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    Hidden Oak Cafe

    4.3 (66 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Hidden Oak Cafe Photos

    HIDDEN OAK CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Hidden Oak Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Heily P.

    First time visiting this place and overall it was good but not great. The finger sandwiches were good, I enjoyed the Brie and fig, and turkey croissant. The scone was ok as were the pastries. I feel the pastries didn't look appealing. Almond bread was ok as was pumpkin roll. Tea was yummy and service was good. Probably wouldn't return.

    Grace P.

    Visited the Bayard Cutting Arboretum for the first time to tour the grounds and manor, never expecting to find this hidden gem. Expecting to find a small coffee shop (due to the cafe in the name) we were pleasantly surprised to find a full restaurant. The service was very good, professional and friendly. The food was absolutely fresh, delicious and good size servings. The Lobster Bisque has to be one of best I've ever had. My sandwich was the Smoked Salmon served on pumpernickel bread. Everyone else enjoyed their choices as well. Ordered was the BLT, Roast Beef and Brie and the special of the day Roast Beef and Cheddar Cheese served on a baguette. Highly Recommend

    Salad menu
    Gajtana S.

    I'm a huge fan of this brunch-focused cafe at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. In season, there is an $8 per car parking entry fee. Entry is free with the Empire State Parks pass. The prices are excellent and the savory food that my group of college friends and I had was excellent. Hidden Oak uses fresh ingredients and does not skimp on their portions. With indoor and outdoor seating in a historic mansion, you'll feel transported back in time. The service was friendly and efficient. Let them know in advance if you'd like to enjoy afternoon tea ($50 including tax) for tea, finger sandwiches, scones, crumpets and other tea party goodies. Overall the restaurant (and arboretum) are quaint and lovely. I'll be back for tea.

    Theresa L.

    They have a Victorian Tea at the Cafe. We made a reservation for a Saturday afternoon a day before. The Victorian Tea was $42.95 a person plus tax and automatic 20% tip so for 2 people, the bill was $110.49. Each person gets a tea pot. The scone and pistachio cake were good. The decor in the tea room was nice though. We came in a relatively hot day and they had fans out since there was no AC.

    a variety of pastries on a plate
    Lily C.

    First time here and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. I arranged for a large group (20) and everyone had a really great time. The room was lovely and the tea choices were plentiful. My only comment and why I did not give Hidden Oak five stars was the service. Our server was not especially friendly or helpful. For the amount of money, you were paying for the ambiance and food. When you first get your tower of food, it doesn't look like much but it's plenty. The scones were delicious and huge. They were not dry at all, which is always my concern with scones. I wish they were more generous with the clotted cream. Otherwise, an awesome experience and meal.

    Distant view of the outdoor seating section of the café
    Aba H.

    Not a 5* restaurant, but it is a 5* café. Their homemade pistachio cake is fresh, moist and delicious- it's a "hidden" treasure. I was told all their dessert pastries are made there, except the scones which come from Brooklyn. My very thick tuna sandwich (with lettuce and tomato) was very good, not too much mayo, but our waitress immediately offered to bring more. In previous visits, I've enjoyed their salads. We've eaten inside and outside, depending on the weather. They don't take reservations for the café, only for the tea room, and we both waited on line about five minutes this time, 15 minutes last time (when we were four). Their decaf coffee is at, or below, diner quality. Of course, the atmosphere is one of the best you can find on Long Island because you have an expansive view of the ever improving Bayard Cutting Arboretum with the Connetquot River in the distance. A long walk before or after lunch at this café is a nice combo for a beautiful day (assuming a mostly sunny day between May and October).

    Great lawn view from back of the restaurant.
    Fred S.

    Good service by friendly staff. The real gem is a seat on the back porch which has a beautiful view of the great lawn and the water. I ordered the wedding soup and a quiche which was very good.

    Quiche
    Chah L.

    Likes - beautiful view, great english country decoration - selection desserts - nice service Dislike - quiche was ok

    View of the café.
    Vanessa S.

    This is a tough one to rate, simply because the food is average and overpriced at best, but the atmosphere and the outdoor view is beautiful. So if you don't mind mediocre food in exchange for a gorgeous outside view on a beautiful day, I would highly recommend visiting. Especially if you enjoy well-kept, eye-catching walking trails after your meal. Parking is $8, but free for seniors with a driver's license or NYS ID, I believe.

    Irene E.

