Sappington Barn Restaurant, Crestwood, MO

Visited: August, 2007.  Reviewed: August, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Fair.  Food: Fair.  Service: Poor.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: Sappington Barn gardens are lovely and the historic landmark museum is inviting. Upon arrival, we had to wait in the gift shop. The table setting was beautiful, with old silver milk pitcher and blue water glasses, but the water tasted awful, and the teacups were thick, white ceramic. We were given a random loose-leaf tea in a beautiful pot with a candle under it, but the tea water was lukewarm. We were served by the unfriendly owner, who didn't respond when we thanked her for the tea and was very annoyed that she had given a large pot of tea for two people when one wanted decaf. She said we should have told her before, but without a menu or explanation, how were we supposed to know that the tea would just arrive at the table? The spanikopita was good, but the finger sandwiches were dry, we were not offered vegetarian options, and most of the desserts were too sweet. An 18% tip was added to our bill, as if they were used to people not tipping due to poor service.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Elegant Tea Lover  Add your review  

Visited: August, 2007.  Reviewed: August, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Fair.  Food: Fair.  Service: Poor.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: I have enjoyed afternoon tea for many years and enjoyed the pleasure of afternoon tea in many different cities. Sappington Barn Tea Room was by far the worst tea experience I have had. The wait staff was rude; only one kind of tea was offered; and the bread used for the tea sandwiches was stale. Positives included: the view from the tea room and the bread pudding. However, I would not recommend this tea room.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Crazy About Tea  Add your review    

Patricia's Tea Room and Gift Shoppe, Dexter, MO

Visited: December, 2005.  Reviewed: December, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This visit was in honor of my mother's birthday. Everyone in attendance was in AWE of the ambiance and atmosphere we experienced in Lady Patricia's Tea Room. I highly recommend anyone looking for that "special place", to visit soon!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: La Rae Ward  Add your review    

Visited: November, 2003
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: It was a wonderful pleasurable experience! I will definitely return one day when I am in the area. My daughters and I drove two hours to reach this tearoom and we were quite pleased. It offers a nice Victorian tearoom atmosphere.
Reviewer: Phyllis Zeleny  Add your review    

Visited: June, 2000
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Great food and great books. I highly recommend this tearoom to anyone visiting along the Mississippi. The atmosphere is full of charm and hospitality. The owner has a new book coming out later this year called Teatime Friendships at Patricia's, and this book shares her secrets as well as her favorite recipes. It's sure to be a hit. 
Reviewer: Shelly   Add your review     

Blue Koi Noodles and Dumplings, Kansas City, MO

Visited: January, 2006.  Reviewed: June, 2006.
Meal: Supper. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a mug.
Tea: Poor.  Food: Excellent. Service: Good.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: For a Chinese restaurant, the Blue Koi had a good selection of specialty teas, but nothing to my palate. I adore Yunnan-style black tea, but don't like either Oolong or green tea, and although I enjoy jasmine tea, I like to taste tea along with the jasmine, not just jasmine flower! Neither my mother-in-law (white tea) nor I (Ti Kuang Yin) enjoyed our tea at all. However, my husband & I both loved the bubble teas we chose for dessert (I had lychee, he had wild berries). All in all, the food was good but expensive, and without a good cup of hot tea, I just didn't enjoy my meal very much.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: E-ticket-lizabeth  Add your review    

Visited: July, 2005.  Reviewed: August, 2005.
Meal: Supper. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I recently visited the KC area and had the good fortune to have dinner one night at the Blue Koi. Not only is everyone friendly and extremely knowledgable, but the food is great too! I absolutely LOVED the Bubble Teas! I tried the Watermelon and drank half of my daughter's Cappucino Bubble Tea. It's the perfect compliment to a perfect meal! I'll be back!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: cmontalbano  Add your review    

