I am surprised the ratings aren't higher for Tea & Sympathy. Yes it is small and crowded, but I would say that is a part of its charm. It's quaint and cozy, and gives you an authentic taste of England with their cream tea. I can't speak to the food, but I love their scones and tea options. This is a great spot for a get together on a cold NYC day, especially when you are fatigued by always meeting up at a pub or coffee shop - meet up for tea! read more

Tea & Sympathy - Cream tea - British Near Me - New York, New York

There is a quaint/rustic/old school English aesthetic to this parlor that is interesting, but I do think can be updated a bit without losing that charm. I visited on a hot day, where the temps were simply not conducive to hot tea, so we did not get the hot tea, but got iced tea and some desserts instead. The service was not great (seemed to forget about us at one point), but I did say it was a hot day, so it's possible that our server was also affected by the heat. I give grace. This is an upgrade that this establishment could use: more powerful AC for these global warming induced summers. The AC could have worked more on this hot day. The tables and chairs could be upgraded. The tablecloth definitely needs to be replaced - also, why plastic? Overall: I rate this place a 2/5 because the aesthetic wasn't lovely, the server seemed distracted, but I didn't do "afternoon tea" or have the hearty meals people are talking about in their reviews, so no comment on those. Will I go back? It is certainly possible - I do love a good tea - especially if they make a few renovations. read more

Fantastic! The sweetest people work here. The food is authentic, and fresh. Be ready for a tight seating area, which is totally worth it. 5 Stars!! read more

Overall: 4 stars Petite parlour that gives all the aesthetic of a cafe for the perfect English afternoon tea. I was impressed by the expansiveness of their tea collection and accompaniments, of which all are fairly tasty. I found the restaurant to be quite tight though. Apricot Tea Blend - Mellow fruity blend of tea that is pleasant on the palette Sticky Toffee Pudding - It looks like a small slice, but that bowl is DEEP and the pudding is never ending. Its a deliciously decadent dessert that works well, and I think the extra layer of cream is really unnecessary for me. Vanilla Chiffon Cake - The cake is on the drier side for me, but the strawberry filling and the tea complements pair well to alleviate that issue. Scones and Jam - The scones were well made to be flaky and very saline forward, which paired well with the sweetness of the jam. Food: +1 Presentation: E Price: E Atmosphere: -1 Service: E Menu: +2 Insta/Yelp/Beli: @amei_eats Insta/TikTok: @ameizing.race read more

Tea & Sympathy - British Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Have been enjoying the ambiance and food here since the early 90's as a single woman in NYC and so happy to see this place is still busy and thriving today so of course had to bring my sausages for a mom & me weekend in the city for a proper cuppa and English breakfast. Since it was their first time here they wanted EVERYTHING listed on the menu. Safe to say we stuck with the full English breakfast and since we are big tea drinker, a full high tea service was added too. Everything tasted as I remember it from my single days and presentation is still so pretty for the tea service as well. Can't wait to be back for dinner next! read more

Crowded and rude. Gave reservation table after 5 minutes so be very careful. I cannot comment on the food.

I hadn't been here in a while, but after a cold and drizzly spring morning of hiking in the park, I was looking for a good, hearty, stick to your ribs kind of meal. The breakfast I had at tea and sympathy was just the thing! As usual it was extremely crowded. I think the only reason I was able to snag a table without a reservation was because I was by myself. I was seated at a tiny table in front of the door and enjoyed a delicious steaming pot of their house earl grey tea, which came with refills! Then I ordered "the full Monty," which was a yummy and filling breakfast platter, where every single element was perfectly done. The toast was bone dry and a perfect vessel for the piping hot stewed tomato, mushrooms, beans, and silky scrambled eggs. The back bacon and sausage link were very juicy and flavorful, and the star of the meal was the black pudding! I don't normally like it, but this was rich and savory without any sort of gamey offal flavor. I didn't think I'd finish it but I gobbled everything right up. For dessert I thought why not try sticky toffee pudding, which to my surprise was a slice of sweet and squidgy cake studded with chopped dates and topped with a hot vanilla custard. Of course it went perfectly with more tea and the cold dreary weather. The bill wasn't ludicrous but definitely more of a meal for when you want to treat yourself! I love this place and am glad it's still just as busy as ever. read more

