Was at Calgo Gardens for an event. We decided to eat at Tulip Tree Cafe. The food is homemade, fresh, tasty and some of their fruits/vegetables are homegrown. I had a Waldorf Chicken Salad sandwich which was delicious. My friends had grilled cheese with homemade potato salad and a cup of butternut squash soup. They just got done baking homemade apple cinnamon muffins. They looked delicious so I bought one to take home. Yum! The service was perfecto, large portions and priced right. The ambiance is friendly, a bit rustic which adds a colorful atmosphere to dining. Totally worth going, not just for the food, but the gardens, decor, food and gift shop that is gorgeous with many handmade items. read more

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The ambiance is nice, but I thought the portions were small and the prices high. The service was good.

What a wonderful day the 3 of us had! Dora, our server, was a delight and helpful picking out our lunch choices. The ambiance was like dining in an English countryside. It was a bonus to walk around Calgo Gardens after lunch on, fortunately, a spectacular weather day! We can't wait to return! read more

Dear Heidi, I expected such a response from you. First you offered me the table outside and I explained to you I am highly allergic to bug bites and could only sit inside. You told me about ALL the people waiting for a table and how they were in the garden which was a 100% lie because not one person came in. There was no one in the garden. I took pictures of all the empty tables available which I can post. Even the counter remained empty.The only reason customers heard was because you continued to say you don't have to explain to me why there are empty tables and kept walking away from me. Plus I never called you a b__ch but I did suggest charm school. I am not the first person to post comments about how rude you are. Shame shame shame on you as a business owner to treat valuable customers like you did. You outright lied to me from the moment I walked in to the cafe when you said there was a long wait of people coming in when in fact there was none. I arrived at 1:30 and left a few minutes past 3 and besides myself there was a table with a few girls. That was it. I'm still surprised that you even texted me that my table was now available which gave me the final chance to see how totally empty the place was. read more

Im sure the food is good but ive been sitting here waiting for an egg salad sandwich for 30 minutes which is actually an insane amount of time for something that doesnt require cooking. Its a cute place definitely was a little hard to find. Coffee is super good. I came here to grab a quick lunch before my 1 pm meeting sat at 12 and its 1234 with no food sooo ... meh read more

