Madeline Garden Bistro Venue - Pasadena

It's one of my favorite brunch spots in Pasadena. My usual choice is the Crab Benedict.

Posted a review a few days ago and it was removed or something? Went for a birthday celebration and when the waitress asked us if there was a special occasion and found out it was for a birthday she brought out a birthday cake slice, however when we got the bill they charged us 10 extra for that slice of cake. I’ve never experienced this in any other restaurant ever!!!! If the staff wants to be kind and bring out an extra something that’s nice but I don’t know why I should be charged for something I didn’t ask for??? 10 is nothing but it’s the principle I’m upset about- why am I being charge for something I didn’t ask for? Food was okay, teas were good, experience overall was okay but was it 50+ a person good? Not really. My family is not shy when it comes to spending for good food and experience and we all felt that this place wasn’t worth 50+ a person for small portions and mediocre food even considering this was “high tea”. For 3 people we paid about 52 each for the food and tea, 30 service fee, 20 something for taxes, 10 for the cake I didn’t ask for, plus tip… it was well over 200. Save yourself the disappointment and go elsewhere for a better experience and food.

Food, tea and service were good.Our group enjoyed that part. Our server was very helpful and informative. The building looks nice, but the decor is a bit dated and not in a historical way. In a late 90 's/early 2000 's way. HOWEVER my actual complaint that knocks the stars down is charging a 20% service charge as a line item of 'historic venue fee ' for 4 people to have tea. It is ridiculous and a shameful practice. This wasnt a private venue rental. It was simply lunch during their regular operating hours. If you need money, build it into your prices, but honestly at $66 and $75/ pp respectively for high tea, you 're already pushing the limits there. Had I known you tack on 20% that never makes it to the server, I might have chosen another place cause that seems super shady. Make no mistake we have no problem tipping and do tip very well, but I do frown upon an establishment seeking to take advantage of its patrons and deny their servers gratuity by pocketing the equivalent. This 'service charge ' does not go to the server at all. To reward great service, you 'll need to tip outside of that. Our tea lunch for 4 people, while nice was well over $300 before tax and tipping our server. For reference the service fee was almost $50.I don 't typically complain on Google reviews,but this situation really irritated me.Please take a look at your business practices and do better. Thx

Fantastic place! I was scared to go because most of the reviews say the food is not that great. But they were wrong. Everything me and my friends ordered was delicious! Also, the ambiance was beautiful! They had a lady playing the harp. The waitress did such an amazing job! She was polite and patient with us. We were there for about 3 hours and no one told us it was time to leave. The waitress took several pictures of us. About the food: we ordered the honey chrysanthemum flower tea, and French press coffee, oh my those were so good! We also ordered virgin margaritas and cucumber lime, they were good but too sweet. We got the European and Madeline high tea. Pretty much everything tasted very good. There was only one item, bacon date, I didn't like from the European high tea, the waitress noticed and replaced it with another item I liked! The other people in the party ordered Brunch, the egg Benedict were great. The French toast was good except the bacon was too thick which it made it hard. The sea food quiche was good but if you're not used to smoked salmon, then it might not be a good choice, since smoked salmon looks and feels raw. Last but not least the scones were delicious! The only sad thing is that is only one per person. I wish we could order more. I had a great time! I would definitely come back. Dietary restrictions: One of the people in my party is allergic to gluten. They had a few gluten-free options and did their best to accommodate her.

This is a delightful hidden gem in Pasadena for high tea, beautiful pastries, amazing champagne brunch and anyone wishing to spend a leisurely afternoon in a New Orleans inspired space that is abundantly adorned, peaceful and a totally unique and delicious experience. Highly recommended!