The St. James Tearoom
(48 reviews)320 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107, USA 505-242-3752 Website Suggest Changes
The 'Grande Dame' of area tearooms, the new St. James Tearoom managed to move to a new, more centralized location in Albuquerque and grow in size while still not losing that quaintness and excellence that characterized the former location. Constructed after a three year design process, with a private tea terrace and cleverly constructed courtyards so that even the most interior seating areas have windows into a private garden, the new St. James is truly exquisite. 'Finally,' says Daniel Higbie, owner and son of Mary Alice Higbie, 'we have a location that represents what was in our minds from the first place, a facility designed to facilitate peace, relaxation, refinement, and excellence in every way.'
Recent reviews
-
Lori Crain
My all time favorite place to be. They go above and beyond with impeccable service! The menu is always delicious, and the tea is always perfect. I purchase tea every time I am there, which is at least once a month, if not more...
-
TT
ashleigh dixon
St. James tearoom is OK. I think it had been hyped up so much to me when I went that I was disappointed in it. The tea was OK. I wasn't pleased with the choices. I learned for the future, I can definitely ask for changes to the tea menu. The waitress made it difficult when I said I didn't want any caffeine late in the afternoon (I was on call the next day and had to go to bed early). The food was OK. There is a strict time limit. Due to covid, I was never able to return before I moved. Overall, my friends loved it. The scones were good; I bought some to take home. The 2 hour time limit is difficult trying to finish all the tea that is included. I like tea rooms with no pressure.
-
TT
janis ashcraft
Your must visit this tearoom if you want to experience the elegance and "class" of days gone bye. The food is delicious, the tea excellent and the people offer wonderful service. You have the feeling of another place and time.
-
TT
Caitlin Carlton
This is my "happiest place on earth". I love coming with friends and family and have even come alone with just a book. The themes and decorations that change every month are delightful and the food and tea are delicious. Don't let the price scare you! The food is filling, you get 3 pots of tea, and 2 hours in a private room or curtained off area. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and provide suggestions for the best way to sweeten and add cream to the different teas, and the shop is full of tea, tea accoutrements, hats and gloves, and lots of fanciful gifts and books. It's relaxing and wonderful and they also offer vegetarian and gluten free options that look and taste just as good as the regular options, and they have decaf and herbal tea options as well. 10/10 this is the place to go especially if you're looking for a reason to dress up.
-
TT
Kathie MacDonald-Vargo
Love this place. Want to spend a few hours just relaxing and being pampered whilst enjoying amazing food and tea? This is the place. My bestie and I try and take tea here at least once a month and have enjoyed every theme and every room. Plus they are very good about accommodating special food needs. Give them a try - it's worth it.
-
TT
Tere Barrios
Came here with my sisters for the Harry Potter themed tea service and LOVED IT! The atmosphere was picturesque and the butterbeer tea was spectacular! The foods were delicious but a little more rich than I was expecting. I definitely want to come back again!
-
TT
Angie Capriotti
I figured out I have been to tea in 22 different places in the U.S. And this is by far my favorite. While visiting the area I went with friends twice and both times were equal in quality service and atmosphere. My jaw literally dropped when we were seated in one of the garden rooms. They had sounds of tweeting birds just to complete the feeling. The chilled soup starter was so flavorable and set the mood. Each month the menu changes and I had the privilege of hitting it at the end of one month and the start of another. Just give them 24 hrs heads up and they will do a gluten free tea every bit as good as the regular. I was in HEAVEN definitely will be planning another trip and experiencing the other rooms.
-
TT
Charlayne
This is my absolute favorite tearoom! When I travel I always enjoy visiting new tearooms and the St. James is by far the most special place to go! This summer, I had the pleasure off having my wedding at the tearoom! I could not have asked for anything more perfect. The staff are all so welcoming, the food is exceptional and truly a work of art. The ambience is absolutely breathtaking, allowing you to feel as though you have stepped back in time, to a place of warmth and English tradition.
The menu and theme change monthly, giving you a new experience every time you visit. Once you visit the St. James, you will find it is truly a magical place to get away, relax, and have tea!
