Destination Tea: Tea-Time at the Cottage

Where: Monroe, Georgia
Style:  Traditional
Tea Selection: 18+ loose leaf teas
Teatimes:  Saturday, 10 to 4
Reservations: Reservations required, but if there is availability, walk-ins are also welcome
Contact: Reserve here or 470-965-9015
Cost: $45 Themed Teas; $29.95 Traditional Afternoon Tea; $18.95 Tea and Sweets; $16.95 Prince or Princess Tea; $14.95 Devonshire Tea
Destination Tea Tips: Look for parking in the lot behind the cottage, or municipal lots nearby. Because this teahouse is currently only open on Saturdays, be sure to book your teatime well in advance. Check their website for special event and seasonal menus on offer.

Prices and teatimes are subject to change. Please see our Georgia Afternoon Tea Directory for the latest details.

afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA

Destination Tea Notes: One of our reviewers put it best, “God bless Mom, she knows how to cook.” That pretty much lets you know what to expect when you visit Monroe’s new tea cottage. After a major renovation of her building, which formerly housed a pet grooming business, Vicki Grafe opened Tea-Time at the Cottage late last year in downtown Monroe. She tells us that she had the idea to open a tearoom after years of cooking for church functions, “I do this to bless people. It’s a ministry.” For her charming tearoom that seats about twenty, Vicki prepares creative afternoon tea menus from scratch, while the rest of the Grafe family handles dishes and table service. Teas are properly steeped and decanted before coming to the table, and every bite of food is delectable. When we comment on her reasonable pricing for a satisfying afternoon tea (which includes a soup and salad), Vicki explains, “People pay good money for afternoon tea. Don’t just give them bread — fill it.” One of our favorite aspects of this afternoon tea is that you can enjoy each and every course without being overstuffed because they are portioned perfectly. Our thanks to Vicki and the Grafe family for a lovely Saturday tea – we highly recommend a visit.

inside the tearoom at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
The petite tearoom feels cozy but not cramped.
chandelier in the tearoom at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
The tearoom forms a “t” shape.
guests seated at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
Crisp whites and wood tones make the space feel cheery and warm.
tea hats at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
If you forget your afternoon tea accessories, you’re covered.
collage of prints at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
Sweet collage of framed art
teapot collection at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
Which teapot in this farm collection is your favorite?

Tea Selection

pretty teacup at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
Each guest selects their 3-cup pot of tea. We are happy with our choices: Mother of Pearl, a strawberry flavored green tea blended with rose petals and white pearl candies; longtime favorite Snowflake, a black tea blended with almonds, coconut flakes and cinnamon bits; and with dessert, we try the Peach Mango, a black tea with peach and mango bits.
teapots and warmers at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
Appreciating that the teas are properly brewed in back and kept warm on the table with tea warmers. Destination Tea tip: to preserve your teapot, remove it from the warmer when it’s empty.

Scones & Spreads, Savories and Sweets

soup and salad at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
First course is a tasty roasted red pepper soup and salad with pecans, mandarins and poppy seed dressing.
three-tiered tray at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
Hello, beauty. Luckily, our visit coincided with the tearoom’s special Valentine’s Day Tea menu.
savories at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
The scrumptious savories include Cucumber Sandwich with Herb Mayo and Dill, Bacon Tomato Bruschetta, Crab Crostini and Mac n Cheese Bite.
scones at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
Vanilla Bean Scones are baked perfectly, served with clotted cream, lemon curd and Vicki’s Raspberry Yogurt Dip with assorted fruit.
desserts at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
For dessert, we enjoy a Frosted Valentine’s Sugar Cookie, [Sinfully Fabulous] Crepe with Almond Custard drizzled with Mixed Berry Compote and Whipped Cream, and Texas Sheet Cake Mini Bite.
tea gifts at afternoon tea at Tea-Time at the Cottage in Monroe, GA
Tucked next to the front door is a gift cart with tea accessories, teas and t-shirts.
DestinationTea
Tea Voyageuse, discovering the world of afternoon tea, based in Atlanta, Georgia.

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