Came for their 30.00/person afternoon tea. Â We were greeted by a very stuffy, unsmiling older gentleman who seated us. Â When we neatly folded our jackets and laid them on the back of the booth, he rushed over and began picking up for our coats which he replaced with four claim checks. Â He didn't ASK if we wanted to turn over our coats, just began picking them up -- RUDE! Â The assortment of teas was very good and the waiter was excellent at refilling our pots with piping hot water. Â However, the scones were dry and they gave you a dollop of Devonshire Cream the size of a coffee creamer/per person. Â The savories were okay. Â There was a tiny, 3" round quiche, some tea sandwiches, etc. but nothing out of the ordinary or anything that made you go "Wow!". Â The desserts were an assortment of very dry, little cookies, some strange fruits, bland, Russian pastries and not a single chocolate thing -- I mean come on . . . NO chocolate?? Â I've been to many tea rooms and spent 25.00 - 30.00/person. Â This was a waste of money. Â The service as I said was very good and I can't speak to their regular lunch/dinner menu but given the 'snooty' airs of the maitre'd, I would not go back to try anything else.
Review Source:Another unexpectedly drunken brunch! And my first time having Russian food. So I'm not an expert, but I did enjoy it. I caved in and got the Flights of Vodka, starting with the Molotov selection. Interesting flavors that I think are worth a try. The Jewel flights were more my liking, as I prefer the "girlier" flavors.
I'd recommend the Beef Stroganoff, it was a simple dish that's supposed to be their most popular one. Oh and the House Tea was delicious! It's a must try. 2 of my friends shared a sampler dish that included the Stroganoff too, it was a good deal if you want to try several of their dishes.
I'd go back for sure, even just for their Tea. Though I'd probably end up with several empty shot glasses of vodka in front of me...
The entire menu is super vegetarian friendly and also with delicious meat dishes! It's very Russian style from restaurant ambient to food to drinks!
World classic:
Russian tea (called "Russian Caravan", unique smokey aroma and taste), Russian beet soup, Cabbage rolls, beef stroganoff.
Although the tea is very unique, it's a rip off. $5.25 per cup. Not sure if it worth that much. (free refill)
The CABBAGE ROLL IS Awesome! Initially, I thought the cabbage rolls will be a more veggie dish. But no. It has a lot of meat, but still decent portion of veggie. Delicious chicken and beef wrapped around by cabbage. And comes with cooked barley!
Although some review says the beet soup is good. I think it's just an average decent one. Not bad, but didn't surprise me or overwhelm me either. So it's not a must have dish I think.
Also ordered a chocolate cake, called "Black Russy". Very average cake. Tastes better with its raspberry sauce. Nothing special though.
They have amazing vodka flights! Really interesting flavors like honey, pepper, and lots of others. The place seems very authentic and old school. The food reminded me of eating at my grandmas house. It was really good with bold flavors, but nothing fancy. We had the vegetarian platter and my husband and I left stuffed. I'd  check it out if in the area (maybe after visiting the art institute?).
Review Source:I've been to this place countless times over the years and love it. Â It provides a unique experience and delicious food. Granted, it's not every day I am in the mood for Russian fare.....but when the mood strikes, this is where I head. Â The dining room makes me feel a bit like I've stepped back in time.....warm, richly appointed, cozy yet a bit formal. Â It is especially inviting on a cold winter day. Â The staff is fabulous. Â I typically order the Chicken Croquettes or Beef Stroganoff.....both are prepared to perfection. Â I can also recommend the Beef Stew. Â Definitely worth a visit when you are in the mood for something other than your typical, ho-hum American dining experience.
Review Source:I was kind of hesitant when I saw the building because it looks a little old from the outside, but I had seen the good reviews on Yelp so I really wanted to give it a try.
When I walked in, it definitely looked a lot nicer. It was clean and very quiet. I went during afternoon tea service (around 3 PM), but we ended up eating a full lunch.
The food was alright. I had the salmon crepe. The person I was with ordered the duck, which I tried and thought was very tasty. My salmon crepe was pretty good too but really nothing spectacular.
What I really liked at this restaurant was the tea. It comes in this cute Russian glass holder and is served with sugar cubes. The tea had a nice flavor to it, and I was really happy with the experience just because of the tea. I am actually hoping to buy some from them. I have already contacted them to buy some and was told I need to call to place an order, so I plan to do that.
