This is a very cute place. Not as wide a variety of tea as I was expecting but they have the basics and the food is delicious. They have a separate gluten free menu. The staff is sweet and accommodating. I did note in my check in that it has an accessible doorway but they do not, from what I saw. There are three stairs. I would definitely return if I am back in the area. read more

Apple Cake Tea Room - Apple cake tea room. Super cute. - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Wonderful server. Food was fine. Fruit was fresh! This was a three person visit. A grandmother with her two granddaughters. My grandmother paid in cash. Bigger bill than what would have been ideal, but it was all she had. What seemed to be the manager kept going on and on about how we were wiping her register clean. Turned to who I think was the owner and started a sidebar conversation about needing to go to the bank. Never a "thank you" uttered for our business. I tried to say thank you three times as we left, and the owner (blonde hair) did speak to her credit. The manager would not. To be that passive about change was rude...and in front of an elderly woman. If she had smaller bills she would have used them. And if you all didn't want to accept the cash, then you should have used your words and asked for a card. Made it feel like it was our problem when it wasn't. I grew up coming here, especially with my grandmother. What amazing memories I had until now. We won't be returning. read more

Went for a small family baby shower. The food was good but $$$ for what you get. For example 2 people who got their "friendship tea" ( one thing they are known for and it has orange, clove and other spices in it - this is their version of sweet tea) and 2 pick 2s was ( half orders of soups, salads and/or sandwiches ) and the bill was around $40. Good food but not worth the price. Service was good and waitress was attentive. We had 2 small kids with us and they even seamed to enjoy the food as well. Small portions for the price. Is inside a log cabin and is small/tight for larger groups ( we had 10 adults and 2 kids on 3. Tables and it was tight). We won't be back. I would pass it up and go on into Turkey Creek and go to another restaurant before going here again. read more

Friendlier/kinder,more understanding management. My mother and two daughters had a recent terrible experience there where they were not treated with kindness and understanding upon paying their bill. They also said their food was underwhelming but that their server was just fine. read more

I saw this place on tiktok and had it bookmarked for awhile. I bought the tea room medley and the apple cake. I was disappointed with the apple cake. It didn't even taste like apple and no apple chunks. It tasted more of a nut spice cake, and waste worth $7 for the slice. But the tea room trio.... OMG yummy. I don't normally eat chicken salad but it was bomb...... I want more of that for sure! I don't like celery but it had it in it and it was fine. The banana bread w cream cheese in the middle was nice and moist, very very good1 read more

Apple Cake Tea Room - Apple cake, not worth seven dollars and didn't even taste like Apple, it taste like nut spice cake - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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The atmosphere is quaint and feels like a cozy bed and breakfast. Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the charm. Our soup arrived cold, and the ham and cheese tasted store-bought. The menu is quite limited, with no real options for vegetarians or pescatarians. However, if you're looking for a quiet spot for Bible study and coffee, this could be the perfect place. When they close at 2:00, they mean it: the servers beat us to the parking lot! read more

Such a treat! Warm, cozy atmosphere, friendly service and wonderful food! I had the Tea Room Medley on their Specials menu. Delicious coffee, too!! So good! read more

Apple Cake Tea Room - Interior - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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If you are missing your granny, Apple Cake Tea Room would be a great place to go and enjoy a yummy lunch while you mull over sweet memories. You're likely to find many patrons of your granny's age there, and it's such a friendly atmosphere that they might even let you join their table if you're feeling especially lonely. The apple kitsch and cutesy decorations are not for everybody (much like the glazed fruit--you either love it or hate it), but the chicken salad, friendship tea, and banana bread sandwiches are worth a visit, and the service is always welcoming and quick. Bran muffins aren't usually a big draw for me, but the mini muffins and sweet cream butter here are a highlight. We always purchase an extra half dozen to go for the next morning's breakfast. The medley is a safe place to start if you aren't sure what's good, but really all the options are pretty much guaranteed to be good. Like everywhere else, prices here have risen sharply, so a lunch for two will cost $45-50 with tip for 2 people. If you come during lunch time, expect to wait, and the waiting area can quickly become crowded. They bus and clean tables quickly, though, so waits are never terribly long. read more

