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Lady Mendls Reviews List
Lady Mendls
Since opening, Lady Mendl's Tea Salon has been consistently rated the best and most romantic Tea Salon in New York City. Guests enjoy a scrumptious five-course tea, consisting of a variety of classic finger sandwiches, fresh baked scones with clotted cream and jams, and a large selection of fine teas.
The Victorian style architecture and furnishings recreate a time of sublime elegance. Guests can easily envision Edith Wharton or Elsie De Wolfe entertaining friends at the turn of the century. Lady Mendl's Tea Salon is often used for Bridal Teas, small weddings, or as an intimate dining room. Reservations are required and seatings are approximately 90 minutes.
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The Victorian style architecture and furnishings recreate a time of sublime elegance. Guests can easily envision Edith Wharton or Elsie De Wolfe entertaining friends at the turn of the century. Lady Mendl's Tea Salon is often used for Bridal Teas, small weddings, or as an intimate dining room. Reservations are required and seatings are approximately 90 minutes.
73 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 73 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(26)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(9)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(47)
- romantic(27)
- neighborhood gem(21)
- good for groups(12)
- great for brunch(11)
- great for lunch(10)
Lady Mendls Reviews List
Review 1 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely!
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/17/2013
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Booked a 17.00 seating with my sister and my mom, and it ended up being one of the best things we did on our NYC trip. Absolutely stunning interiors (they've kept the old-world elegance of the building and its interior). The high-tea was served in 5 delicious courses (don't come hungry because most of the courses are rather sweet, but don't eat too much before because you get a lot of food). The loose tea selection was great (I had the darjeeling tea), and you can order mimosas/sparkling wine/champagne etc if you want. We ordered the mimosas which were very good... overall the experience was perfect and I'll be booking again when I return to NYC."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great high tea!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Victorian house, now hotel, in which this place I et is like stepping back in time. It is simply beautiful. Te service was excellent. Choice of tea and the assistance the staff give makes the experience so enjoyable whether it is your first tea or y are a high tea veteran. Will definitely go there again for pre theater tea."
Dined on 5/19/2013
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Review 3 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointment in a former treasure
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have been here several times and always thought the service and food was great and the ambiance spectacular. This time I was so sorry that I chose this place for a high tea. I felt rushed the whole time. The food was disappointing to say the least parts even tasted stale. For $40 per person it was a waste and they add the tip onto the bill. Only one of the servers was good and in fact I believe the nice one was the bus boy. So the fact I had to give 20% really irritated me. I understand they are under time constraints but for that money I won't be going back anytime soon. I used to love it there. And the boss lady was too busy to hear me voice my issue. Sorry Lady Mendel your a disappointing treasure."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 4 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A new favorite.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My daughter and I have this "thing" and it is to visit teahouses. Having read some of the reviews, I was a little concerned about the experience. Lady Mendls ended up being our favorite teahouse in NYC so far. We love the place, the food was good - the tea could be hotter -- but the place even smells good. It was a very good experience."
Dined on 5/17/2013
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Review 5 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A lovely setting but the food is disappointing. The first course , a small tart, and the scones were quite nice; but the sandwiches were tasteless and skimpy. I would have preferred more savories and fewer sweets. The pastry in the cream cake had a very unpleasant consistency. I would have liked to have been offered more tea when my pot was empty. Though the service was pleasant it was rather impersonal."
Dined on 5/17/2013
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Review 6 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent afternoon.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My daughter and I had have this "tea" thing where we try teahouses. Among the five we've tried in New York, this is our favorite. I was a little concerned, having read some of the reviews but we had a great experience and will definitely come back."
