McCharles House
(32 reviews)335 S C St, Tustin, CA 92780, USA 714-731-4063 Website Suggest Changes
Recent reviews
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Caroline Paltin
This is a exceptional tea house in the traditional style. All the trappings of a lovely Victorian home, the food is generous and deliciously prepared with seasonal offerings. The teas are wonderful and perfect temperature. I had a baby shower here that was unforgettable.
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Joyful
Went there today for a baby shower. It's quaint, and nicely decorated but very cold inside. Not much room for more than 25-30 people. Food was not that good and portions were big enough to feed a bird. Not worth the money that's for sure. The owners made sure we were all out by 2pm and barricaded the doors with chairs so that we had to exit outside. I wouldn't return unless they serve better food.
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Terri Forest 2/2009
For many years, I, my local friends and family, and my out of town guests have enjoyed not only visiting the McCharles Tea House, but have created special life long memories there. Sadly, I was under the impression that The McCharles House was no longer serving tea, and had closed their doors to anything but a planned venue. However, this is not the case. I have discovered that the vision of The McCharles House is to not only serve tea and wonderful delectables, but to truly embrace relationships and strenghthen friendships. Check out their website for their many 'Get Togethers' hosted throughout the year. My dear friend and I had the pleasure of joining the beautifully decorated McCharles House holiday 'Get Together'. We had an amazing evening of conversation,laughter, enjoying delicious food, and meeting new friends, as well as visiting with Audrey and Vivian. I look forward to many more 'Get Togethers' and especially look forward to creating many more years of memories. Thank you Audrey and Vivian!!
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Claudette
I am not surprised there is controversy about this formerly wonderful tea house. When it opened and for a number of years afterward, it provided a delightful tea experience in an elegant setting.
But the McCharles House gained notoriety through reviews like Elmer Dills'. Audrey's attitude changed, and she became way too haughty. This really affected the overall atmosphere.
Then the original chef who really made the dining experience special left, and the wonderful menu and delicious food that had made it famous disappeared.
It was disappointing to lose this once charming tea house, and it is no small wonder that the owners are attempting to convert it into another money-making venture.
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Maureen Roudine
The place was one of my favorites, but it is clearly CLOSED! Regardless of what Audrey or Viviane say, if they no longer serve tea, and no longer serve food, and have no idea when in the future they ever will serve food again, then it's CLOSED! And it's a shame, as I gave my sister's bridal shower there, and had Mother's Day there with my mom and grandma, and have gone there regularly for my annual Best Friends Christmas Tea, and have gone there many, many other times for tea as well... Audrey & Vivian are amazing and talented and kind and I have missed being there all of 2007, and now, in 2008, I see no hope of returning for Tea or any food of any kind... Perhaps to visit it as a cultural center due to its historic Victorian architecture, but the point of being there is for tea... So, it IS indeed, CLOSED, if tea and food are what you're looking for... They no longer offer any of that, and aren't saying when they ever will again in the future... And, I, for one, am SO SAD about that! The McCharles House was #1 in my book for a lovely, restful, fabulous afternoon tea experience at its best!
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Lynne
I too am amazed at some of the remarks posted. Especially the unkind one from Dorit! McCharles House has always provided a wonderful tea experience. From the gracious service of the owners to the incredible ever changing menu. The food is excellent! I have been enjoying tea with them for many years. Some have complained about the cost, but it is well worth it and a special treat to yourself. You may not have a choice of tea, but whatever they serve is always delicious. Thank you Vivian and Audrey for all the enjoyable times at your establishment and keep up the good work!
Lynne 01/19/08
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Monique Turner
Honestly, I am shocked at the reviews posted for the McCharles House. I have frolicked the tea houses myself and while the McCharles house is not as economical as some, it certainly surpasses all that I've ventured not only in design and creativitly, but especially in quality. The food is incredible, homemade and herbs are freshly picked from the garden outside (which by the way is incredible). It is a gem, nestled in a unexpected location but nonetheless special and quaint. The new design they have added to the Home is incredible, and the High Tea experiance there is like no other I have ever had, absolutely remarkable. By far this is the best High Tea I have ever experianced, and I very much recommend it!
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Diane
I've had tea here many times and always found it to be delightful. But I will no longer be coming because of the inability to choose from the menu (I remember your wonderful salad lunches!) and the very high prices. It is still one of the most charming teahouses, but I'd love to see it return to the old menu and give us more for our money.
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Dorit
Who do these people think they're kidding???? The service was great, but that's the only positive thing I can say about my most recent (and last) trip to this tea house. Not having a choice of tea was the first of many surprises and disapointments. This used to be my favorite tea house. They used to have a great menu with a great selection of tea. They used to be reasonably priced. Not any more. Save your money and go somewhere else. For $44, I don't want to see a pink hardboiled egg on my plate, or a boring piece of plain white cake with whipped cream and one strawberry on top. I can get that anywhere. The food was horrible and the owners should be ashamed of themselves for charging so much money.