See all

Crowded, small, and not that filling for the price. Service was impeccable and I love the ambiance and decor--it's a love letter to Britain complete with British and the royal family art and memorabilia! I got the afternoon tea for 1 person. It was fine. I felt that their tea selection was limiting and it was a lot of desserts. The clotted cream and jam and scone were my favorite part. read more

See all

Stopped here for afternoon tea while in town for an extended weekend. My bud is into tea, so seeing these places and the options I figured a Sunday lunch here would be cool. First thing's first - imagine the inside of your car with 5 people in it.... That's how tight it is in here. It is little, bathroom is smaller than an airplane's - yes. I'm serious. But the staff and the place's charm wins the day. Very accommodating and nice. Stay calm, ask for help, and realize that everyone else in the place are also crammed. Afternoon tea comes with 2 tea choices for 2 people, several styles of sandwiches, scones (biscuits) with cream and jam, and three desserts. Really was a nice change of pace and glad we did it. read more

See all

I have been a patron of Tea & Sympathy for years, but have only recently become a regular due to dealing with ongoing medical miseries coupled with the death of my 92-year-old mother after years of her suffering with lung cancer, and the comfort provided by this eatery cannot be measured in words. Yes, the place is small and the available seating space is limited and sometimes cramped, but that is rendered irrelevant by the quality if the meals and the service. (Word to the wise: Do not simply drop in, as the place is usually packed with customers who made reservations beforehand, so make sure to book your table online.) The food is always superb, just the kind of comfort food that I gravitate to whenever I visit England, and the cozy, intimate vibe of the place reminds me of what it feels like to be human after enduring ongoing dialysis three times per week for the past six years. The staff is always courteous and friendly -- special shout-out to the most excellent Molly -- and the restaurant's proprietor is quite a character who clearly gives a damn about the quality of the restaurant's every aspect. I have tried many of the items on the menu, but my go-to repasts include the Full Monty (the full English breakfast ), sausage rolls , and the bangers (sausages), bacon, and beans plate with an excellent multigrain toast. And though I am not really a dessert guy (I favor savory flavors) , I have great appreciation for their deliciously tart rhubarb crumble with hot custard. And don't get me started on their comprehensive roster of fresh teas served out of individual pots at your table. (I favor the blackcurrant tea with milk.) In short, Tea and Sympathy is a singular oasis in a mad city that becomes ever more of a nauseating tourist trap with each passing day. An eatery of its singular excellence is as rare as hen's teeth and is to be held most dear. It is rare for me to find zero flaws in a restaurant, and I say that as someone who anchored the kitchen at an award-winning barbecue joint, so take that for what it's worth. read more

See all

Tiny tea room that is big on British delicacies and warm hospitality. We had a reservation for 4 and arrived on time but our table wasn't ready so the hostess asked us to wait in the (adorable) tea shop next door (it was freezing outside, even by NY standards.) In addition to tea, the shop featured a myriad of British snacks, candies and treats - so we made a few purchases while we waited to be summoned to our table next door. When we were finally seated and the tea started flowing and the tea trays and other food arrived, it all started to make sense. The tea sandwiches, beans on toast, mushroom shepherds pie, sponge cake -- all absolutely worth the wait. read more

Tea & Sympathy - Tea for two! - British Near Me - New York, New York

Was craving a good English breakfast and boy did it deliver. It was perfect - delicious with all the fixings and came with English breakfast tea. The chicken sandwich was a bit lackluster but still on point and came as it was described. The service was great, the only drawback is the really tight space which interferes with the eating experience as you're constantly shifting your chair for people to pass through when they come/go or use the restroom. Felt like a bit of England in NYC - highly recommend as it was super a comforting and hearty meal on a cold day like today. read more

