McKenna's Tea Cottage image

McKenna's Tea Cottage

Restaurant Cafe Gift shop Tea house Tea store Small plates restaurant British restaurant

Family-run destination for English-style tea, pastries & sandwiches, with party bookings available. People often mention service, sandwiches, great, cream, nice, enjoy, Great, table, salad, server,


Address

237 Main St, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Website

www.mckennasteacottage.com

Contact

(562) 431-0200

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (323 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 11 AM to 2 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 2 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 2 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 2 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 2 PM
  • Sunday: 12 to 3 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: service (14) sandwiches (11) great (9) cream (7) nice (6) enjoy (6) Great (6) table (6) salad (6) server (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Vishal C. 10 months ago on Google
    They were very responsive over email and helped me make my reservation. They also accommodated my dietary restrictions - no meat and eggs. Super nice waiter! The food, however, is sub par. I got two types of sandwiches- cucumber mint and berries and cream (pics attached) with were one fourth of a piece of bread with one slice of cucumber and strawberry, respectively . It would be nice if they were a little larger with more filling and covered with another piece of bread. The clotted cream tasted flat and foamy and is definitely not of the right consistency or taste. We also got soup which was better. Being an avid tea drinker - I expect a pure Assam to be much robust than what they had.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 M V. 3 years ago on Google
    👍 - blueberry tea was the special for the day and the aromas alone were enough to make it the top 10 teas I've ever had, but the flavor was also divine. A delightful menu of thoughtful eats to enjoy outside, people watching, in the gorgeous climate. Great service as well! 👎 - the finger sandwiches were in the top 10 worst sandwiches I've ever come across 😅 but they were well prepared! 7/10
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jeanette B. S. 3 years ago on Google
    Update! June 20, 2020. Open for DINE-IN. Call ahead for reservations! New photos added. It was a nice afternoon tea with my friend. The establishment has been around for a while. The locals love having tea parties here. There was a party for a little girl with her friends to celebrate her birthday. It was really cute. I really love the decor and displays of tea sets, my weakness. Lol. Anyways, I would definitely return to enjoy another set of tea. If you like this review, please let me know. Thank you and have a great day!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Or G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great and unique experience for a tea house. Each table gets a beautiful tea serving ceramic set. The menu is tricky as you can order set/tower or build your own one. The only downside is that if you go with the Royal or other top selection (sandwich, fruit, dessert, scones, etc.), they ask you not to share and have at least $10 order per person. The atmosphere is great and the food/dessert are super nice and unique. Great for a morning/brunch date ☺️
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Miriam K. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a lovely tea spot! Very affordable and a great outdoor spot for a nice time with friends. The top two tiers on the menu are plentiful for food, especially for the price. I do think the $3.50 fee to pick sandwich types in different quantities is silly, you get 5 either way. Great selections of teas and they even have cocktails.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ashley K. 2 years ago on Google
    Good tea but so many flies in the shop. I took my mom and it became a contest between us and the table next to us who could kill more flies during our meal. Memorable but for the wrong reasons!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Autumn M. 1 year ago on Google
    The service here is beyond ridiculous. I attended a party here which consisted of 18 people. I have never experienced this type of low quality service from anywhere. First off they couldn’t seat us until 1:30 regardless of the table being set up already. They claim they have a 2 hour maximum period to enjoy the tea party. Well, let me tell you none of this experience was enjoyable. After waiting around 45 minutes I had to order something because I was starving. I ordered a salad that came with fruit on it. The chicken was OVERLY salted and just overall very boring considering the price. Secondly, none of our pre-set food was served. They forgot about it, and all of us were sitting there wondering where it was. Not one waiter or waitress stopped by to check on us, asking if we need anything. It comes around to 2:30 and they proceed to tell us that if we go overtime it will be an extra $50! What happened to the 2 hour time limit. When we addressed the situation they said it was their mistake and would not be charged. Well they lied because upon checking the bank statement there was an extra $50 charge. Finally the food came out and it was average. Still no service asking if we were okay, If we needed anything. Not even to have water refilled! Clearly these people are not trained properly nor have the proper customer service skills. When we had to cut the cake they didn’t clear any tables, offer any new setting, nor offer a knife, it was utterly ridiculous. Lastly, the chef was sitting outside smoking and complaining. That was not okay and so unprofessional. After going back and fourth with the managers who were extremely rude, they deemed us not fit for any type of accommodation. Overall, do not come here! There are so many other professionally ran places in seal beach.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 C D. 7 months ago on Google
    Wonderful place to have afternoon tea. I'm especially happy that they prepare vegan options! But, you have to let them know beforehand so that they can accommodate you. Service is friendly and atmosphere is nice. The only thing is that the indoors is a bit warm temperature-wise and I prefer indoor to outdoor eating.

  • 3/5 Josefina J. 2 years ago on Google
    Love the hipster-ish ambiance. Great for a casual get together or workplace if you enjoy coffee shops. Drinks are average to good quality, but slightly on the pricier end. This place is deceivingly larger than it actually appears from outside, so definitely come in before you judge if there's enough room to sit.

  • 4/5 Rosemary H. 7 months ago on Google
    Had tea and lunch. The food did not seem freshly prepared. Tea choices were good. Did not receive the value expected.