Visited: July, 2002
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Good. Service: Good.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: Blue Koi isn't so much a tea room as a dumpling and noodle restaurant that serves tea. I had lunch there on a weekday afternoon. Tea is served from industrial grade ceramic teapots with an odd plastic spout. The spout looks slightly unappealing, but it's very functional, as we had no spills. This tells me someone at the restaurant cares about tea! There are several choices, all loose leaf in a paper tea sock you can remove from the pot at your preferred steeping time. Two types of oolong, including ti kuan yin, jasmine pearls, Dragonwell, pi lo choon, pu-erh, a white tea, and some herbals are some of the offerings. All teas are available to buy for home, as well as to drink at the restaurant. Also of note is that they seemed a bit overpriced to me, but I don't know their source, so that may be a judgment call. We had an excellent, more reasonably priced pu-erh with our dumplings and soup. The food is good and the restaurant has a hip atmosphere, with electronic ambient music playing. A different sort of place, but quite relaxing and lively at the same time. They also offer the bubble teas so popular on the coasts. It's hard to find someone who makes them as well as Blue Koi does out here in the Midwest, so if you're curious, this is the place to go. The tapioca pearls are perfectly cooked, chewy without being gummy, and the teas are sweet and cold, made to order.
Another note: The owner told me he does a gong-fu style tea in the afternoons for patrons interested in that tradition. He said the service was very relaxed, like the "old man" style tea houses in China and Taiwan, where retirees congregate to play games and chat over tea. The owner is very friendly and has great rapport with his customers. 
Reviewer: Amy  Add your review 

Anna Marie's Teas, Liberty, MO

Visited: January, 2010.  Meal: Theme tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Besides having a great shop to buy many flavors of tea and all the accessories, the themed tea parties are a great little get away. I have taken my 83 year old mother and my ten year old neice and all my sisters and friends in between, they all loved it.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Carol S. 2/10  Add your review 

Visited: March, 2009.  Meal: Retail only. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: Prepared at home.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Anna Marie's has a wide variety of excellent loose teas. The young ladies that run the shop are charming and well-informed on their teas. We visit the shop about once a month to pick up tea. We have yet come for a tea party but hope to soon.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Judith from KC 3/09  Add your review 

Visited: June, 2008.  Meal: Retail only. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: Prepared at home.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: What a great tea shop! The gal who assisted me was a wonderful help in choosing teas to match my tastes. The shop was unique and a fun place to visit. I'll be returning when I am back in town!!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Dorothy 8/08  Add your review 

da Capo teas & eatery, Platte City, MO

Visited: November, 2008.  Meal: Other. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I am always looking for a flavorful green tea and have found a new favorite! The Almond Cookie green tea is wonderful. The food is great as well and better yet - they don't super size their portions.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: kiskes  12/08  Add your review 

Visited: May, 2008.  Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Tea beverage. Served: In a take-out cup.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Finally a place to take my children and just enjoy being in a wonderful place to have a conversation. The kids menu is full of healthy choices they love.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: A mother of two! 5/08  Add your review 

The London Tea Room, St. Louis, MO

Visited: November, 2007.  Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I went looking for good tea and food and found myself highly impressed by the quality and and variety that the menu offers. I recieved pleasantly hospitable service and and felt as if I had actually stepped into a tea room somewere in London! I am very excited to make this new St. Louis innovation one of my favorite Washington Ave. spots!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: LMD 11/7  Add your review 

Visited: June, 2007.  Reviewed: June, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The scones and sandwiches were absolutely delicious. It's been a long time since I've had a truly English scone! The tea was excellent, served hot in a teapot. I chose the loose leaf tea. Wonderful! They also sell English chocolates!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Jacqueline  Add your review   

Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, MO

Visited: April, 2000
Tea: Poor.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Poor.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: I have had the pleasure of visiting other tea rooms and this one didn't even compare. I have read about all the fantastic teas at the Ritz and this wasn't even close to what I read. There was no lovely music -- no music at all. We were seated on a sofa with a small table in front of us in the very large lobby -- not much ambiance. It was clean and richly decorated. They brought large teapots (instead of individual ones) for all five of us, which left little room for anything else. We had to try to hold things in our laps which did not add much to the enjoyment. The tea leaves were left in the tea which eventually got very bitter -- they don't even know the proper way to serve tea. Very pricey for a poorly served tea. I would not return. The only up side was the lovely sandwiches. 
Reviewer: tealover  Add your review     

