Reviews

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: This place rocks! We have been going there for several years during the Apple Festival and I am amazed every time I go! Everything from the placement of the merchandise to the set up of the tables is amazing! And the princess room…oh my goodness! I’ve never seen anything cuter! She uses her space well and does it very tastefully. Speaking of tasteful, the food is delectable and the service is excellent! I would definitely recommend this establishment even if it were off your beaten path!

- Angela Crawford 10/08/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: If you have never been to Shady Gables to have tea, then quite simply, your missing out. It is a very charming place, the tea and food is fabulous, and I always come out stuffed. The staff is always polite and go the extra mile to accommodate their customers. I have been to many tearooms, but hands down this one is the best. And yes, they do require reservations (advertised right on the website). The town of Versailles is also charming, with great little places to shop downtown.

- Leasa Weghorst 10/05/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I have been lucky enough to be able to go to the Shady Gables three times now and I am already looking forward to going again next year. I would most definitely recommend that anyone and everyone go to shady gables. I am thankful that they do require reservations (as mentioned on their website) because it is a small and cozy place with little room for people to wait around to be seated, along with those that are looking around at the different and wonderfully themed tea rooms. If you ever get a chance to go, please go.

- Nichole Voegeli 10/05/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Shady Gables is a wonderful place to visit, which we do every year during the Apple Festival. We only had to go there one time to realize what a special place it is and determine that we wanted to make it a family tradition! The owner and staff are so considerate and pleasant, you feel like you are at an old friend's house who will do whatever it takes to make you feel special. I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Reba's sister to cancer. My sister, who comes to Shady Gables with me each year, is a cancer Survivor. Our family works diligently year round to raise funds for The American Cancer Society, to help find a cure for cancer, so that families do not have to lose their loved ones and can look forward to wonderful times together, such as those that we share at Shady Gables. If you've never been, please go...you won't be disappointed!

- Jeanne Steveson, Camdenton, MO 10/04/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Myself and several of the girls from my family have been visiting Shady Gables for 5 or 6 years now. I know that it is one place I can go and NEVER leave disappointed. We have always been given the same high level of service and feel very pampered while we are there. The staff and owner have always been very pleasant. I will continue to visit there until I am too old to get there or they close the doors!!!

- Jody Williams 10/04/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I recently went to Canada for vacation and went to Victoria to the Empresses Hotel for high tea. It was wonderful. So fun. However, I couldn't help but think and tell the other people with me how very lucky we are to have all this so close to home in Versailles, MO. Shady Gables is certainly as high standard as The Empress. In fact, the food is actually better and we did not get a choice of tea in Victoria, which I think makes Shady Gables unique. By the way, you would never get in the Empresses without reservations and everyone is always more than kind. Keep up the good work Reba. We love coming over! Linda in Tipton

- Linda Schuster 09/29/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Visiting tea rooms is my hobby and Shady Gables is my all-time favorite. My only complaint is that it isn't closer to where I live! I have a close friend who lives near Versailles and she and I are planning our third visit to Shady Gables next month. I can hardly wait. The variety of teas available is unsurpassed and the teapots and tea cozies are always so pretty. It is so relaxing to sit and sip tea with a good friend and enjoy all the dainty food and soak up the Victorian atmosphere. A very memorable experience, and it is what sets Shady Gables apart from the rest. Reba has done a wonderful job and I consider it a blessing to have tea at Shady Gables.

- Tricia 06/26/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I have always found everyone at Shady Gables to be very gracious and the atmosphere exactly what I would expect from a wonderful lady like Reba. As for Judith Taylor who wrote the food was not in the quantity she had expected, perhaps she should stick to the Ryans and other smorgasboard type eateries where she can consume large quantities of ill prepared food. The tea room is not so much about the food but the ambiance afforded genteel ladies who understand that quantity is definitely not quality. I have had the Queen Tea several times and enjoy the visit with family and friends so much. I did see that a reservation was needed for my tea time also. Perhaps Mrs. Taylor needs to read more and eat less!

- Sherry Horner 05/14/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Dearest Pat, I don't know you and I don't know Reba. I had the fortune to find out about Shady Gables from a friend. I spent a lovely day today having tea with my mother. I have the ability to read and had made the reservation in advance which was a requirement before arriving to savor the plethora of goodies and the honest generosity of the hostess. I had made a reservation for three and one in my party was unable to attend. I had made the decision to go ahead and pay for the meal even though there were only two of us. Reba told me that she wouldn't hear of it and would only charge us for the two people present and that she was so sorry because two of her employees were out sick with the flu. I have been told on more than one occasion that I indeed am rather snobby and have an air of supe... (more)riority about me. So I suppose that would make me somewhat an expert on snobbery. None of the people that own or help operate the business would I even consider slightly uppity. You Pat on the other hand have shown your hand of cards. You obviously either don't understand or choose to be ignorant of the fact that empty tables doesn't necessarily mean there were available seats. If you would have just made the required reservation, ones of those little tables could have had your name on it. Also if you would do the research you would find the the 'little spot in road' has quite a history. Furthermore, the correct spelling of 'there' should have been 'their'. I do believe you may need some of those manners classes too! I had an enjoyable time today and plan on going back often to enjoy many more special teas with my family and friends. Reba was the perfect hostess even though she was short two employees and when I looked around everyone else seemed to be in the same frame of mind. Please Pat I sincerely hope that you do not come back and ruin it for the rest of us! Tina Reinkemeyer

