When I am traveling, I love to find places that are not just about food, but about the experience. The Hatter Cafe is one. Picture a place that transports you into Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. That tables are all themed according to different characters. The waitress dressed like Alice. A small store - the Rabbit Hole - where you can shop while you wait. This shop has all sorts of merchandise that is Wonderland themed (as well as some huge, excellent cake cookies). Welcome to the Hatter Cafe. This is one of two spots you see recommended for Mentone, Alabama, which is on my route from Nashville to Rome, Georgia. The drive up to the place takes up up a road with some beautiful scenery. You pass through the town of Mentone and the Hatter Cafe is on the right. This is also a bed & breakfast for those wishing to visit nearby Desoto State Park, and its falls, or Cloudlands, which is a bit further. I have included pix of the BnB. Only 2 rooms, but each has a hot tub. The menu is limited and focused, although there are ample choices for even the choosiest of guests. Not surpringly, they have an ample selection of teas (and coffee for the non-tea lover). We sat at the Humpty Dumpty table and decided on the Ribeye with both Mushroom Gravy (mine) and Peppercorn Sauce (hers). Meal starts with a salad made from local produce, which was clear from the freshness of the tomatoes. Off to a great start. Then the steak. The sauces are on the side, so you can opt in or out (in other words, don't be afraid to order one). Of the two sauces, I thought I would like the mushroom gravy more, but the peppercorn was phenomenal. Veggies also local and prepared to perfection. This is one I would gladly return to in the future and may even book a room the next time. Thanks to the staff for allowing us to preview the rooms. read more

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Took a trip up to try the Hatter after having it on my bookmark list for years. I was excited as a coworker had been recently and enjoyed it. The drive through the Mentone area is always beautiful and there's lots of cool studios and artsy things to do in the surrounding area. I will say they absolutely delivered on the Alice in Wonderland theme. It's wall-to-wall memorabilia, decorations, and cute ideas that allude to the classic story. If you're an Alice fan...definitely check it out. I wouldn't mind a few more Cheshire cats, though. :) Service was okay, honestly a bit disheveled and didn't seem in the best mood. We arrived early for lunch around 11:15. They initially sat our party of 3 at a table with chairs for 8-10. My mom even asked if they were sure they wanted to put us there and they affirmed the decision. They seemed confused that we were there and unsure what to do with us, even though I don't think anyone else who came in after us had a reservation or anything. Anyway, about 5 minutes later a giant party rolled up and they wound up moving us anyway. Fortunately we hadn't gotten drinks or anything yet. Due to the large size of some of the furniture pieces, navigation around the restaurant can be a little challenging. Also, the chair I sat in at table 2.0 had a sort of musty smell that I didn't love, lol. Minor nitpicks but it does sort of add up. Anyway, we placed our orders for food. They have a nice menu for teas and I'm sure it would be fun to have a tea party here, but it was too hot for me to partake. My mom got the biscuit BLT, my dad had a turkey wrap, and I got the chicken and biscuits, which is a bit like a chicken pot pie without bottom crust. For sides, my parents got the baked potato salad and crunchy pea salad, and I got the southern hot corn casserole. The sides were definitely the high point. The pea salad was crisp and refreshing and the baked potato salad was creamy and flavorful. My corn casserole wasn't terribly spicy but had a nice blend of flavors and textures, though it was perhaps slightly overcooked (the cheese on top was approaching crispy). They also didn't initially bring it out with my meal, but got it quickly after I asked for it. The entrees, however, fell flat. Mine was probably the most successful but it was ultimately pretty bland and there wasn't a whole lot of chicken in the meal -- mostly biscuits and gravy/filling. My mom's bacon in her BLT was very badly overcooked (even for someone who likes crispier bacon) and the biscuits were pretty crumbly. And my dad's turkey wrap was super underwhelming, about like what you'd buy pre-prepared from the deli section at Target or something. I sound like I'm coming across harsh and I wouldn't say we had a bad time, just the food didn't really meet our hopes/expectations. Definitely delivered on theme and decor. I think it's worth a try if you're a huge Alice in Wonderland fan or just enjoy whimsy in your life. The menu is creative and breakfast offerings sound good; perhaps it just wasn't quite our day that day. I'm glad I got the chance to try it out though. read more

