Buena Vida Tea Bar & Garden

I got the vegan high tea and I loved it! The service was fabulous. The setting is great. The patio gets nice and warm, so even when it's cold outside, you'll be free to shed a few layers. A recommendation for any budget-friendly vegans out there: get the items a la carte. I paid a total of 55 for the high tea (not including tip), and here is what I got: 3 cucumber cream cheese sandwiches 1 rice krispie treat 3 Biscoff cookies 1 empanada 1 tea steeper of tea (good for refills, but the 2nd refill wasn't very flavorful which) By themselves, the sandwiches cost around 10, the rice krispie around 6, the cookies around 6, the empanada around 7, and the tea around 14. I asked the owner about the incentive to get a high tea vs. ordering items separately, and she said it's about the presentation and talked about all the fees of running a business. Which is fair! But going back, I'd just grab 1 tea, 3 sammies, 1 empanada, and the biscoffs for a total of 30ish. It would've been just as filling, just as delicious, and at half the price.

Today I met 2 friends on a Saturday afternoon for tea and pastries. You pre pay and then find a table or one of the staff will guide you to a table. This is a narrow space, but everything is arranged nicely. We all ordered hot tea, and shared scones and a Guava Cheesecake! Aleesha brought us to our table and later brought our teas and cakes/ scones. The staff here wear facinators which is a nice touch! I loved it. There was a young man who was also very nice and gave us Service with a Smile. We asked him to take our photos and for more hot water. I will definitely return here again! One can also just order Tea or food TO GO. Very nice and cozy vibe. Staff are very friendly and patient. Metered parking along Montana Ave. Free residential parking north or south of Montana Ave, but read the parking signs carefully.

Absolutely darling and quaint atmosphere with a serene, cozy patio ambience. Tastey and fresh selection of assortments for high tea, (recommend the house black) and homemade clotted cream w real scones, warmed and cooked to perfection. I felt high tea for one to be pricey, but it really feeds 2 so overall felt it was well worth it and we, plus the in-laws enjoyed the full experience and exceptional service.

Beautiful place, awesome and super friendly staff. You have to either get there early or reserve a table because it’s always busy, but definitely worths it.

Thank you for this precious experience! Will be back for High Tea with pals.

Stumbled upon Buena Vista on Montana in Santa Monica, and let me tell you—it's a game changer. Their selection of rare teas? Simply top-notch. The vibe there feels like those old-school local spots we all love. Sure, it's a tad slower than your quick Starbucks iced coffee or tea grab, but trust me, the warmth and friendliness you get here make up for it. Oh, and for the tea enthusiasts, they've got this Unlimited Teas of the Month subscription for just $25 bucks. Pretty cool, right? Bonus: parking in the back. If you're in the area and craving some quality tea time, give it a go! Parking: Free parking in back off Montana

So cute!! Definitely stop by if you’re in the area. I’ll have to try their high tea service one day.