Dined on 5/17/2013
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Review 7 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Afternoon Tea
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Careful attention to all the details make Lady Mendl's afternoon tea a memorable occasion. The Victorian home setting, the vase of fresh flowers, the homey English teapots, the professional service, but most of all the attractive and delicious array of dainty sandwiches and tasty sweets made it a perfect setting to get together for a leisurely afternoon with friends."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 8 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
not enough to eat
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"the tea was excellent, but not enough food was served. Unlike all other afternoon teas I have experienced lady Mendel's does"t use the three tiers server, so the sandwhiches are served by the waiter on a tray and he only comes around twice and asks which ones we would like. I was embarressed to say all, so end up having just a couple, So for the 40,00 apiece 4 people ended up costing 200,00 and I was left hungry. The china used was ordinary. In other words it was not the English tea experience I was expecting. Although the cake was excellent."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 9 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The tea I had was excellent and a highlight of the meal- Berry Green. The rooms are lovely and relaxing. The tea sandwiches were fine but nothing special and for the cost of the tea they really should be memorable and stand out from other High Tea's sandwiches. If you are looking for a good tea and a lovely salon you should give it a try and have the experience. I would be happy to go back for just a pot of tea but will likely look to another place in NYC for the full High Tea experience."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 10 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The atmosphere is lovely. It's like you stepped into an Edith Wharton novel. However, for those looking for an a-typical three tier tea stand experience, this is not the case. They will hand deliver all the treats via plates and tongs - not exactly as elegant a presentation. The food is good, but nothing that stood out. Tea service is timed, and they will come over to your table to tell you that you need to leave so they can set up for the next round - not exactly a pleasant way to complete a tea experience. However, the setting may be worth it in the end."
Dined on 4/28/2013
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Review 11 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A lovely spot for intimate
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A lovely spot for intimate occasions or just a simple afternoon with friends. I want to live in that townhouse!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service seemed rushed but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service seemed rushed but the staff was all very polite about it. Food was not spectacular."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Don't waste your money
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"Hello --
We went to Lady Mendl's last Friday afternoon, April 19, to celebrate a colleague who is returning to our company's headquarters in London. Two of our guests, including the guest of honor,are Scottish and know their tea. That was part of the point of the outing. The tea was lukewarm and tasteless.I could have made the sandwiches.We were served a little first course (a tiny savory pastery)after being there about 25 minutes. We had water with the pastry. Tea took forever.We know the difference between slow service and well paced. The jam that came with the scones was nice. Nothing else was special or even well done. It was totally disappointing. For the money ($40 prix fixe) it was outrageous. The pretty building -- not enough."
We went to Lady Mendl's last Friday afternoon, April 19, to celebrate a colleague who is returning to our company's headquarters in London. Two of our guests, including the guest of honor,are Scottish and know their tea. That was part of the point of the outing. The tea was lukewarm and tasteless.I could have made the sandwiches.We were served a little first course (a tiny savory pastery)after being there about 25 minutes. We had water with the pastry. Tea took forever.We know the difference between slow service and well paced. The jam that came with the scones was nice. Nothing else was special or even well done. It was totally disappointing. For the money ($40 prix fixe) it was outrageous. The pretty building -- not enough."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
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Review 14 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This was my 2nd time eating
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my 2nd time eating here, and I'm afraid that the charm has worn off. The pungent rose smell in the anteroom is overpowering. The service was slow, and not accurate. The tea was good, but didn't stay hot. The cake made from crepes is really inferior with cloyingly sweet raspberry sauce. There were not enough sandwiches, and much too much sweet stuff. The clotted cream and jam were very good, but the scones, which I thought were stale last time I dined here, were actually tough from being kneaded too long. I will say that the chocolate covered strawberries were perfect. The price went up, so that with tax and a mandatory tip tht they add for you, we paid around $206 for four people, and it's not worth half that much."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
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Review 15 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lady Mendl's is one of my
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lady Mendl's is one of my favorite places on the planet! I don't live in New York anymore but whenever I am visiting, I always make time for at least one trip for tea with my friends. The staff is wonderful, the tea is fabulous, and the ambiance is just perfect."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 16 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Bad service. They only give
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Bad service. They only give you 90 mins to order and eat. The waiter kept coming to get our plates even though we haven't finish our meal. They also include gratuity of 20 % of their own for just the party of two. I would never go again."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2013
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Review 17 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently a favorite tea spot
