 100 $ for the four of us and all left there starving, going to a steakhouse down the street! Tea on the Tiber counts everything they serve you to make sure you only get 1 of the 4-5 items served (food-wise). We only got 1 scone each, 1 tiny sandwhich wrap each, 1 chocolate covered strawberry each and 1 tiny trifle each. My thoughts for a better service would be to offer a little more for your buck! The food was fresh so I will give you that and the service was friendly. Just spend a little less time thinking about decorating and interior design and a little more time on the quanity of the food you serve ;). Happy planning Tea on the Tiber and I hope this helps the review readers! Enjoy your time there readers and have fun just don't go there hungry! |
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- BritishCritic 06/16/08 |
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Food: I've been coming to Tea on the Tiber with friends each month for over a year and a half now and I continue to enjoy the wide variety of food and the solid tea selection. Okay, maybe we're not waited on hand and foot, with each cup of tea poured for us, but for an American tea house, Tea on the Tiber is the best I've been to, with responsive, pleasant service and a enjoyable atmosphere. |
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- April 05/15/08 |
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Food: This was my second experience at Tea On the Tiber. This time I brought several friends. We all enjoyed it immensely. The food was fresh and delicious. I had a pomegranite iced tea and I loved it. 'T' was very friendly and helped to make our experience enjoyable. |
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- Diane Liebeskind 04/28/08 |
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Food: What a FABULOUS experience! The Tea on the Tiber teahouse was well appointed and charming, the food was excellent and well presented, and the service was first class. It just doesn't get any better than this - you MUST try this Teahouse. I know I'll be back. L. Shermeyer |
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- Lavonne Shermeyer 04/27/08 |
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Food: As I visited this tea room a few weeks ago, I sat in the 'parlor'. Servers kept going in and out of this room and the kitchen door kept swinging open and closed. I agree with the previous reviews saying that this place does not give you a true tea experience. You DO have to brew your own tea. You DO have to fish out the teabag from the pot yourself (the wet tea leaves were unappetizing to look at, sitting there on that dish next to my food). I've never had to do that at another tea room before. The decor is very Victorian and frilly, and the building itself is nice, but it was a disappointing experience for the high price. |
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- Meghan F. 04/16/08 |
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Food: WE had a great time. Natalie the manager greeted us, was delightful. She was friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. We so enjoyed our teatime. Highly recommend On the Tiber.Thank you. |
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- tania 04/14/08 |
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Food: Their tea and food is amazing. Their service is wonderful. Everyone there is very nice to their customers. |
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- Karen & Allison Parker 04/09/08 |
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Food: Pass! I went with five other ladies for shoppers team one Saturday morning in February. After coordination logistics several weeks in advance we were told we could not be accomodated. Is it a bias towards the more expensive afternoon tea? Or aloofness on the part of the waitstaff in general. This is especially unfortunate given the excellent experience I had in Spring 2007 at the tea room. |
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- S 04/05/08 |
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Food: Tea at 'Tea on the Tiber' is always a delightful experience. I try to go at least once a month. Upon arrival, you are met by the most precious of hostesses, 'T'. Her smile is infectious, and she is absolutely charming. The lower parlor is decorated with lovely antiques, and beautiful table settings. There is a larger upstairs area that has many windows, filling the room with beautiful sunshine. A new deck is available for warmer days. I have never been disappointed with the food or service. My favorites on the menu are the aromatic Silver Jasmine; the almost addictive tomato sandwiches; and all things desserts. If you are looking for quality food and service, in very stylish surroundings, visit 'Tea on the Tiber' very soon. Tell them Marla sent you. :o) |
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- Marla 03/29/08 |
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Food: This is the tearoom of choice for my friends and I, and we visit at least once a month. There's a wide variety in the menu, plus the featured tea of the month. The scones are always warm and delicious. The presentation is only one of the things that keep us coming back, and every part of the decor adds to the experience. Their staff is friendly and attentive, always ready to welcome us with a smile. Tea on the Tiber has earned our continued patronage. |
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- Flora 03/28/08 |
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Food: Very nice and relaxing afternoon. Professional staff, quality food, and nice presentation. Overall: Excellent Review. A dear friend, Jeanne, and I make plans to visit a different tea room every several months. We found our experience at Tea On The Tiber to be wonderful. The food was tasty, fresh, and the menu offered a nice variety. The set menu was a new option for us, but nevertheless the chef's choices were lovely. We enjoyed an apricot variety as well as a chai. We enjoyed both teas. The atmosphere was traditional, professional, and the most formal we have visited. We had a pleasant afternoon. The tea and set menu was exquisite. The atmosphere was delightful and the service most accommodating. Thank you. |
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- Michelle 03/27/08 |
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Food: As an English lady, living in Maryland, this particular tearoom was very small, catering to 12 patrons at a time. The food was sub-standard, small scones were dry and had a peculiar taste. The service was sub=standard and I personally would not go back myself, let alone take friends. |
