By Jeanni Ritchie
Last month I attended my first-ever grown-up tea party. In my best dress and with a gifted fascinator perched on my head, I arrived at Hazel’s Tea Parlor in Leesville ready to put to use the “skills” I once practiced with my childhood Fisher-Price tea set.
Now in its 10th year, Hazel’s is housed in a 1907 home once belonging to the real-life Hazel. Owners Ron Matthews and his mother, Margaret, have transformed the historic space into one of Louisiana’s most unique attractions. Margaret delights in sharing the home’s provenance and beams when visitors arrive with ties to the area. She and Ron also encourage guests to bring war memorabilia or family photos for display during Memorial Day and July 4th events. With America’s 250th birthday (the sestercentennial!) just around the corner in 2026, Hazel’s is sure to be a celebration destination.
Reservations are encouraged, and our party had a “tea time” of 11:30 a.m. Cups of tea covered the table: pumpkin spice, peach blossom oolong, and my choice, chocolate strawberry. A chalkboard listed more than two dozen flavors. I’m not usually a hot tea drinker, but with the right flavor I could be persuaded — next time I may just try the orange blossom. (For now, I’ll count it as a win that I branched out from my usual Coke fast!)
But Hazel’s is more than tea. I ordered the crawfish corn chowder — one of their most popular items — and it did not disappoint. September’s featured soup was Italian Chicken Noodle, paired with other seasonal offerings like the pizzanini sandwich. Summer favorites such as the strawberry spinach salad had given way to the hearty Harvest Cobb. Around our table, there were also chicken Caesar wraps, soup-and-sandwich plates, and Romaine sandwich stacks.
Finger sandwiches are a hallmark of the parlor: chicken salad, egg salad, cucumber, strawberry ricotta, buffalo chicken, and BEC egg salad were all in rotation. Desserts rounded out the table with tarts, scones, cheesecake bites, and parfaits. I enjoyed the monthly special, a cannoli parfait, and brought home banana bread for my mom.
Special menus cater to groups as well: Tea Time Delight includes soup, finger sandwiches, dessert, and a pot of tea; Afternoon Tea offers fruit, sandwiches, and desserts; and The Gathering brings a more elaborate spread for larger parties. With a future niece and daughter-in-law both set to be married in 2026, Hazel’s is firmly on my radar for a bridal tea.
The atmosphere shifts with the seasons. During my visit, pumpkins and autumn décor filled the rooms. Soon it will be Christmas, Mardi Gras, or Americana — each holiday bringing its own charm.
Hazel’s Tea Parlor is located in Leesville and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the last seating at 1:15.
