Lady Effie’s Tea Parlor

First of all, to the person who claimed the neighborhood was dodgy and his wife and daughters refused to get out of the car, why were you there? If it looked dodgy go on about your business! But seriously, do you think the Mayor, his cabinet and other Los Angeles dignitaries would patronize this business for their working lunches or private celebrations? What do you think… that gang members take the reservations?
There is quite a wonderful history of Lady Effie’s. It was the namesake’s real home that a popular Los Angeles/​Hollywood doctor helped her get. She was a wonderful lady.
I do not know if it is still open but when we had tea it was such a treat to celebrate our friend’s birthday there. While we explored the upper rooms and photos, the hostess laid our table and we found warm tea cakes at our places with a strawberry. The sandwiches and lovely teas that followed were beyond any you would find elsewhere including on the table of any monarchy.
The hostess was wonderful, warm and embracing.
There are quite a few high end food establishments in this old neighborhood. If you want to explore this area call me, treat me to tea and then Harold and Belle’s and I will accompany you. Anytime.

I had a lovely time there (I went there with my family for Mother’s Day). Even though I a not a tea drinker they had a good variety of tea’s, the food was very good. I will visit again. Ps I really loved the inside of the house.

Such fond memories but sadly; this place has been closed for a few years and the phone number is disconnected…

I would not recommend this tea parlor to anyone! First of all I had to pay 100% up front to make a reservation. Secondly, I was not allowed to view the tea house when I requested. Thirdly, I called, emailed, voice mailed and texted but nobody got back to me for 10 days. Finally 3 days before the event someone called.
I wanted this event to be so special so I had important questions. The owner was rude, unwilling to answer my questions or even let me see the tea parlor. My instincts told me to quickly cancel the credit card I used to make the deposit and cancel the reservation.

Like Amanda, I’ve been trying to contact someone at this parlour for weeks. It was my intention to host our staff meeting here, as a change of venue and social. I’ve been calling, and calling, and calling – to no avail. Nice phone message, but I wonder if anyone ever answers it.

I have tried on several different occasion to make a reservation for my mom’s surprise bday party, my calls and emails have gone unanswered. I am so disappointed in the lack of customer service I received. I will NOT be making any more efforts. I will take my business elsewhere!

I tried to make a reservation 4 days ago and was never contacted. The email address provided on the website was undeliverable. I tried again today and left a message and still no return call. Technically, I wouldn’t even rate this place because I didn’t get to go there. Not sure if this place is even open and if it is, how it stays in business if it doesn’t answer or return calls. I have a friend visiting this weekend, and our tradition is going to tea. I’m annoyed because it’s a little late to get a reservation at another place.

Be very careful about this one. It’s located in a very dodgy neighborhood, to the point where my wife and daughters refused to get out of the car. There’s no on-​site parking and I wasn’t comfortable parking down the street. Dressing per their requirements makes you completely out of place even just walking up the street. Yes, I feel a bit hesitant rating a place where I didn’t get through the front door, but potential visitors need to know this. And having to fully pre-​pay, without a phone that ever gets answered in person, and with an e-​mail address on their Web site that turns out not to be active — it’s all misleading and disturbing … to the point of suspecting a sham. We sat in our car for a while and saw absolutely no sign of life there. The palce looks far less grand to see in person than on their site (e.g., it could use some paint), and that’s without taking account of the places immediately around it. It was a very disappointing outcome.

I just got back from my first tea and I loved every minute of it. The home where Lady Effie’s is located seems really out of place. However, when you walk through the door, it’s like stepping back in time. Beautiful oak door and window trim, hand tooled oak banister, thousands of photos all through the house, make Effie’s worth a trip.
I had the Tahitian Vanilla tea that, even with a cold, tasted warm and delicious. Some of the others ordered Gingerbread, aromatic Jasmine, or deliciously fruity Kiwi tea. All the teas were served in old country rose china pattern.
My favorite item of the day was the amazing tea cookie, made fresh everyday by Vonnie, the charming owner of the Effie’s. She said the recipe was handed down from her grandmother. Just slightly sweet, the cookie has hints of lemon and vanilla.
In addition to the tea cookie and strawberry, we were served cucumber sandwiches, egg salad in mini croissants, and wonderful chicken salad with a sprig of asparagus on top. To finish the tea, we also were served an assortment of sweets, such as chocolate truffle, lemon cookie, mini pecan tart, just to name a few.
If you’re looking for a piece of LA history and a lovely way to spend an afternoon, Effie’s is the place to go.