It's not the same as it used to be. I have been going to Alice's since 2014. It was my secret spot my young friend group would go to eat. It was wonderful! However, since they got their new owners, Alice's doesn't know itself anymore. I was hesitant on going since Chapter II got shut down by the health department but I went recently to the sole location now because I wanted to give my former favorite place in the city a final chance. I thought some birthday luck (my birthday was the day before my recent visit) would make things good. The menu is abysmal now. Why are you serving burritos at an English restaurant? Why are the French fries gone? Plus it was clearly changed badly with fonts that don't match each other. The restaurant had a strong bleach odor that made eating unappetizing. The food was just okay due to that harsh smell. My friend (we are both Black women) noticed we were been glared at by a group of elderly white women at a table behind us the entire time. One of them dropped their cane, I helped pick it up, and it apparently earned their ire even more. I had never had that sort of experience at any of the locations, even in Chapter II and its more "higher class" neighborhood. We didn't say anything to the staff because we didn't want to cause trouble for them (when the staff was so kind as they always are). It's at a point where I would just rather learn how to make the sandwich I like from there at home and take the scones and tea to go rather than sit down at the restaurant. And that is a real shame because the staff are so kind and this restaurant used to be so much better. I likely will never be coming back - and it breaks my heart to say that. Get new owners, change things to back to the way they once were - seriously, Alice's needs it. read more

Made my return to the city and wanted to get a nice cuppa. I don't like tea sandwiches so finding a place that does cream tea service for one was a challenge. I made a resy, and arrived to a very busy shop and there was a lot of littles running around. Kids don't bother me but I wasn't expecting so many during school hours. I do love that kids get fairy wings which is adorable. If you are looking for a quiet place, this isn't it. The seating is very tight and you can hear your neighbors conversation easily regardless of volume. The scones (pumpkin caramel and mixed berry) were huge and moist and I had an off menu chai/green tea blend which my waiter recommended. Great choice. I understand the appeal for sure but I'll probably opt for a more chill environment. read more

Alice's Tea Cup - Pumpkin and mixed berry scone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

We were a party of 6 celebrating my friend's birthday. I ran a few minutes late but my friends had already sat down and ordered the Mad Hatter special (afternoon tea consisting of sandwiches and scones and 3 sets of tea pots, $60 per person). It was easy to find my group as the space was only partially full on a Saturday afternoon. We were told we could order unlimited amounts of sandwiches and desserts but honestly, we did not enjoy most of them besides the jasmine green tea and lox sandwiches, which were delicious and the highlights of the meal. Scones and ginger cookies were lacking in flavors, and ginger snaps were very bitter. Sandwiches were bland and dry. The other reviews showed macaroons for the same set but our sets did not come with macaroons. It was difficult flagging down our server, and when we did, our requests took a while to fulfill. Furthermore, we were not notified that there was a 1.5 hour time limit for our reservation until our time was up, so we all felt rushed to leave. After receiving the bill, there was an auto-gratuity included of $78. None of this was disclosed to us prior to us being seated, and we did not feel the service received justified the gratuity. All in all, it was a disappointing experience that lacked many qualities to justify a $60 afternoon tea set. I only had 2 half-sandwiches, 2 ginger snaps, and 3 cups of tea, so unfortunately was not worth the exorbitant price. I would only consider visiting in the future for food off the regular menu. read more

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The experience here was "fine." Not great, not terrible, just...fine. Personally, I did not feel it lived up to the hype. It delivered on the tea room experience, and offered many accompaniments you would expect for such a place. However, we had gone in under the premise that this would knock our socks off. People rave about this place. Maybe we went on an off day. Upon entering, we noticed that the place felt outdated and somewhat shabby, as though it needed an update or some TLC. Our server wasn't particularly warm or inviting, but they were busy when we were there, so it happens. Had to flag them down for things we needed a handful of times. Scones, finger sandwiches, etc. were fine. I wouldn't say they blew our minds, nor were they poorly done. They were just...fine. I don't feel they warranted the pricing, and I will spend on good food without issue any time. Overall, this was by no means bad. It was just middle-of-the-road for us. read more

I haven't been at Alice's Tea Cup in several years. I was meeting two friends visiting from out of town and we decided to meet on the UWS. We wanted something light to eat and a cozy atmosphere. I know the location on the UES has closed. When I went to Alice's in the past it was on the UES. I very much preferred the West Side location. The space is clean and it has an endearing magical feel. The staff was super friendly and helpful. Tea - I had a pot of the Indian Chai tea and it just the right amount of spice and warm flavor. My friends had the white champagne rasberry tea and they both enjoyed it. The Scones - my favorite is the pumpkin scone. The flavor is spot on, it is moist and delicious. I found the planes going to be a bit dry. I love the classic English clotted cream and jam with a scone. Sandwiches - the cheese sandwiches were fresh and tasty. Perfect for tea time with friends read more