- Tina Reinkemeyer 05/08/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I LOVE Shady Gables! I use to go there all the time with friends during high school. Reba is the sweetest lady! I always had her surprise me with a different Tea every visit. She always did a great job at picking a tea I would enjoy. Once she changed her menu for my table because of my food allergies. Not only did she not have to do that, but I don't know of any other place that would. She taught my friends and I the correct way to 'have tea'. I wish I lived closer so I could visit more. I look forward to one day taking my daughter to Shady Gables for her first tea party!

- Jessica Miller 05/03/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I love Shady Gables! It's definitely my favorite place to eat, and it's very reasonably priced for the amount you are served. I was in ninth grade when I went for the first time with two older friends. All three of us were extremely impressed and had a wonderful time. I made my mom and my cousin go with me several months later, and since then I have brought even more of my friends. It seems that everyone that comes to Shady Gables enjoys themselves immensely. I am a picky eater naturally, but I have never eaten anything there that I didn't think was delicious. Everything is so pretty, and the soft music and Victorian decor always put me in a relaxed mood. There are lots of ladies who love Shady Gables, so you need to make reservations, which you can do on the website or by phone. I always have a wonderful time at Shady Gables, and I'm actually going there again in a week, so I'm really excited!

- Kelsey 05/01/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I have been to Shady Gables on several occasions and have thoroughly enjoyed each visit. The staff, surroundings, teas and food are unequaled in my opinion (which is shared by everyone I have taken with me). Reba and staff have created a restful escape among beautiful Victorian surroundings that makes each trip there something to look forward to and savor while you're there. As for reservations, you do need to call ahead due to limited seating and high demand, which is clearly stated on their website.

- Valerie Houston 04/30/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I have never in my life been to a place as peaceful, relaxing, and welcoming as Shady Gables. On my very first visit I felt like a queen, and I have felt the same way on the dozens of other visits I have made since then. My daughter (who is almost 10) loves it because there is a room where you can pick out a hat, gloves, or fur capes to wear for tea! Reba is a lovely woman who always has a smile on her face. Kelly, her assistant manager, is just at pleasant, and anyone who has ever waited on me or spoken with me on the phone has been wonderful. The tea is amazing, so much so that I buy it and have to have it at home almost every day! The food is delicious, and yes, it is small, but that is not the reason I go. It is the atmosphere! I totally unwind there. It is almost like a visit... (more) to a spa. The only thing missing is a massage! And I have filled an area in my home with 'tea things' that I have purchased at the gift shop. My children and I have tea regularly, all thanks to Shady Gables. Yes, they require reservations, but that is not so unusual if you really think about it. You easily spend 2 hours there, you are NOT rushed and that is why it is relaxing. (When you walk in just because you see empty tables that doesn't mean there aren't reservations made for those tables. And, the way I found out you needed to make a reservation is because I read it on the website!) I intend to visit and revisit Shady Gables as long as Reba has her doors open! It is my number one place to go. If anyone asks me where would you want to be if you could be anywhere right now I always answer 'The tea room.'

- Amy Brizendine 04/29/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: A visit to Shady Gables is always a treat for me. I really enjoy the leisurely pace. We never feel rushed. The selection of teas is amazing. It is brewed loose tea, and it has always been very good, and you may have as much as you wish. The food is attractively served. I was surprised my first visit at how small the food looked, almost too cute to eat, but it was completely satisfying. The servers are very polite and competent. I very much enjoy the Victorian house setting. The rooms are filled with items for sale, but everything is arranged in a very pleasant manner, and it is fun to shop there. There is loose tea in bags and tins to purchase for home use. This is great, and with instructions from the Shady Gables website I now know how to brew tea at home for enjoyment when I am not able... (more) to go to the tea room. My favorite food at Shady Gables is the 'wonderful' chicken salad croissant sandwiches! Both of my married daughters also love to go to Shady Gables, as well as all three of my young granddaughters.

- Dottie 04/27/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Shady Gables is one of my favorite places in the entire world. The staff always makes it feel like a home away from home and I have always had the most fantastic experiences there. I love to go to tea at Shady Gables and look forward to it for weeks ahead of time. I have taken every friend and even my fiance to tea because I love it so much. Reba is an amazing woman who has created the most incredible atmosphere for an afternoon get-away. I would absolutely highly reccomend Shady Gables to anyone!

- Kayla Tracy 04/27/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I had a wonderful experiance at Shady Gables. I enjoyed every moment of my vist from the second I stepped into the door. They had awesome service that made you welcome to be apart of the family. They also had a great variety of selections of tea and a wonderful selection of food. I cant wait to come back for another visit.

