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    Merriweather Cafe

    3.8 (17 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 3:30 pm

    Merriweather Cafe Photos

    MERRIWEATHER CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Merriweather Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos - Merriweather Cafe

    Nina R.

    You don't have to ask me twice whether I want to have afternoon tea at a historic estate, so some friends and I set a date and got together to enjoy it! Our group of 9 was quickly admitted to the cafe area. We were seated at a long table with banquette seats on one side and chairs on the other. A couple of 3-tray servers were already on the table based on our RSVPs. Once the server took our orders, she left to bring us our tea (we opted for the jasmine pearl and cherry blossom teas from Harney & Sons) and the plates containing a variety of mini sandwiches (the egg salad was the standout), cherry scones, and some adorable mini desserts. They were visually appealing and also tasted quite good. For how beautiful the property is, and based on what we know of the former owner's wealth and elegance, I was surprised that the cafe setup for tea wasn't ... nicer. For example, the tables and chairs seemed to be old and worn. The cafe area itself was dated. There were no tablecloths on the tables. It looked like a lot of corners had been cut. We were also disappointed that they brought out a bill, then charged my credit card another amount, which was $80 more. The server explained that the first bill did not include tax and gratuity. So, fine, but why bring it out to begin with then? This was just odd. My friends and I had already divided the bill and Venmo'd for the amounts we were supposed to based on that bill. The additional $80 was just an unwelcomed surprise that caused unnecessary math and an additional Venmo. Why do this to people? Why end an otherwise pleasant tea like this? Located in a quiet residential area, you have to keep your eyes open to find it, but once you do, you won't want to leave. There is ample parking through the guard gate.

    Maria L.

    Delightful cafe to be enjoyed on a gorgeous day! They have outdoor seating as well as cute indoor tables! Nice service by the staff, prepare for a slower pace like a French cafe. My friend and I split the prosciutto flatbread which was tasty but could use a bit of pesto sauce or a tomato or some honey. We truly enjoyed the flavors of the artichokes. The lemon and sauce worked beautifully together. For dessert we had the cheesecake which simply lovely with fresh strawberries slices! "Yummm" was what my friend wanted to add about it! :) Want to come back and try other items on the menu!

    Mini gluten free tray and regular tray
    Dona P.

    Wow !! After an expensive and disappointing high tea at the four seasons... I was skeptical to try this but want to support the museum... and I was impressed!! The made me a small gluten free tray- and it was delicious. Fresh and flavorsome, the mini scones and sandwiches hit the spot. It is a teabag but for $40 a person- it's a STEAL. The pastries were delicate and charming. Bottle of bubbly for $45 was reasonable and even their lunch menu items were tasty and fresh! We'll be back!

    Pink Lemonade
    Rei V.

    VERDICT: Great food, a bit slow. Small but reasonable portions (reasonable minds may disagree). ------------------------------------------ FOOD: All of the food was great. Fresh and tasty. Roast Beef Dip ($20) Salmon Tartare ($16) Garden Deviled Eggs ($9) Pan-Seared Rockfish with snap peas and potato purée ($27). I love salmon sashimi and avocados so the tartare was a hit for me. But the roast beef dip was stellar. For drinks, my mom got a Cappuccino ($5) and my dad a (pink?) lemonade. The cappuccino was small but just the right size for her. The lemonade was ok. SERVICE: We were seated promptly according to our reservation. The staff seemed polite and nice. But I do wonder if they were understaffed. It took a bit before they were able to give bread and then a while before orders were were taken and then a while before came. Then an item was forgotten. The cafe did seem full, but my recommendation is -- expect to wait. Do not go if you need to be out in 1.5 hours or something. AMBIANCE: Lovely. Exactly what you might imagine for an estate-museum-garden cafe. Lively crowd seated, but not quite boisterous. No music played when we were there. Good lighting, though it was a rainy day.

    Salmon salad
    Daniel R.

    A lovely little cafe in one of the coolest museums and estates in DC! If you are checking out the Hillwood, definitely treat yourself to the very tasty and quaint little restaurant on campus as well. Open daily for lunch, this restaurant has some great (and slightly pricy) options that fit in perfectly with the elegant surroundings. The apple Brie crostini was a great opener, with delicious crispy fried sage on top. The salad with salmon and the polenta were both very tasty as well! The portions are a little small for the price, but the flavor is good. We ended our meal with a chocolate pot de crème, which came highly recommended by the very kind waitress. It was a treat! What a perfect way to end the meal. The restaurant has great indoor and tented seating areas as well. Give it a try!

    Chicken salad with a garden salad
    Lisa B.

    After touring the Hillwood estate, my sister, and I decided to stop in and order lunch. What a quaint little café on the estate grounds . The food was delicious and the service was great.

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    Merriweather Cafe - cafes - Updated August 2026

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