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    Olive Branch Cafe

    4.5 (210 reviews)
    ModerateCafes, Sandwiches, Salad

    Order Olive Branch Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Olive Branch Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    OLIVE BRANCH CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale
    Quiet

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    Recommended Reviews - Olive Branch Cafe

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    Queen's high tea
    Terry-Jo L.

    Had a Groupon for high tea at this delightful cafe and tea room. Surrounded by amazing antiques and chandeliers. Area tables tucked im away in little nooks it felt very personable and like you had your own space. Each table has its own China and beautiful tea cups and saucers. We ordered the Queens Tea and started with a choice of tomato basil soup or a salad. The soup was very yummy. We chose the Princess Grey tea (earl grey with rose petals) YUM!! Shrimp and salmon spread on a cracker and shrimp cocktail and then the 3 tiered assortment of sandwiches, homemade warm scones with spreads and desserts. Had a great time and look forward to going back. Reservations are required. Parking is free in the Diamond parking lot across the street with a parking pass from the restaurant.

    Nancy W.

    I was with five other ladies for a tea party a few weeks ago. The ownership is new as of about a month ago and rather than putting them through hell with my review, I'm just going to touch upon some points. Service is slow, scones are muffins, clotted cream is cream cheese, sandwiches are not very filled and pretty boring, second pot of tea took over an hour to get, tray overall not very appetizing and service extremely slow. That said, I reached out to the owner and she was more than receptive to my comments and suggestions. She said to give her a month which I will because sometimes new ownership and especially with covid, brings about a myriad of unfortunate errors.

    Queens high tea
    Briana W.

    It's so fun to dress up and go to tea! The food was delicious and everything felt so special. Even my son had the best time! Be sure to make a reservation and also tip the piano player- he gave us a special surprise!!

    Justin B.

    My wife had a wonderful birthday here! She and 3 guests were treated like royalty. There was a pianist and the food and tea were top notch. Will return!

    The backside of the menu
    Chaeliana E.

    My boyfriend had spotted the Olive Branch while visiting the antique mall and Tacoma Dome due to the large sign out front that states they have famous scones. We believed it was a brunch spot and planned to have a late Valentine's Day date there afterwards and without a reservation. Upon entering, we quickly realized that it was a tea house (it was also both of our first times at a tea house). It is much larger inside than it appears on the outside. It is decorated heavily in Victorian maximalism aesthetic with the main colors being pink, brown, and gold. There was a live pianist playing freely and without a guide, and their music was light hearted and truly set the tone for the visit. Our server was named Savannah, and she seated us at a small table with a view of the entire restaurant. We could see private tea party rooms and were able to enjoy the music. We ordered the China Mist, but was accidentally brought the Chocolate Mint. Savannah quickly corrected it but let us continue drinking the Chocolate Mint, which she said was her favorite and which quickly became mine too. We started with a chocolate scone, which came with a side of whipped butter and jam (which were all delicious). For lunch, I ordered the egg salad sandwich with a side of potato salad. I loved me meal and the sourdough was toasted but not hot, so it kept the egg salad perfectly cool. My significant other ordered the Reuben and asked for a side of aus jus, which they provided for him, and also a side of potato salad. The portions are huge and worth the money- we both had leftovers, which is rare for us. After speaking with Savannah, she told us that their tea is all locally sourced and selected by the staff and owners, changing the menu every season. I plan to make a reservation and visit in the future for an official tea party in the near future.

    Tea placement
    Sheila G.