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Second time here and even though the atmosphere is quaint and it has a feel women love.. their window in from 11:00 -2:00 and no reservations under 5 people! Honestly I think and from what I see it's more ladies like 2! It's where you go with a girlfriend for lunch... and shopping! 25 minute wait... little room to sit and wait, the Knoxville growth has taken the charm away as far as a quaint lunch with little time for conversation if your not the first group seated...we arrived 12:30... seated 1:15 or so, getting to know each other and sharing photos and such over lunch and it was clean up time! Ok maybe we need to go else where if we want to dine and chat for awhile. I had BLT ... plain wheat thin bread a slice of orange, pickle and chips .. she had chicken salad on a croissant a tomatoes slice and lettuce leaf and chips ... coffee... no speciality flavors or cream... ice tea the same basic!!! ITS A TEA HOUSE! And too cute not to add some extra strokes to the coffee and tea selection. Menu says a special I believe muffin of some sort with your lunch... didn't see it. Basically $ 15.00 apiece! I'm sorry but I paid for the name and cute decor... not the food. Service was good once you got in but again, the place drips of charm but.....the package isn't there. read more

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Lunch with a girlfriend here at the Tea Room, a venue that instead looked like the inside of a comfortable log cabin with beamed ceilings, quilts on the wall, dim lighting and wooden tables filled with chatty patrons. I ordered a club sandwich served on a croissant with a side of mayo and ridged potato chips (just short of $12). Delicious - and the slice of tomato - red and juicy in a season when ripe tomatoes are a delicacy! A side of potato or macaroni salad would have been more elegant as potato chips, meh, not so classy for the near $12 price tag. Potato salad, an extra charge. My friend ordered the day's special, a bacon quiche, that came with a small dish of fruit compote and a wee slice of cantaloupe. Her entree, Yum, she said, It cost $12+. Our server: She checked back with us a few times. The best part, she left us alone after she brought the tabs, inquired about our needs again and left us to chat until the tea room almost closed. Kudos. My friend and I lost ourselves in conversation. The manager did ask my friend to get out of her seat in the middle of our lunch to accommodate a patron in a wheelchair who entered from a side door with a ramp. No problem, yet shouldn't there have been a standard pathway so not to disrupt a table enjoying a meal? Overall, a quaint lunch room with a tasty variety of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, a few child's options, a couple of desserts, several varieties of teas, soft drinks and coffee, and specials. I ate there almost a decade ago and then wondered why I hadn't returned. While not a place I'd suggest for my spouse and me, my friend and I will return. read more

This is the cutest little place. Everyone is friendly, the service is great. It's absolutely adorable. The tea is phenomenal, and I say that as someone who generally does not like my tea even remotely sweet. If the food were better, the cost would be fantastic, too. Unfortunately, it is not. The food was bland at best. The chicken salad lacked flavor, the chili tastes like the canned Hormel chili (I'm absolutely convinced that's what it is). The cheese toast is sliced cheese melted (I think via microwave) on the bread. The banana bread is a little too sweet but was moist. I will say poppyseed dressing, the bran muffins, and the tea are delightful. The salad was really good, though I didn't try the layered. All in all, come for the ambiance, have the tea and muffins, and enjoy a chat with a friend, but eat your meal elsewhere. read more

Cozy and homey, clean and friendly with adequate service but certainly NOT a tea room. I would classify this place as a home-like restaurant with a limited menu. I took my friend here for a special lunch. She ordered the Tea Room Medley and I got the Pineapple Boat. The food was fairly fresh but the potato chips were greasy (they looked and tasted like original Lay's potato chips). And the Friendship Tea we shared tasted like Constant Comment with sweetener (honey?). All in all, I would not recommend this restaurant if you're looking for a tea room experience. read more

Great food, friendship tea, and chicken salad wonderful lunch spot. A must in Farragut

Food was ok, something you could make at home. i'd expect finger sandwiches and cute small foods like that, but that is not the case. big sandwiches with POTATO CHIPS. not fries potato chips probably out of a store bought bag. I had a croissant club sandwich, it was good but something i could very easily make at home. Tea was overly sweetened, almost thick from the sugar. waitress was kind and very friendly but that women who checked us out was very short. I understand that you can be stressed but you are running/ working at a business. Nicely decorated, on theme of tea. kind of small. had lots of people waiting to be seated. read more

Every thing is wonderful! Been going here for years!service is great! Try the chicken salad!