Visited: March, 2000
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: On a promising early-spring afternoon, my husband, son, fellow TeaMailer Elizabeth Knight and I partook of the St. Louis version of the Ritz-Carlton afternoon tea. Having had only the Boston variety with which to compare it, I was not quite sure what to expect --- but we all knew that it would be indulgent, luxurious, and at least the company would be great.
Well, in a nutshell: Boston's atmosphere and service have it all over St. Louis', while St. Louis is way ahead in the quality of food. Here in St. Louis, tea is served in the Lobby Lounge, a large open area near the lobby on the first floor, not in a cozy area to which you must be transported by white-gloved elevator attendants, as in Boston. The Ritz tea room in Boston is oh so very proper (though David related that, when he and his friend Michael went there, they were treated as welcome and valued guests, even though Michael had, at the time, bright-green hair and multiple earrings).
The atmosphere in St. Louis is of refined but unfussy elegance; the large number of tables are surrounded by comfortable chairs, and antiques grace the area in an understated way. Our waiter seemed a bit rushed and dubious about having another tableful of patrons for tea, but he did produce a menu. There are two choices--a Light tea, with cakes and a scone, and a Full version, which consisted of one plate of lovely open-faced sandwiches and one plate of assorted cakes and pastries.
All four of us, being tired and hungry, ordered "the works," for $22.00 per person. The menu did not mention where the tea came from (unlike Boston's menu, which proudly proclaims that they serve Harney & Sons tea), but there was a list of perhaps six to eight teas. Son David and I both ordered Darjeeling; my husband ordered Assam; and Elizabeth, hardy soul, ordered Lapsang Souchong.
Each of us was brought a rather large china teapot -- perhaps a six-cup one -- a teacup and saucer, and a silver strainer and tray. Elizabeth and I had discussed our previous experience with the Ritz and tea, and their penchant for allowing the leaves to remain in the pot, resulting in one perfect cup and two or three increasingly strong and bitter ones. I had tried to steel myself to ask the waiter to "Please brew my Darjeeling for exactly 2.5 minutes, and strain it before it comes to the table," sure that that's what would happen here. Well, sure enough, that's how it arrived at our table. We looked at each other wryly, but no one spoke up. We simply endured it. I noticed that the women at a nearby table had asked for and received tea cozies, but that would only have increased the stewed effect. Elizabeth had to eventually ask for cream and sugar, which were then brought promptly, the sugar in lumps in a charming silver bowl with a hinged lid and tiny silver tongs hooked through the handle.
The scones here were very good, unlike the dry ones the Boston Ritz offers without apology. I missed the little rosette of cream that is served in its own small glass dish in Boston, but the other things on the plate distracted me. No two plates were exactly the same; there was quite an interesting variety. And everything was delicious. The amounts served proved to be more than any of us, even teenaged David, could finish -- and that is saying something!
I do think that a place with the reputation of the Ritz could learn something so simple as proper tea brewing. But even the imperfectly-served tea could not keep this gathering from being just what afternoon tea should be: refreshing, amusing, stimulating, and restful. This is a place where you can relax without bothering overmuch about what you're wearing or how long you've been there. I'm sure my husband and I will go back to the Ritz for tea again.
Reviewer: Laine Barash  Add your review

St. Louis Bubble Tea, St. Louis, MO

Visited: February, 2006.  Reviewed: February, 2006.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Fair.  Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I really didn't have a hot tea, I had the Milk tea with the tapioca pearls. However, it was a nice, clean place with flavorful teas and my three-year-old son loved the frenchfrys. I like the express bubble tea place next door a little better for choices on flavors, but they don't offer hot teas like St. Louis Bubble Tea. All in all, well priced, easy to get to, great parking and nice views onto the street.
Would you go back? Maybe.   
Reviewer: newbie tea drinker  Add your review    