- Megan Kilpatric 04/27/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I Love Shady Gables! I now live in Springfield, MO and wish I was back in high school, so I could go to tea with my girlfriends and just relax, like we did all the time. I have searched all of Springfield and there is no place like this. This place is the true tearoom that offers elegance, true tea brewing, great customer service, and a perfect and quaint atmosphere. I have never been to England, but in this tea room I feel like I am in a different world. I just want to thank all the ladies and gentleman for giving me the best experience every time I visit.

- Nicole Miracle 04/27/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: When I was in High School this was my favorite place to go with my friends! We had so many good memories here and the tea and food was never less than delicious!! I always took out of town family and friends here and everyone always enjoyed their experiences. I've had several events here too like bridal tea and before-prom tea with the girls and it's always been such a great, relaxing time. Reba, the owner, also did catering for my wedding and served many of the items on the menu, all my guests raved!! She added her own little decorating touches as well, and I couldn't have asked for a better reception!!

- Courtney 04/27/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: My young daughters and I have been to Shady Gables several times. We absolutely love the atmosphere and the delicious teas and food. I also love the fact that it is a great place to work with my girls on their manners and acting like 'little ladies'. The staff is always friendly and helpful.

- Michele 04/26/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Shady Gables is a truly wonderful experience. My daughter took me there on my first visit for my birthday. We had so much fun. It was nice to spend some good quality time together in such a lovely and relaxing place. The service was excellent and the staff very friendly and knowledgeable. I've been back several times since that day and look forward to many more visits.

- Barbara 04/24/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I just want to let people know how wonderful Shady Gables is to go and have tea. I have been going to Shady Gables since they opened. I have had EXCELLENT service.The people are very polite and kind. I love the variety of tea that they offer.The food is so delightful. Even my husband enjoyed going with me.He even got plenty to eat. Shady Gables is a peaceful and very relaxing place. I love the variety of items that Reba has for sale. I just wanted to let Pat know that if she went to Shady Gables website it shows at the top of the webpage that reservations are required. It's nice to have a tea room that you feel very comfortable to be at. To me it's #1 in my book and in God's.

- Carlisia 04/22/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I had such a delightful visit to the Shady Gables Tea Room. The tea was fantastic and such a selection. I don't know of any other Tea Room that serves so many different teas!! The service great. Very polite staff and knowledgeable! I will certainly be returning!

- JoAnn 04/22/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: We drove 70 miles only to be told we needed to have reservations. Rather snobby young lady said she would have to see if we could be seated, when it was obvious there were SEVERAL open tables. No where on the website does it say reservations required, which is amusing because this town is a little spot in the road. Maybe there staff needs a little manners training.

- Pat 04/13/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I adore Shady Gables, have visited several times since it has opened. Not only do I enjoy the selections of loose tea and food, along with gracious service, I love shopping there. Just visit my home and with every blink of your eyes you will see something purchased from Shady Gables. Of course I am a TEA person through and through. I visit every tearoom I possibly can in every state I visit, and so far Shady Gables is my favorite. This tearoom has etiquete classes for children, also has contests, drawings, events to keep interest of returning again and again. The atmosphere ia all that you mention and then some!

- Cathalean A. Maher 03/07/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: this was one of my favorite places to go to have tea, but i just wished they had more variety of foods, like soups, or salads, and just more then but i love going there we have had many tea parties there and we just love coming over and tasting new teas, and shopping.....

- Tealover 02/20/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: My Red Hat group has been to Shady Gables twice and we had a great time both times. For the price they have a wide varieies of tea and the food is great. The atmosphere is very comfortable and friendly.

- Deborah Landon 12/18/07

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I can say the service has truly been excellent each time I've been there. The owner and staff are very gracious. This makes it harder to write of my disappointment with the rest of my experience. On our first visit (with a reservation for their most costly version of High Tea) I expected, as advertised, an English style high tea... it wasn't. The tea itself was somewhat weaker than I expected. In England, scones are plain or made with currents, not all these other fillings. And what was supposedly clotted cream was a whipped butter. Yes, there is a very large difference. A proper high tea is a stout meal with lots of food, and what we were served was small amounts of very daintily (though very well prepared) cut sandwiches and cakes. It's been over a year si... (more)nce that first time, so I don't remember exactly what was served, but I do remember the keen disappointment we felt about the lack of quantity! My suggestion to the shopkeeper is to offer a more expensive version for hearty appetites, not just the dainty ones for ladies who are watching their weight. The atmosphere is interesting, though rather overcrowded due to the gift shop motif, with the tables shoehorned in amongst the goods for sale. Overall, charming, but definitely not an authentic English style tea room.

- Judiith Taylor 11/13/07

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I have been to The Shoppe at Shady Gables several times, and have never been disappointed. The atmosphere, the food, the friendlness, all are wonderful.

- Margene Neuhart 11/06/07