See all

My friend and I like to celebrate the end of the year with trying new establishments for afternoon tea. This year, we decided to try Tea and Sympathy. The best part about this place is the price. For $60, you get tea, a choice of finger sandwiches and desserts. I also appreciate their commitment to an English aesthetic. I knew the restaurant was small when I booked it but I didn't realize how small it was. It was borderline uncomfortable how little space there was between tables. The tea was great- I ordered the Black Ginger tea. The rest of the food was mediocre and the desserts were dry. I probably wouldn't return. read more

Tea & Sympathy - Cheers - British Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I used to come here a lot in the early 2000s as an NYU student. Now the price for afternoon tea has doubled, but the tea sets are absolutely perfect. They now have excellent outdoor dining. We were off to a not so great start with service because they have away our table before our reservation time so we had to wait, but the girls who ended up waiting our table were lovely. Wheelchair access details: technically possible to enter with a small wheelchair, but the indoors is incredibly cramped. Bathroom is tiny and not wheelchair accessible. You can dine with a larger chair outdoors without a problem. read more

Happened upon this spot on my walk to the Washington Square Arch. Though small, it's packed with charm! They had a wide selection of sandwiches and tea. I recommend the avocado, tomato, and watercress, but all the food was good and filling. I took my leftovers to finish at the arch. A bit pricy at $60 for the afternoon tea for one but definitely worth for the experience, and it's much cheaper per person if you go with a group. I was surprised to see how many 1-star reviews their were, but most of them were about not being seating until the whole party was present. This reservation policy is very clearly stated on the front door. However, they welcome walkins if there's room! I was seated right away. A lovely way to breakup my long day of walking. I would definitely try this spot again! read more

Vernon is especially wonderful, and Patrick too. The female servers, sadly, not so much... I've been going there for many years. Love that we have a quaint, English inspired tea shop right in Manhattan. It's tiny, but cute, and the food and scones are good. $8 for a few tea leaves and some hot water is way too much... but I'll be back anyway! read more

Tea & Sympathy - Tea & Sympathy - British Near Me - New York, New York

Cute spot for tea! For $8 you get a whole pot to yourself and there are tons of sweet and savory treats you can order a la carte on the menu to go with tea, if you choose to not go for the afternoon tea set. My friend and I shared a portion of scones which were my fav item we got. Very fluffy, not too dry, and the cream/jam that came with them was absolutely delicious. I also got the steak and Guinness pie which was very filling but not really my thing. Disclaimer: I am not familiar with traditional British cuisine so I have nothing to compare to. But while the meat was tender and flavorful, the mashed potatoes on the side had no seasoning. They have limited seating inside but a nice heated covered patio outdoors with more tables. It never got cold in the patio area, if anything the heater was almost too strong at times so don't worry about weather conditions. Would recommend making a reservation! read more

Tea & Sympathy - Scones and tea - British Near Me - New York, New York

It's small but mighty! The servers are amazing at managing the space, and it was packed. The food is delicious. I can't wait to go back.

Perfect English Breakfast after running 5miles. It never disappoints me with my order of Full Monty English Breakfast, Large orange juice , Tea and my forever favorite Scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam. We are regular customer on the weekend after our runs. Its location is in a good spot. Male server on the weekend is always polite and friendly. I highly recommend this English Restaurant read more

See all

We arrived at three, which is when our reservation was, and we were seated in about five minutes. I've never been so squished in my life. My daughter had to get out of her seat to let a woman pass to sit in her seat. This is not my idea of relaxing. The food was very good. The waitress was good, also. I won't be back. Sorry. In all honesty, it was a Sunday on a beautiful day, but they need to remove some tables. read more

Tea & Sympathy - Tea for three - British Near Me - New York, New York

stopped here on a whim on a wednesday afternoon without a reservation and got seated surprisingly quickly. the restaurant is cozy and small with not much wiggle room to even turn around, and a lot of parties after us who came without a reservation had to wait outside for a table to be freed up (the place was always full for the time we were there). the servers are nice and deserve the world with the amount of juggling tasks/customers and navigating between tables they had to do. i got a pot of rosie lee tea (an in house blend, and couldn't pass up some warm tea for the cold weather) -- it came in a tea pot with a strainer and all the cream and sugar a girl could want (tea was solid and comforting). also ordered a butternut squash soup (delicious and turned me toward getting it more in the future) and a cream cheese and cucumber sandwich (classic and light). my boyfriend got a guinness and a sausage and onion sandwich (steaming hot). overall a cute and charming place, just leaves a little to be desired with the crowding. read more

