Tucked away in the Village of Los Ranchos is the Ivy Tearoom, where they’ve been creating a modern and immersive afternoon tea experience since 2015. Owner Andrea Gonzales and her team aren’t just in the business of providing service, but rather they are “committed to innovation, hospitality, and creating lasting memories” for their guests.
Gonzales said, “At the Ivy Tearoom, guests embark on a two-hour culinary journey featuring three delightful courses paired with three carefully selected tea varieties.” Their dynamic menu changes monthly to fit new themes, but guests can always expect to try a delectable assortment of tea blends, sandwiches, jams, and pastries.
In addition to their delicious tea and scrumptious food, they are known for their luxurious and aesthetically pleasing venue that serves as the perfect backdrop for any special occasion. Their building was built specifically as a tearoom featuring 10 suites, 3 cottages, and a large parlor. Gonzales said that her team often hosts celebrations such as birthdays, date nights, bridal showers, anniversaries, baby showers, friends’ get-togethers, social clubs, and corporate gathers.
The Ivy Tearoom “serves as a conduit for our guests to forge connections and create lasting memories,” said Gonzales. What makes the afternoon tea experience unique is that it provides guests with the opportunity to step away from the stressors of everyday life, allowing them to be present in the company of their family and friends.
Ever since Gonzales took ownership of the Ivy Tearoom last year, she’s been “building upon the beautiful foundation laid by the previous owner.” Gonzales’ ownership was very serendipitous. Prior to owning the Ivy Tearoom, she was a licensed clinical social worker. During that time, her dear friend Sherri Lewis-Bailey would often share stories with Gonzales about her experiences at the Ivy Tearoom where she was a regular. Lewis-Bailey often tried to get Gonzales to join her for tea. Unfortunately, Lewis-Bailey lost her battle with breast cancer in January of 2023. The memories of her friend and the cup of tea she never got to share lingered in Gonzales’ mind. Shortly after her friend’s passing, a thought popped into her mind – how fitting would it be to honor her friend’s memory by owning a tearoom of her own? Fate seemed to intervene because the very next day the Ivy Tearoom was put up for sale. Gonzales reached out to the then-owner, and they forged an instant connection by exchanging stories about Lewis-Bailey. They each realized that this business transaction was more than a mere coincidence – it was fate.
Being able to honor the memory of her dear friend through this venture has added an extra layer of meaning for Gonzales. She’s created a place built on love, which serves as the foundation for every moment that each guest experiences at the Ivy Tearoom. Gonzales said she wasn’t sure what to expect when taking ownership of the Ivy Tearoom, but she soon realized that this was exactly where she was meant to be.
The Ivy Tearoom is located at 8830 4th St NW, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque. Their phone number is 505.388.8691. Reservations can be booked on their website: theivytearoom.com
At the Ivy Tearoom, guests embark on a two-hour culinary journey featuring three delightful courses paired with three carefully selected tea varieties.