The Hatter Cafe - Chicken and biscuits - Cafes Near Me - Mentone, Alabama

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A Wonderland Dining Experience We stepped into Wonderland one fine afternoon, Expecting mad tea parties and maybe a spoon. The menu looked curious, quirky, and bright, But the food itself? Well... "just okay" feels polite. We waited and waited like Alice quite lost, Thirty long minutes was part of the cost. We watched empty tables, we watched people roam, By the time we got water, we'd nearly grown old. Now the servers were friendly, I'll give them their due, They smiled and they hustled and somehow pulled through. But just when we settled to laugh and to chat, The owner appeared... like the Cat with no hat. He hovered beside us every five minutes or so, With the look of a man saying, "Please... you should go." We smiled and kept talking, enjoying our stay, But he circled the table like prey in a play. The third time he came, he abandoned all grace, And flat-out informed us: "We need you to vacate." Apparently Wonderland runs on a clock, And visiting too long causes business to stop. So here's to the café both strange and absurd, Where the service was decent, the owner preferred That customers eat fast, then vanish from sight-- A very Mad Hatter experience... minus delight. read more

Super unique experience! We wanted to come for my birthday back in January but got iced out and just now had a chance to get everyone back together. It was a fun time. The teas were excellent and the food had a good variety. The BLT Biscuits were the star for us. Favorite teas were the French Lavender (it's actually from France!) and the Pomegranate Oolong. The decor is really what stands out the most. There's so much to see in every direction, it's almost overstimulating but in a very relaxed way. If you like tea & Alice in Wonderland, definitely stop by! Be sure to visit The Rabbit Hole, their gift shop & bakery. It's beautiful and there's so many items to choose from! read more

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My mother and I had a truly lovely time having breakfast at The Hatter today! Our server was great and checked on several different food options for my mother to accommodate her food allergies. We both ordered really delicious meals and had some fantastic tea! I loved that we each got our own pot of tea so we could enjoy a generous portion while we ate. The prices are good and the atmosphere is so whimsical and fun! So glad we made the two hour drive to experience this exciting restaurant!! read more

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Finally came here for Sunday Brunch. I've been wanting to visit for a while. The Alice in Wonderland theme gets 5 stars for sure. The service was lacking. They forgot one of our orders all together and brought incorrect side dishes. Then brought the bill before asking if we wanted dessert. Also, the food was creative and nicely presented, but poorly seasoned and very bland. I did love the list of tea they had so you can come and have your own tea party. Their gooey chocolate cake is to die for! read more

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The Hatter was the most unique restaurant I've ever been to! I loved the commitment to the theme of Alice in Wonderland! The interior decor was quirky & whimsical. I appreciated the 2 page tea menu that made me want to become a tea drinker! Challah French toast was amazing & service was great! Went on a Sunday morning around 10 & had a 30 minute wait. read more

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My grandmother (85 y/o disabled veteran) made a reservation for a tea party for 4 adults and 2 children. The decor was so cute and matched the theme perfectly. There was a variety of teas to choose from and they bring you a teapot and a teacup and you pour your own tea throughout the party. They brought out a tier of foods and they were delicious! The server didn't appear too often and seemed confused at times, but overall it went well. We went to visit the Rabbit Hole, the gift shop next door, and noticed there was no ramp for my grandmother who was using her walker. When asked if there was a ramp so my grandmother could gain access and shop, the OWNER rudely replied "of course not." She was told that was a rude answer and that we would not be shopping there. The owner then followed us outside to harass us. She was telling us she had never been treated so cruel and that she would carry the disabled people up the stairs. She also stated that there is no law in Alabama for stores to have ramps. I told her she was incorrect and that it is a FEDERAL law, the ADA. She told me I was a cruel person with a cruel heart and then turned around and left. I do not recommend. read more

The Hatter Cafe - Tea pot and cup from the party - Cafes Near Me - Mentone, Alabama