4 stars overall because the food was okay, our waiter was attentive, and the tea was delicious. But it was a little pricey so I am not sure if it was really worth it. Our bill was almost $100, and that was without any appetizers or desserts. I'll have to come back and try something that is more Russian - maybe that would make for a better experience here.
You have to come here to get your grub on!
Russian Tea Time serves THE BESTEST borscht ever.
In addition, they serve yummy Ukrainian stews. The perfect combination of lentils and potatoes and some curry sauce.
Their website kind of sucks though. Nonetheless, I also recommend the wild quails. Haven't had such good quails since my time living in Quebec. Them Canadians know what's good!
oh how awful!
I saw The Reader's Poll in June and tried all summer to fit this place in (I'd had former bad experiences here over the years, but am always willing to give another chance...)
1st, the Host was less than welcoming because I declined the overpriced afternoon tea and requested the "Vodka Flight." ( The mono-toned Host arrived while I was there and there was nothing amusing about him, even after my vodka.)
2nd, I ordered the Russian Jewels Vodka Flight, which came way before my meal and were cheap vodka (1) plain, (2) a sticky-sweet cool-aid flavor shot, and (3) a heavy shot of cranberry juice!
3rd, I ordered the Dumplings and the Lamb Puff, they took such a long time I was stunned that they were not only room-temperature, but also bland and served with a stale basket of store-bought bread and unchilled sour cream!
4th, but the worst was the plague of cockroach-sized fruit flies!
How does this place last all these years! at these prices!
Great find! Right off Michigan Ave. by the Art Institute, we came here for dinner. Â The inside definitely has this great kind of old world vibe though I didn't see any nesting dolls and for some reason that is what I think of when I think Russian. Â
We started with borscht, herring and Russian dumplings. Â The herring was very unexpected. Â It was not nearly as fishy as I thought it would be and very delicious--almost like a smoked salmon tasted but did not resemble smoked salmon in any way. Â The borscht was very tasty with lots of cabbage--sometimes when you order it, it is too thin/brothy, but this was thick, with lots of taste and texture. Â
Definitely do not come here without having at least ONE vodka flight...we had two. :) Â My favorite vodkas were the horseradish and the black current tea. Â You can definitely skip the lime...it's green and tastes as bad as it looks. Â Very fun how they give you the "Russian vodka drinking etiquette" on the menu. Â They also let you build your own flight, so you can just pick what sounds good. Â The pickles that come with the flights are delish and provide a nice after shot bite.
I think that maybe the entrees were the low part of the meal. Â I had the quail--it was tasty but there was WAY too much juice/broth/gravy swimming on the plate and the polenta and squash were just OK. Â The quail was nice though and very tasty with the berry sauce.
Definitely stop in if you are looking for something different!!
Yes, they have vegetarian options but nasty gloppy potatoes, cabbage,carrots and tomatoes boiled together in some watery broth. And all that barely edible goodness for $20. My friend had the salmon and said it felt like it had been microwaved ($27 for that).
Overpriced and completely underwhelming food. Good there if your taste buds have taken a vacation and/or you have taken leave of your senses.
DELICIOUS RUSSIAN TEA & BEEF STROGANOFF!
It was my first time in Chicago and that too at a Russian eat-out. I must say that this place is awesome- great interior, great food and great service at a reasonable price!
DECOR: Very romantic with rich vintage interior makes the ambience very warm and elegant. The restaurant is very clean (including the restrooms).
LOCATION: It's on the road opposite to the Art Museum.
FOOD: We ordered the Russian tea (some kind of flavored tea) , Hot Ukrainian Borscht, Lamb Samsa and Classic Beef Stroganoff (this one was the steward's recommendation). All the items were very very tasty and the tea is an unlimited supply! Whenever I visit Chicago again, I would definitely eat at Russian Tea Time.
Back in the '90's I had a big shot sales guy acquaintance who knew the owner. So we got the VIP treatment with a big welcome, free appetizers and exquisite service. Well, lot's of things have changed since the 90's. And I had my first visit back here in at least 15 years, with a former client, for lunch. All I was focused on from my past experiences was the carrot salad. Love that grated salad.