Seasons Tea Room & Gift Boutique, Springfield, MO

Visited: June, 2005.  Reviewed: June, 2005
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: my sister, mother@i visited this tea room, it was a very pleasing afternoon, tea was very good as was the food,
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby. 
Reviewer: nickname, rosequeen  Add your review   

Tea Room in the Valley, Valley Park, MO

Visited: December, 2009.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Wonderful atmosphere, very clean, and terrific service at the Team Room in the Valley. Cheery and wonderful beverages.
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby.
Reviewer: Steve 1/10  Add your review  

Visited: August, 2008.  Meal: Other. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The coziest, lovliest tea room! This family owned business is one to go back to time and time again. The meal choices are excellent, from high [sic] tea sandwiches to soups and quiches.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Christine, from Circle  8/08  Add your review  

Visited: June, 2008.  Meal: Other. Type of tea: Iced tea. Served: In a glass.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This tea room is exceptional in every way - food, decor and ambiance, service. The staff is courteous and efficient. Highly recommend you visit if you are in the area. It is wonderful!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Retired UPS Wives  7/08  Add your review   

Shady Gables Tea Room, Versailles, MO

Visited: February, 2010.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: My experience at Shady Gables was wonderful. Relaxed atmosphere with soothing background music. Servers where most helpful with selecting tea from a huge list of loose leaf tea. We were encouraged to take our time and roam all rooms including the upstairs of this Victorian home. We plan to return in the spring when the surrounding gardens are in full bloom.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Ann 2/10  Add your review  

Visited: January, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Shady Gables is a beautiful tea room with fantastic food and a wonderful atmosphere! I felt like a queen and loved every second! I look forward to my next visit!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Kayla  4/08  Add your review  

Visited: April, 2008.  Meal: Retail only. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: Purchased/prepared at home.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Shady Gables is # 1 tea room in my book. I've been going there since they opened. I love the variety of tea's and the food is awesome. The staff at Shady Gables are very kind and helpful. I will be a customer forever!! What a wonderful blessing it is to have such an awesome tea room. Reba Love Ya!!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Carlisia  4/08  Add your review  

Visited: April, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: My experience at Shady gables tea room was delightful! I really enjoyed the wide selection of teas and the efficient friendly staff. The food was homemade and delicious. The house itself is picture perfect for a tea room. A beautiful old victorian with a garden to wander through complete with a bunny!!! I look forward to my next tea party!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: JoAnn  4/08  Add your review  

Visited: Before 2007.  Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I love this tea room. I have been other places, but none compares to Shady Gables. The service is awsome and everyone is very helpful. They have a long list of teas to choose from. The food is great in fact I bought a cookbook to try some of the recipies out at home. I love relaxing in the calm atmosphere and enjoying some tea.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Shara  2/08  Add your review  

Visited: February, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I have been to Shady Gables on several occasions. The tea, food, and service are excellant but it was a bit crowded last time I was there, but I am sure this is due to the fact it is a popular tearoom . They have a lovely gift shop and gardens as well.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Donna  2/08  Add your review  

Visited: November, 2005.  Reviewed: November, 2005
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Shady Gables was featured on the cover of Country Woman Magazine so when I visited Missouri from my home in Ohio, I had to try it! It was the most unique Tea Room I've ever been to. Wonderful Food, Service & Atmosphere. Even my husband was pleased. Can't wait to go back! 
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Mrs. B from Ohio  Add your review  

Visited: May, 2005.  Reviewed: October, 2005
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: It was a different experience for us. The 2 serving rooms were small & crowded, pretty noisy. Food was excellent as well as the service. Tables are Very Small & chairs uncomfortable. 
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby. 
Reviewer: Brie  Add your review