We stopped in while we were staying at a local cabin. Highly recommend. We all ordered the breakfast sandwiches on the biscuit along with the hash browns and hash brown casseroles. Everything was great. We even had the kitchen make an egg for our toddler. Would definitely come back. The lattes we ordered were a little weak. Outside of that the vibe and food were great. Be sure to stop at the store on the way out. read more

We love The Hatter, and have eaten at this whimsical little restaurant several times and absolutely loved it! However, I recently reserved The Hatter for my great granddaughter birthday. The staff was NOT trained for a tea party, which is ironic. We had reservations for 3 adults and one child....we waited over 30 minutes to get served. They brought out water and never asked if we wanted our tea. We got our tiers, but they still didn't bring out tea, we had to ask for it. The food on the tiers were not good...like a biscuit with no jam. I had to ask for small plates and we had to pour our own tea. All in all, a disappointing tea party after our 2 hour drive! My granddaughter is only 2, so she had a good, special time, and for that I praise the ambience of this cute restaurant! But since the restaurant is an Alice and Wonderland place, the staff should be trained to hold an equally magical tea party!! PS. When we got the bill, they had over charged us by 42.00. Remember, before you tip, they add a tip too! The manager did correct our card for their mistake. Sorry, The Hatter, we were very disappointed. A tea party at an Alice and Wonderland restaurant should be MAD and crazy special! read more

The Hatter Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Mentone, Alabama

Food, Service, Ambiance. Just over over all terrific! The the dishes seam cleaner than in January. I don't know if they changed hands or what? But all better! Melissa read more

What an absolute gem that Mentone has in the Hatter Cafe. I can't say enough about the quality of the brunch we had, the tea, and how cute the place was! We ordered a pot of the grapefruit vanilla hot tea and it just absolutely hit the spot. Enough so that we had to go into their adjacent store, the Rabbit Hole, to buy some for us to use here back at home in New Jersey! But the highlight were the BBQ grit cakes - WOW! Wife and husband Pamela and Roger were amazing to meet. This is a local establishment at its finest. They were also very accommodating to our dog, Judy, who was able to sit in their indoor patio. I'd love to try dinner too, that was my only regret of the trip! Roger was making a Salmon dish that sounded terrific. If you are anywhere in Northeast Alabama, you need to stop here! read more

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A very unique place. Alice themed. Teapots, hats, teacups, antiques line every wall and shelf. So much to see. Loved the details of the table linens. Our waitress, Danielle (I believe) was wonderful. I ordered the Alice Chicken Salad Sandwich & baked potato salad. I could have licked the plates clean. Probably the best sandwich & side ever. The sandwich was made of raisin bread, chicken salad, Swiss cheese and pecans. The potato salad, think loaded baked potato but cold. I didn't get the bacon and it was delicious. I think bacon would over power the taste. So many delicious flavors in one. My taste buds were on fire. We looked at the two rooms they have. Decor was fun. It's Alice themed of course. Private entrances, although can enter through the restaurant. We didn't go to the gift shop which is the building closest to the road. Next time! There will be a next time. We drove from Huntsville for the day. It's a beautiful drive and this is a great place to stop and eat. read more

The Hatter Cafe - Alice Chicken Salad Sandwich & baked potato salad. - Cafes Near Me - Mentone, Alabama

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If you're an Alice fan you need to come here. The decorations are absolutely adorable and the food was outstanding. The tea was so delicious and they had such a huge variety of options. They can accommodate large parties and the staff was very nice and attentive. The owner came and asked how everything was and he was very personable. Clean restroom and clean dining area. The shop was also filled with new and vintage items. Plus huge cookies and pastries. Will definitely be back in I am ever in Alabama again. read more

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We saw this place when we came into town. Couldn't wait to check it out. I love tea and the selections are plentiful. The wait staff was helpful and attentive. We loved the decor; very fun! I had Down the Rabbit Hole and my husband had the French toast. We loved the entire experience. read more

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Such a cool little place!!! My husband and I had brunch here and, while I think he was a little overwhelmed by all the whimsy, I loved every second of it. The staff were super helpful staff, the food was yummy, and an the assortment of teas was pleasantly surprising! The tea menu was vast and offered some fun hybrids. I even bought some loose leaf tea to bring home. Highly recommend for those looking for good southern food and a fanciful atmosphere. read more

We stayed in Valley Head and chose to eat breakfast there. Food and service were great!