    We ordered the Queen's Tea at Olive Branch. The Queen's Tea comes with soup or salad, shrimp cocktail (a surprised dish - we didn't expect to get this dish), sorbet (to clean the palate), 1 scone with clotted cream, jam, & lemon curd, and the towered sandwiches with an assortment of desserts (totaling $47/person although after taxes, it was a lot). I ordered the apricot tea and my husband ordered the earl grey. Of the two, I really liked the apricot tea. It went great with or without cream. Adding sugar definitely enhanced the apricot flavor. I thoroughly enjoyed the soup ad salad (my husband got salmon chowder, whereas I got the salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing). The portions were more than enough. With the shrimp cocktail and scones added, we were pretty full by the time the last course came (sandwiches and dessert). I wished they included the scones with the sandwiches and desserts though. Don't get me wrong, the scones were delicious and piping hot but this was the first High Tea I attended where scones were given separately from the sandwiches. As for the sorbet, it was delicious. It tasted homemade. I'm glad they incorporated that in for palate cleansing. As for the finger sandwiches, we had 2 pieces each of the egg salad, curry with chicken?, tuna, and cucumber with cream cheese? It was also the same with dessert, although they were all mini sized. We had cheesecake covered in red syrup, brownie cheesecake, lemon bars, coconut macaroons, chocolate covered strawberries and grapes. Everything was great up until that last course. The flavors for the sandwiches and dessert were a bit lackluster and the bread for the sandwiches were a bit dry. I've had much better sandwiches and desserts at other locations. The price is pretty steep but you also pay for the ambiance and the experience. In addition, you get a live pianist who played amazing tunes perfect for the setting. And the customer service was just above and beyond. They were all so kind. Would I come back? Yes of course. I would never say no to a tea party.

    Rosie A.

    This is definitely a hidden treasure in Tacoma! The new owners have made it an incredible experience, and you feel like you are part of their family! We make it a point to go monthly - during the holidays they have specials! Their tomato bisque and scones are my absolute favorite! Our baby loves going and enjoys the live pianist they have. He even played rubber ducky for him. Absolutely recommend it. They are kid friendly :)

    The bar
    Dona F.

    We previously came here in late November 2021 and I gave them 5 stars. Sadly, now that the ownership has changed, my 2 lunch companions and I are giving it 2 stars. We will not likely be back. Service was extremely slow. It was 90 mins before we received the main tea service. It was not busy today. There were 3 other parties besides ours. The scones were fresh out of the oven and were good. The salmon chowder was excellent. One companion ordered the shrimp cocktail and was served one single shrimp. WTF? The tea sandwiches were tasty. The lemon bar was a one inch square. The eclairs were tiny and appeared just like what you would get at Costco. The grapes came in a cluster which we had difficulty separating. They could have easily snipped them to make it more manageable. There were no tongs for selecting sugar cubes, nor for serving the goodies on the tea service tray. Overall this was very disappointing.

    Lindsey O.

    Love love love Olive Branch! What a fun experience. We came for High Tea and the service, food, and ambiance was exquisite. First off the decorations are so cute. It's like walking into a dollhouse or something. You're immediately greeted as you enter with the utmost friendliness and a hug. You are then given a menu with different options for your afternoon tea including items like soup, scones, mini sandwiches, dessert, and of course, tea. I had the evening in Missoula tea which was tasty and mild in flavor. I had the smoked salmon chowder which was absolutely delicious. Some other standouts were the scone and all three jellies/creams, the mini sandwiches, and the chocolate covered strawberries. All in all the food was good and more than anything it was a fun experience. Every single member of the staff goes above and beyond as well. So friendly and truly cares you enjoy your experience. There's definitely a reason this place wins so many awards!

    The Seasonal Afternoon Tea!
    Cynthia R.

    This shop is amazing! It has an unique, calm feeling to it with antique decor. The staff is attentive and accommodating! I will say though, I'd recommend reservations for a large group because it seems to get crowded. We had their Seasonal Tea and loved it! The tomato soup was creamy and delicious. We also loved the huge selection of teas! We had the Creamy Earl Grey and Peach Ambrosia (which were great), though they had many other interesting choices. (By the way they steep the tea before giving it to you and use loose leaf.) I would highly recommend coming to Olive Branch Cafe!

    May D.

    Stop...look no more... I've found the most amazing tea house in the area! Olive Branch Cafe is located in the historic Tacoma Freight building. As you enter the door, you transport to an eclectic, classic, and most welcoming space. We ordered the duchess tea party - the food and the tea was delicious. The staff were so pleasant and accomedating. Don't miss the opportunity to visit when you are in the area!

    Stephanie R.

    My first time to the Olive Branch this past Saturday and I was extremely pleased and will be back! The hostess, server, piano player and owner were all so friendly and inviting. The decor was fantastic and really makes you feel like you are somewhere so unique and special. The food and tea were both amazing. I had the curry tuna melt, rose mint tea, and peach cobbler. Overall it was an amazing and unique dining experience.

    Inside the restaurant
    Jeff H.