-
TT
Kathleen Boleyn
What a fabulous tea experience! I offer a great afternoon tea in Colorado Springs, (Enchanted Strings)but I can't provide this unique ambience. The private rooms are beautiful with rich decor including chandeliers, antiques, and wonderful wall treatments be it wallpaper or unexpected paint colors. The tea was hot and delicious, the food plentiful and artistic, and the service spot-on and personal. Take your highest expectations and you won't be disappointed!
-
TT
Janelle
This traditional Tearoom is awesome! Each month is a different theme. I visited in June the theme was train related. The month of July they were celebrating the author of Wind in the Willow. I have never been disappointed in the service or the food. The layout of the tearoom allows for a very private and intimate experience. You will not be disappointed in the St. James Tearoom.
-
TT
Ludmila Ivanchen
My husband and I had the most romantic evening in the St.James Tearoom. We had a private parlour for 2 hours and had an uninterrupted conversation, which does not happened in a regular restaurant. Variery of fine teas, very tasty food, kind service - made our dated memorable.
-
TT
Luci Maestas
The St. James is my very favorite place to celebrate a special occasion. I feel so pampered and relaxed! I can't say enough good about it... it is simply WONDERFUL!
-
TT
Deborah Kubicek
What a wonderful experience! A true delve into old English etiquette. Fine attention to detail. Wonderful high tea foods.
-
TT
Linda Radigan
The new location for the St. James tearoom is exquisite! What a treat for your eyes as well as your tongue. The perfect opportunity to treat yourself and your loved ones to an experience of surprise and delight. Now is the time to get out your best bib and tucker and allow the staff of the St. James to treat you like royalty.
-
TT
Judy and Frank
My husband and I have been fortunate to take tea in many tearooms, both overseass, including Japan and the UK, and in several states here in the U.S. We greatly enjoyed our tea at the St. James Tearoom in February, 2009, and believed the entire experience to be the most enjoyable anywhere. The privacy, the delicious food and teas presented with such unhurried care, and the incredible attention to detail were, indeed, beyond our wildest expecttions. Certainly, the St. James Tearoom is now the gold standard by which we will measure all past and present tearoom. experiences. Judy and Frank, 2/2009
-
TT
Michele
I have lived in England and have sampled formal teas in a wide variety of settings both abroad and in America and I have never found a place to rival this one! Each experience treats the guest as an honored visitor for whom much care and preparation has been taken. The mood and setting are restful, Victorian, and gracious. The servers are trained to be more than polite - they are taught to love to serve, and it shows. The food is five star caliber, and the teas are sumptuous, looseleaf blends, carefully selected to complement the month's menu. It is a creative, lovely, welcoming place that lavishly reflects the open heart of the gracious owner, Mary Alice Higbee, and her son, Daniel, who is the manager. Whether you are celebrating a momentous event or a warm, enduring friendship, the St James is an experince not to be missed!
-
TT
Rhonda
I have been to this tea room on several occasions and enjoy it more and more with each visit. The service, staff & food are all amazing. The tea and atmosphere are excellent. I highly recommend the St. James Tearoom for a casual tea or a formal celebration. I have yet to find a tea room that compares to the St. James Tearoom.
-
TT
Pauline
I am a person of modest means, but I make a point of budgeting so that I can treat friends and family to birthdays and other special occasions at the St. James. The chef is exceptional, the 3 teas chosen to compliment each months menu, the strict attention to detail in every aspect of the decor and service have convinced every person I have taken to the St James to return with their own friends and family. The entire relaxing and civilized experience is well worth the cost. Fine dining experiences do not come cheap. This is food for the spirit as well as food for the body. Save some money for the gift shop. There are items unavailable elsewhere in Albuquerque.
-
TT
S. Pennington
I have been a visitor since they opened and they just keep getting better. The food is always incredible. It is things most would not ever make at home. The atmosphere is so relaxed and pleasant. Some say the price is too high, but I ask where you can find an enjoyable, relaxing atmosphere with fantastic food and a chance to relax and get away from it all for a couple of hours? The staff is always very courteous also. Will keep coming as a loyal, middle-class patron!
-
TT
J. E. Wynn
My sister treated myself, husband, mother and several of her good friends to a fabulous afternoon tea experience at The St. James Tearoom. It was wonderful. The decor is adoraby Victorian in style and the food beautifully served and delicious. There were several real surprises as far as menue items and made for a delightful treat visually and for the tastebuds. The waitstaff was very friendly and capable. The furishing were comfortable and lovely. It added alot to our vacation in N.M. We certainly got our moneysworth. We will have tea here again when we are in the area.