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- Ellen 03/15/08 |
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Food: While searching for a team room to take my mother to for Mothers Day, I was fortunate to stumble upon Tea on the Tiber. The decor is beautiful, the location in downtown Ellicott City was delightful, the food was delcious and the staff was very friendly. I have since also taken friends there for their birthdays and they love it! I look forward to the new monthly menu changes and have become a regular customer. Kudos to the staff! |
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- Natasha 03/08/08 |
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Food: As always, the finest tearoom experience in Maryland. Will be back next month to review your delicious menu. |
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- Gertrude 03/08/08 |
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Food: I must comment to the writer, Sara DiGeorge: I read your review. I frequent Tea on the Tiber often.I have, as well, hosted a tea party for my granddaughter at this establishment as an introduction to taking tea. In reading your condescending comments, I find it most amusing that you did not welcome the suggestion of the proper use of the infuser dish....that would be 'the dish above your fork.'I would respectively ask that you not taint our memories with such cutting remarks...how unbecoming. As the owner commented,there is a manner inwhich to offer constructive criticism. Tea on the Tiber is most enjoyable and deserves fine marks in all categories.Maybe you can visit your sister-in-law and compare notes when taking tea.... in London. |
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- Abigail 03/08/08 |
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Food: This is a very poor 'tea room'. When I visited last month with my sister-in-law from London, we were only offered to choose ONE tea, served in the most sloppy and unappetizing manner I have ever seen - I was given a cracked pot with a tea bag in it and then directed by my server to remove the bag and place it on a dish above my fork. Taking tea NEVER should include having your guests fish out a large, wet, open tea bag and leaving it on the table in full view. What 'British' tea room serves tea that hasn't even been properly steeped? This is NOT a restaurant or even a proper tea room - this is a small-time operation in a decorating business. People who truly know quality food will agree. Tea connoisseurs beware! |
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- Sara DiGeorge 03/01/08 |
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Tearoom Response
We usually appreciate the feedback we receive from our guests. We value constructive criticism and utilize it as a tool and resource to improve on what we, and many of our loyal patrons, believe is already a delightful Afternoon Tea experience. However, there becomes a point where a line is crossed and the feedback given is not only untrue but also mean, hurtful and nasty. Perhaps the issue lies with the writer of this review and not with our establishment as we have had the pleasure of serving nearly 9,500 patrons in 2007.
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Food: I recently visited Tea on the Tiber for the first time. The price was a bit expensive for the minimal amount of food that you got. I was also disappointed that, when I made the reservation, I wasn't told about the different rooms and asked what my preference would be. We were put in the main dining room and the distraction of the wait staff going in and out of the kitchen made it hard to have a good conversation. When we later went upstairs to see what else was offered, I realized how wonderful the sun room was and wished we had the option to be there. The wait staff did a good job and our server was very nice. We were allowed to linger over our tea and I appreciated that very much. My friend, having never been to a tea, was very impressed by everything. The decor was delightful but price tags on everything was a little offputting to me. |
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- Elaine 02/29/08 |
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Food: I recently participated in a birthday party at Tea on the Tiber and I had an excellent time. The atmosphere and the service and the food was very memorable. And most important, the birthday girl was very pleased. I am not a big tea person, but the tea of the month a gingerbread chai(I believe) was quite tasty. See you soon! |
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- Lori S. 01/29/08 |
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Food: I gave my mother a 65th Birthday tea party at Tea on the Tiber the tea was excellent and the service was great. All of the guests at the party want to return for a girls day. Thanks for making my mothers 65th birthday a memorable one. |
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- YVETTE FELDER 01/20/08 |
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Food: I really enjoyed my experience at Tea on the Tiber. There were so many teas to choose from, and you can't go wrong with any of them! The food and service was great, and the atmosphere was so relaxing. The inside is beautiful and truly a sight to see. I can't wait to make another visit! |
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- Ali 11/13/07 |
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Food: Having recently enjoyed tea at Tea on the Tiber, I must say that this was a wonderful experience. The scones and sandwiches were exceptional and the service was impeccable. Can't wait to return! |
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- Carolyn 11/13/07 |
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Food: I simply must add my review for Tea on the Tiber. Excellent...bravo... delightful...relaxing. A place to come to be pampered. The staff and in particular the general manager could not have been more attentive. I look forward to my next visit. Cheers to Tea on the Tiber! |
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- Fran 11/12/07 |
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Food: Tea on the Tiber is one of the finest tearooms I have visited over my many years of enjoying afternoon tea. As a frequent visitor to London and the surrounds, Tea on the Tiber rates among the best. Perhaps Ms. Sarkazzey and Ms. Langley should visit English tearooms before they comment on something which they obviously have little knowledge of, and perhaps they should continue to have sweet tea at MacDonalds. |
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- Lawrence 10/14/07 |
