The food was very good but the seating was very congested. The sign on the wall says that the maximum capacity is 36. I have to disagree and say that maximum capacity is about 20. You are seated so close to other people that you cannot lift up your hands completely. The bathroom is extremely tiny and does not have a place to hang your bags. This is a cash only restaurant so make sure you prepare and come with cash. Other than that, it's a cute place. It looks like you are sitting inside a cottage. Very cool! I do give kudos for the delicious food and the great service. read more

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Nice little brunch spot in Carmel by the Sea. Cute cottage aesthetic, and very attentive staff. The food was amazing and prices were reasonable. It was very tiny so not good for large groups. That said, I'd absolutely return read more

The Tuck Box - Tuck Box Benedict - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

I had this place on my bucket list for whenever we got to visit Carmel and we finally had a chance to have breakfast there this morning! It's a cute and cozy little cottage, but definitely small. They only take cash, so make sure you're prepared for that! We arrived during a gloomy morning around 1030am and there was only one table taken inside. We sat inside ordered some coffee which was simply good. As we sat there the sun came out and my husband wanted to sit outside instead. They were very accommodating and encouraged us to sit outside. The service there was awesome! I ordered the EGG Breakfast which includes the option to order their infamous homemade scone, which I did. It comes with two eggs and I ordered my eggs over easy with Canadian bacon. My hubby ordered the Tuck Box Benedict with a side of country potatoes as it was not included. I was pleased with my breakfast and loved their Scottish scone, especially with the delicious whipped butter and berry jam! The hubby however, wasn't too impressed. His breakfast was good, but nothing spectacular. We spent around $60 w/tip which is pretty typical for breakfast nowadays. We did love the atmosphere and I wouldn't mind coming back to try their lunch some day! read more

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CASH ONLY BUSINESS !! Really quaint and small. Looks like it's family run; woman is in charge, kid is server/busser, dad cook? The group next to us found a hair in their food, but I thought ours was pretty good. read more

Such a charming little spot! We stopped by The Tuck Box because my wife just had to go and she was interested in their high tea, which we didn't get to try this time, but it's definitely on our list for next visit. We came for breakfast and ordered a Benedict. They didn't have any gluten-free options, but the staff were super kind and made it work by serving it over fresh tomato slices for my wife. Had some coffee and the cozy cottage vibes made it all feel like a scene out of a storybook. The space itself is adorablem great light during the day. Just a heads-up: it's cash only, so plan ahead before you go. All in all, a sweet, breakfast spot with friendly service. Can't wait to come back and experience their high tea next time. read more

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I like the food. Very tasty. The lady is very nice too. Plus the plce feels magical. A lil bit cramped specially the table, but youll forget about it because of the cute aesthetic. The outside table was also very pleasing with tge lil garden gnome and mushroom around. But the outdoor table is not open till 9am, just an fyi. read more

The Tuck Box - The entrance to the hobbit world - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

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Besties birthday brunch. Amazing food, great service. They have the fluffiest omelettes. Jack & Avocado omelette was delicious. We enjoyed everything. Cash only read more

This has been a family favorite since the early 1950's when we would come down from San Francisco to visit family. As i grew up i eventually moved to Carmel and made this my staple breakfast place every weekend. I always took visitors to town to this place for breakfast. My favorite being the scones with the homeade jam. I loved the benedict, and especially the Welsh Rarebit benefict. That is something unique to this place that you cannot find elsewhere. I really miss not being close to this place. read more

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RACIST and terrible customer service. The food is terrible. The only draw is the cute building. Once you enter all you get is disappointment. I don't understand why they are still in business! read more

Arrived as their first customers of the morning, while staff was still getting ready for the day. We were referred to The Tuck Box so we were anticipating a good meal to start the day in Carmel. We highly recommend trying the scones...other than that breakfast was just so so. We wanted to take home some scone mix and preserves as noted on the menu. Not available..."out of season". Probably would not return. read more

The Tuck Box, while a Carmel institution, is...tired. It's been in our family lore since my mom's childhood--an acquaintance of her Dad's said you must eat the Welsh Rarebit at the Tuck Box. My parents, however, never took us there during visits as kids. But, during my recent stay, I was determined to do so. The restaurant is cute in a dated way, and I think they rely on this nostalgia factor. It would be nice to see a refresh while still maintaining the vintage and historic charm. The first change I would make to do away with the copper topped tables, they offer a metallic smell throughout the whole of the meal. The soundtrack of Frank Sinatra and Frank Sinatra-esque songs also didn't make a lot of sense. The food was just ok, the side salad was especially lackluster. You get a choice of crispy or Canadian bacon with the Welsh Rarebit. I ordered it with crispy bacon and, in hindsight, I believe I would have preferred it with the Canadian bacon. The crispy bacon was, if you can imagine, just too crisp. Instead of being a contrasting yet complimentary texture it was more like a distraction. Wish I had a better report. read more