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best tea service in Manhattan that is not part of a ritzy hotel. Generous portions and the mille feuille crepe cake is always the perfect ending to an afternoon tea."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
We went to the 12 noon seating
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went to the 12 noon seating on Saturday. The service was rushed & abrupt (they have 2.30 & 5pm seatings). We weren't asked if we wanted champagne and it took a while to get the waiter by our table long enough to order it before he rushed off again. The tea was brought out and poured before it was ready, then whisked away from our table by a different waiter without explanation of why. It was kind of a mess. Also, when it comes to high tea I think the 3 tier service is a necessary part of the experience. Here they serve each course individually. The sandwiches are brought around on platters and served table by table which I didn't like. It's ok if it's a bread roll but one entire course!? High tea is supposed to be special..."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
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Review 19 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
So disappointing. 5 courses
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"So disappointing. 5 courses was misleading. Service was horrendous. I understand that it was a tea house, but 1 miniature tart is not a course. The last course of sweets did not consist of 3 of each variety for each of us to try. We were told they ran out.
Servers were clumsy and rude. Dropped everything he touched while the other server spilled tea.
Going to tea houses is somewhat of a hobby. Lady Mendls had been on my list for quite a while. Needless to say, I will not be going back!"
Servers were clumsy and rude. Dropped everything he touched while the other server spilled tea.
Going to tea houses is somewhat of a hobby. Lady Mendls had been on my list for quite a while. Needless to say, I will not be going back!"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 20 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A relaxing Victorian splurge
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Florals, overstuffed pillows, comfy couches... Like a parlor in a favorite, eccentric English auntie's house. Fabulous scones and well paced for when you want to splurge and sit and chat while being served tea."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 21 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
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Review 22 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Tricky Tea Tip
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Watch out for embedded tip. It's not highlighted making it easy to overtip/double tip."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2008
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 23 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The ambience was lovely. First
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The ambience was lovely. First time visitor, it was my mother's birthday she loved it. Thanks for a memorable. Time."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A lovely place for afternoon
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A lovely place for afternoon tea. Perfect for an afternoon birthday celebration or before the theater."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tea assortment was delightful.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Tea assortment was delightful. The food, except for the finger sandwiches, was very good. The sandwiches were too cold and uninteresting, but the scones and other pastries were excellent."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2006
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 26 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lady Mendls is located in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Lady Mendls is located in a beautiful historic Inn on Irving Place. I would highly recommend it for ladies who enjoy the true high noon tea experience in an atmosphere that brings you back in time in a warm and inviting atmosphere. I took my sister there who was visiting from San Diego and said she had never experienced anything like that in California. Lady Mendls is a truly unique tea and lunch experience."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 27 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great tea and very elegant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great tea and very elegant setting."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I look forward to returning.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I look forward to returning. Impressive selection of teas and the food was very good. The space is lovely, and the service was good."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2005
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 29 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
i tried going to lady mendls'
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"i tried going to lady mendls' during the holiday season and couldn't get in. it was worth the wait! great scones."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 30 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best places in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of the best places in New York for tea. Everything is perfect but service could improve. Tea should not be poured high but gently onto the cup."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 31 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As close to high tea in the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As close to high tea in the British tradition as one could hope. Salon parlors make it intimate and aristocratic at same time. Waiters do rush you setting down next course before we were ready. but I could see why since we'd stay there all day otherwise. Fine balancing act, but could easily become obtrusive."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 32 for Lady Mendls
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We were rushed throughout
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were rushed throughout the meal and the whole point of having afternoon tea is not rush. Terrible service but everything else was great."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2006
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Lady Mendls
Based on the average of (41) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
6 out of 8 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate