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The Courtyard Tea Room, Boston, MA

The Courtyard Tea Room

4.8
4.8
1150 Reviews
$50 and over
Afternoon Tea
Top Tags:
Two Unique Dining Experiences offering an afternoon tea experience unlike any other, hidden inside of the historic Boston Public Library. The Courtyard boasts tall ceilings, bright lighting and white linen tablecloths. Adjoining dining room with the Map Room Tea Lounge and Bar, dark and moody offering an alternative experience for the cozy intellectual.

Visit us at www.librarytea.com

COPLEY TEA Friday, Saturdays and Sunday - $68++ per person
AFTERNOON TEA Wednesday and Thursdays - $56++ per person

SEATING TIMES: Wednesday-Sunday at 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM
Please inform us of dietary restrictions.

We have one table that can accommodate parties of 6 to 8 guest and require a credit card for security only and is charged for "no shows" and cancelations. To make this large party reservation contact clientservices@thecateredaffair.com.

FOR ADDITIONAL RESERVATION OPTIONS CHECK OUR AVAILABILITY IN THE MAP ROOM TEA LOUNGE ON WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 31 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Elegant Dining

  • Cuisines

    Afternoon Tea

  • Hours of operation

    Wed–Sun 11:00 am–5:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (781) 763-1360

  • Website

    http://librarytea.com/courtyard

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Catering

    More elaborate private events are offered for special occasion and meetings during non public tea hours as well. Visit www.bpl.org/private-event-space-rental/

  • Private party facilities

    Private large parties can be accommodate with a minimum of 45 guests/maximum 65 guests at $86 per person plus tax & gratuity and an applicable $450 room rental. Our Map Room Tea Lounge also offers large party reservations of 18 to 28 guests (non- private event space). Details can be found at www.librarytea.com under the "host and event tab"

  • Private party contact

    Elaine Twombly: (617) 859-2282

  • Location

    700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

  • Neighborhood

    Back Bay

  • Cross street

    232 Dartmouth Street

  • Parking details

    There are many parking garages in the immediate vicinity as well as limited street parking. Visit the BPL website for details.

  • Public transit

    The Courtyard Tea Room is steps away from the Copley stop on the Green Line and a block away from the Back Bay Station stop on the Orange Line and Commuter Rail.

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,150 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Boston

    Best Ambiance

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Filters

  1. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Best service and ambiance in town!!! Loved and enjoyed it and would return for sure!!!
  2. F

    Fluffy

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious. Just a comment about the tea sandwiches. The toasted bread was stale. It is understandable that it is difficult to manage the volume; however, there must be a way to keep the toasted bread from becoming stale and cardboard like in our mouth. Otherwise, it was a very pleasant experience.
  3. SS

    SharonS

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful ladies lunch with correct portion size. Ambience conducive to conversation for a celebratory lunch. We did want to include more people but were told the dining room was full. We were surprised that half a dozen tables were unoccupied by abandoned reservations - perhaps asking those reserving tablets for a financial commitment would cut down on no-shows, open up access, and lower the price for those who can make and keep lunch reservations.
  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Mobile

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So worth it - absolutely would go again with friends!
  5. MW

    MarjorieW

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such an amazing place! The afternoon tea was the best I’ve ever had- delicious!!
  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    East Texas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service and beautiful environment! Would recommend to anyone looking to make an occasion. Great food and great ambiance
  7. a

    annp

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I went with my husband on vacation for my birthday. I thought high tea would be a light afternoon snack. It was soooo good and filling we had to cancel our dinner plans because we were not hungry. Very fast and efficient service. Highly recommend.
  8. LH

    LeeH

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The whole experience was magical and memorable. We were first in line. The maître d' noticed my husband using a cane and thoughtfully brought him a chair while we waited in line. We were seated in the best seat in the house -- the wingback chairs in front of the windows. (I wonder if the person doing the seating arrangement noticed I said it was a special occasion? My husband has been gravely ill for seven months and this was our first major outing.) The offerings on the menu were executed perfectly. Everything was lovely than thoughtfully prepared -- from the starter salad and gazpacho to the sandwiches, scones, and petit fours. The tea was wonderful and comforting. The service was attentive but unobtrusive. It was a magnificent, happy experience. Thank you Boston Public Library, Courtyard Tea Room, for the stuff of happy memories.
  9. L

    Lettuce

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Family dining. Overall everything was great! The cocktails were amazing also!
  10. S

    Seacruise

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The tea room was a great 👍🏽 place to eat. The ambiance was outstanding!!!!
  11. S

    Suki49

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Anniversary
  12. AD

    AnnaD

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tea in the courtyard is always super fun! The only downside is that tables by the windows to the courtyard are a bit of a display case as tourists are always gazing in at you. It didn't detract from our experience, the food, tea, and staff were all excellent!
  13. SN

    SharonN

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It looks like deceivingly little food, but we left full and didn't try everything. Loved the soup.
  14. DG

    DanielG

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The staff was very accommodating and professional. Food was exceptionally good, and surprisingly filling. A great experience overall.
  15. AT