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I visited this place for weekend brunch, and we were seated promptly. Note that no reservation is needed over the weekend unless you are a party of 6 or more. We tried the Mad Hatter, which came with two pots of tea, 3 scones, 2 sandwiches, mocha cake or chocolate mouse plus various cookies. The highlights for me were the teas (both the faerie potion and the new vithanikanda we tried were amazing) and the scones, which were fluffy and moist. The sandwiches and the desserts were good, but they did not standout to me. Overall, I think this is a cute place to try, but it is pricey for what it is. There's also only 1 bathroom, so there's always a long line to use it. read more

Alice's Tea Cup - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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Tea time at Alice's Tea Cup is whimsical and charming, with some definite highlights and a few misses. The scones are PHENOMENAL. Perfect texture, great flavor, and served with clotted cream and jam. Easily the best part of the experience. The tea menu is huge and really well curated. Every tea we tried was delicious. The sandwiches were pretty good, but you can only choose one type each, which felt limiting. It would have been more fun to try a variety. Desserts were just okay. Nothing bad, but nothing that stood out either. The biggest downside was the service. Our server seemed annoyed and rushed, which took away from the relaxed, cozy vibe you'd expect during afternoon tea. Worth visiting once, especially for the scones and tea, but not quite a must-return spot for me. read more

Alice's Tea Cup - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

A must every time I visit NYC! Highly recommended the tea service, all the tea sandwiches, scones and pastries are delicious perfection! The space is like stepping in to the rabbit hole and very cool paintings and decor, it's a fun spot to meet friends, or take your kids...everyone will have a great time and enjoy their amazing space/treats/service! read more

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This cute tea house is so cozy!!! The mural, antique pictures, tea cup, and tables make the space special and inviting. I was never a big fun of scones, -until I tried theirs! Now it's honestly my favorite scones ever!! My favorite tea is the White Champagne. The taste is mild, and the fragrance is so soothing that I feel like I could drink it forever! This welcoming little spot has quickly become one of my favorite places to relax. And you absolutely must try their afternoon tea- it's amazing!! Highly recommend!!! read more

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A settled, original location (there are two, as far as I know- the other on the upper east side). A long, long list of teas; I am no tea expert, but they do focus on British teas. Their scones are good but by no means traditional if you are looking for that Irish crumble. You will be enchanted by the Alice in Wonderland theme. Plan for a lovely lunch if you are walking the city- a particularly nice break in the fall or spring. It is great in the early afternoons during the week when it is not too busy, if you want to have a heart to heart with someone :) read more

I had my bachelorette party here in early May this past year with 8 other ladies, so a party of 9. We chose Alice's because they have vegan sandwich and scone options and can accommodate larger reservations on the weekends, not for really any other reason - and most places in the city seem to not have this option. I love the theme of the restaurant but unless you make a private reservation in one of the rooms or sneak around to look, you won't get to experience all of the decor. The venue also has a bit of a younger audience (like babies and toddlers), so my ladies in their 30's felt a bit aged out. Overall, I love this place but I'm sorry to say it's really a 3.7-4 star experience. This is because for all the trouble (advance reservations, follow their rules etc) and expense ($60 minimum pp) that you need to go through in order to reserve a table for 9 people. I was left disappointed in our waiter because he did not acknowledge me or that it was my party at first, he didn't even ask - he seemed to be overwhelmed/too busy - he just started taking orders toward the opposite end of the table. I would suggest saying hello to the entire table very loudly and ask who's party it is or offer a congratulations. So it's up to you to make it as special as you want it to be and it's not like they say they do anything either. Note that even with being your own decorations, they barely let you do anything. No confetti lol. If you are considering a party here, you will want to ask for all the rules in advance. To be clear, I do not think I am asking for too much, all they needed to do was acknowledge me as the bride/party thrower, and be a little more grateful for our business toward the end of our 90 minute seating. While the food was VERY delicious and the sandwich refills were unlimited, our tab was well over $1k - it is just too expensive for what it was, in my opinion. While I still enjoyed it, they did not even offer me a second glass of champagne, after I ordered it, which was really weird. The service just needs to improve. We were at a picnic-like table off to the side on a very busy Saturday afternoon next to rowdy children. I barely got to talk to my friends bc no one could hear each other and so it didn't feel like it was my party, but hey - we did delicious high tea in the name of my marriage anyway! In hindsight, I should have reserved a private room, but it's quite costly as previously stated. Thank you Alice's Tea Cup regardless of any way you may take what I just said, I am so grateful for the experience and grateful you were a part of my bachelorette journey. I think there is a little opportunity here for this business to do a little better, simply to have their servers make patrons feel a bit more special and taken care of, most especially if we're spending our hard earned dollars with our closest friends on a special day with a reservation. read more

