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The Courtyard Tea Room, Boston, MA

The Courtyard Tea Room

4.8
4.8
1192 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 44 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

Popular dishes

What 1,192 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

Sort by

Filters

  1. SS

    SouthStar

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Our first time to Boston & the setting of the Courtyard (as in being located inside the Boston library)was so beautiful. The food & tea was a tad disappointing but I’m still glad we had this experience.
  2. TR

    TiffanyR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you’re looking for a proper afternoon tea experience and cannot make the trip over the pond this place gives you that experience. Yes of course it’s not the British way but I think it comes close.
  3. A

    Alma

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, service and ambiance was all exquisite. A must for anyone visiting Boston wanting to get the true tea party experience! The library is beautiful and worth exploring afterward as well.
  4. BV

    BostonVisitor

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and presentation!
  5. e

    eric617

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Could have used a little background music.
  6. P

    Pintsizedorthopod

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gorgeous setting, wonderful service, such a special occasion!!
  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was worth a visit
  8. A

    Anonymous

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All of the staff were excellent, helpful, personable and caring! Hats off to them!!! Food was great, too!!
  9. PA

    PAAU

    Los Angeles

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very nice ambiance. Nice service. Waitress and waiter very friendly. Interesting experience
  10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My birthday
  11. j

    jaimes

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a lovely experience! It was the best! Highly recommend!
  12. LI

    LINDAC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time. The staff helped accommodate our party of 5 from 2 tables to 1 and we appreciated it so much as we don't see each other often and it was awesome to sit together. Beautiful building/room. Definitely would go back! Service was outstanding.
  13. T

    Tammyh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I went with some coworkers from work and we had a wonderful time. We have been planning since before Covid but unfortunately had to cancel due to Covid. We finally got to go yesterday and we are now planning on making it an annual adventure. Thank you
  14. JM

    JasmineM

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing!! We were so happy we booked this a month before our trip. One of the best experiences we had while in Boston!
  15. TE

    TabbyE

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A beautiful, classic experience in a historic location!
  16. BR

    BostonRobyn

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was lovely, the library, the afternoon tea, everything!
  17. L

    Lauren

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Awesome for a classic afternoon tea ambiance. Great array of items to eat and the service was good!
  18. BR

    BabyRNC

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect. Service was exquisite. We ere cared for as if we were the only quest in the room. It was the best tea I have been to, and I have been to many. The cost was very reasonable. I will definitely go there again
  19. MB

    MaryB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful staff and delicious food - what could be better?
  20. m

    mairsol

    New England

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my second visit in a month. I took my nine-year-old granddaughter in August and then I took my almost 3-year-old granddaughter this week. Everyone enjoyed it immensely. The setting is just so lovely in the servers are fantastically helpful and sweet! Food is quite good and we even took some home!
  21. AN

    ANON

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my third time here and this visit was my favorite. The Prosciutto De Parama was absolutely amazing. Prosciutto is typically salty so the fig balanced out the flavors and played together perfectly. A few other highlights were the Smoked salmon, peach cheesecake, and wedding tea. The scones this time were perfect. I'm not a fan of scones and they usually come out hard as a rock everywhere I have gone. They were moderately soft, which made the experience so much better. The service was amazing. The servers and runner were very accommodating and helped celebrate one of my friend's birthday celebration. The only down side would be the Sweet Corn Gazpacho. The flavors were positively there, but my friends and I did not love how cold it was. Overall, loved our experience here.
  22. AD

    AllisonD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We really enjoyed our tea. There's only 3 things that could have made the experience better. 1. The service ws gret - however, Although we were the 2nd to be seated, many tables were receiving their food/drinks before us. 2. The food was good...but not outstanding. I think there could be some improvements to give the food that "wow" factor in the flavor. 3. The floors were DISGUSTING. I had a toddler with me so when I went to wipe up some of the food she threw on the floor, it was apparent the floors hadn't been mopped in a VERY long time. And seeing as we had our reservation for the 1st time slot of the day - there's no excuse for disgusting floors.
  23. HA

    HelenaA

    New England

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    A good special occasion place for a tea consumer.
  24. LB

    LindseyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and very accommodating for allergies!!
  25. L

    Lawma44me

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday high tea for my 16yo
  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Such a lovely space for afternoon tea. Very bright and inviting space. food was excellent. The menu was presented in a book. An impressive variety of teas to choose from. We started with a gazpacho and a potato salad (see photo) light and refreshing on a hot day. Then the sweet and savory presentation. Glass of bubbly was included . The only thing that bothered me was we had to ask for cream and sugar and the server looked insulted when we asked for that and more hot water. Otherwise while pricey it was one of the best afternoon teas I have had.
  27. B

    Benshuman

    New England

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Celebrated a friend’s birthday. Perfect for the occasion. Service was friendly and right amount of attention. Food was very good. Catered to dietary needs ( vegetarian and seafood allergy). Would have been excellent if the scones had not been heavy.
  28. SS

    ShannaS

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a fun and classy experience. Highly recommend.
  29. VR

    VictoriaR

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing 100% would recommend!! Awesome food service and ambience.
  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Definitely a nice an unique experience would 100% go back ! Just wished the servers were bit more attentive on checking on us but still did receive good Service! Other than that great experience, amazing atmosphere
  31. TT

    Tea4Two

    New England

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite places to have afternoon tea. Follow tea with a tour of the Sargeant gallery and what could be better? The staff here is excellent, the manager pays close attention to every detail, and is a joy to chat with about the library. They made accomodations for my husband's allergy and we thoroughly enjoyed our time without worry. I can't wait to return.
  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The experience was excellent. The food was good but to many sweets.
  33. RS

    RuthS

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The tea was more elegant and delicious than I expected.
  34. CK

    CrystalK

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had an absolutely fabulous time, the waiters were on point, the atmosphere was stunning, and it was just an overall great tea experience. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area, and I plan to be back again and try the map room this time!
  35. JR

    JenniferR

    New England

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A lovely event but the booking process was not transparent and there was never a selection process to indicate whether we were getting the $68 Copley Tea or the $53 Tea service. The information on the website indicated that the Copley Tea was served on weekend dates. (we attended on Friday at 11).
  36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excelente el menú, la atención y el lugar. Lo recomendaría para cualquiera ocasión.
  37. R

    Rower

    New England

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My mom and sister went to the afternoon tea and it was a wonderful experience. The food was delicious (we couldn’t even finish everything) and the ambience was lovely. Highly recommend!
  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mother and Daughter day
  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2022

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

    Fluffy

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2022

    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.

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 1192 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 44 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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