They still have the carrot salad. The room in it's old formality has not changed at all. On at Tuesday at lunch, Â there were not many diners here. While our server was quick to acknowledge us and provide us with menus, she had that slightly pushy, up selling approach and was not particularly a good listener. In other words, in spite of what we wanted, she seemed to have her own agenda. Example: we advised her we were eating light to leave room for dessert. She tried to dissuade us (and particularly me-and my body is not exactly "heroine chic" thin) pointing out that appetizer portions were small. And flipping open my menu to the entrees. Well, we managed to prevail and ordered two cups of borscht, a starter of baked mushrooms and a plate of asparagus-filled dumplings. We got all that plus one starter I had considered but didn't actually order. A lamb-filled "Samasa" or meat puff pastry. Accompanied by a garlic sauce and sour cream.
The food was all wonderful, as I had remembered. The starters came with the best carrot salad ever. The dumplings and the lamb in puff pastry were very tasty. But when I pointed out that I had only ordered the one dish, I was voted down by our server (who may indeed have been right off the boat from the Old Country.) I wasn't in the mood for a fight so, I kept the un-ordered dish. Anyway, my lunch companion and I were sharing or "tapas-izing," as I like to call it. Â I also love the Russian tea for which the place is named.
But 60 bucks for a couple CUPS of soup, and three appetizers, with no alcohol or dessert seems a but much. As good as that borscht and all the other items were, this place is for me too formal, stuffy, pushy and over-priced. In spite of the great original food and menu, I would not place Russian Tea Time at the top of any list. Except, perhaps "When Someone Else Treats."
There are so many things that I adore about this place.
a. The manager who has a very unique monotonous voice. Some people might find it creepy actually hahaha
b. The decor of the restaurant that just breathes Russian culture (or so I myself determine). Love hearing the Russian music. It is as if you are in a completely different world all of a sudden.
c. Our waiter from Russia: He was very amiable and took the fun in encouraging my friend and I to order flights of vodka.
d. The flights of vodka: Ah~ this is what's truly unique about this place. You don't order a shot of vodka. You order THREE shots of vodka all at once. This is what it says on the menu:
For many Russians and ex-Soviets the genuine act of drinking vodka constitutes a very special, if not hallowed,
ceremony. Â So, join "the club" and learn the bona fide way of drinking vodka. Â We'll give you the rules and the
tools. You read, observe, and enjoy!
1. Your two ounce shot of iced vodka, served straight, comes with pickle and pumpernickel bread bite. Keep it within reach.
2. Â Announce a brief toast "Na Zdorovie!" - "To Your Health!" Â Sniff your piece of bread deeply.
3. Ceremonially say, "Nu.." ("So..."). Â Take a deep breath. Tilt your head back, and down the entire shot.
4. Exhale loudly, producing a sound just short of a whistle. Then, give a quick sniff to your slice of black bread in a quick
ritual gesture. Â (Some people smell their shirt sleeves, but this is optional).
5. Eat your pickle neatly but quickly.
6. Say, "Oh Khorosho" ("It feels good"), or "Khorosho poshla" (It went down well").
7. Repeat the round in 15-20 minutes; slow down if you feel fuzzy warm, comfortable and your attention span is not at 100%. Â
Just...unforgettable...
The loved the food too! Russian Pelmenis (dumplings) and the Classic Stuffed Cabbage (Golubsi) got me stuffed by the end of the dinner. I was wise enough not to eat that much bread.
Overall, I was completely satisfied. This place is not exactly cheap, but the portions, the Russian cultural experience, and the vodka makes this place a place I will come back to again and again. Khorosho!
Good Russian Tea.
Although I had mediocre food at Russian Tea Time two years ago, I decided to give it a try due to the positive reviews of Yelpers. I ordered pumpkin dumplings, which were very creamy and slightly sweet, eggplants, which were surprisingly refreshing. The portions at Russia Tea Time were quite big, so I would recommend you sharing dishes, particularly appetizers, with friends.
I really love the Russia tea here. Even without milk and sugar, the tea was fragrant. While it was strong enough to keep me awake to do work later, it did not hurt my stomach as coffee might have. Â
Despite the fact that the food here is not particularly amazing, the service is decent, and I would consider coming back.
