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I’m a huge fan of scones, so when I received a flyer in the mail about a cafe specializing in scones, I had to make a visit. Sugarbird specializes in both traditional and unique flavored scones and was recently featured in the LA TIMES as one of the “15 Best places to sip afternoon tea in LA.”

Sugarbird Cafe in Montrose, California

Casual Afternoon Tea

On my first visit, I ordered a couple of scones, a la carte, and a cup of tea. However, this time, I wanted to indulge in the full experience at Sugarbird, so I made a reservation online for an afternoon tea session.

Pouring a cup of tea — Gorgeous Tea POt and Cup

Drinking a cup of tea — Crystal taking her first sip of tea

Sugarbird’s Afternoon Tea includes your choice of scones and a freshly brewed pot of tea. And the best part? You can enjoy unlimited refills of tea, allowing you to savor the flavors and relax. Not only does Sugarbird offer a delightful tea experience, but you also have the option to choose between a cozy table indoors or a sun-kissed spot outdoors.

Sitting in front of Sugarbird Cafe — Adorable Umbrellas and Tables at Sugarbird

A pot of freshly brewed genmaicha — Freshly Brewed Genmaicha - Japanese Sencha, Roasted Rice, Matcha

Afternoon tea is a tradition known for its elegant and upscale connotations, but Sugarbird has put a refreshing and approachable twist to it. It embraces a more casual and modern approach, making the experience accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Delectable Scones

Kei is Sugarbird’s Chief Scone Officer and every scone she creates is a flavor bomb. Her flaky biscuits are the most buttery, moist, crunchy-around-the-edges scones we’ve ever tasted.

She bakes a variety of unique flavors and even offers wheat-free and vegan options. Here are our must-try:

Matcha White Chocolate - This one was by far our favorite. Its beautiful green color and delicate aroma were just the beginning of its allure. With every bite, we were greeted by a satisfying crunch that gave way to a soft and moist interior bursting with rich matcha flavor.
Lemon Blueberry - I occasionally bake blueberry scones at home, but would have never thought of adding lemon to it. I love citrusy flavors and the combination of the two was such a delight. The lemon added a bright and refreshing flavor.
Premium Jelly Filled Scones - You must try Kei’s jelly-filled scones: Passion Fruit and Guava. The sweetness of the jelly contrasts beautifully with the scone’s subtle sweetness. The jelly isn’t overfilled, which is what we prefer because we want the jelly to enhance the scone and not overwhelm it. Fun Fact: The Passion Fruit was featured on Hulu’s “Baker’s Dozen” and received rave reviews from the judges.

Grabbing a scone from the tray — Crystal grabbing the Premium Jelly Filled Scone

Sugarbird Tiered Tea Stand — A Gorgeous tiered tea stand

Initially, we didn’t spread either the house strawberry thyme jam or clotted cream on our scones since they were so flavorful on their own. However, we decided to give it a try and are so glad we didn’t gloss over it. We especially enjoyed the clotted cream’s luxurious, velvety texture which complimented the scone and gave it a more luscious flavor.

Assortment of sandwiches and spreads — Assortment of Sandwiches and spreads

Outdoor afternoon tea at Sugarbird — Candy enjoying her cup of Genmaicha

Japanese Milk Bread Sandwiches

The tea sandwiches presented on the bottom tier of our tea stand were cut into bite-size triangle shapes and put together with Japanese milk bread. We both grew up in Japan and one of the things we miss dearly is Japanese bread. We indulged in a variety of sandwiches: Egg Salad, Turkey Cheese Pesto Arugula, Cucumber with Herbed Cream Cheese, and Fig, Brie and Arugula with Nut-Free Pesto and Arugula.

Sugarbird’s tea sandwiches are made with Japanese milk bread, which has a mild, delicate sweetness that sets it apart from many Western bread varieties. The sweetness is not overpowering but rather enhances the overall flavor, making it slightly reminiscent of a subtly sweet pastry. We enjoyed every bite of our sandwiches.

Cucumber Herbed Cream Cheese Sandwich — Japanese Milk Bread Tea Sandwiches

Tiny Sweets

In addition to the scones and sandwiches, there were handcrafted sweets like Pate de Fruit, Brownie Bites, Shortbread, and French Macarons. We were pretty stuffed from the scones and sandwiches, so the mini bites were the perfect size to satisfy our sweet tooth.

grabbing a lemon blueberry scone — Grabbing the Lemon Blueberry Scone

Darling Souvenirs

Make sure to check out the little shop inside the cozy cafe, as it is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Take your time to browse through the delightful selection of colorful and cute souvenirs and treats, carefully curated with love and attention to detail.

Candy purchased the perfect-sized pink tea tumbler and Crystal ordered a couple of extra green tea scones to enjoy later at home. There is definitely something for everyone to take home and cherish as a meaningful reminder of your visit.

Final Thoughts

We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon tea which was presented in the most beautifully decorated tiered tea stand. The elegant arrangement of delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and an assortment of delectable pastries makes for a truly indulgent experience.

The tea selection was exquisite and brewed to perfection. We've had the pleasure of experiencing high tea around the world, from London to Singapore, but Sugarbird's high tea was the most delicious we've ever experienced. Sugarbird promises an afternoon tea experience that resonates with both luxury and inclusivity, leaving you with lasting memories of indulgence and joy.