Mountain Oaks Manor — Restaurant in Ooltewah

Recently visited for the candlelight Christmas dinner experience. I have been meaning to go for years but thought it was mainly a wedding, party or meeting venue. And that it still is but let me just say the Christmas dinner was delightful. My understanding the dinners are only for various holidays but lunch is a regular occurrence. We made a dinner reservation. It was a gift from my sister. And a wonderful gift it was. We were seated and immediately was enjoying scones and a special Christmas hot tea that was so so satisfying. The scones were like a before dinner dessert. With dinner I had a peach iced tea. The fare was simple but not simple but rather elegant. After dinner we had more hot tea and then wandered about the building where various bite sized desserts were stationed. I went back for the peanut butter fudge a couple of times. The entire place was decorated for Christmas. Guys this is the place to go for a date night during their special holiday dinners. But not just holiday dinner but lunch on regular occurrence. Fast forward a few days and my daughter comes home from college for the Christmas break on a Thursday evening. I called Friday morning to make a lunch reservation and they were able to work us in. We had a delightful father-daughter lunch date. My daughter was also impressed by the satisfying hot teas. Obviously lunch is a bit simpler but not in a lesser way and no dessert stations although we were able and encouraged to visit the various rooms of decorations. I’m already planning to take my office manager to Christmas luncheon this last days of the week before Christmas. She will love it as much as my daughter and better half did. I wish I had taken my mother to places like this. If your mother is still with you, take her.

Update: my office manager loved the unique experience. In this world of the same chains and franchises in every town this place is a refreshing one of a kind jewel hidden in plain sight. If you are reading this passing through on I-75 please know it’s probably no more than 5 or 10 minutes from either Exit 9 or Exit 11. Also please hit the like if...

When this was The Garden Gate, it was spot on. I feel the food and service has diminished a bit since the new ownership. I'm giving 3 stars because I could tell they were trying, but greatly understaffed. The ascetic was pleasing, but the food was meh and we waited a good 45 min for our food. The quiche I ordered wasn't even lukewarm. My coffee was more like coffee flavored water as it was clear. The cream made it drinkable. The peach iced tea was good. Not too sweet. My son was served diet coke from a can that was about a year old and just tasted of flat seltzer water. We saw the can on the servers table and took a peek at the bottom to see it was dated August 2022. He ordered a grilled cheese that was served cold with sprinkles on top. Like sprinkles you put on cake/cupcakes. Idk who thought this was a good idea. Some things just do not go well together and grilled cheese with sprinkles is definitely on that list. I loved coming here when it was The Garden Gate. Food was always good and consistent. Portions were reasonable compared to the price. I really want to like this place, but honestly, it's just not the same. 3 stars because I want to cut them some slack and consider maybe they were having an "off" day. If I'm being honest, my experience was really more along the lines of 1 or 2 stars. My son overhearing them talking about their broken dishwasher in the kitchen on the way to the restroom...

I was expecting more. The only more I got was price. I didn't find the offerings to my taste. The server was un-informative & often preoccupied. I found myself confused regarding the answers to my questions. I didn't have a "tea house" experience. The owner came by & was very nice though. I enjoyed my first tea but sadly there's wasn't much of it. My second tea was not so good and it seemed to be twice the volume or more. The food was good but lacking & not what I expected from a tea house. I will possibly be back & give them a second chance. Hopefully it will be a positive, welcoming experience that I find to be more enjoyable. I would also find extended hours to be most convenient. (hint hint). It had charm in a physical sense but not personal charm in the human sense. Going to a tea room or tea house is meant to be a fun experience not just another of the same ol' thing as every where else. I want extraordinary. I want to feel transported. Not like I'm in a frilly pink Starbucks. Perhaps my expectations of enjoying myself were too high or perhaps my enjoyment was impeded... a rain cloud was provided rather...