Reviews

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Worst teahouse I have visited. Tea was not hot, only two varieties offered, only two pots offered for our group of 20-some. Bread was not fresh, meat sandwiches contained only one very thin slice of meat per sandwich. We sat for more than 30 minutes before the tea began, although we clearly had a reservation. Only Devonshire cream was offered for scones, no strawberry, no lemon curd. Not planning to go there again.

- Suzanne Taney 07/28/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: This experience left much to be desired. Sandwiches were stale, tea was not hot, and service was slow. They were not prepared for our party of 20 and tables were poorly arranged.

- Marilyn Donnelly 07/27/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Alas this was not a good experience. Room not ready , far too small. Server could not get between the tables and I had to pass things to him. And with things so tight to have to squeeze out to retrieve our food from the hallway was unpleasant. The food was unremarkable, the Costco mini cream puffs barely defrosted. We each had to individually ask for a glass of water. It wasn't relaxing or well done. I wouldn't go back for another tea. The house is lovely and eating ice cream on the wrap around porch might be a better choice.

- Kathleen Lake 07/27/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I attended a tea at this Cafe last week. Unfortunately, the service at the tea was awful, the waitress spilled tea all over my wrapped silverware, then neglected to replace it or provide more napkins. The sandwiches provided at the tea were deplorable and limited in variety, the scones were dry and only one variety of them. Certainly don't think it was worth the drive or the price we paid for our tea.

- Toni Brenner 07/21/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: It was nice to read all the wonderful reviews and it made me wish I could have been at the teas these people attended. Our tea was cool and I only got one cup..service poor. I was so surpised when I ate two of the tea sandwiches to fund egg salad very dry and opened sandwich to see if anything was on it. Cosco brownies and frozen cream puffs did nothing to make me any more pleased. I had read all the reviews and this one of the reasons we choose Sweet Life..Can not tell you how very dissappointed I was with the service food and staff.

- Shirley Jackson 07/21/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I have never been so disapointed in a Tea before. As we got there a little early, after a 30+ mile trip, I ordered a glass of white wine while I waited on the porch, in the hot weather, for our room to be made ready. Imagine my surprise to be told there was NO WHITE WINE left in the restaurant! In the middle of summer, white wine is the wine of choice for most ladies. I was offered an apology, and a red wine by Brian, the only helpful person I encountered in the restaurant. The choice of teas was deplorable! We were offered a black tea, with some Early Gray in it, and a roobois tea, that's it, 2 choices, and it was served warm, not hot. There was quite a wait before we could even ask for a second cup. I was told there was cream and lemon in the hall, where the tea food was ... (more)served. Never found it. The food was mediocre at best, 3 types of sandwiches, and 1 type of scones, not much variety. And served as a buffet of all things! My tablemate had tea spilled all over her silverware still wrapped in paper napkin, and no apology, nor replacement was given! The final insult came with desert, the cream puffs were still frozen inside. I found no one, except Brian, to be friendly, helpful, or welcoming. NEVER again will I atend another tea at the Sweet Life cafe.

- Nancy Moore 07/20/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I wish I had been able to enjoy the service and food that customers were able to appreciate earlier in the year. Our club recently had a tea at Sweet Life Cafe and were very disappointed in the service, the food and the hospitality. The room we had reserved was not set up when we arrived, so we waited outside on the porch. Unfortunately, it was a very hot day. We were asked if we wanted tablecloths on the tables, which seemed rather odd. We were offered a choice of two types of tea, which were served by the cup. No pots on the table. As a matter of fact, many of us did not even receive spoons to stir the tea. Our table was never served milk or lemon. The food was amazinly mediocere. Most of it appeared to be purchased from somewhere else. It was presented buffet-style from a very s... (more)mall table in the hallway. I really didn't have the feeling that our comfort was of any concern to the employees. I wish I could find something more positive to say about this tea room. Perhaps we just caught them on a bad day. I certainly hope for the sake of their business, that they take a close look at how their customers want to be treated.

- Linda Rogers 07/18/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: My ... I must say. My daughters suprised me on Mothers' Day and took me to High Tea at the Sweet Life Cafe. What a lovely experience it was. Everything was exceptional, but the hostess, Bea, was outstanding. First, Bea is a 'personality' out of history - clothing and all! In addition to making certain everyone was efficiently taken care of, she delighted the Tea patrons with amusing facts about how social Teas came to be right up to the first tea bag! It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend Bea's Teas.