I didn't go here today . But we were looking forward to it but they only accept cash . Now that's crazy no wonder the place was empty at 10 am . As much as I like their scones and breakfast items I don't think I will be coming back so sorry read more

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My wife was very excited to have breakfast here as the menu ON THEIR WEBSITE had very reasonable prices. However when we arrived we were floored by a different menu. Eggs Benedict for example is $9.95 on website but $16.95 when you arrive. Food and service was great. But a very unexpected $70 breakfast after tip. Website menu attached. read more

The Tuck Box - Menu on website - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

Excellent food and a very cute ambience! The scones and eggs Benedict were delicious! read more

The Tuck Box - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

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Cute little English tea shop in the heart of Carmel and it turned out to be a great place for us to get a little breakfast while the power was out at our hotel and most other places in town. They have a great breakfast menu but my eye went straight to the scone. They deliver this one a little differently than any other scone I've had in the US or Uk. Cooked in a skillet and served in wedges, it's hot and buttery. It's almost like a cornbread but not quite. Different but good and great on a cold rainy morning with hot tea or coffee. Definitely try it . They serve lunch as well and close at 3pm. Also breakfast cocktails and wine and beer. It was a good fix of Carby goodness . The service was a little slack and unfriendly. Maybe she was having a bad day with the power being out in town. Who knows . Food was good though ! read more

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Walking into this cottage is so fun! It's little, has teapots all over the place, a really cool window sill seating area. Just so much charm!!! We were the only ones there... For about 10 minutes and then the place got busy. We were able to sit in the window seating area and watch everybody as they walked by. We started our breakfast with a ollala-berry mimosa. It was delicious! My friend and I decided to share the eggs Benedict so that we could not feel so bad about ordering two scones. The Benedict was delicious. It didn't come with potatoes or anything. It was two eggs Benedict on English muffin, but it was delicious. The scones were amazing. I think the jams that come with the scone really makes it special. Without the jams, they don't have too much flavor, but they're supposed to go together. It also comes with whip cream that tasted like it was homemade. The people that work there are super friendly and if they're not too busy, will sit and have a conversation. They are hard workers and super nice. They have a little seating area outside that you can sit at if it's too busy or if it's a beautiful day and you just want to sit outside and have breakfast. Will definitely be back when I go back to Carmel next year read more

This establishment is extremely racist and homophobic. They refused to serve my family and friends and just left us seated while helping other customers. I cannot make a comment of the food because they did not serve us. The location was ideal to pop in for a bite. Ambiance was a touch of racism and unwelcoming to individuals who are "other." read more

So we decided on breakfast across the way at this little cute cafe called me Tuck Box. It was raining hard so there was no option to sit outside but that was okay. Came inside and was quickly greeted and told to give them a moment to clean the table. So we sat down in the chairs and noticed there were menus on the chairs . Took a look at them and had them in our hands , then our waitress said table was ready called. At the same she also told us sharply just leave them there. Mind you, it is a cold rainy morning no coffee yet in my system, So I really had to bite my tongue and not let my day be ruined. I ordered a Olallieberry Mimosa & tuck benedict and the scones that they were famous for. I asked a male staff member, "What type of scone is it?" He says it's s scottish scone. I didn't know what it was but I was intrigued. He also said that they make their own jams. They brought out both this orange marmalade jam and Olallieberry jam with some whipped butter. It's definitely not a traditional english scone. Warm & too sweet. A fried crunch on the outside. It was edible with the Berry jam and butter. It was not for me unfortunately. I did like the spin on the tuck box Benedict but again I feel the service could have been delievred differently. Let me know if you try it out. read more

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Solid 3 star experience! We brought our yellow lab and asked to sit in their small patio which has about 4 tables. Fortunately there wasn't a wait when we stopped in around 1pm on a Saturday. The service was a little slow but I think it's consistent with the small time vibe. For whatever reason I can't get my picture of the scone to load but that was my favorite item of the day! The Benedict and the rarabit were both good as well. There just wasn't anything particularly special about them. The patio had a nice succulent garden to complement the cottage aesthetic. We felt like we were in a fairytale! My only complaint is that it's cash only so be prepared to bring the bacon! read more

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Hilda took amazing care of us this morning. My mother has been going to the Tuck Box for over 65 years, and it never disappoints!