Food: 3
Decor: 4
Service: 3
I went here for the first time with my girlfriend's family and their friends for her graduation. She had been raving about it for months, but we never had an opportunity to go until then.
Great first impression: We called for a party of six without reservations, and they told us if we got there within ten minutes, we would be able to be seated - on a Friday night! How fantastic is that?
I had salmon crepes, served with caviar and sour creme, which were pretty good, but nothing near fantastic. I definitely didn't feel it was worth its cost. I was more impressed with the ambiance that the place gave off, embodying the Russian culture in more than just its food. Our waiter was somewhat gruff at times, but, you know...Russian! :D
Final word: Very good place to check out, and I'm sure some of their other dishes would've suited my fancy even more. Conveniently located on Michigan, it should be among your top choices for a night out in Chicago.
I loved this place. We stopped in for appetizers and tea. My husband tried their vodka flight and loved it. They make their own infused vodkas here. The food was good. We had a few appetizers and the tea was delicious. If we are in Chicago again, I woud love to come back to try the tea service.
Review Source:I came here on a recent trip to a friend's graduation in Chicago and I had a great experience. We called the day of to make table reservations for 6 and they were able to fit us right in. This place is pretty easy to find and once inside it looks really cozy and inviting.
We all got the full tea sets and I got it with the peach black tea with milk. The teas came in very pretty pots with the strainers and since we all got the full tea service, they put two orders per tray tower so I shared with the person sitting across from me.
The peach black tea was really tasty and had a nice peach flavor. I always like to add milk to my black teas!
The scones with the cream and jelly WERE SO GOOD. I normally do not like scones that much, but I couldn't stop eating these with the cream and jelly! The standout item from the savories were the quiches! So good! No one at our table cared much for this one sandwich with brown bread and asparagus (?) in the center... And I couldn't even really eat much of the lower level because I was sooo STUFFED! I don't like dessert that is overly sweet and I was happy that none of their items were too sweet. My palate enjoyed the service although some of my friends that loved SWEETS were a little disappointed.
Note-they have a special Russian tea that's not on the menu and it comes in a goblet looking glass that was really tasty and cool! Oh, and I just loved the way our waitress spoke to us... with that sexy Russian accent!
First of all, Russian Tea Time is NOT located between Wabash and Dearborn, it's east of Wabash. Â We went around the block numerous times trying to find it, and got to watch an entire Occupy Chicago protest walk past the front of our car! Â Don't these people have jobs?
I had the Dumpling Combo platter, which had four Vareniky and Pelmeni dumplings. Â They were good, with the pelmeni being really tasty, and the vareniky being just ok. Â It came with a generous scoop of shredded carrot salad.
The Russian tea we had tasted like black current, and was very good, especially with the raw sugar. Â I rarely like sweet tea, but this was extraordinary! Â
All in all, it was a good mid-afternoon meal, but it seemed to be kind of pricey for what we got, especially when you added the cost of parking aross the street.
The review would be a 4 except for the value and vareniky.
We went here to meet up with my cousin in Chicago (it's right across the street from the Art Institute-so it's a nice way to "make a day of it.."). I lived in Russia for a few months in the 90's-and it was fun to experience. We were treated very well-and although it wasn't the first place I would take a baby to-they accomodated my 11 month old just fine.
We ordered several platters-and enjoyed a plethora of lox, caviar, smoked fish-as well as dumplings and other delights. The main dish included stuffed cabbage and strogonoff-just to start with.
That being said-it wasn't the best food I've ever had. I think if I went again I would order off the menu. Loved the tea and the atmosphere-and the service was great.
Found Russian Tea Time on Yelp and we wanted to try the afternoon tea after a trip to the art museum. It was a tea experience I only need once. I would go back to try the regular food and vodka.
We went for the afternoon tea on a rainy Friday afternoon. We arrived towards the end of the tea time and were seated quickly. It feels a bit like stepping into Russia, or the one I've seen in movies. The walls are dark red and the restaurant is decorated with traditional dolls, plates, decorate water pitchers, etc.
We decided to share a tea since we were going out to a big italian dinner. Following our server's suggestion we went with the traditional Russian tea beverage, which was a blend of black teas with a subtle raspberry flavor. It was really good and also free flowing, which was nice.
