Tea Kettle Services - Old Saybrook

We had breakfast for the first time here on May 30, 2023. Tiffany was our waitress. She was excellent and served us outside even though she was taking care of 4 tables inside. That’s why we went back the next day. THAT’S WHEN ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE. There was a different waitress (don’t know her name). She only had one table with customers inside, yet she refused to serve us outside. She said we can take the food TO GO and sit outside. We told her we don’t want the food wrapped, and that we’re willing to bring it out ourselves when it’s ready. She was very reluctant but finally agreed. Then we ordered coffee. She wanted us to order 2 coffees, even though the day before we were given a pot which was perfect for both of us. Then she demanded we pay upfront, even though we did not have to do that the day before. SHE WAS NASTY AND MILITANT! We told her we most likely will not come back. That’s when she told us to go eat someplace else, that there are plenty of other places around. The owner should know that nit only is she treating customers in a disgusting way, but she is actually driving them away from his restaurant. HER OBNOXIOUSNESS WAS ENDLESS!! So we drove another mile and had a wonderful breakfast with great service at the PAPERBACK CAFE in Old Saybrook. GO EAT THERE! They know how to treat customers, the food is great and they appreciate your patronage. We will be going there again for sure.

The place is homey and servers are very friendly. Prices are on the high side and food is decent but not exceptional. Helpings are minimal. On top of everything they add a 10% fee for food cost.. which includes drinks. Then Ct tax of course. When breakfast for two is over $50 no house specials but one extra egg. … …. Hard to justify or consider returning.

We were doing some errands and stopped for breakfast late Sunday morning. I ordered Eggs Benny and my husband ordered Chicken Fried steak and Eggs. While the restaurant was busy, most people had their meals. It took more than 20 min to just order and another 25 minutes to get our meal. I never thought that anyone would be able to mess up either of these meals, but they did. My poached eggs were well done (hard boiled and the Hollandaise sauce was bland (no lemon flavor . My husband's chicken fried steak was tough and stringy. He ordered his eggs over easy, but they came almost well done. His sausage gravy was bland. We complained and Cara(? gave us 10% off the bill and said they could have replaced the meals with fresh recooked ones, but we had already waited more than 45 minutes after walking in so didn't want to wait any longer. Plus, though there were lots of servers walking around, our server was not to be found. Sometimes one just has to continue with the meal and leave as quickly as possible. Needless to say, we will never eat there again. We are local residents, so this does not bode well for this restaurant.

Average breakfast I ordered the nacho Benedict. The eggs were very runny and Hollandaise sauce cold. Too much sour cream on the mixed greens. I’m a black tea drinker and wish I had seen the review that recommended asking for two tea bags. Service was excellent! We were seated immediately. This was on the cook.

While there is a broad menu, our food did not live up to the descriptions, particularly the French toast. It was very dry (even with the syrup) and more cake like than bread like. I was very glad that I got a bowl of berries to accompany it. Unfortunately, I left most of the French toast uneaten. The breakfast burrito was average. And, if you are a tea drinker, you will be disappointed with the English breakfast. Be sure to ask for two teabags. Wish we had a better dining experience.