Tulip Tree Cafe — Restaurant in Howell Township

I've eaten here on many occasions and have mostly been very pleased. You have to be patient because service is sometimes slow, but nice waiting in the pleasant surroundings. I bring a cushion for my senior friend because the iron chairs can be uncomfortable. I've been disappointed a few times because they ran out of some of my favorites. Once the chicken Waldorf and twice the chickpea salad. The last visit however was below par. I always order the avocado toast. This week it came on dry toast, no bean sprouts or balsamic vinegar. When I asked about it I was told, not very nicely that nothing has balsamic vinegar! When I said it's listed in the menu, the cook agreed annoyed, and said "well oh yes the avocado toast does." When I asked about the bean sprouts she said they ran out. But it wasn't explained when I ordered, and no substitute was offered. Everytime before when we have ordered the chicken Waldorf it came on a plate over a green salad with lots of grapes. This week they mistakingly gave us a sandwich. When I said we ordered it over salad, they took it back dumped what was in the sandwich over a meager helping of arugula (more like a garnish then a salad) and a small portion of the chicken. I've recommended this place to so many people. I always loved going there. I hope this was just a bad day and that my next dining experience there will go back to the service I...

Update as of 5/11/2025

At out last visit when i made this post. We inquired about Mothers Day and if they are taking reservations. The lady that helped us had an accent and told us that they are not taking reservations for Mothers Day and just to come the day of. So my son called in the morning to inquire if it's busy or if they have availability as the woman had suggested. The woman that answered was abrupt and rude. When my son asked, she very rudely just said "we are reservations only and you have to come in tomorrow ". Then hung up on him right after. Very disappointing since we were told the complete opposite. Definitely will be hesitant about giving them my business again in the future.

I've been to the Tulip Tree Cafe a few times and each time it's been a wonderful experience. The food is delicious. I had the Avocado Toast. My son had a BLT. The ingredients were fresh and perfect temperature. My son loved that they put the mayo on the side automatically, without him having to ask (he forgot to anyway), so he could control how much was put on his BLT. I'm happy about the amount of Avocado that was on each piece of toast. Sometimes I only get a couple pieces per toast elsewhere. Portion size was perfect. The staff was friendly and helpful. The coffee was sooo good. Atmosphere is delightful and warm. The shop next to it is also wonderful and fun to...

I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel compelled to share my recent experience in hopes it’s received constructively.

During my visit, I was holding my 10-month-old niece while walking around to keep her entertained, and we briefly stopped by a high-top table near the window. She sat there for a few minutes as we watched the rain. What happened next was incredibly disappointing.

A woman who appeared to be the owner approached me and, in a very harsh and condescending tone, said, “You know people sit there, right?” The implication seemed to be that we were doing something wrong or disrespectful, which couldn’t be further from our intention.

What upset me wasn’t the concern she might have had — I completely understand wanting to maintain the space — but rather how it was communicated. The tone felt unnecessarily rude and shaming, especially given the innocent nature of the situation.

It’s truly unfortunate because the space itself is beautiful and charmingly designed. I had been excited to visit and would have loved to return. But that brief interaction left a sour impression and made us feel unwelcome.

I hope this feedback is taken in the spirit it’s intended: as a reflection from a customer who values kindness and believes the way we speak to one another matters — especially in a...