So, the sandwich selection was interesting. They were all finger sandwiches and most translated to literally one bite. So small. The bread was all stale and crusty, as it if had been sitting out all day. The combinations of flavors seemed traditional enough, cream cheese and salmon, a spring creme with peanut sauce, roasted red pepper and cream cheese, etc. They were all ok, nothing spectacular.
The plate of desserts was better. Our selections included: Napoleon Torte, Rugalah, Cinnamon Cookie, Sugar Cookie, Apple Pie, Chocolate Cookie, White Egg Cookie "Bizze". The bizze was light as air and literally dissolved in your mouth. The other cookies were ok, nothing great.
The vibe in there was interesting. The service was attentive and prompt, but not friendly. I wish I had tried some of the vodka. I would probably go back for that, you know it has to be authentic. But I will be sticking with my English tea favorites.
Russian Tea Time is the perfect place to pull out all the stops and spare no expense. Dalibor Z. took me here for my birthday. He knows how much I love all things Eastern European (I'm dating him, after all), and there was no way I could pass this restaurant up when Lori L. told me that they offer housemade infused vodkas.
First of all, they have Baltika 7 beer, which is "Russia's best beer," according to one of D's clients. We went through two of those bottles as we enjoyed our Uzbek Lamb Samsa (basically a samosa-style pastry filled with chopped lamb and spices) and the Potato Pancakes with Apple Sauce and Sour Cream. Next, we dug into our own entrees. He ordered one of the chicken dishes and I was torn between the Pelmeni and the Lamb Shank. Since it was my birthday, I decided to live life to the fullest and ordered the lamb. It was well seasoned and extremely tender, easily the best lamb dish I've had in a restaurant.
If all the savory dishes aren't enough to lure you in, they have spectacular sweet treats and out of this world tea. The Russian Tea is perfect for sipping as you digest between the main course and dessert. I ordered the Napoleon cake and they brought out a complimentary flourless molten chocolate cake. Both were presented on a decorative plate and they sang Happy Birthday to me in Russian. I used what little Russian I can remember to thank them and told them everything was perfect.
After sitting a while, I decided it was time to order what I had really come for - the vodka. They have a list of all the flavors and recommended flights. You are not obligated to order those. You can mix-n-match the flavors. I went with Tea, Coriander and Mint. The Tea was probably the most enjoyable and the Mint was a good finish, but I would suggest staying away from the Coriander unless you like Malort.
I am an afternoon tea sort of gal minus the "tea" part. Â As much as I try, I cannot get a taste for tea & trust me, I have tried several different kinds. Â I always say that is the one thing keeping me from living in England...you know, the Queen would never have me over & that makes me sad. Â I am more of a coffee gal & lucky for me the ladies I do tea with accept me & love me all the same...PHEW!
You should know that I look forward to these monthly teas with the ladies, I always get so excited for the company, the setting, and the finger sandwiches. Â To me a tea is about the FOOD...scones, sandwiches, pastries & sometimes little candies. Â Some places do this really well, others not so much. Â I was excited to try Russian Tea Time as I had never been before and I must say my expectations were a bit high. Â Unfortunately, I was not impressed & while I am glad for the experience, probably won't return. Â Here is my recap good, bad & ugly style:
The GOOD:
*Greeted promptly at the door.
*seated right away (1/2 our party was already there).
*service...the wait staff are attentive, prompt & nice.
*huge space (unfortunately they also know how to PACK it).
*the Tea sandwiches & the scones.
The BAD:
*Entirely too many large parties seated at the same time. Â Felt entirely too cramped.
*The bathroom...so small & apparently not built to accommodate that many peeing ladies (sorry to be crude).
*the decor & atmosphere...it was pretty dark in there & it felt more like a cafeteria to me. Â Not entirely pleasing. Â
The UGLY:
*The sweets, 1st there were no chocolate ones (SAD!) and 2nd, there were no good ones. Â Maybe my taste buds were off, but the entire selection of sweets was unappetizing to me.
*cramped tables...our table was so full of service items that unfortunately our server knocked over a glass full of water on me. Â It was not too bad, but maybe less on the table would help avoid that.
All in all an ok experience & I am glad to have went...just not sure I would return.
