Emerald Tea Room & Catering

132 McKinley St, East Peoria, IL 61611, United States
+1 309-694-1972
$$$ Cafe , Tea house
(77 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to the charming Emerald Tea Room & Catering, nestled in the heart of East Peoria, IL. This delightful café offers a unique escape from the ordinary, inviting you to indulge in a cozy dining experience reminiscent of a classic tea room. With its warm ambiance and intimate setting, it’s the perfect spot for both casual lunches and special gatherings.

As you step inside, you’re greeted by a friendly staff ready to make your experience memorable. The atmosphere is vibrant yet serene, with the delightful chatter of patrons mingling gracefully with the gentle clinks of teacups. The decor is inviting, blending classic tea room elegance with a homely touch that makes you feel comfortable right away.

The menu is a treasure trove of delightful offerings that cater to both the heart and the palate. Signature dishes like the Cream of Zucchini and Cheesy Vegetable soups are crafted to perfection, offering comforting warmth and vibrant flavors that dance on your tongue. For a satisfying midday meal, try one of their refreshing salads, perfectly paired with the delectable bread pudding—a sweet ending that lingers delightfully in your memory. Customers like Debbie Kinate rave about the reasonable prices and outstanding quality, making it an unsurpassed value for the flavorful fare you’ll enjoy.

A highlight of your visit will certainly be the wonderful personal touch that owner Monica brings to the table. Reviewers such as Jordan Applegren emphasize her friendliness and attentiveness, making each guest feel valued and cared for. The dedication to cleanliness and safety, especially in these times, adds an extra layer of comfort, allowing you to unwind as you savor your meal in this beautiful space.

As you enjoy your time here, you’re likely to engage with fellow patrons, creating a sense of community that is rare in today’s fast-paced world. The shared conversations, like the one Toula F had with a regular who generously shared her favorite dishes, turn a simple meal into a shared memory and delightful experience.

Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up, like Joshua Daily, or a leisurely lunch with friends, Emerald Tea Room & Catering is a must-visit destination. The combination of delicious food, inviting atmosphere, and genuine hospitality makes it a standout choice for those seeking something uniquely special.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this cozy culinary gem. Whether for a casual outing or a special celebration, your next visit to Emerald Tea Room will surely be filled with delectable dishes and cherished moments.

Location: 132 McKinley St, East Peoria, IL 61611
Phone: +1 309-694-1972

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

77 Reviews
Debbie Kinate

17 Sep 2025

Had a lovely lunch with two friends today. I haven't been to tea room for quite a while, but the food and service was as good as ever. The place wasn't very busy when we arrived at 11:30 am, but by the time we left there wasn't an empty table. I had a lovely salad followed by the bread pudding. Really yummy! I think the prices are very reasonable.

Jordan Applegren

14 Sep 2025

Leaving this review for my mother - she loves this place! Monica is so nice and friendly, and really cares about her customers. Also with covid going on, this feels like a safe place to eat. Extremely clean! Great place to grab lunch that isn't a chain type of restaurant, and really offers something more intimate and different. Highly recommended!

Toula F

10 Aug 2025

The food was excellent! The atmosphere was cozy, and all the patrons were super friendly. One regular even took the time to talk to me about some of her recommendations and proceeded to tell me what her family enjoys as well. It was my first time there, so it was much appreciated. I got 2 different soups because I couldn't choose. The Cream of Zucchini was perfect. The Cheesy Vegetable was good, but I definitely liked the other one better. My husband got the Cesar Wrap, and he loved it. I got the Turkey on Croissant and thought it was very good. My favorite was the pasta salad! I loved the texture and flavor of it! Will be back!

Joshua Daily

07 Aug 2025

Quick stop for a quick pick-me-up. I’ve always known about this place and actually came here for a Christmas-themed sample party with my friend Maria back in winter of 2024 but knew I would need to come back and visit it properly. Finally came that time on a hot and sunny Saturday afternoon. I thought there was a small coffee menu from my prior visit but alas, the owner only makes brewed coffee by request. Emily and I both needed some caffeine so we requested a cup of their normal coffee, despite being offered a flavored one to pick from, too. The owner was super nice and friendly while we sat there and waited for the coffee to brew. We got our coffee and were offered free refills, which we took her up on before leaving. We decided to sit there for a bit to let the caffeine hit before we hit the town for some antiquing and thrifting. For it being drip coffee, it may have been the best I’ve had in a looong time. I put a little sugar in there and it was the perfect blend of smooth, flavor, and caffeine. They do sell syrups but I am not sure how much tweaking of drip coffee they offer, which is fine with me since I usually like my coffee black. Despite the small size of the dining area, this place is very cozy. It has the vibe and feel of someone who has been dreaming of a tea room since childhood. They have little knick knacks and various other things for sale besides coffee and a food menu. Speaking of which, I wouldn’t mind popping in for a lunch sometime to see how that is. Any who, if you need a cozy little place for a cup of good coffee and possibly a good meal, Emerald Tea Room might just be that thing for ya.

Sue Kaiser

27 May 2025

Loved it. The owner is sweet, and the food is outstanding. If you have a hearty appetite, you will need desert to fill up, however, as with most tea rooms, portions are small.

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