I don't get to go here often but I adore this place. A few things to know before you go that I suggest- This place has a small footprint; this place is ideal for parties of 2-4 people. This is the kind of place you go to have a deep chat or a nice small celebration. Do make a reservation, otherwise you might have a wait. The wait is worth it though! I suggest going on a weekday over a weekend. Come hungry- between tea and meals, you will get full! Make sure you try the afternoon tea at least once in your life. Yes it's fancy, but also filling. Say you do tea for two- each of you can pick out two kinds of finger sandwiches, you each get a scone with jam and clotted cream, and 3 desserts. And two pots of tea, so you get a chance to sample. On a budget? Try the toasted sandwiches! They look simple, but are flavor packed. Service is friendly, and they are very willing to answer questions. And when you're done, check out the shop next door where you can get British goods to go, including HP sauce, Branston pickles, biscuits, pies and much more. read more

Too tiny inside- just an average tasting afternoon tea. Scone was dry and tasted and looked like an American biscuit. Tea sandwiches were heavy, not delicate. Had to ask for extra tea leaves added to my teapot because it wasn't string enough. read more

So, my daughter and I are really into high tea. Anytime we get a chance to go to a new Tea room in a new city, we try out their tea services. During a recent trip to New York City for a food festival, we decided to try Tea and Sympathy, a well-recommended tea room. The decoration for the place is like a cozy warm Grandma's house. It was a little small and a little tight, but the service was wonderful. We enjoyed a nice variety of sandwiches and tea and some extras. It was lovely and the price was reasonable based upon the service that we received. I would definitely go back again and try various items that we didn't try the first time. Additionally the owners of Tea and Sympathy also own a nearby fish and chips restaurant. We will definitely try both on our next visit to New York. Overall, I think that t and sympathy is a great entree into the high tea service. read more

Tea & Sympathy - Just a spot of tea at Tea & Sympathy! - British Near Me - New York, New York

Absolutely LOVE this restaurant! The ambiance is great even though the space is tiny. They do have a huge outdoor dining area that is cooled so that's really nice. We'd come in for the high tea but the menu looked so good we (the hubs and I) opted for entrees instead. I had the pasty with Heinz beans and mash. Freaking amazing! The hubs had the meat pie and loved it. I did take some scones to go and well...I'm considering going back today to grab a few more they are that good! They are served with clotted cream and an option of strawberry or raspberry jam. The staff is super friendly and the food came out quick. If you like British food or are curious what it is, I highly suggest this place. read more

Tea & Sympathy - British Near Me - New York, New York

First let me start by saying me and wifey love English culture (think the word is Anglophile) we go across the pond quite often and frequent British eateries and establishments here in the states. Nestled in the popular beautiful West Village, not far from 14th, lots of transportation options. First time we went we made a reservation and still waited over a half hour!! But the wait was well worth it, I had the Steak & Guinness Pie which tasted great with al dente peas (don't like them mushy). I also had their chicken vegetable soup with huge chunks of chicken, definitely not stingy on the meat. It's a little tight the space but you're in the city and we don't mind, Europe is no different. Haven't had the tea yet but looking around at fellow diners no one looked dissatisfied, with their scones (they sell them at their shop next door) and finger sandwiches. Make sure to get a seat by the window for fun people watching! read more

Tea & Sympathy - Best table in the house IMO - British Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Went there on Monday with my wife. Had an afternoon tea for two. First, the place is definitely too small and seating is uncomfortable. It was cold outside, and with every opening of the door came an unpleasant gush of cold air. Second, value is definitely not there. The full price with tips is $160, and we certainly had much better afternoon tea in London for about half the price. Scones are delicious, but there are only two of them for two people, and the rest is not that great. If I went there again I would have just ordered tea and scones and be done with it. Overall it had a feel of small British mom and pop shops, but they are always much better value, where's here you pay luxury prices for mom and pop experience. read more