This place is adorable! It is small, but quaint. If you know the history of the Storybook houses in Carmel-by-the-Sea, you'll love being inside and feeling the fun history. They have a book available detailing all the Storybook houses. The food was delicious. We had a variety of breakfast items including their house special which is worth trying. The scones are different but yummy with their jams and cream. It's locked right in the middle if fun shopping so it's great to start your day here. read more

The Tuck Box - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

I'm not sure what happened with other people's experiences. But they were very accommodating and friendly. I am a person of color, so not sure about the race thing, didn't seem to be an issue. Food was good, scones are worth a try. Food orders were bigger than expected. We ordered hot chocolate and they brought it in a teapot for several cupfuls. Very nice ambiance and fun. read more

The Tuck Box - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

Cash only! The food is ok and service could be better but it's the environment that makes this place unique! The way it's shaped and the decor inside is very cute. Thomas Kinkade loved this place so much that he painted it! We arrived when it opened at 7:30am on a Saturday and absolutely no one was there! We got to choose where we sat and chose by the window. The eggs benedict was delicious. I was disappointed that the earl grey tea was literally a tea pack. The "scone" is more like a toast and it was good but just not what you expect. The berry jam was ok but the lemon jam was wayyy too sour! Cream was better with the jams but I can't have too much because I'm lactose sensitive. Overall, food was just OK. I can see why service was scored so low because we came in and said "hello?" So many times and even walked up to the kitchen to get someone to see us....kinda ridiculous. The lady/host was nice but not friendly. I would have preferred to try other food/restaurant and just take pictures with the building. That's how average the food was and disappointing. read more

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This place is straight out of a fairytale! Carmel is beautiful for cozy little cottages. We walked by tuck box and decided to stop by for brunch. Place is overall small but cozy and pet friendly. The food was delicious. The only thing I would change is to have a fountain drink machine. Our server was friendly our food came out pretty quickly. Not too pricey but bring cash because they do not accept cards. read more

Beautiful place!!!! Very cozy!! Is a little magical house where you can have an amazing breakfast . The service is great and the food is very good. read more

The Tuck Box - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

The reason for my three stars is the scone and homemade jams. Despite the other reviews on here, I do believe it's the best thing on the menu. However the cash only thing is super annoying and it's a $7 minimum. Overall the service is okay, we've been here 3-4 times every time we come to Carmel and there's one server that does make the experience miserable. She has never once been in a good mood everytime we've visited. Ambiance is to die for if you like cottage-core and cute vibes. read more

Charming Cottage. It feels like an inexpensive trip to Cotswold! Scones are Wonderful! Love it

Very cool ambiance. Food was very average. Best thing I had was a Bloody Mary. Staff were very nice and we did not have to wait on a Sunday morning. read more

This place is so sweet, it's like stepping into a storybook. I enjoy places like this between meals times, like between breakfast and lunch and less crowded and lovely experiences. read more

As delicious as it is eclectic, The Tuck Box is a gem. Featuring great breakfast items skillfully prepared, don't miss out on the Scones. A touch of Orange Marmalade, clotted cream and buttered to perfection. You'll start looking for your passport as you enjoy the chalet-like decor .Make the Tuck Box a stop on your Carmel-By-The-Sea adventure. read more

Note: Wow, they are still cash only here. It's a very touristy area with lots of free 2-hour public street parking nearby. The place has been here for years now. Arrived after 9:30 AM on a Monday morning. No lines, but there were definitely large groups already sitting inside during breakfast jours. 5/5 for the tiny old fashioned cottage storybook feeling restaurant space. Patio seating outdoors available. Cute, cozy, friendly, and unique. The place is well decorated with teapots, teacups, and other colorful gifts. Their special scones is a must have at 5/5 rating. Absolutely delicious with cream and fruit jams. I never had this type of scone that tastes like cornbread before. So far so good. Good vibes. Photogenic spots. 4/5 for serving of food portions, food presentation, hot pot of tea in the floral pot, and simple to read menu. I actually did enjoy the taste of their hot tea here. Tea was soaked in lots of tea leaves, but they do give you a strainer for it. It's the English tea or afternoon snack party feeling. 3/5 for slower service and greeting at the door/hit or miss experience as they can get very busy inside this small restaurant serving many customers. They gave me the seat in front/next to the busy water closet/restroom, so it definitely changed the mood a bit. Tuck Box Benedict was average, but tasted good enough for a hungry appetite. Droopy eggs with bacon/ham. Not too bad, but it could have been much better. Maybe if only it came with some potatoes or fruits? That would be desirable. Very decent food prices. Overall rating is between a 3.7-4.2 to be exact. Great location. I'll have to revisit to get new experiences and vibes next time. Those scones with the hot tea were a very delicious combo for sure. I wish they would have more pastries/snacks on the menu. The place is small enough for small bites. read more

