It was such a different world. There was real a sense of occasion when going to town. Everyone wanted to look their best — ladies wore gloves, hats and nice attire when planning an afternoon of downtown shopping and enjoying a luncheon in one of the popular tearooms.

Lost Tea Rooms of Downtown Cincinnati offers the closest experience possible to stepping back in time.  The vibrant downtown experience, celebrated throughout most of the 20th century, is captured through firsthand memories and stories, as well as from family journals, newspaper articles, and trade magazines.  Over forty vintage images also help bring the past to life.

Imagine approaching the large display window in front of the Woman’s Exchange and stepping into the old tearoom-style ambiance within.  Shillito’s provided a cosmopolitan environment for its patrons, while Mullane’s was the perfect place to sip and socialize. The popular Good Morning Show radio program hosted by charming Bob Braun, and later the equally personable Nick Clooney, was broadcast from McAlpin’s Tea Room.  Women gathered at Pogue’s Camargo Room and Mabley & Carew’s Fountain Room to celebrate birthdays, as well as wedding and baby showers, over dainty tea sandwiches.

Memories of the food served in the tearooms played a huge part in the gathered stories, so sharing recipes of items customers enjoyed was important to creating a full offering in the bygone tearoom book.  Rounding out this history are over one hundred tearoom recipes and a center insert with color photographs of food and menu covers.

Get ready to enjoy the flavor of history on many levels!