Cutest restaurant in the area! The service is outstanding, the food is DELICIOUS, and the atmosphere has allllll the southern charm! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! And try their spice tea! Mmm mmm read more

Apple Cake Tea Room - a hand holding a piece of cake - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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I tell you what. This place is a charmer. I was treated to one of their delicious specialties. It was truly delicious and special. Spiced sweet tea, it was. Glazed fruit, it is. Chicken salad with a side of banana bread. That was heavenly. Bravo Beef Gravy with a stuffed potato is what it claims to be. I was going to get the apple cake but now I'm stuffed. Just go and do it. This place makes me feel like a lady. UPDATE!!!!! I changed this from a 4 star to a 5 star because I had a beautiful dream about Apple Cake Tea Room last night. If a place makes you dream about it, they deserve 5 stars! read more

Apple Cake Tea Room - Bravo! Beef Gravy! It certainly is. Bravo ! - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Wasn't impressed. The food was average, the service was as well. I'm not sure how they rank a 90% rating--I'd give it a 75. read more

Apple Cake Tea Room - Complimentary bran muffins with honey butter while you wait for meal. - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

When you want to go out to eat but avoid the noise and other commotion that is usually synonymous with restaurants in Turkey Creek, this is your oasis. The menu selections are light, but very tasty. I am a fan of the Quiche of the Day. The broccoli quiche has a lot of broccoli and is easily my favorite. Just be aware, to those with large appetites, that they only give you a slice. You also get a glazed fruit cup on the side which is super sweet, but if you consider it as your dessert, then it's a little more tolerable. If you are in the mood for fruit that is a little more authentic, you need to try the Fruit Salad. It's literally a large plate overflowing with various fruit including a whole pineapple! Many other menu items look interesting, but again, I would not recommend coming if you are starving. But if you want a delicious light lunch, this is your place. read more

Apple Cake Tea Room - Fruit Salad - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Always a pleasure to stop and enjoy the atmosphere and cuisine. We have been stopping for over 10 years. Great place for a good lunch, some country charm, and hometown hospitality. read more

If I could give it no stars, I would. It was a horrible experience from start to finish. The short, blond woman (later I was told she was the manager/owner?) was cold, rude, and down-nasty. We were a medium-sized group, that arrived mid-week for a late lunch. I ordered the French Onion soup. It arrived with no cheese or bread (croutons) in it. It was nothing more than brown swill. The woman to my left (who travels the world & eats out far more than I) also ordered the soup. She, too, was aghast at the presentation of the soup. When asked about it, we were told, that is how French Onion soup is served. At just over $5 a cup for basically brown water, what a joke. As we checked out, since we were a group of more than 8, 20% tip was added. I always leave that anyway, but normally restaurants give you the change so you can leave it yourself. When I asked about this, that "manager/owner" said she'd leave the tip, I shouldn't worry about it. I said I wasn't I just didn't know how they handled it as I was going to leave what was left, which was some change. She, loudly enough for other customers to hear, said "Wow!" with sarcasm and a sneer. Even if she actually was not the manager, she acted like an uptight, rude, jerk. Whoever put the one $ for price is out of their mind, one. This place is far over-priced for what you get taste-wise, serving-wise, and treatment. If you like to be mistreated and get nasty, small portions, then here is your place. Otherwise, RUN!!! read more

If you are looking for a traditional tea room experience, this is NOT it. In fact, there is nothing about this tea room that even slightly resembles a traditional tea room. If you are looking for good sandwiches in a "tea trinkets" themed room then this is your spot. We ordered tea which was tepid at best (we both ordered English breakfast tea and each received a different brand tea bag). No China tea cups or pots. Only skim milk or cream for the tea. Decent food, disappointing experience. We won't be back. Maybe take Tea Room out of the name!!!! read more

So old and stuffy. The moment you walk in, the place totally smells like a old antique store - mold and mildewy. Some old folks may like that vibe, but totally lost our appetite. Can't comment on the food. read more

The food is decent but the tea is very good. Only a few tea options though. The atmosphere makes it worth going to!