Tea & Sympathy - Afternoon tea for two. - British Near Me - New York, New York

I recently visited this cozy tea shop for lunch and enjoyed the best scones I've ever had in my life! Highly recommend this place if you enjoy scones, tea, and related accoutrements. In addition to tea and scones, we ordered a finger sandwich sampler which ended up being an enormous amount of food. I highly recommend this adorable spot. The shop itself is tiny and only has a few tables. So I'd recommend making a reservation ahead of time (if you want to visit on a weekend) or showing up at a less busy time, like a weekday morning, to get a seat without having to wait. 10/10 highly recommend! read more

This was a couple of years ago, and I honestly didn't even think to post the review then, though I should have. I'm a brown woman and I went with a white friend here. This older British guy was at the door- I guess they have some kind of guard at the door to let people in?? I don't know. Anyway, he started getting aggressive, asking if I have a reservation, etc. Basically acting like I'm not supposed to be there. He didn't even look at my white friend. I was stunned, and it was pouring rain and cold, so I went in. Food was meh, staff unfriendly. Not going back there, and I hope they've gotten rid of this racist guard. read more

This is going to be more of a 3.5-star review. I actually came here on referral from Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode. I don't know if I came here on a bad day or if Dave just likes his sandwiches dry and ashy, but this was not up to par. Before you boo me, I am English and consider myself to know a lot about food. This was definitely mediocre but with good intentions. Perhaps I should have ordered something else, but it should not be too difficult to make a proper cheese and pickle sandwich that doesn't resemble sandpaper going down the old gob. We asked for butter to help the bread go down, so they brought out one tiny pat. Thank goodness there was tea there to help wash it down. The scones were also dry. No amount of clotted cream or jam was helping this hockey puck situation. This was my boyfriend's first English tea out so I did not complain, kept very cheery. However, he's also quite discerning with food and I could tell he was not super into it. I really feel like opening a tea shop just to invite Dave Gahan over to show him how it's done. Never mind me being a lifelong fan read more

Tea & Sympathy - Tea, scones, cheese and pickle sandwich - British Near Me - New York, New York

Made a reservation for dinner and were seated after a 10min wait (understandable given how small the space is). The dining area was snug, but we were able to hold a conversation without feeling like we were competing for airtime with the other tables. The pots of tea were generous and the list of options was lengthy so there's something for everyone. I wasn't sure what to expect from the food, but we were all happy with the freshness of the ingredients and the flavor combinations of the pies. For dessert, we ordered the rhubarb crumble with custard and scones with clotted cream and jam. Both were great, and on the less-sweet side which was a pleasant surprise! No catering to over-sugared American palates here and we appreciated that. I would love to come back to try their afternoon tea set. Based on how well they did with dinner, I have a feeling it would be a solid choice. read more

See all

If you're looking for a charming and authentic British spot, don't miss Tea & Sympathy. It's one of my favorite places in the city for afternoon tea and you can order the entire spread with scones, tea, finger sandwiches and cakes or you can order a la carte. This visit we opted for the a la carte option because we weren't in the mood for the cakes. Their scones are buttery and tender and come with what tastes like homemade jam and clotted cream. The finger sandwiches are dainty yet the portion size is generous. I ordered the choice of three finger sandwiches. It came with nine pieces. The coronation chicken is unique and very tasty and you can't go wrong with the egg salad with watercress. I enjoyed the vanilla mint tea as well. We didn't have a reservation so we showed up a few minutes after they opened at 11. I look forward to my next visit! read more

Tea & Sympathy - 9 Piece Selection of Finger Sandwiches - British Near Me - New York, New York

Charming tiny place with excellent service. Had their Chicken Pot Pie with fresh vegetables served with a side of mashed potatoes and fresh peas. Finished off with a Ryubarb crumble pie with clotted cream, all delicious ! read more

Stopped by for afternoon tea with a friend. We did not have a reservation, but they were able to seat us right away. The tea house is small but cute, the service was excellent! Our server was nice, she asked if we had any allergies or foods that we avoid, she was extremely helpful! The tea was good, the sandwiches were nice, the scones and desserts were tasty! Would definitely come back. read more