Russian Tea Time never disappoints me. Never.
One hint is to go for lunch. You get pretty much the same menu and portions for a reduced price.
If it's you first time, you should definitely get a sampler platter and the Russian tea. Nothing warms you up in the midst of a Chicago winter like some hot tea with a hint of raspberry. Expect rich, hearty dishes with sides as wonderful as the main course.
I can't believe I lived down the street from here for two years and never came here for tea!
I was recently in town for a trip with my best friend. I really wanted to take her to afternoon tea, but since it was a couple weeks before Christmas all the usual places were booked.
All the fancy hotels in Chicago serve afternoon tea and I called them all to see if there had been any cancellations that we could take advantage of. I mostly got rude, snotty people telling me they were booked.
I took a chance and called Russian Tea Time and the lady who took my call was very nice and said that since there were just two of us she could fit us in - she even gave us our choice of times.
We arrived about 15 minutes early to our 4:00pm Saturday reservation. We were immediately excited and impressed by the decor, the music, the lovely tables all with white tablecloths, and the packed dining room.
The front dining room feels very cozy with tables close to one another. Russian music plays from overhead speakers and the place is full of decor that feels like you're at a Russian grandmother's house.
It was a slightly older clientele, but there were also tables of families with kids, and a couple tables of women in their 20s or 30s.
We were seated immediately and our nice Russian waiter gave us plenty of time to peruse the menu. We were there for tea service, but when we saw the entrees that were being delivered to the tables near us we decided to look at a full menu as well.
We ended up ordering the beef blintzes appetizer to share and full tea service for two. The beef blintzes were DELICIOUS. It was like a Russian egg roll. Delicious beef and veggie filling in a crispy wonton-like wrapper with a cream sauce on top. We practically licked the plate clean.
For tea we each received our own pots of tea and we shared a 3-tiered platter that came with a selection of 4 sandwiches (each), scones with cream and jam, and a platter of pastries and cookies.
The standout were the selection of cookies. They were unusual and we kept wanting to taste a new cookie and guess what it was. My favorite thing at high tea has always been the scones, but these didn't live up to any English scone that I've had. Between the two of us we ate only 1 of the 4 scones. The sandwiches were two-bite treats of egg salad, reuben, herbed cream cheese, and something with beets.
I would definitely go back here for dinner or for a plate of beef blintzes!
The tea was a nice experience in a friendlier and thriftier environment than any of the large hotels. I think tea service was $29/person. Most of the hotels run about $40. We had a great time in a charming restaurant and it was a nice cap to our pre-Christmas Chicago trip.
My only complaint was the service. There was a large back dining room and our server kept disappearing back there. Eventually we got a new server, but with no communication from anyone that our other server was leaving. It was time consuming trying to get anyone's attention for a hot water refill, takeaway boxes, or the check, but I'll chalk that up to a busy holiday season. It won't keep me from returning when I'm in the city again.
With all the respect to all the yelpers, I am not quite sure how this place gets such a high rating!?! Maybe the reviews are mixed with high tea and dinner?? I didn't read through them so I'm not sure. This review is specifically referring to high tea and I was really not impressed.
The place is very dated and hot! It's like there's no air in there! The service was really slow and servers were rude!! The pastries were not good at all! They tasted like hard and dry leftovers. We were there at around 3pm and the room was full of people already. It's not like they just opened up and decided to get rid of some leftovers (not that I think it's acceptable, but at least there's a reason.) But this was no excuse in my opinion. They were just not good tasting pastries, period. I did like the tea, ha!
Really? This place needs an update.
This place needs to rethink their bar area. It's not really receptive to Les Femmes Nikitas who just want to come in and hang out at the bar and have a vodka cocktail like the rest of the proletariats. Oh yes, their cocktails are little more than glasses of chilled vodka with a splash of some juice or other. This is not a bad thing. This part is fine.
The decor. *sigh* It's not classy, NYET, (and I use the word "classy" because people who use that word for real are the opposite, as is the decor of this place), it's not elegant (which is the proper word, not "classy"). It's dingy and dated. The Formica bar is worn out and an ugly maroon color. It needs to be more Viggo Mortensen Eastern Promises Tiny Giraffes Running Around Mafia Chic. Paint a wall gold! Go over the top Russian Mafia style, comrades! Tzar Peter the Great stomping around his castle in big leather boots.