- Nancy Taylor-Smith 05/23/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: We really love this place. Our family often enjoys the Sweet Life as a restaurant -- so when my girlfriends decided to 'have a tea' we gave the Sweet Life a go. The food was great (especially the scones - yum!) and the tea was exceptional. This may have to become a regular event.

- Grace 03/23/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Thiz iz wonderfull place to enjoy home cooked food in a lovely new/older home that is charming. The owner visits you and and talks of ghosts who are always causing trouble. You just have to go and have some homemade ice cream. There will be no regrets but good memories and a desire to return. foowill not regret homemade icecream, many many kinds of tea, served in old fashioned tea cups. A place not to miss, you can also rest in a rocking chair on the front porch and watch the world drive by with their good food resting comfortably in you stomach. Do come and enjoy.

- Norma Erny 03/04/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Wow! What a charming establishment and the staff is just as charming. The food served at our Tea was exceptional. There was a good variety with different tastes and textures to tempt the pallet, especially the desserts! We are definitely planning another outing to the Sweet Life Cafe!

- NS Smith 02/26/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: We recently held my daughter's 5th birthday Fairy Tea party at The Sweet Life Cafe and a wonderful time was had by all! The 'tea' was hot chocolate and pink fizzy tea and the food was what all 5 year olds enjoy - Mac & cheese and mini pizzas. They finished with a beautiful cake and ice cream (they picked their favorite flavor) They didn't even break any of the fine china it was all served on! The kids also enjoyed decorating their own cookie with candies. Mr. Skip was an added extra and his entertainment was terrific. The cafe had alot of charm and both the kids and the adults had a fantastic time.

- Kristin 01/29/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: My sister had a children's fairy tea party at the Sweet Life for her fifth birthday- it was truly an incredible event! Beginning with fairy fizzing tea and hot cocoa and ending with absolutely delicious homemade ice cream and gelato, with tea sandwiches and fairy toast in between, I am sure that all of the guests, including myself as a seventeen year old, truly enjoyed the party. The atmosphere of the shop gives you the 'warm and fuzzies' as it is comforting, relaxing, and beautiful. The service puts you at ease as the wait staff greets you with a smile and is knowledgable about the history of the house. I recommend the Sweet Life Cafe to all who wish to have a smooth, enjoyable event which will stand up to its reputation.

- Nicole Printz 01/28/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I absolutly love this place. It has great friendly service. The food is fresh , and the atmosphere is charming not at all pretentious. I highly recomend the roasted almond tea.

- Brittney George 01/28/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I absolutly love this place. It has great friendly service. The food is fresh , and the atmosphere is charming not at all pretentious. I highly recomend the roasted almond tea.

- Brittney George 01/28/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I absolutly love this place. It has great friendly service. The food is fresh , and the atmosphere is charming not at all pretentious. I highly recomend the roasted almond tea.

- Brittney George 01/28/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Our ladies group from church very much enjoyed our tea at the Sweet Life. The food was exceptional as was the service. We look forward to coming again.

- Lois Jernegan 01/28/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: The Sweet Life Cafe is charming. In addition to a wide selection of teas, the hostess/owner is well-versed in local history and tales of Civil War ghosts haunting the property. Her chicken salad is a specialty as is the home made ice cream and gelato of various flavors. And the cakes, oh, the cakes!! Add to this the recent acquisition of a liquor license for that drop of sherry - what more could you ask?

- Barbara 01/13/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: Nestled among historic buildings in Fairfax, VA, the Sweet Life Cafe is a charming establishment with a gourmet flair! I have been to many tea rooms and this is one of the best! My Red Hat Chapter has elected the Sweet Life the choice for birthday celebrations, Teas, and just because it is so much fun visiting and being pampered there. A gourmet chef, Maureen tailors every tea to fit her guests needs/desires. After serving a most impressive Tea, Maureen will entertain the gathering with tales of local lore, history, and hauntings. Quite a delightful experience! The food is to die for and her scones are absolutely the BEST I have ever eaten. A thoughtful and inviting spot for tea. I'll be back again and again.

- Gabby 01/13/08