To help you prepare for your visit, we have gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions.
How long are seatings?
Most seatings are 90 minutes, with exception of some special events and brunch seatings. See event description for more information.
Why are seatings on a set schedule?
Each culinary experience is scheduled to be 90 minutes. We want everyone’s experience at The Talking Teacup to be perfect with minimal interruptions. After each seating we prepare the dining room and the rest of the facility for the next seating. We do not want to disturb our guests by cleaning and resetting other areas around them.
How do I make a reservation for tea or special events?
For best results, reservations can be made through our online reservation system.
If calling us to make a reservation, be prepared to provide your name, number of people in the party, credit card number to hold the reservation, and any food allergies. If we do not answer the telephone when you call, leave a detailed message with phone number, date, time and party information. Please allow up to 24 hours, Thursday through Sunday, for a response to voicemail and email.
Be sure to review our cancellation policy.
Are special dietary options available for guests with food allergies?
Include any food allergies and restrictions when making your reservation. We may not be able to accommodate persons with multiple dietary restrictions. We cannot accommodate food allergies and restrictions if not disclosed with the reservation.
For persons with Dairy restrictions, specify whether baked-in, dry dairy is okay or if the issue is with all dairy.
Please remind your server which party members have these food allergies and restrictions. There may be an additional charge per person for gluten free and some other special accommodations.
Guests with Food Allergies and Restrictions might not receive the same or similar items as our regular menu, due to the limited nature of product ingredients and recipes. For example, soups are not included for dairy free and gluten free meals due to typically containing these allergens.
Be aware that our kitchen prepares items containing nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat and other ingredients which may impact persons with food allergies.
We are unable to accommodate food allergies and gluten-free for special events.
How many people can be in my party?
Our largest table seats eight persons. The online reservation system only allows up to seven persons. Please call for a reservation of eight persons.
Groups of more than eight persons may be required to reserve a private party, to prevent disrupting the experience of other guests. We can accommodate private parties of up to 30 people.
When should my party arrive for our tea?
It is best to arrive a few minutes early for your tea. Please avoid being late, as this could impact your party’s tea experience.
When is the latest to change the number of guests in my party?
Guest count can be changed up to four operating days before your reservation, and is subject to seating availability. We are closed Monday through Thursday, therefore reservations should be made before the prior Saturday.
There may be a service charge for missing members of your party. Be sure to review our cancellation and party change policy.
Are scones available for take-out?
Absolutely. Scones can be purchased in any quantity with a lead time of two operating days. Click here for more information on our scones to go. Please remember that we are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Can I bring children?
Children ten-years-old and older are welcome in The Talking Teacup. We ask that you remind children that they are at a tea house with other guests who are enjoying their peaceful tea and company. Please supervise your children, and escort them to the restroom and throughout the restaurant, as there are many delicate irreplaceable antiques and breakable items. If anything becomes broken by children or adults, a charge will be added to the check.
Our tea, soups, scones and other foods are served hot. Each adult in the party is responsible to ensure the items are at a safe temperature for handling and consumption by the children.
Can I smoke at The Talking Teacup?
Our entire facility is smoke free. For the safety of all guests and staff, please do not smoke anywhere on our property.
Are we allowed to bring alcohol?
Our guests are welcome to bring their own wine and other alcoholic beverages, however we cannot serve them. Please bring your own de-corker and drink responsibly. We recommend bringing your own glasses.
Can I bring a cake or other foods for our special occasion?
Outside food, including cakes and other desserts, are not permitted due to health regulations.
Are teas available to take home?
Yes, our teas are available for purchase, subject to availability. Please ask your server or the hostess.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations and party-size changes are subject to our cancellation policy. Please be aware of our regular closed days. Late cancellations or changes, and no shows will result in a service charges for each member of your party.
Please review our full cancellation policy.
Do you open during inclement weather?
Everyone’s safety is important to us. The Talking Teacup management may decide to cancel a seating due to extreme inclement weather. In this case, we will contact the person that made the reservation to advise them of the conditions and reschedule the seating. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for important announcements.
What should I wear for tea or brunch?
Proper attire for public places is required, including shoes, but you should dress in comfortable clothes as if you are going to Grandma’s house. Costumes are encouraged for special events.
Is there on site parking?
There are several parking spaces in the lot behind The Talking Teacup for our guest use. During special events, it may necessary to park in the shopping center across Skyline Drive. Be careful crossing the street. Please do not park in front of Action Karate or the spaces on their side lot.
Are gift certificates available?
Gift Certificates are not offered as of 2025. Previously issued gift certificates are governed by our terms and conditions.
We look forward to serving you!