My 85-year-old mother was so excited to have a tea party at the Hatter Cafe' when my daughter came to visit last month. So, the 3 of us, my daughter's niece and MIL, and my granddaughter all went to the Hatter Cafe'. We had a nice experience. The food was good, the staff was nice and the decor, although a little crowded, was incredible. When we left, we were all in a good mood and wanted to check out the gift shop on the premises called the Rabbit Hole. There are stairs in front and no ramp for my 85-year-old mother, so I walked around the side to see if there was a ramp. There was not, so I went in to see if there was a portable ramp available. When I asked, one of the salespeople (that happened to be Pamela Wald, the owner), she smiled, giggled and said, "of course not, why would I have one?" I paused and told her that was a rude statement to say, "of course not" to the question of, "do you have a ramp." I turned to leave and, on my way out, one of them said, "then don't shop here." I replied, "I won't." I stepped out and told my party we were leaving and Mrs. Wald decided to follow me out. She proceeds to tell me that I was rude to say that to her. Now, I don't recall all of what was said or in what order. Pamela Wald: You don't know me. You don't know my heart. *This doesn't matter because she is a business owner that does not have wheelchair access to her shop. Her restaurant that is 100 feet away has a ramp, so she cannot claim she doesn't know she needs one. Pamela Wald: I used to be a physical therapist. *Again, this doesn't matter. She is a business owner that is not providing access to folks with mobility issues. Shouldn't she know that some folks have physical limitations? Pamela Wald asked where she would put a ramp. She has ample space on the side of the shop where a second set of stairs is located. Pamela Wald pointed out that we were mean and yelling at her. My daughter pointed out that she had followed me out. Again, I don't recall all of what was said. The only thing that matters is that this business in Mentone does not have access for folks that cannot climb stairs. Although I'd like to leave a high mark for the restaurant, I cannot in good conscience recommend a restaurant with good food and atmosphere when the proprietor has another business just yards away that is not ADA compliant, and to be blunt, discriminatory. read more

We spent two nights here and ate breakfast two days. The room was very nice. Quite large for a B&B. Very clean. Slept well! Both breakfasts were excellent. Service was very good. I liked that the owner checked with us several times to make certain things were okay read more

Outstanding service, decor, ambience, etc. Great food, coffee, and tea at a very reasonable price. The service was prompt and friendly, and the gift shop had a multitude of treasures. If you're traveling anywhere near Mentone/DeSoto State Park, this is a place you don't want to miss. read more

This was a fun little stop for lunch that I made with my Bible study group. We were in the area to go to Orbix glassworks for an ornamental blowing class and this was the best option for us that could accommodate our group of 12. The cafe and its theme is so cute! I loved all the cute little details all throughout the venue. Although, some of it did look dated and like it needed a good refresh. We arrived at our reservation for 11 just before time, and were promptly seated. But, service from the kitchen was terribly slow. Our waitress did a good job of tending to us, it just took ages for us to receive our orders. There were quite a few things on the menu I wanted to try, but settled on the chicken and biscuits. It was a fun spin on a chicken pot pie dish. As far as flavor goes, it was just ok. I'm not convinced that the chicken was fresh. It almost seemed canned. My side of corn was actually the best part of my meal. It was super flavorful and delicious. This place is nice for the experience, but I don't know that it's worth revisiting for the food alone. read more

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Loved the Hatter Cafe and the gift shop. Online Reservations were easy to make and we were seated on time. We got the waffle sandwich, pea salad, chicken salad on raisen bread and potato salad, all delicious. Service was excellent. Got a loaf of the homemade raisen bread to take home. read more