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Before heading home we drop by in this cute little resto to have our breakfast. The instagrammable cute reto outside, its like a fairytale house. Simple food and they don't accept credit cards. So don't forget to being some cash. read more

The Tuck Box - Butter bread and bacon - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

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The tea and food were great! It is a tiny establishment so you are in close proximity of other tables. The staff leads a calm relaxing ambiance. The outdoor seating is bigger and lots of greenery. The bathroom is very tiny but so unique. Would come back again with girlfriends for brunch. read more

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There are a bunch of nasty reviews for this restaurant from people concerned for their safety during Covid; they claim this restaurant doesn't care. If you feel that this restaurant doesn't care, you should probably go eat at another restaurant. No one is forcing you to eat somewhere that you don't feel safe. If you also feel like the staff and/or owner have an unprofessional attitude with their bias towards Governor Newsom, you don't have to eat at this restaurant. As for me, I will gladly eat somewhere that I can enjoy my food without having to wear a face diaper ESPECIALLY when I am sitting OUTSIDE.....taking in the FRESH AIR. This restaurant had great food and AMAZING customer service. I also got a kick out of the staff's attitude towards the governor of California. P.S. I think it's good to take into account what business owners have lost during this pandemic. Many have had their livelihoods lost due to the incompetence and lack of action from Newsom and the state of California. P.S. Part 2 Remember when we were told that hospitalizations and positive test rates were the most important metrics for understanding the state of COVID? Yeah, both are extremely low right now (deaths per day are also low despite the definition) so they are no longer relevant. Again, if you don't like the business practices of this restaurant, you don't have to go. read more

The Tuck Box - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

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The building is darling, clean and the environment perfect. The service is friendly and fast. The food was a mix. The salad was very good, the scones were more like cake. read more

Do not go there if you're wondering if it's good or not. Outrageously priced for the most mundane food Ive ever had. Very bad tbh. Service was good and the ambience was great too that's why I sat through that awful breakfast. read more

We were able to walk in and get a table by the window. It was the first week of December and the whole town is much slower that week. My parents told me the lines can be long to eat here! Such a cute place. It is small and cozy. You feel like you are in a different country. Cute tea pots displayed around a fireplace. We got the Eggs Benedict, Tuck Box Benedict and two cheese omelettes. All very tasty. The scones are so good. We were told all scones are made fresh. Unlike dry, hard scones, these are more eggy and soft. Pairs great with their jams and whipped cream. read more

I escaped to Carmel by the sea for a mental health get away to relax and rejuvenate. As my husband and I was walking we came across this little cottage like cafe with a nice court yard and amazing waitress. She greeted us with a smile and showed us to our seats. Christi is bright, brilliant and very friendly. The food was tasteful, and flavorful. I tried their scones for the first time ever and absolutely love them. Great place for brunch, dates, or adult get away. Amazing place! read more

The Tuck Box - Mimosas ( berry w/ a splash of orange juice) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

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This place is a Carmel treasure. My wife and I always visit whenever we are in the area. We came when we were dating, brought our kids here, and now we are visiting in our late 40's. However I am afraid it will be brought down by just one unpleasant waitress. There were two waitresses working that day, a dark haired middle aged woman and a young lighter hair woman. The darker haired lady served us and I can only say that she exudes the most negative visceral hatred that permeates the room (too much?). Makes you feel rushed, unwanted, and ruins the magical experience that is the Tuck Box. It is almost enough to make you not want to come back. But I can't quit you, you delicious scone with homemade jelly! read more

Adorable, quaint, a perfect cozy spot for bringing a good book and grabbing some tea and scones. It's truly a gem in Carmel... so grateful for small businesses like the tuck box. read more