-
TT
Dory Shonagon
The price is just terribly high for Albuquerque! This is a RICH person's tea room. Many of my friends & I have quit going since they raised the price to $25 per person. They should have a 'small' tea or ala carte items so you don't get soaked for the $25 if you can't afford it. Otherwise a great experience. But the price scares away us middle class people. I have made this suggestion many time to the proprietors - but they won't go for it.
-
TT
Jessica
Took my mom to St. James for Mothers' day and she loved it. We both agreed that the food and tea were both fantastic. Best Earl Grey we've ever had. Staff was incredibly friendly. Making reservations was a breeze and they were great about calling me back when better times were available. Only hitch was the expense, but really nothing more than I would expect from a place of this quality. Definitely plan on going again.
-
TT
Antoinette
I am a monthly visitor of The St. James Tearoom. As I read over other reviews I was surprised to see so many references to the 'high prices'. I don't understand this. If you go to another fine restaurant your main dish may be around $12, your dessert another $5 and your drink another $2. You're at $19 already and if it's one of those restaurants where you must pay for your salad or you get an appetizer that's another $5-7. So the price for the lovely three tiered service at the ST. James seems completely appropriate to me. Plus I have been to tearooms all over the country and the cost is always $16-20 and they are never as nice as the ST. James. Unsurpassed intimate atmoshpere, fine china and linens, gourmet food, bottomless pot of tea with over 50 to chose from, and gracious service. The St. James is Albuquerque's jewel! Treat yourself! I bet you deserve it!
-
TT
Jenny
This traditional English tearoom serves beautifully prepared, unique teas in a soothing environment. The new chef prepares a unique three-course menu each month, featuring scones and breads, the best fruit curds and clotted cream, seasonal savories and elegant desserts. The menu changes monthly and we make sure to visit regularly! I highly recommend the St. James Tearoom.
-
TT
Stephanie W.
I have been to tea rooms all over the US -- and the St. James is in my top 3 of all times. The services is exquisite, the food is brilliant, and the setting is beautiful. It is a MUST-visit!
-
TT
Maya
I have always loved going to St. James Tearoom. Although I do miss their creative menus and 'choose-your-own' style of serving tea, I feel as if I've never had a bad experience there. Although it is slightly overpriced (with common price increases), the food is always amazing (especially the scones which are always served with clotted cream and usually an amazing lemon curd). The atmosphere is what really makes this tea room top notch. All of the parties are in seperate areas with their own themed tea room. It is very private, cozy, and quiet. There are a variety of fun hats that one can wear while drinking their tea also! However, I am going to this tea room less and less as they are becoming so overpriced, and I def. miss their old option of ordering just tea and scones rather than the whole meal.
-
TT
Maureen
This tearoom is on the expensive side, but they totally pamper you. After I go there, I feel so relaxed, like I went to the spa. I can't think of any 2-hour spa treatment I could get for close to this price. In that regard, it's a great value. In addition, the food and tea are delicious and beautifully presented.
-
TT
Karen McElveny
This is the most wonderful, relaxing and customer friendly tearoom I have ever visited. Mary Alice is an open and gracious hostess. The atmosphere, tea and food is superior. I have been going to The St. James Tearoom for about 4 years and enjoy every moment there. It is like taking a 2 week vacation in an afternoon. I have never had one bad experience. Mary Alice remembers her customers and makes their time at The St. James very special. I will continue to share this special place with anyone I can for as long as they are open.
-
TT
Janine
I have been to many tea rooms and the selection of teas offered at this Tearoom are wonderful. The teas are both fragrant and delicious! I especillay loved the Anjou Pear tea. The scones melted in my mouth. They came right out of the oven. The staff apologized for the delay in getting them out, but it was worth the wait. This was my last trip to New Mexico for a long time and the staff made a special table so we wouldn't miss this event. If you are in the area, I recommend making reservations to have tea at this delightful Tearoom!