Just a minute while I ponder Peter the Great and his big leather boots. *whew* OK.
I sat at the bar, awkwardly enjoying my cocktail, because it's really not a "sit at the bar" kind of place. But, it should be. The bartender was apparently not a bartender, because she didn't wait on me. No one did for awhile. Even after that, I wasn't quite sure who had my little station at the bar, because it was hard to flag anyone down. Not chic. Finally a nice Russian man came by and took my drink order, an Ivan the Terrible. Vodka with a splash of cran.
Then . . . ahhh da, a glance at the menu for this Russian girl. Herring. I want herring. Or maybe borscht. I love borscht. Or sardines. Mmmmmm, love those oily fish full of Omega 3 brain food. I opted for the $14 herring appetizer. The flavor was good, the herring plump and delicious. The sour carrot salad was excellent as well. I love the savory, salty, NOT sweet flavor of most Russian dishes. But . . . I thought it was a bit overpriced for what it was. There were a lot of vegetables on that plate - not a BAD thing, mind you - but the price is kind of steep.
And sure, bring Ivan the Terrible on over. Hmmm . . . can a girl get another cocktail around here? Someone?
Okay. I was a lone woman at the bar, enjoying a cocktail and a snack by myself. But ya know what? Those are the patrons that should receive great service. 'Cos I'll hang out alone and enjoy myself, and then I'll go babble to all my friends about the great service I received (if I did receive great service) until they get all excited about it, and then I'll BRING THEM ALL HERE.
This place may be riding on its reputation, because it has been here a long time. It's unique and appears to be Russian-owned, which is a definite plus. It just needs an overhaul - the service, the decor, the food . . . everything. They do have good food, and unusual dishes you can't find anywhere else, but . . . update, people.
Oh, and the staff uniforms. Black vests and shirts are fine for the male staff, but I feel sorry for the women who have to wear those ill-fitting, unflattering uniforms. Put those gorgeous Russian women in something befitting their Slavic good looks and make them look like supermodels.
I'll come here again. But I'll be a bit more wary. I'm curious about the tea service, bt now . . . somewhat skeptical.
I have to say, the interior was not at all what I was expecting. I had this idea I would be walking into the Chicago version of Saint Basil's Cathedral, or at the very least something out of a scene from Dr. Zhivago (ooh like the Ice Palace, how cool would THAT be!?)
Instead, it was like a standard, traditional dining room, like you might see in any mid-range hotel. Except with framed Russian posters and other artwork. Â
I was there for the afternoon tea, and the whole place was packed with these huge groups all with the same idea. Â We were seated in a back room along one wall. Â I had the green oolong tea, which was fine, but I really should have had the "house" tea that some of my friends had, because that was really the superior choice. Â
Then the sandwiches and sweets are brought out. Â Two people share a tier of 3 plates. Â There was a large selection of items to pick from, like Mini Potato Piroshkys, sugar cookies, and lemon cake. Â There was a strange Spring Crepe that tasted just like a cold eggroll, and a completely unappetizing looking "chocolate" cookie, which came in a rather unfortunate shape and tasted nothing like chocolate. Â However, the raisin scones were simply the most delicious scones I have ever had. Â Light, airy, slightly sweet...if you have ever had the misfortune of a dense, super dry scone you will jump for joy at how awesome these are. Â
Service was good, except because they were busy the tea pots were not refreshed with hot water as frequently as they should have been, and they also spilled water onto the table twice (one was an entire glass of water, which not only required the whole table to be cleaned off and reset but my friends camera was literally inches away when it happened!)
I feel like this place is fine, and a decent tea. Â But for the price I can think of 4 places in the immediate area that are a better deal, with more ambiance and more tantalizing food choices. Â Maybe save this as a backup place.
This place is great, as in exceeds expectations, on so many levels.
The service is understated and attentive, and the menu offers a ton of good food, including more than a few vegan/vegetarian options, that are a welcome diversion from the requisite Italian, Mexican, or sushi. Â I ordered the herring, and then we ordered the RTT sampler, which we washed down with some dirty martinis and vodka shots. Â It's close to the museum and to the symphony, and I'm curious to try the afternoon tea. Â When we have guests from out of town, we always come here... it's something unique in a town full of good restaurants, it's fun to sample something that stands out.
