Customer reviews on the Emerald Tea Room’s Facebook page say a lot about the well-established and much-loved lunch spot at 132 McKinley Street in East Peoria: “The atmosphere is peaceful and the décor is well done.” “This place it is so quaint and the food is amazing.” “I love everything about this place.”

Even after more than 29 years in business, owner Monica Tripp does not take such praise for granted. She said loyal, happy customers keep the doors open.

“I don't get to talk about what I do very often, but I do love it,” she recent said while taking a break from morning meal prep. “My customers are like family, and preparing and sharing food and fresh produce with them is sharing the love.”

Tripp’s journey as the sole proprietor of the Tea Room began back in 1997. She had been working in “the corporate world” but had always loved cooking and was inspired by her mother to start a catering business. When she heard that the location just off Washington Street had become available, she decided to take the plunge.

“I walked into this situation and I could just feel it in my bones. I knew this is what I wanted to do,” she said. She has been doing it ever since.

Tripp said the long-term success of the business centers on the made-from-scratch meals and the quiet, friendly atmosphere that diners find near one of the city’s busiest intersections. She said most of her clientele is women of all ages and from throughout central Illinois. Of course, men are welcome, too, and she said there are many husbands, brothers, nephews, and friends who visit regularly for the food and warm atmosphere.

“I had three sisters come in a couple of days ago, and I've known them since I opened,” she said. “They came in and right away I knew something wasn't right and I said, 'So what's going on? Are you okay?' They said their dad had passed away and they just wanted to go somewhere where they felt good.”

“I'm so blessed and grateful that I can provide an atmosphere that might help somebody feel a little better,” Tripp said.

Central to those feelings is the menu, which features sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads, all prepared to order. The Tea Room’s original décor had a Civil War era theme. That décor has changed, but menu items like the Clara Barton Plate (a little sample of a soup, salad, sandwich, fruit, fruit bread) are still popular.

Tripp said customers have been coming for her chicken salad for years and her California Medley cheese and vegetable soup is another favorite. Diners can choose from specialty coffee, tea, lemonade, hot chocolate, and other beverages. Most holidays there are special offerings such as Blessing Bags for Christmas and Sweet Treat Bags for Valentine’s Day. These include homemade treats in a bag ready for gifting or enjoying at home. Tripp says there is a strong following for loaves of her fruit breads, frosted sugar cookies, and chocolate chip cookies.

Started as a survival strategy during the COVID pandemic shutdown and continuing today by popular demand, the Tea Room offers weekly Take and Bake entrees that customers order ahead, pick up, and bake at home. Entrees are announced on Fridays on Facebook and are picked up the following week during regular business hours. Favorites include meatloaf, quiche, chicken pot pie, and pastas. Side salads and desserts can also be added for pick-up.

True to Tripp’s original vision, the Emerald Tea Room still does small party catering. Private parties for bridal and baby showers, retirement parties, and family gatherings can be held before or after hours in the cozy tea room with space for up to 35 guests.

The Tea Room has Afternoon Tea seatings every quarter. The events feature traditional afternoon tea fare such as scones, finger sandwiches, sweets, and of course, tea. Menu items are influenced by what is seasonally available and may be influenced by holidays such as Christmas. Event dates are announced on Facebook.

Tripp does the cooking with the assistance of her “right hand girl,” Melissa, who also loves to cook. She said the small staff helps to control costs, keep prices affordable, and allows her to be involved in all aspects of the operation.

“I love cooking and being in the kitchen. But I also love being out at the front of the house with the customers,“ she said. “I love seeing them enjoy the meal and finding out if they liked it.”

Asked about the longevity of her business, Tripp credits “God-given talent and opportunity to serve, good employees over the years, loyal customers, and a little hard work.”

The Emerald Tea Room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seating is limited so reservations are encouraged. Call 309-694-1972 to make reservations or place Take and Bake orders. Afternoon Teas, specials, and other developments are announced on the Tea Room’s Facebook, which can be followed at facebook.com/EmeraldTeaRoom.