We stopped into Hatter's Café while visiting Mentone and absolutely loved it. The Alice in Wonderland themed decor is so unique and thoughtfully done. It truly feels like you have stepped into another world. There is nothing cookie cutter about this place. The service was fantastic. Friendly, welcoming, and attentive. After eating, we went into the little shop next door and could not get enough of it. The Alice in Wonderland merchandise is incredible and unlike anything you will find anywhere else. We wanted everything. This café and shop are such special gems and add so much character to Mentone. If you are visiting the area, this is an absolute must stop. You will not find anything else like it. read more

We happened onto this place, and stopped for lunch - most delightful place ever! The decor was amazing- lots of Alice in Wonderland everywhere, and so beautifully displayed. The service was wonderfully friendly, and the tea was excellent. I had the BBQ and slaw on cheese grits - it was incredibly delicious! The collard greens were the best I've ever had - 10 Stars!!! read more

Food here was amazing!! The staff was very helpful and friendly as well. The restaurant was an old home and the theme was Alice in wonderland, which really is not a story I even liked but the decor was very unique and pleasing to look at. Me and my mother had a great time!! read more

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15/10 for the entire experience! Walked in during lunch and the dining room was packed out so we were able to sit outside & enjoy the screened in patio area! Despite being full inside, Steph still got our orders & drinks out very quickly. The food was amazing, we got a little bit of everything, but I recommend the biscuits & gravy with hashbrown casserole. Presentation was so unique & interesting! After lunch we walked over to the gift shop & had a warm welcome from Pamela who was so helpful and patient with helping us find a perfect tea match! Cannot recommend this place enough. Great details, great service & warm hospitality! Can't wait to make a special trip to visit again read more

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First, the Alice in Wonderland ambiance is in a league of its own. Even though it is over the top for a lady's brunch, tea or luncheon, adorable and inspiring for children, I've had some very manly men admit they also enjoyed the experience. After all, the food is delish and many dishes as creative as the decor. Even the ladies rest room was a delight. Curtains are made out of antique handkerchiefs with teacup tie backs and the chandeliers are a fairytale in themselves. Service was a bit slow but they had a full house. Their hours are very odd, mostly weekends , so always confirm. This is a unique, special place you must not miss if you are ever in Mentone, AL or in Cloudland, GA on Lookout Mountain. Worlds Longest Garage Sale is also in their parking lot and down nearby Hwy 157 in Georgia. read more

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Really cute theming - Alice and tea party. Friendly owner and good service. Both orders were delicious- the meatloaf pie is a must try! Refreshing sweet tea with a full menu of hot tea options. read more

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this is the cutest little place! the website says it is themed after Alice in Wonderland & it is just that. the staff is welcoming and friendly & the food is delicious. highly recommend to anyone in the area read more

The Hatter Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Mentone, Alabama

Alice in Wonderland hell. Room decor over the top with nic-nacs and and musty smell. Had to get space heater to take chill out of room. Red bedspread looked like it came out of a brothel. No bathroom door. Closet used for storing costumes and bed linens and stuff I didn't recognize. Inside door opened to a table for 12 that was difficult to maneuver around to enter restaurant. One extremely stained and uncomfortable chair for two people. Rugs looked like they had never been cleaned. Server questioned my request for more butter with don't you think that's enough. Steak and ribs were so tough and chewy we couldn't eat them. Observed servers opening doors to patio with there shoes. Couldn't relax or really enjoy our stay due to the busy decor in our room and general lack of comfort. Wouldn't recommend staying here to anyone. read more

Wow! So impressed. Met up with friends we haven't seen in a long time. My friend has major back issues I mentioned when making the reservations. They reserved us a table with the exact chairs she needed. We were told the employees had sat in every chair making sure she had the exact one to be comfortable in. Service was attentive and food was very good. Check out their pictures. The place is so cute. Thank you Hatter Cafe for a wonderful lunch. read more

This place is so unique and the food is absolutely amazing! We enjoyed it so much we ate supper one night and came back the next morning for breakfast. Every entree was delish and we are foodies!! The staff is super friendly and very accommodating. The details and decor of this place are so fun!! It was a wonderful experience and we highly recommend definitely the hot teas. Our favorite was Holiday! read more