-
TT
Mchelle
My mom & I have been visiting the tearoom consistenly since May. My first occasion was great because I'd never been to a tearoom before. Unfortunately, I was disappointed the months following. The food offered along with the price left much to be desired. We were just there for the month of November and I was glad to see a bit more food offered. One drawback is that if you have an 11:00 tea time the rooms are rarely ready and customers are left waiting for approx. 10 minutes. This eventually cuts into the 2 hour tea experience. This happened to us again on Nov. 26th. We weren't served our tea until 11:30 and didn't get our food until 11:45, therefore it made it difficult to enjoy the 3 teas offered. When we ran over time by 15 minutes a young man came by our area to tell us that we had to leave. He was very rude. We hadn't even received our check yet. This place is forgetting the customer service it was built on and is instead becoming a greedy local business.
-
TT
lisa
I've been to this tearoom several times, and I love the atmosphere. However, I must say that the prices have really skyrocketed. I think what you get for the money is really not worth it. At collectibilli tea here in Albuq., you pay less and get so much more. The ambiance is not as formal, but it is a quaint place and the food is excellent. I love their rooibus teas. Anyhow, St. James is good for the wonderful decor and private rooms, but the food does not satisfy me, and the price is getting really high. I asked if I could have a shower there, and they told me it would be $5.00 more per person if it was more than 5 people. I thought this was ridiculous as prices usually go down for large groups, or stay the same. Never do they go up. Oh well, it's a treat to go here once in a while, but not all the time.
-
TT
Carol Whiddon
The St. James Tearoom is my favorite tearoom...indeed, my favorite place anywhere to go to relax with fine teas and delicious food. The setting is relaxing and lovely, very peaceful, with superb service. The privacy provided by pretty screens and wingback chairs is very welcoming. I have several friends who love it as much as I do, and we try to go at least twice a month. If we are served a tea we don't care for, all we have to do is let our server know, and she will bring us a tea of our choice, which is usually Picasso's Soiree or Eye of the Tiger. The first time I went, I thought I would leave hungry, but I have found that if I eat everything I'm served, I leave stuffed, so I usually take several of my desserts home in a pretty St. James box. There is nothing snooty or unfriendly about this tearoom. Everyone is warm, friendly, and very helpful. They learn the names of their regular customers and know who we are when they see us, and they go out of their way to make our tea experience wonderful.
-
TT
Roxanne Virgilio
I have visited your tea room on several occasions and have always had a splendid time. You've always pampered us above and beyond and I am looking forward to treating myself to one of your Holiday Tea Occasions with soem of my girlfriends. We all decided this would be the PERFECT gift to ourselves. P.S. The gazebo outdoors is a wonderful location, however installing a ceiling fan for use during the summer would really be helpful and make for a more comfortable setting, especially when drinking your luscious hot teas in 90+ degree weather. :)
-
TT
Teresa Eberth
I took my mother last year and a friend from Germany this spring-what an awesome treat that was loved by all of us-great service and wonderful ambience!
-
TT
Renee Rodarte-Keeling
Who would have ever guessed that close to the historic Old Town Plaza of Albuquerque which is rich with New Mexico culture one would find a charming tea room that instantly transports you to the elegance of an English Tea Room? The St. James Tea Room is a delightful treat for anyone who wishes to experience a taste of sophistication in the heart of the desert. I have been several times and have never left disappointed.
-
TT
The Frenden's
Wow! What an experience. May wife and I lived in New Mexico for 2 years. Every month we spent a day, enjoying St.James Tea Room. We were NEVER disappointed. Moving back to Florida was a necessity. The ONE THING WE MISS THE MOST ABOUT NEW MEXICO IS ST.JAMES TEA ROOM. Absolutely the BEST!!! Even better then the tea house we visited in Great Britain!!:):)
-
TT
Maria Chavez
I had always enjoyed having tea at St James despite the strange set up - 'rooms' made to look private but they aren't at all (one 'room' is even part of a closet!). then I was diagnosed with diabetes and realized that everything at St James is sugar and/or white flour when I called to inquire about accomodations (for which I was willng to pay even more money) it was as if I had suggested that i take their first born or something. Diabetes is in epidemic proportions in the US amng people over 50 - tea rooms have got to get with the now - or at least be friendlier if they choose not too.
-
TT
Diane Kirby
I've been several times with my girlfriend. The ambiance, food and tea selection are superior!! The staff are wonderful. The new chef is excellent! A must for tea lovers!