    Will return. This lovely cafe is on the ground floor of Westbrook, which was designed for William Bayard Cutting (1850-1912) in 1886, now Bayard Cutting Arboretum, a state park. The guided tour of the house, $20 pp. I'm reading Cooper's The Vanderbilt (2021) at the moment, so decided to go on a sunny Tuesday. Rm w/a Vu ... (Rooms with a view): there are two small dining halls and outdoor seating, looking out to a beautiful lawn and Connetquot River. We choose the inner room which was the library. They give homey good service, fresh food, large portion... and perhaps forget to jack up the price. We've: - smoked salmon sandwich - spring salad - Moroccan madness tea - pistachio cake They provide strainer but utensils are crappy and thin; different tea saucers (ya I always notice such patty details). Some tables have cloth while others are bare glass top, oh well. Many tables are having 'Afternoon Tea' which you need to reserve 24 hours ahead. Ladies on either side of us have tea, all left with big doggie bags ...  It can be pretty noisy when full.

    Individual tea pot
    Christina S.

    This review is for the Victorian tea. Such a wonderful experience! The inside is a beautiful and elegant tea room, or you can eat outside on the huge wraparound porch overlooking the beautiful grounds of the arboretum. For a set price (which includes the tip), you receive unlimited individual loose leaf teapots from a menu of your choice, and can interchange the flavors when you are ready for a new pot. It's great to be able to try all of the different teas. The food comes on a tier, start from the top and work your way down. We did not finish this at all, and were able to take it home. All fresh and delicious. It's a lovely time and something so nice to do with a friend, mom, daughter, or small group. *Make a reservation at least 24hrs in advance. Tell them about any dietary restrictions and they will 100% accommodate you! They did for me (vegetarian) and my mom who didn't like certain ingredients.

    Christine H.

    We had a lovely time at this cafe yesterday. Our server was friendly and accommodating to us and our child, who is under the age of one. We reserved for the Victorian tea and the experience is truly enjoyable and delightful. Victorian tea is served with tasty sandwiches, pastries and desserts. The tea selection is interesting and they also have decaf. The menu is short, sweet and not complicated Everything is clean and beautifully decorated. The prices are decent. Reservations are needed for the Victorian tea at least 24 hours before. A few suggestions: Tea should be hotter There should more samples of sandwiches on the menu included on the stand to accompany the tea. Scones should be warmed up because they were a bit stiff, but still tasty. We will definitely be coming back for more.

    Table set up
    Mary B.

    Enjoyed amazing tea and sandwiches here! Must make a reservation to have tea here. The 3 layered presentation of food included top layer with huge scone, second layer with 3 different sandwiches, and bottom layer with 4 different very sweet desserts... so much food that you do get to take what you could not eat home! They had so many different teas... maybe 25... and as I tried a couple of them I had 2 cups per tea pot. Excellent service! Beautiful historic place to walk around as it is part of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum.

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Hidden Oak Cafe

    To get the High Tea experience, do you need a reservation? Or can walk ins get the China tea glasses?

    You must have a reservation for the High Tea experience. 24 hours in advance.

    Does the Hidden Oak Cafe offer decaffeinated tea and/or gluten free options?

    They do have a variety of decaf teas. Not sure about the gluten free options.

    View All 3 Questions

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    The Portly Villager - The Portly

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    Sal is THE MAN, first of all, all I ask is we lose the sweater vest, coming here and seeing the…read morebartender is a sweater vest and button makes him seem older than I would guess he is... let the bartender dress himself he shows his skill level in personality and performance and he's a good one! Regardless, love this place and happy I get to frequent! Def recommend for the good dive bar feel and vide variety of beer, take a look at their sponsors on the ceiling (sick) and let me tell you, the tequila mule he mixes up for me is phenomenal every time!!!

    Had time to kill before our 2 pm appointment at the shabby tabby cat cafe that's just down the…read morestreet, so we came in and checked out the portly villager. It's definitely a "locals bar." That said, we were greeted by the bartender as soon as we entered, and served promptly. They do give free popcorn too which is a nice touch these days. Prices are average for LI, maybe even slightly lower than average. Narragansett pint and a local citrus hoppy one came to...I think $15-16. It has that classic, dark feel inside. Can only imagine how it was back in the smoking days. Good selection of beer and liquor. As for wine, I saw Corbett Canyon swill being poured. At least it was from a magnum bottle and not a box. Probably the same product. So "avoid wine and you'll do just fine" if you're in the area and want a drink here. Can't comment on the food. It's cool to see how booze can help bring people together (and not just destroy). For example, an older gentleman came in and the bartender (believe his name was Jay) remembered his usual order of Heineken light and a whisky shot and had it ready quick while enjoying a shot with the patron. Perhaps we've found the fountain of youth after all.

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    The Portly Villager - Menu as of 5/2023

    Menu as of 5/2023

    The Portly Villager - Caprese

    Caprese

    The Portly Villager - Menu as of 5/2023

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    Menu as of 5/2023

    Hidden Oak Cafe - desserts - Updated June 2026

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