Such a cute little cafe! I can see why it's so popular. Wish the service was as friendly as the atmosphere...wast necessarily "bad" but it definitely lacked big time in delivering what I presumed I would experience here. A man who I assume is the Owner of Chef came around to greet tables and he was really friendly. Gave a preview of the Dinner menu available starting Friday evenings. I do, however, believe the prices may not reflect the quality of food (For lunch at least, have not been for breakfast or dinner). I guess you pay for the ambiance. Nevertheless very cool place. read more

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Don't go unless you have nothing planned for the next 2 hours, are not that hungry, and don't care about a friendly attentive staff. Arrived and didn't know where to go because there were no signs but two buildings. After we found our way inside the restaurant it took a minute to find the hostess stand which was unattended. We were told a 10 minute wait (one other party on the wait list) despite the empty tables that were right in front of us. After 10 or so minutes they called us and we sat down. Here's where everything went down hill. We ordered drinks and food as we heard the hostess tell the party that walked in it was a 45 minute wait. There was no one else on the waiting list!!!!! I should have known then something wasn't right. 1 hour pasted of sitting in a very lacking atmosphere and after having to ask the random waitress for drink refills several times as our waitress didn't come by to check on us I asked someone to check on our food. We were told it wouldn't be more than 5 minutes and our food would be out. 20 minutes later our food finally came out. At this point we had been on the property for almost 2 hours all for two sandwiches. Sandwiches!!!!!!! We immediately asked for our check and were kind of given the stink eye for it. The other big issue here is the layout and rickety tables that were about to fall over. Multiple people were heard commenting on their tables almost falling over as well as they had been waiting for an hour for their food. Recap: very poor service from a staff that doesn't care, extremely long wait times between ordering food and getting food, overpriced for what you get. Do better. read more

Love this place ! Can't say enough about the food, the staff and the owners! They go above and beyond to make your visit the best possible experience! Can't wait to go back. The meatloaf was heavenly! Take a ride and visit you won't be disappointed! read more

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We loved the experience and the food! They seated our group of seven even though we didn't have reservations. Our waitress was exceptional thanks for making our vacation so memorable. read more

I've been to Mentone many times in the last couple years and can't believe I have not been here! It's a wonderfully themed restaurant with great food and the friendliest service! We stayed at an Airbnb and at the recommendation of our host we came here for breakfast. We were greeted with a smile and sat down at a little table with a fun tea party theme. The entire restaurant is decorated that way with table settings, the hat chandeliers, and even the bathroom with its cute decor! We ordered two meals to share- the pancakes and the herb breakfast casserole. The food took a bit of time to come out, but our coffee was always topped off while we waited. The pancakes were so fluffy and delicious. They were cake-like deliciousness but light and delicate. The breakfast casserole was so good. A mixture of their hash brown sausage, eggs and cheese. I read on the menu that they were known for their tea so I had to make a special trip back the next day to try that out. I chose French super blue lavender. It was served in a teapot with cream and sugar. It was such a fun tea party experience and a lot of tea! I can't wait to come back and try some more their menu items. Cannot be the friendliness of their service!! read more

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Omg was this the cutest restaurant with sweetest owner! The style was cute, food was great, and staff was attentive & friendly. This is a must go when in Alabama! They have a bed n breakfast & a little gift shop on the way out as week. read more

Such a hidden gem!!! This place has great atmosphere and decor! Alice in Wonderland theme. It's a restaurant, bed and breakfast, and has "Alice" themed things for sale. We had brunch while there. Pulling in you see a house with eclectic decor. The entrance can be a little confusing but you can enter from ramp or stairs. The food was delightful as was the hot tea. (Jane's garden was our selection). They recommend reservations for parties 6 or more. Their prices are reasonable for portion size. The biscuits and gravy, French toast, and egg special were all very tasty! read more

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If you want the tea party experience, this is your place. From the fancy plates, tea pots, tea sets, and decor, Mad Hatter definitely delivers the Alice in Wonderland theme. Food and tea were fantastic! Did not realize we were getting an entire teapot of tea each, but was totally worth it. Pinky out! read more

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