Tea in the Garden State

The Scone Shoppe
Laurel Square Plaza • 1930 Route 88 • Brick, NJ 08724
732-899-4070

As tea-goers step onto the hardwood floors of The Scone Shoppe from the parking lot it shares with the local K-mart, they are sure to feel as if they have walked into some sort of wonderland—an elegant one filled with plenty of tea and giant scones in 20 different flavors. Owner Theresa Paterno’s mother, Pat Cavallo, (pictured together) welcomes customers warmly. “Come sit down, and have a scone,” she often says in her charming Jersey Shore way.

Theresa moved the tearoom to Laurel Square Plaza in June 2014, amid parking limitations at a previous location. She and her family have worked hard to turn the retail space into a lovely setting, complete with chandeliers, chair rail, and antique furniture. 

The focal point of the shop is, without doubt, the large, antique display case that houses the tearoom’s daily assortment of scones Theresa bakes fresh every morning. “The first scone I ever made was cranberry-white chocolate—that’s what started it all,” she explains. “And I always do an oatmeal scone and usually a gluten-free option.” The scones are the first course of The Scone Shoppe’s afternoon-tea service, and customers are allowed to select their preferred flavor from the case. (The scones are also for sale individually or in gift boxes of 8 large or 16 minis.) Theresa’s passion for creating good food is apparent in the other tiers of the tea tray as well, which boast an assortment of teatime fare, including her acclaimed chicken salad served in a croissant.

The Scone Shoppe is open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are required only for groups of five or more.