Amazing service!! My water and tea was never half empty, it was constantly being refilled by their lovely staff. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating.
My coworker and I came here for dinner and shared the Russian Tea Time Platter for 2 and it was delicious! We have never had Russian food before, so we weren't sure what to expect, but everything was so good, especially their beef stroganoff and stuffed mushrooms. Their humus is probably the best humus I've ever had. Very tasty!!
The decor was also nice; fancy and dimly lit.
Comrades! Â
Thus begins the menu and I knew it was going to be a great afternoon.
I came here with my Tea Society and we all loved our tea. Â Some of us, myself included, ordered the tea service. Â Not only did I love the cookies and savories but quite frankly, I wanted to swipe the 3 tiered serving dish. Â They were very gracious, accommodated all our dietary requests and even hung up our coats. Â Great food and fabulous service in a comfortable classy setting.
How have I lived in this area all my life and not been here before?
I will be back - for lunch, dinner or heaven help us possibly the Vodka flights!
Comrade, no, I am a fan!
Yeah, that was pretty awesome.
Where do you go when your suave, international colleague is in town and you want to impress her with how cultured and international you and your fair city is? Here. Come here and get the tea service. Better yet, come here, hope for a Polish waiter so your friend can speak Polish to him and we can get even better service and extra tastes. Yes. Do this.
In my misspent youth, I traveled throughout the former Soviet Union (for seriouslys). I have had tea with politicians, little old ladies and black market dealers. I know it. I like it. I've missed it. This is the real deal. From the ornately designed metallic tea cup holder, to the way it's served (lemon, white sugar for the liquid, brown sugar for your mouth) to the food, I was all 'spasiba' and 'puzhalsta' up in that mug. Order the special house blend. It has a punch but is very pleasing to the tongue and stomach. And, it's bottomless. I could have stayed there all day drinking tea and talking shop.
But, I am a fatty and had to eat. Start at the top: cranberry & raisin scones. Both the whipped cream and marmalade go well with the baked good. Do half and half and start chowing. Next step is savory: eat all the salmon and dill sandwiches. They're magically delicious. I could have had a tray of them. I was also a fan of the mini quiche and roasted red pepper sandwiches. For such small sandwiches, they're very filling. Or, maybe it was the 15 gallons of liquid I'd just consumed. Hmm, I might have stumbled upon the new diet fad. In any case, be prepared. By the time we made it to the last rung -- sweets/dessert -- I was stuffed. That means, that I could only inhale all the strawberry cake and petite tortes. Luckily, my friend was from out of town and that meant that the leftovers came with me.
I gave them a good home. For a few hours.
my brother can speak Russian..
I can eat Everything in the world..
it didn't look like fancy at all from outside, oh boy.. I'd better dress up..
I maximized my Asian eyes and looked at two Russian speakers..
of course, pretended I wasn't care whatever they said, but felt like I was a curious George.. Â huh? whaT? whAT? wHAT? WHAT?
Sour Vegetable Soup, Whole Wheat Bread, Appetizer (tasted like Filipino Lumpia), Tea (add lots of sugar + lemon = Russian style) were two thumbs up, but my Cutlets with Eggplant and Mash-potato, and his Creamy Beef Spaghetti.. overly salty.. (check pictures) but the service was AWESOME..
he said, he would tell me what the dishes were..
so far, he's whistled and gone with wind..
See, here's the thing. Â I don't really care for vodka. Â In fact, even the good stuff tastes like rubbing alcohol to me.
Ah, but at Russian Tea Time it's a different story. Â I could order flights of their flavored vodkas until the cows come home (or until I hit the floor...which ever comes first). Â Their flavored vodkas, served with dark rye and pickles just like my babcia used to make, are fab-u-lous.
Oh, right...there's other food. Â Yes, their tea is very good, although I found their afternoon tea service to be lacking. Â It's not the palacial experience of the Four Seasons (see my review) but it's fine. Â I prefer going there for dinner. Â It's not on the menu, but be sure to ask for an order of blini and caviar to start your meal. Â Mmmm...so good. Â I could go for some right now.
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