This might be the one rabbit hole you would want to go down to. Of course, while it does rely on Calgo Farms, I want the review to focus primarily on Tulip Tree Cafe itself. Website: 8/10 The website provides a view of the cafe with a bare-minimal navigation and appearance. I did like the banner of the site, which consisted of the logo and the various word collage behind it. The format of the menu page did not clearly discern the prices of the meals. The blog section had latest entries from 6 years before my visit. Brand: 10/10 Tulip Tree Cafe has an important mission statement, which is to decrease dependence on large industrial farms and to deliver quality food. This is achieved by relying on the ingredients produced from the nearby Calgo Farms, which anyone can tour around freely. It definitely exhumes the whimsical, Wonderland aesthetics about it, from the interior to the Calgo Gardens. The interior acts like a tiny house, as though you are Alice wandering around the brightly colored décor. I truly admire businesses like this that become their own characters in the stories of small towns. The owner, Heidi Schulz, is a chef and clinical nutritionist--and her ethos shows. She clearly understands that good, quality ingredients provide a good experience, and green spaces nearby also provide good, long-term health. Ambiance: 9/10 I was going to comment on the lop-sided parking space, which did not suit this business well; however, the overall ambiance completely outweighed it. The interior was a bit noisy, so I opted to eat outdoors, which proved a great choice. From the clean, stone patios, you will view various stone steps leading to the gardens. The autumn weather fitted the atmosphere, for it did not beat heat upon me, while also maintaining a tolerable level of coolness. There were also various fly traps around so that the bugs would not prove bothersome to us, though a wasp did come around. Staff: 9/10 The friendly staff came quickly and did a good job asking me specific questions about my order, such as which kind of bread I wanted, though not with the specific kind of fruit. Nonetheless, I was satisfied with the pineapple bits that came with the order. Waiting Period: 10/10 For our meals, the waiting period maintained its consistency. I had no complaints. Food: 9/10 The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich within toasted Russian rye bread definitely filled me throughout the day. It was not dry enough to request ketchup, and we had free, complimentary water. The crispy bacon provided enough heat, while the cheese maintained a gooey consistency with every stretch. The rye bread maintained its form, even as the eggs kept creeping out of the sandwich. The food is pricey, however, so be wary about what you are getting yourself into. Comes Together Well?: 9/10 With Schulz's background, she manages to use both food and space strategically. Despite the price of the food, the experience well-compensates it--and more. Aesthetic-wise, I would like to see the website and any other part of Tulip Tree Cafe lean more into the Wonderland aesthetic, just like the interior. If there is to be a blog section, then it would benefit the business to have a few updates pertaining to any events taking place if they are free for invitation. Rating: 5/5 Stars Given the limited choice between 4 stars or 5 stars, I undoubtedly chose 5 stars. I see nothing but hope for this establishment and their business model. Perhaps future cafes, diners, pizzerias, and other smaller restaurants throughout many small towns could rely on this type of business model. They would truly benefit from ready access to local agriculture to make their meal courses genuinely authentic. Personally, I may not be the target demographic for this establishment in terms of aesthetics, but I would still go to this establishment if given the choice for catering. Recommend To... Anyone who is looking for a meal with a pleasant experience. Tulip Tree Cafe provides that experience that you will never forget. I also recommend to anyone who is looking to buy American-made and fair trade meals and goods within the same location, since the Calgo Gardens Gift Shop is just one tour away. I also recommend this establishment to anyone who is environmentally conscious and is looking for a green space. read more

6/3/25 From out of state and was looking for a locally responsible/organic breakfast place and I found this place. Upon arrival there was construction. I pulled into The Barn landscaping parking lot and called to find our how to get to their place. The owner Heidi answered, I told her the situation and she said oh your here. I said ok. The she said Then get the F@ck out of the car and then the phone hung up. My friend and I went inside and reported this to the manager, who was Heidi, who then said I was not talking to you I was talking to the delivery guy who was taking too long. She said Do you want to sit and eat. We politely replied no and left. read more

I just love this place! It's so cute and hidden away and should be shared with others so they can enjoy it as well. The restaurant is attached to Calgo Gardens and there is a lovely outdoor area which is perfect for warm days where you can enjoy the garden area. But even indoors, this place has such a cozy and homey vibe! It's almost as if you're eating in someone's home. The food is delicious and changes a little seasonally. I just love meeting people here for a breakfast or lunch! read more

About fourth time to visit. Been here before for lunch. Two of us came on a weekday around 12:30 for lunch. It's a bit of a ride but we figured see what's cooking? Because it's a ride I checked their website before leaving to ensure they'd be open. Well, as others have complained, they weren't answering the door or the phone. I could see them inside along with at least one or two people in the dining room. The sign on the door with printed schedule clearly indicated they should be open for business. Ok, maybe they didn't bother to update their schedules with changes (which by itself shows a gross lack of customer service); but to not answer the door when you can see us and we see you is downright rude and callous. This is in a rural part of the county which is all the more annoying about them. I'll continue to shop the nursery and gift shop which are very friendly and generous, but not the Tulip. read more

Tulip Tree Cafe - From tuliptreecafe.com website. Clearly states "Open Monday 10-3. Small paper schedule on front door had same hours listed. - New American Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