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A great time. We went for tea on a weekday afternoon and it was moderately crowded but quiet. We had tea and some wonderful scones. The staff was attentive. Service was reasonably prompt and we did not feel pressured to finish. It was a terrific experience. read more

I had such a lovely first visit to Alice's Tea Cup in NYC. From the moment I walked in, the space felt cozy, charming, and almost like stepping into a little storybook escape from the city's usual rush. The tea selection was impressive, with so many options that it was honestly hard to choose -- everything felt thoughtfully curated. I also really appreciated the assortment of treats and bites. The scones were especially delicious, and the whole spread felt like a perfect balance of comforting and special. The staff were welcoming and attentive, which made the experience even better for a first time. It's the kind of place that feels ideal for catching up with a friend, celebrating something small, or just giving yourself a calm, sweet moment in the middle of NYC. read more

I've been to all locations of Alice's Tea Cup over the years and they hold some nostalgia for me. I went here yesterday while in the city and I'd suggest not arriving soon after opening because then you'll have to wait. You should arrive early or a bit later because they don't take reservations. I had a pot of Alice's tea blend which is black and green tea, rose, and vanilla. It was great! I also had the smoke salmon Benedict. The flavors were yummy and the rosemary hollandaise is delicious. The scone was a little big proportionally, but good. Surprisingly, the cooked and savory pears on the side were really good! I overheard a staff member saying that the east side location was closing, which I was sad to hear, but otherwise it's a fun and tasty place to visit. read more

Alice's Tea Cup - Smoked Salmon Benedict and Alice's tea - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Menu was different online then in the restaurant. There was nothing my daughter would eat. Very overrated - run down. They give the kids fairy wings when you enter but then ask for them back at the end of the meal. One and done. read more

The food and presentation are outstanding. The wait staff is very friendly. We were the last reservation of the night so I think we annoyed the hostess as she threw the menus on the table and pointed to the seats and walked away before we were sat. Our two teas were presented immediately instead of spaced out. Other than that, we had a fantastic time. read more

Alice's Tea Cup - Tea service. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Teas are the real stars here... Everything else just ok IMO. Btw, the BLT sandwich is loaded with bacon! read more

Cute & vibrant tea house serving a fun high tea & brunchy food. Great selection of teas & absolutely delicious Scones. Space is a bit cramped & menu is overpriced. Prepare to spend atleast a couple of hours feasting over that carby bread tower & deep conversations. read more

Alice's Tea Cup - High tea - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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I still come here for the scones when I'm too lazy to make it. I'm still not happy about the cost of extra jam/ cream. And at times the scones are on the drier side. But it does the trick when you are craving scones read more

Alice's Tea Cup - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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When I first moved to New York more than a decade ago, Alice's used to be a magical, whimsical and oh-so-cozy place to enjoy tea and delicious scones with my friends. I've even brought my young ones here pre-COVID to revisit that magic. However my most recent trip established that this place has since devolved into a place that cares more about turning tables than about a patron's experience. Our group of eight made a spontaneous choice to drop by since we happened to be in the neighborhood. I was prepared for a wait since we hadn't placed a reservation, and the maitre d' said it would be about an hour - even though I could see a table for eight right behind her. She claimed that table was for another party - okay then, we decided to go to Patsy's around the corner and come back for a snack in about an hour. Twenty minutes later, right as we were about to be seated at Patsy's, she called me and said a table was open. What do you know, it was the exact same table. Miraculous. Our party included four little girls between three and ten, yet none were offered the butterfly wings or fairy dust. I gave the maître d' the benefit of doubt - maybe she's too busy - and yet two girls in the next party were immediately offered butterfly wings without asking. The scones were stale, the sandwiches were unimpressive and overpriced, and gratuity was automatically included (when we were paying, the maître d' tried to claim it wasn't included). The only saving grace was our waiter who actually encouraged us to go back to the front desk and ask for butterfly wings when he noticed the little ones. Congratulations Alice's Tea Cup, you are now the kind of uncaring tourist trap that makes me fondly remember that one time I stepped into a celebrity restaurant on Times Square. I hope to never return. read more

I was looking for a coffee spot to take a rest after a long walk and accidentally stumbled upon this charming tea house. As you take a few steps below ground level you enter a uniquely decorated, very cozy place that impresses. Tons of tea varieties hints to something different. The amount of tea varieties will make your head spin. The combinations and infusion of flavors make it difficult, but amazing, to make one's choice. Of course, you can get official tea snacks as well, although the presentation lacks a bit. Typical portions are much smaller, but maybe it's specific to what we ordered. The service was wonderful. Friendly, helpful, not rushed. Perhaps by design, but I found the tables too small for my legs, having to battle moving my feet and getting a comfort level for a longer stay. But, overall worth coming back for sure. read more