Was in town for work and stopped by here because it looked cute from the outside (log cabin style building). I wasn't sure if they served other food besides dessert (and tea), but I decided to check it out. They do have a full menu (items like salads, sandwiches, and soups). The portions are large and they give you a little bit of bread before hand. Free refills on my lemonade. I think what makes me like this place so much is the decor. My meal was good, but just normal (maybe I needed to try some dessert and the tea!). But the interior was so cute. It kind of reminded me of my grandma since there were little quilts placed everywhere (and she likes to quilt). It felt cozy and friendly. The staff is also very nice. I would recommend! read more

Best. Banana Bread. Ever. This place is country, cozy, cute. I feel like it's overlooked a lot too. If you're a local, Apple Cake Tea Room deserves your business as least once. As a child I remember passing through Knoxville on our way from Jersey to Nashville, and we must have stopped here 4 or 5 times over the years. When I moved to Knoxville in 2009, I couldn't wait to go back! The chicken salad wasn't as delicious as I remembered, but the banana bread (which you can buy an entire loaf of and take home...and you should) is absolutely sensational! It's moist, dense, and really flavorful. Last I checked it was $8.00/loaf. read more

This restaurant looks like a little doll house. It is the PERFECT place to have a girl's lunch. My mom and I love this place. The spiced friendship tea is amazing, a touch sweet but it's a must have. The chicken salad is one of my absolute favorites, especially since it's the reason I eat it at all. Get the sampler plate with chicken salad, chips, banana bread with sweetened cream cheese, and glazed fruit. It's fun! If you leave with a sugar high you have done it correctly! They close in the early afternoon so plan ahead! read more

this is my favorite place in the world! me and my mom have been going since i was probably about 7 or 8, i'm 18 now. the food is so so good. the service is incredible. the little decor is so adorable and overall i just love all the memories i have tied to this place. we are so busy nowadays with jobs and college, but we still try to come once a month! it's seriously the best! read more

Treated myself to a midday lunch break here to get out of the office and try something different. What a relaxing reprieve! I was sat by the fireplace, which was cozy and delightful. The service staff was attentive, and the tea and food arrived quickly. It was fresh and delicious. Such a lovely break in my busy day. read more

I love it here. This place is special to my family, because my grandmother worked here 20 years ago. The owner brings out photos of my grandmother when we visit, which is much appreciated, because she has passed away. They are always so sweet to us. The atmosphere is great here + so is the food. I crave the chicken salad from time to time, and the little muffins they bring you are delicious. Get the friendship tea, it is very tasty iced or hot. read more

This is one of my favorite places to get lunch when I'm in West Knoxville! The chicken salad is one of the best I've ever had and the friendship tea is perfect hot or cold! read more

I took my mom out for a special day here as she is obsessed with tea. The inside was so cute and cozy! It gets busy really quick and despite it being busy our service was amazing! We loved how our tea came with a little teapot. They always asked if we needed more hot water as well so I never had an empty teapot. Our food came within 5 minutes hot and oh so good! I highly recommend Apple cake tea! 5/5 from both my mom and I! read more

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We had been in chain restaurants on most of this trip and were hoping for something better -- The name and the outside were inviting. This was either a great place or a disaster. WOW! Inside we were welcomed and seated in the warm, cozy dining area. I have some eating problem, but finally ordered the ham & cheese on a croissant and a cup of potato soup. The soup was served quickly and I wished I had ordered a bowl and skipped the sandwich. Had been offered cheese in the soup or on the side. Service by Meg was wonderful right up to our departure. We got acquainted with her and with the table of 5 regulars next to us. All 3 of us had a grand lunch and have decided we would put this on our route planning as we travel this road often. Met and spoke with the owner/manager and found her a delight, as well. Raved about the soup and she had the cook come out so I could express my delight directly. (Nice move.) She said she didn't use a recipe, just made each batch scratch. I will be trying to match her results! read more