The charming garden atmosphere was the best part of my lunch experience at the Tulip Tree Cafe yesterday. Inside seating was available but my friend and I elected to dine outside on the patio. The cafe is located at a garden center, and the view of flowers, fountains, trees, and winding stone pathways is unbeatable. I enjoyed eating the best grilled vegetable sandwich I've had in my entire life. It was also the most expensive grilled vegetable sandwich I've had in my entire life. It cost $14 and was gone in 7 bites--I counted. That's $2.00 a mouthful, and I was still hungry after finishing it. It did come with two little wedges of sweet fresh watermelon. My friend ordered the Waldorf Chicken Salad (also $14.00) and said it was delicious. She got a cup of tea ($5.00) and I drank coffee ($3.00). We both prefer low fat milk in our tea/coffee and requested that, but our server informed us that whole milk was the only option. My coffee was bitter/acidic and I didn't care for it. Our server had a very nice personality but left us unattended for long periods of time. After pouring our waters, she was gone for a while. Just as I stood up to find her so we could order, she came back. The food came out quickly, but after our server gave us our check, she was gone again for another 15 minutes. I had to leave the table and walk around to find her so we could pay. read more

Fun lunch/ coffee spot with lovely local nursery. Good plant / tree collection and lovely gift shop, too.

Beautiful timber framed dining area with a warm atmosphere. It's my first time here today I will definitely be coming back. Waitress was attentive and kind. Food was delicious. Got the lentil soup and the shrimp po'boy, both specials and both amazing. Can't wait to try the rest of the menu! read more

Tulip Tree Cafe - close up - New American Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

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I had a wonderful lunch for Mother's Day with 10 people. The atmosphere was so beautiful and quaint. The food was absolutely delicious and fresh. And the staff was very sweet and friendly. I couldn't recommended this place more! read more

Tulip Tree Cafe - Family photo - New American Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

Really unique setting to grab breakfast or lunch. Had lunch and breakfast here. Both were very good. Good ingredients. Farm to table-ish. Good coffee. Good iced tea. things i noticed were menu is quite small, prices were very high- (in my opinion, maybe they are higher quality ingredients that justify the price)( tuna sandwich is like $14) and portions on french toast breakfast are way too small for the price. You get 2 slices of french toast for $14- this comes with 2 tiny slices of watermelon,if you add bacon its $18. Taste wise it was great but it should be 4 slices,(three at very least). I left hungry after that. Nothing worse than feeling like there just wasnt enough on the plate. Lunch choices are definitely the way to go here, you will get a good meal and the food tastes great. Side salads with lunch are incredible. Staff is friendly, place is clean. Check out the garden center out back and the gift shop next door. If you are sick if the usual routine lunch places you continually go to,take a ride to the Tulip Tree Cafe. I plan on eventually trying everything on the lunch menu. read more

Cute cafe. Small but inviting. Love that it's by Calgo farms. I walked in and it took a bit long to be greeted. I have heard the owner is very nice and pleasant to talk too but I guess today was an off day for her. The vegetable sandwich on ciabatta bread was extremely satisfying. Bread was so fresh. The vegetables with balsamic hit the spot. I would have liked a bit more vegetables and crunch. I had coleslaw with my sandwich. Tasted like it could be roasted pepper based but not sure. It was just ok for me. Last bite had a sizable peppercorn that lingered in mouth for awhile after which I wasn't happy about because the sandwich was so tasty. I would go back and try the chicken salad or grilled cheese sandwich next time or maybe treat my kids to breakfast there. read more

Tulip Tree Cafe - Vegetable sandwich - New American Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