    I love a good tea party, and this is exactly the feel you get inside the Olive Branch Cafe. I'll give you 3 reasons for my 3 stars, and really wish I could have given this place a higher rating because the staff was so friendly. First star: there were 4 items on the menu - two salads and two sandwiches in addition to two different types of soups. That's it. And they were out of most of it. Second star: even though there were 4 items in the menu everything that I originally ordered they didn't have any longer I soon found out at different points during the food waiting process. I was super bummed about this because I really didn't want anything else and with only 4 options on the menu your second choice becomes very limited. Third star: the sandwich came with chips or a salad and I ordered chips. The sandwich (that I didn't originally want) came out with a side salad, and raspberry dressing (because that was the only dressing they had left - I never would have ordered raspberry dressing). The server told me they were out of chips, so here is a salad. Anyway, the sandwich was fine, the salad was fine but I didn't like dressing. Also, this place is very close to the Tacoma Dome and we went before the Elton John concert. I'm thinking that is why they had such a limited menu, but go early because the line to get it took a bit of time, and if you go early they might not be out of menu items!

    Friends birthday high tea celebration

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    1 year ago

    Great food and service! The owners are awesome and the ambience...outstanding! If you're looking for a cute date type of vibe, this is it!

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    4 years ago

    Not worth price or quality food for Sunday teas . Go on a Sat get menu only item for experience the ambiance

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    Ask the Community - Olive Branch Cafe

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    Great dive bar with amazing sandwiches! I've been here a couple times and the bar tends to have a…read moresteady amount of patrons which says a lot. I've had several things on their menu and some of my favorites are the chiptole turkey melt sandwich and artichoke dip. I love how soft the bread is for the sandwiches. Service is usually quick and attentive. I love to visit for good vibes, food and drinks!

    The vibe was cool and all but the experience was kind of unconventional, to me at least…read more Unconventional because as a 1st time customer, I didn't know if I had to sit myself or wait so I felt kinda awkward. No welcome or anything or a "hey just sit anywhere you want". So I just took initiative, grabbed a menu and sat at an empty table. There's a sign that said "order at the bar" but the barkeep would go to other people and ask what they wanted. Okay, that's fine... Trying to follow the rules so I don't single myself out, I went to the bar and was asked for my ID, but why? I wasn't ordering drinks and when other people came, the barkeep didn't ask the other customers for their ID so I felt some type of way but whatever. We proceed to order the Philly and Mac & Cheese. Philly tasted great because it also came with dipping sauce. The only thing lacking was that I felt it wasn't enough. Plus It seemed like I had more bread as opposed to meat. Mac & Cheese was great also, it was soft and creamy plus it had crunchy bits. It had the consistency of valveeta cheese. We asked for the check, we waited, waited some more so I finally went to the bar and closed the tab that I didn't order drinks with, just food. I like the vibe, its like being in a classic tattoo studio with posters on the wall with classical prints from different time periods. Not a big establishment or room inside but just enough to have a modest amount of 30 people. It's a nice joint but not really for me, I'd probably order through Uber eats with this place.

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    We were going to Poquitos on Division but looks like that place fell prey to the Tacoma curse. A…read morelot of places don't hang around too long and that spot in particular has seemed hard to keep in business. But then we looked cross the street on 1st, where there used to be an Anthem, and even though it was already 6pm, this sandwich shop was still open and...there was a BINGO game happening. Whaddya know? So we took a peak in and they were not only serving sandwiches but they also had a cooler full of microbrews and kombuchas, beer on tap, wine, and a whole list of cocktails made from prosecco and other non-hard liquors like Amaro. Truly something for everyone. So we gave our order to the sweet human at the counter and took our seats I'm not kidding, my Amaro sour was one of the best cocktails I've had in a while in Tacoma and so were the pretzel sticks. I want my cocktails cold, tart, and refreshing with a little kick of funk or herbs and I want my pretzels salty. You wouldn't think that's such a high bar to clear but you'd be surprised. Sandwich Starr nailed it. Our Zatan sandwich was tasty but even though the bread felt a little stale. Otherwise the decor is kinda '90s coffee house and they've got bingo! Overall, this is an odd spot but the drinks are really good and it's got heart and it's the heart that makes it Tacoma.

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