We were so excited to finally try this place today. Took a few of my daughters friends for her birthday. Loved the atmosphere and they thoroughly enjoyed the tea pot and tea cups. Food was okay. Unfortunately, the waitress followed us out to our car and snapped at us saying we didn't leave a big enough tip for her. Which we for sure tipped her plenty at the suggested rates. When we went back inside to talk to the owner, the owner was in agreement with the waitress. I guess there they expect you to tip 40%. We were so sad this ended what we thought was a fun experience. Very humiliating. We will not be back. read more

This place feels like home away from home. Their special is the chicken salad, but their banana nut bread is to die for. As a local this is a hidden gem for a lunch snack or meal. read more

Just had lunch here, for the first time, today. My 9 year old daughter and I joined my two friends and their daughters. The food is just ok. I would not have returned based on that, considering the many amazing knoxville restaurants to choose from. I ordered 1/2 chicken salad sandwich & French onion soup. Chicken salad was ok, bland, but not horrible. The French onion soup broth tasted ok and had several chunks of diced onion, however it was topped with salad croutons and shredded cheese. If that is what you're expecting to receive at a restaurant, when you order French onion soup, you'll like it just fine. I personally expect more. It's a version of soup my you g child could easily throw together at home. The atmosphere is cute. It's clean. Old, historic building. Ambience was cozy. I was the last of my party to pay my bill at the entrance. The owner rang me up. After my friend paid, prior to me, the owner made audible annoyed sounds. Never addressed me. Never asked if we were satisfied. Nothing. I had to ask what to do as she communicated nothing. As I received the receipt, she pointed out the tip card on the counter. I responded by telling her I was including my tip according to the suggested tip chart on my receipt. Paid my Bill with 20% tip. While my daughter and I were leaving, the server asked her "how much money did I get?" In front of me! The owner told her "only $5." The conversation proceeded with the owner implying the server only received $5 from the whole table! I alone paid $5 tip. The server then followed me out to my car, where my friend waited for me, then proceeded to tell us two times, (with a raised voice) that $5 is not enough for the work she did. My friend and I went back in to speak with the manager/owner. She pulled our receipts, pointed out that I "only" paid 18%, when it clearly was printed I paid 20%. She used the same verbiage breaking down my friends receipts, while we saw with our eyeballs, clear as day the truth on the receipts. It was very bizarre. She kept telling us we didn't pay enough tip. Our tips, together, averaged around 17%. We were solely worried that the server truly was led to think by the owner, that she only made $5 tips and that's pitiful. We made it clear to the owner to make sure she got all our tips. I hope she did. Unprofessional and so rude. I for sure don't recommend. read more

This is a great place to grab a quick lunch. Love the atmosphere and the food. The broccoli quiche was pretty good however the banana bread with cream cheese is amazing. Looking forward to going back in the near future. Yum Yum! read more

Apple Cake Tea Room - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

If your not an elderly southern white church lady that loves chicken salad then this is probably not your type of restaurant. I'm not sure I've ever had bad navy bean soup with traces of ham until I ate here. My ham sandwich was also a joke. Actually most of the food they served us was ridiculous. I'm guessing the cook was about 10 years old. The only thing that would have made the meal more authentic was if it was served in a Cinderella or toy Story lunch box. Knoxville has alot of places to eat, unfortunately most of them are not very good. I'm giving this place 2 stars instead of 1 because the actual restaurant did have some charm and the service was good. read more

They had run out of my top two choices, quiche and gumbo, just as I arrived. They proved stingy on the initial (delicious) bread offering. The eventual beef and gravy, and spiced tea proved excellent, however. Patrons tended towards the older population, so don't be in a rush. Recommended as a quaint and unique experience. read more

Quaint little place. Perfect for lunch with girlfriends or your mom. Friendship Tea is yummy! The small muffins served with drinks will leave you asking for more. The sandwiches are generous, but the potato chips are nothing special. We tried the glazed fruit, actually ate it for dessert...very sweet. Overall a delightful and unique spot that you should definitely try. read more