My first restaurant meal since March 2020 lockdown was 11/6/2020 at the Tulip Tree Cafe. It is a beautiful environment at Calgo Gardens Nursery. It was a warm evening and the Tulip Tree had a fire pit burning on the deck for added warmth and ambiance. Inside dinners came outside between courses to enjoy the fire, all the while a musician entertained diners in the background. The dinner menu on Friday evenings is a 3-4 course pre-fixe menu with 3 options for a main course on the 6th. I started with a wonderful fresh mesclun green base salad. The greens were topped with matchstick pieces of fresh apple, blueberries, roasted butternut squash, pomegranate arils, walnuts and crumbled blue cheese, and was perfectly dressed in a light balsamic/oil dressing. It was fresh, beautiful and so tasty! Then the chef came out to our table and dropped off a cup of the tastiest pea soup I have ever tasted! It was smooth, but not totally pureed, leaving little bits of peas and other vegetables. It was a little cup of heaven with a side of crostini's. The flavors were complex with a hint of sweetness. It left me wanting to know the recipe. For an entrée I order a medium rare rib-eye. It was cooked to perfection. Every bite melted in my mouth. The steak was a generous size, over an inch thick and real treat. It came with a side of a roasted sweet potato and some real maple syrup to dress it up. It was a great combination for a fall evening. Dinner ended with a tasty slice of limoncello cake and a cup of fresh decaf coffee. The waiter was also polite, efficient and accommodating when I wanted to switch tables to get closer to the fire pit. It was a really special evening and I highly recommend it! The chef clearly uses seasonal ingredients to make her food special. A perfect way to close out a busy work week! Bonus, you can bring a bottle of wine to accompany your dinner, too! read more

Our new favorite spot for lunch. The perfect spot for foodies! Absolutely delicious sandwiches and dessert. My mom and I ordered two variants of the grilled cheese sandwiches and my husband ordered the steak sandwich. All delicious. The pistachio cake is not to be missed! Ambiance is shabby chic, cozy and festive. Can't wait to be back for dinner! read more

I can not thank Tulip Tree enough for today. The shower was absolutely PERFECT! The food, the service, the atmosphere-all of it-was absolute perfection. Every single person present came up to me at some point during the day to tell me how wonderful everything was but really, the credit belongs to all of you who made the day so incredibly special. While everyone in attendance was obviously happy, our little bride-to-be was delighted and full of joy from beginning to end and that was the most important. It was a beautiful experience and again, to you and everyone involved, I am grateful. Tulip Tree Café rocks. read more

Attended a dinner show here and was pleasantly surprised on the quality and quantity of food! Fixed small menu . read more

I just had a baby shower at Tulip Tree Cafe. Heidi did a wonderful job preparing our farm to table lunch. We loved everything from the butternut squash soup with French toast croutons-to the fresh chicken sandwiches, vegetable sandwiches and arugula salad My guests were impressed with the cozy laid back atmosphere. I felt that the price was reasonable and will definitely be back . read more

Tulip Tree Cafe - New American Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

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I had my daughter's baby shower here at The Tulip Cafe yesterday. I wish I could give ten stars! The cafe and grounds are so lovely ! With low classical music in the background, the atmosphere was so relaxing. No one wanted to leave!! The food and service was amazing! Everything was served so elegantly with COVID in mind. The owner, Heidi is so talented, thoughtful and easy to work with! Greg, who was in charge outside, was on top of everything and provided amazing service! I wish I had more events to have here! I know I will be back just for lunch/dinner or a cup of tea! Thank you all at Tulip Cafe for such a lovely day! read more

Ambiance was so welcoming. Took my wife and mother-in-law for Mother's Day. They both (as well as myself) loved our meals, our server was attentive and and friendly and the owner, Heidi was very caring of our needs as well as the other guests. Very worth your while! Get a reservation today! Dom Wronko read more

Cute little cafe. Small selection but everything we tried was lovely!

quaint and charming place for brunch and lunch! Found this gem last year and love to go back. Fresh farm to table, and beautiful surroundings. read more

I really liked it. Unfortunately limited menu and high prices.would go there just for the ambiance.since my hubby and I are experienced cooks we know the value of food well prepared and it's costs.that said I wish some of their menu items were cheaper. read more

A charming cafe with lots of character. I go there often for breakfast and lunch and the food is delicious. The coffee, best tasting cup in town. The chef/owner alway adds a special flair of flavor that makes each meal sooo yummy. As soon as you walk in the cafe you feel the positive energy flowing, which immediately makes you want to share this spot with friends and family. I'm so excited that she's going to cater my CFC FM event! A must stop! Or you'll miss out on a beautiful culinary experience. read more