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If you're looking for whimsy and elegance, this ain't it. I usually just get the scones to go. The dining room could use a renovation. Take your little girl to Ladurée! read more

A bit friendlier with the counter service, tried a few more times back. Good scones. Chocolate one not too sweet. read more

Alice's Tea Cup - Not too sweet chocolate scone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

We met with some cousins here on Saturday to celebrate our niece's 6th birthday. They knowingly sat us at the furthest table in the back room and promptly ignored us in the best way possible, letting us enjoy our time together without feeling rushed. I did not grab the names of our servers, but they were kind and patient and a joy to behold. The tea was delicious and everyone who had a scone loved it. The decorations are perfect with great Alice-y murals on the walls and in the bathroom. To top it all off, the host station has fairy dust and will dust you (and your doll) with fairy dust to give your day some extra pizazz. read more

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Great scones. Haven't been back in a while but I'm due for a trip...hopefully soon. All the berry scones with the clotted crème are delicious read more

The cutest little tea shop in NYC. I wish I had a little kid- it would be way more fun. (But fun as a grownup too). The decor is magical. Literally feel like your Alice having tea with friends. The sandwich's and menu are simple and fun. Peanut butter and apple!! Scones, and lots of tea choices. Cold or hot. read more

Alice's Tea Cup - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Pleasant place for tea and biscuits. Nice place to host a baby shower for Bridal shower. read more

Alice's Tea Cup - Teas - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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Love the ambiance of this quaint and quirky high tea. I usually order the Mad Hater Tea for Two. But for this particular visit my husband and I took our daughter for her 9th birthday. So for a little more you can make it for three! The amount always seems not enough but once you get to the end you feel so full! And the service is wonderful. They gave the birthday girl fairy wings and sprinkled her with glitter which made the whole experience even more sweet! read more

Alice's Tea Cup - The Mad Morning for Two - but we added some extra and made it for three! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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Good was great! Fun atmosphere. Service was friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend for a good time with friends!

Fantastic. Everything we expected it to be. Service was exceptionable and the people catered to the little ones plus food was great. Tuna was amazing read more

The cutest little store front opens up to a pretty decent sized restaurant. Come before 3PM on the weekend if you want to catch brunch. Honestly food was a solid 7/10. Highlight was the freshness of the smoked salmon. Oat chocolate Scone was nice and warm. Tea selection is pretty straightforward - and there are wonderful refreshing choices as well. The service was overall friendly and helpful. read more

Alice's Tea Cup - So cute - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Such a beautiful and nostalgic place. Great service and even better mimosas. Can't go wrong with a scone. I love this place and hope it sticks around for a long time! read more

Finally got to try this spot out. I love a themed restaurant, and high tea is something I like enjoying here and there. The place was pretty busy for a Tuesday afternoon. We just finished strolling Central Park and came here to enjoy the mad hatter option. It comes with a lot of food. I especially loved their vegan lemon scone (I am not vegan, I picked it only for the flavor). Their sandwiches were filling and good too!! We had to take the cake and cookies home because we were stuffed but enjoyed those later too. Service was slow but I didn't mind it because I wanted to enjoy my food and tea slowly anyways. I chose the flotus which is their signature blend option, it was perfect! read more

Alice's Tea Cup - Mad hatter - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Stepping into Alice's Tea Cup feels magical. Cozy vibes, endless tea options, and the best fluffy scones. Such a cute place to relax or catch up with friends. read more

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Service was excellent, extremely friendly, tea for two was really enjoyable and tasty- had a variety of ways to customize (selections for tea, sandwiches, scone, and cake). read more

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We needed some scones, clotted cream, and jam to round out our English-themed Thanksgiving. Alice's Tea Cup was the perfect choice. We ordered two plain scones, which tasted like heaven with the clotted cream and raspberry jam. My favorite might be their mixed berry scone, but it's hard to beat the plain/cream/raspberry combo! We also enjoyed the chocolate chip and cream cheese scone, which went particularly well with coffee. All in all; Alice offers the best scones in town! read more

Super friendly, great place to have in the neighborhood. Enjoy going there frequently.

I always have a good time here, but I'm usually with friends and not kids, so can't speak to that experience. I enjoy the range of teas, sandwiches, and scones. It's one of the more affordable afternoon teas in Manhattan, though it's not cheap. I went recently on a weekday afternoon and it was quiet. Staff were kind and food was served quickly. read more

Amazing tea selection, great desserts and scones. I wish their breakfast menu was a little more diverse but never heard any complaints when I've brought friends here. read more

Came here for the first time for Mothers day with my daughters. The staff made it very special by presenting me with a rose and a special note. My kids loved the scones, sandwiches and the cupcakes were amazing! Much better than one finds at Magnolia and the like! This place is really cute and offers a fun experience for kids and adults alike. read more

Alice's Tea Cup - Mothers Day Note - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York