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Cathryn O'Meara
Lack of choice of tea and food that was mimimal at best. Carrot soup and not one item on the plate that I could rave about.
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Karen
I Love the McCharles house! I have been to tea in soooo many places and still compare them all to your house. The food is always good and the service great. And the decor is wonderful. Many tea rooms seem tacky but not the McCrarles House, there is so much for the eye to see.Theri gardens are lovely, too.Nothing comes close to their Christmas tea. I have children, but I prefer them not having a children's menu. If I am going for a nice relaxing tea I do not want a bunch of kids running around. I take my kids to a place geared more to the little ones. Yes, it is a bit pricie, but most tea houses are.I believe it is worth the visit!
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Ryan Wagner
This is the best and most hospitable restuarant i have ever been. you heavy critisizers need to get over your selves and relax. Audrey and Vivian are trying very hard. Vivian works every day to please all you customers. although i have to agree it was better the old way, sorry Vivian and Audrey, these two women try their very hardest and give it there all.
I know for a fact that i am the most accurate critic as i know them the best.
I love you grandma and aunt zinkies :)
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julie
That special time of year is fast approaching where my friends and I gather together for tea at The McCharles House. We have been avid customers for more than 15 years.
If only things never changed. We use to love being served the different courses in stages, and we loved picking our favorite dessert, FRESH from the cake stands. Now all our food comes on one plate, even our dessert.
Although I know change is inevitable, WE WANT IT BACK THE OLD WAY!!!! PLEASE!
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teachingtea.com
This is a pleasant tea house, though somewhat over-rated in my opinion. The tables are very close together. There is no tea selection. You are just brought the tea of the day. The journey to the rest room takes you outside and around to the back of the house. I wonder what that's like in cold, rainy weather? All that aside, I still would not return because of the price of $38 per person plus tax and tip. My bill was $91 for two teas. Ouch!
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Meredith
Dearest Audrey and Vivian Heredia, I am so sorry to here such arrogant and ignorant remarks from a couple of unpleasent guests. Unfortunately there are some people that expect to be 'worshiped' instead of served. You remain so sweet with your response to their remarks and it shows how real you are in wanting the very best for all of your guests. Ally needs to get out more often and watch a lot less tv, she sounds a bit creepy herself. Toni, I'm sure you will not be missed.
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Ally
We have been to the McCharles House twice and both visits were disturbing. Even though the food was very tasty, overall it was not worth the price. Part of going to a teahouse is the overall experience. It was actually sort of creepy. Too phony, felt sort of like a horror movie. Stepford wives meets Lizzy Bordon.
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Toni
I've been here 3 times. I will NEVER go back. The service gets worse every time. The food portions are small and the price is way too expensive. It's very crowded, and we were very rushed. Not relaxing at all. Furthermore, I have 2 daughters, 6 & 11. There were no child's menus and we were not allowed to split a plate, so I had to pay for a full price adult plate for my kids. The staff was not at all friendly to my children either... almost treated them as if they were a nuisance. And my children are very well behaved. NEVER WILL I GO BACK. I agree with another reviewer... this place is existing on reputation alone. Perhaps if more people speak up, this place will clean up their act.
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Phyllis
As a long time resident of the Tustin area, I was disappointed to see how much the McCharles House had changed after a recent visit, of not offering good service or good food anymore . The service and selection of food used to be the best, at a price that most people could afford to visit often, but not anymore. It's as if their heart is really not in it now, and they really don't care. Now what we need is for someone else to open a wonderful tea room in Tustin at a moderate price with good food...They would be booked all the time!
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Barbara
My best friend brought me to McCharles House for a birthday treat. As always, I was impressed by the service and the quality of the food. I did find not having a choice of teas to be rather disappointing, especially given that the tea of the month had chocolate in it - not something that would appeal to every palate. The price is definitely exorbitant, even given the wonderful service and fine food. While I love the overall experience of taking tea at McCharles, it will be awhile before I indulge in a 40 tea again!
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Anna
I chose McCharles House for my Sister Day after reading all the reviews. None of us had been there before. It was a risk, but well worth it. The food was fabulous. Even my picky older sister loved it. The price was a little more than expected at $39, but after tasting the food all of us would pay this amount again. I wish there were a few more traditional tea sandwiches, but the additional dishes were worth the substitution. Also, we were only served one kind of tea; I didn't ask if there were options. Keep in mind that the menu is seasonal, so you will not necessarily get the same experience. If you don't appreciate good food and don't want to try something new, don't bother going. If you are an adventurous person who loves the Food Network, definitely try McCharles out.
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Elaine
My friend and I live out of town and had heard of McCharles house and made reservations for lunch. I thought the food was most tasty. I have been to numerous tea rooms and food wise it was very very good. It was also very expensive. I would go back again. I thought the service was very attentive as well.