Tea & Sympathy - British Near Me - New York, New York

We really enjoy coming here for afternoon tea. They run a tight ship (which I appreciate!), so if you have a reservation, you better arrive on time! I cannot comment on other menu items as we strictly come for the afternoon tea service. Their house teas are always delicious, but if you're not interested in one of those, you can order from their extensive tea menu. The service comes with one large pot of tea and a 3-tiered tray of bites. The bottom layer contains sandwiches (usually, egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, and cream cheese with cucumbers). The second layer is scones with clotted cream and jam. The top layer is dessert - usually a Victoria sponge and two other yummy treats from their bakery. It's more than enough for two people and we usually end up taking the desserts home! The wait staff is always friendly and they always ask if there are any allergies or dietary restrictions. I assume this would change the food items quite a bit if there were! What I also appreciate about Tea & Sympathy is that it is no frills, no fuss, and it feels like having tea in grandma's kitchen. There are so many other tea parlors in the city that will charge you $100 for an afternoon tea service that feels uptight, and you leave feeling hungry. One thing I will say is, if you're not accustomed to dining in NYC and don't enjoy the characteristically tight restaurant spaces, this might not be the spot for you, as it's very, very cozy. After tea or while waiting, there is a cute shop next door where you can buy British tea, food & household items. read more

My son wanted a trad Brit breakfast, and this place was spot on. If beans and rashers are what you long for, you're in the right spot. Comfortable outdoor table, efficient service. I had the Welsh rarebit which was slightly too crispy. But the back bacon and coffee were just right. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the adjacent store, a treasure trove of Anglophile comfort food. Came away with a house tea blend and some homemade marmalade. Perfect for watching Downton. read more

I was so looking forward to dining there and booked a table for 12pm, showed up at 12:08pm and got literally shouted at for being late. When I gently pointed out that there is a 15min grace period, the lady got unreasonably upset and said something like "I do what I want". Shocking customer service and also just simply not the way to treat another human being! read more

Tea & Sympathy - British Near Me - New York, New York

A lovely British Brunch with their speciality of the delicious sandwiches and scone. Especially, the English breakfast tea.

Went for afternoon tea for two so can only speak to afternoon tea service. The staff are lovely and the decor is about as British as you can find. Cozy amd cute inside and as we head into the warmer months, they have an expansive sidewalk seating area as well. Overall: Pros: - they let us eat slowly and linger which was lovely to spend a Sunday morning catching up with a friend - clotted cream was fantastic - earl gray tea was strong and fragrant Cons: - only one scone pp - $55pp rather than $50 noted online - bread could be fresher Detail: Good selection of teas, they brew it very strong and provide more hot water as needed. Sugar shaker rather than cubes (I prefer a cube, but a shaker is more sanitary) We got four types of finger sandwiches, three slices of each. This was defs enough food as there were only two of us. We got egg salad, chicken salad, plain cream cheese w/ cucumber and tuna salad (not sure if they rotate seasonally). Bread could have been fresher. Most afternoon tea services provide two scones pp, this was just one. The scones were more biscuit-y than scone-y but I love a biscuit so fine by me! Clotted cream was a true clotted cream and absolutely fantastic. We got a variety of sweets and they were all good too. Online the menu notes $50pp for afternoon tea but in person it was $55pp which was a bit of a bummer. Overall, good for a more casual spot. Would love to see a cream tea service on the menu but as of now you can order a la carte -- would come back for scones, clotted cream and a cuppa. read more

Tea & Sympathy - Afternoon Tea - British Near Me - New York, New York

Was really looking forward to coming back for some proper English food. Unfortunately all the bread was slightly stale and the cake was claggy and not fresh. The fillings were delicious but at a minimum, if you are selling a variety of sandwiches, stale bread shouldn't be on the menu. Typically this place blows the Plaza Hotel's afternoon tea out of the water (as their sandwiches are stale and their tea is weak) but not today. I'll have to come back in case this was an off day. read more