    AliT

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was great, the overall environment was fantastic and the menu was delicious. The selection of teas was wide and they even had matcha and chai lattes as an option as well as iced teas. Would highly recommend!
  16. SQ

    SharonQ

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a very nice tea and the beautiful Boston library. They added a lot of nice touches like the prefix menu being presented in a book silver rimmed glassware reheat on your tea water. I also noticed tables around me had their tea towers modified for dietary restrictions
  17. VR

    ValerieR

    Nashville

    55 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The lobster mini sandwich at tea was sooo good! The library/bar room was the best room even tho we didn’t sit there. Enjoyed our tea!
  18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great tea experience
  19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday celebration for a good friend
  20. t

    tao1

    New England

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    Food needs to be better. Baked goods and sandwiches are so plain and dry. Staff were all friendly and nice, which was the best part.
  21. A

    Ashanti

    Memphis/West TN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful setting. Food was delicious. I loved everything about it. Truly a must do in Boston.
  22. R

    Rose

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience! I plan to return with my family when they visit me in Oct! Delicious meal, great service and friendly staff. Worth every penny!
  23. TT

    Tea4Two

    New England

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing!! What more can I say? Everything was just perfect. The tea room was elegant and quiet. Tea sandwiches we're scrumptious. Scones were tender and delicious. Dessert bites were heavenly. If you love afternoon tea, this is one of the best places you can go. And leave time to tour the library. The art and architecture are breathtaking.
  24. RT

    RoseT

    St. Louis

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Appreciate the dietary accommodations they are able to do.
  25. P

    Prof

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful place for a special occasion. Lovely elegance. Great selection of foods very well crafted and displayed. Highly recommend.
  26. SF

    ShelbyF

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    I’m very happy I was able to come here with my mom for tea time. It was a great experience and I hope to come with a few more family members next time.
  27. S

    Sheilah

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed our tea but would have liked a sugar bowl. Wonderful experience and would certainly come again.
  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall3food2service2ambience5
    It was pretty pricey for the minimal amount of food offered - and the service was slow. It seemed they were overwhelmed.
  29. KW

    KWSoCal

    Las Vegas

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Well worth doing as an occasional splurge when we visit our college student daughter in Boston. Great experience with friendly staff. Food was delicious, lovely and ample.
  30. SG

    StevenG

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice experience will be back again soon thank you
  31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a special day! Our family (16, 14, 12, 8 yr old) thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I highlight recommend it.
  32. KS

    KayleeS

    Baltimore

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Fantastic service and great food overall! The tier of sweets was a little too sweet for us (late 20 year olds). The tea itself was our favorite part!
  33. D

    Diana

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was lovely. The sandwiches are delicious and a great place to spend the afternoon.
  34. SD

    SteveD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I've always wanted to do this, and was not disappointed!
  35. KK

    KristinaK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was friendly and very helpful. So many different flavors, I wasn't able finish all of the selections.
  36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff were extremely friendly and incredible helpful. My Irish breakfast tea was some of the best I have ever had. I highly recommend the experience overall.
  37. EM

    ElizabethM

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Above all else the service was spectacular! Besides that the food was also wonderful, they had a fantastic vegan dish for me. The tea was great and the drinks were fantastic!
  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I made the reservation for myself and my husband while we were visiting Boston. The day of our Copley Tea, there were only 3 men in the dining room full of women, lol! 😂. My husband was a great sport and we had a very good time. The food was incredible and very filling! The tea was the best I have ever had. The library itself is incredible and worth the trip, but the tea room was the cherry on top!
  39. FG

    FriendlyGetTogether

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous afternoon with friends! Would highly recommend it!
  40. MR

    MaryR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    By far it was the type of place to feel special. Something to say you did. Will not forget the experience.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

The Courtyard Tea Room is rated 4.8 stars by 1150 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 31 times today
Google Map for The Courtyard Tea Room

700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Additional information

  • Cross street

    232 Dartmouth Street

  • Neighborhood

    Back Bay

  • Hours of operation

    Wed–Sun 11:00 am–5:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Afternoon Tea

  • Dining style

    Elegant Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    There are many parking garages in the immediate vicinity as well as limited street parking. Visit the BPL website for details.

  • Public transit

    The Courtyard Tea Room is steps away from the Copley stop on the Green Line and a block away from the Back Bay Station stop on the Orange Line and Commuter Rail.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://librarytea.com/courtyard

  • Phone number

    (781) 763-1360

  • Catering

    More elaborate private events are offered for special occasion and meetings during non public tea hours as well. Visit www.bpl.org/private-event-space-rental/

  • Private party facilities

    Private large parties can be accommodate with a minimum of 45 guests/maximum 65 guests at $86 per person plus tax & gratuity and an applicable $450 room rental. Our Map Room Tea Lounge also offers large party reservations of 18 to 28 guests (non- private event space). Details can be found at www.librarytea.com under the "host and event tab"

  • Private party contact

    Elaine Twombly: (617) 859-2282

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