  • 3/5 Cynthia L. 1 year ago on Google
    This used to be my favorite tea establishment pre covid. Coming back after opening I noticed a few slips, dusty interior, service a bit slower and just not as polished and professional but the food and concept were always top notch. Today I'm just sad. The food was average. The sandwiches were just not as fresh and the scones weren't perfect. Average at best. The service as clearly lacking. We were told to pick a table, so we did. The room was half full. There was a server joking and chatting with a table. It took a good 10 minutes for a different person to appear and the only words were, "do you know what you want". Well we certainly did because we had read that menu 20 times! Our order was taken and our tea delivered. The food was brought in a timely manner. That was the last we saw of our "server" until I chased them down for the bill. We needed more clotted creme. I know, just decadent, but whatever. I got up to look for our server and was watched by a woman making phone calls for the business, she looked up but clearly not her job to help. Finally located the other, read "not our" server, and she did provide the creme. We finished our tea and food, which again, was ok. I finally tracked our server(?) down outside on the patio and was given the check. I'm almost embarrassed to say it but I left a 10% tip, half of my normal. I hope the young person who almost waited on us realizes that it is an indication of the low level of service we received. I'm sure they are a lovely person but serious training in the art of service is needed.

  • 5/5 Valente S. 11 months ago on Google
    My mother, my son and I went for tea and lunch. Very pretty and warm and welcoming atmosphere with helpful and informed service. Good for larger groups as well. The scones were delicious served with clotted cream and preserves. Nice assortment of deserts and finger sandwiches. I highly recommend and we will be back. Very accommodating staff.

  • 5/5 Ellen T. 9 months ago on Google
    What a delightful place! I've never been to Tea shop & we had such good food, tea & desserts! Thank you, McKennas, for an excellent lunch!

  • 1/5 Kat De B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very poor service, had to wait forever. When server finally served us, we got the salad first before our tea. Make sure you have a sandwich before you go there because they serve very small quantities. My soup bowl was 1/4 full, tea sandwiches and pastries were the size of a thumb. I was very disappointed. Will not be visiting again.

  • 4/5 Terry W. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a blast at McKenna's Tea Cottage with my niece, daughter and goddaughter. Some people might think "Tea Parties" are for kids but this place is great for kids and adults. Saw a table with a group of girlfriends as well as a couple on a date. We dressed up a bit since the kids wanted too but you don't have to. The staff was great and the food was awesome. The selection of tea was impressive. We all picked different teas so we can taste each others. Were planning to make another trip soon.

  • 5/5 B 1 year ago on Google
    I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS PLACE!! I have always passed as seen how cute this place is. I usually go in the evening. This establishment opens for lunch + other times. The sandwiches are great. Wow the Scones...Are THE BEST I HAD! Flaky on the outside yet soft bread texture inside. Perfect density! Fresh, I could eat these all day. Perfect with the clotted cream +jam. This PLACE HAS MY HEART! LOVE IT. Service is Great family owned. STOP BY! You will LOVE it bring the family.

  • 5/5 Robbie H. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent customer service. Delicious soup and salad. Yummy sandwiches. Outstanding desserts. I’ve taken my friends here for years & it is always a wonderful experience.

  • 5/5 Shelly H. 1 year ago on Google
    I just attended a bridal shower here and the owners and workers were just amazing! Food and tea was great! I would definitely recommend this place just to go have a high tea or an event!

  • 5/5 Christine “Chris” A. 1 year ago on Google
    Reminded me of tea in Harrogate, England. Wonderful experience, delicious sandwiches, desserts and wonderful tea. Take your daughters for high tea.

  • 5/5 Beverly C. 1 year ago on Google
    Reservation for 4 my daughter's 51st birthday had a absolutely wonderful time. What a cute place with kind as well as professional staff. Love...Love This Place. And all 3 types of tea was great for our palette. Will see you soon.

  • 5/5 Framces G. 2 years ago on Google
    Yes, I enjoy everything ,tea ,soup, salad and all the variety of dessert, fingers sandwich, Good place for a Daughter or Mother day, something to hold out your little baby finger out when you drink your tea , and wear your tea hat too👒.

  • 5/5 K H. 2 years ago on Google
    Fabulous place to have tea service! The presentation is beautiful, the tea selection is incredible, the sandwiches fresh and tasty, the scones taste exactly like the ones I’ve had at high tea in London. Our service came with 3 desserts, we could not pick a favorite they were all so very good. Plus, the music and atmosphere is so relaxing and enjoyable that you’ll crave to go back.

  • 5/5 Caitlin S. 2 years ago on Google
    I wanted to have afternoon tea for my birthday and most tea places were closed on Mondays. I’m so glad McKennas was opened!! Food and Tea were both amazing and they were even able to accommodate my husband who has to eat gluten-free.

  • 5/5 mel c. 2 years ago on Google
    McKenna’s Tea Cottage is one of a kind and located in Seal Beach off Main St. It is a long-standing establishment and very highly revered by the locals. Megan and Brooke do a great job of catering towards their diverse clientele and ensuring that you enjoy your experience. Over the years McKenna’s Tea Cottage has provided a consistent place to celebrate with love ones. I often go with my mom and/or sisters for a special outing. My favorite choice on the menu is the Lady Hamilton Tea which includes a traditional pot of tea, five assorted tea sandwiches and a scone. They include sugar, milk, jam, and clotted cream with your meal. The most recent time I went the sandwiches included chicken salad, cucumber with cream cheese, turkey wrap, egg salad, and strawberry cream cheese which were all quite tasty. I love that they provide both caffeinated and decaffeinated teas, my favorite is English Breakfast. All their loose-leaf teas are available for purchase inside their shop. I am happy to continue to support McKenna’s Tea Cottage especially throughout this pandemic. I hope that they continue in their success and be able to invest back into the cottage so they can thrive within the Seal Beach community.


Call (562) 431-0200 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Free street parking
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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