Country Thyme Tea Room
(122 reviews)595 S Elm St, Paxton, IL 60957, USA 217-379-4800 Website Suggest Changes
The Tea Room offers comfortable, yet elegant, surroundings for lunch. A full luncheon menu features a variety of homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, hot dish specials, and desserts. Reservations are highly encouraged.
Country Thyme Tea Room also offers catering for every occasion, from elegant wedding celebrations to casual picnics in the park. Please contact us directly to discuss your catering event. The catering menu lists suggestions for several food options; however, many selections are not listed but can be made available upon request. We do our best to accommodate any special food dish required.
Recent reviews
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julia wilson
Pretty interior, very feminine tearoom. Homemade tasty food, yummy desserts
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Mary Hitz
Today was first visit to Country Thyme Tea Room. My sister ordered the Potato bacon soup, Turkey Reuben: Smoked Turkey, Swiss cheese, napa cabbage finely sliced with special sauce on marble bread. Raspberry Cheesecake for dessert. I also had the Potato bacon soup, Fruited Turkey Delight: Smoked turkey, Swiss cheese, apricots & cranberries with special sauce served on special bread. My dessert was Key Lime pie. Everything was delicious. Best Key Lime pie I have eaten. Owner was very pleasant. Highly recommend this place to anyone. We drove 2 hours & it was well worth the trip. Definitely rates 5 stars.
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Toby Stortz
We had a group of 7 and unfortunately did not have reservations. They were able to accommodate us , and I am so glad we waited. The lunch was fantastic with such a lovely presentation. The taste of pie was scrumptious. I haven't stopped talking about it, and will go back with my daughter as a special treat. Be sure and make reservations! You'll love it!
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Candy Underhill
Our lunch today was wonderful. I am a celiac and it is such a delight to go to a restaurant and know that they not only accommodate you but you have a wide range of options. I had a sandwich and soup and both were excellent. The service was perfect in every way. We both bought the cookbook - it was that good!
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Cindi Reddish
Before going there I had no idea what to expect....though knowing Paxton is a relatively small agricultural community I anticipated a fairly ho-hum diner-type menu. I was in for a pleasant surprise! Six of us met for a reunion, selecting Paxton for its halfway point. The tea room was very welcoming. The menu included a fabulous selection of salads, soups, and sandwiches, and home-made desserts. The teas were bags rather than loose leaf, but plenty in variety. My lunch was a HUGE fruit and spinach salad. What presentation! It was both fresh and abundant! The other members of my group also enjoyed the desserts (and had no trouble cleaning their plates!) I would definitely recommend this place to others and plan to return there soon!
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Janet Linhart
Sweet tea room in middle of state. Owner was so nice and accommodating! We were driving down from northern suburbs of Chicago and she waited for us after we called ahead. Her soup and sandwiches were wonderful. I loved her special curried chicken salad croissant and my husband enjoyed his homemade chicken soup and sandwich. We felt very pampered and welcome. If you like tea rooms this one is worth a stop. Fun to find such a nice place in a small town! Many selections of teas, gifts and food!
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Kim hollen
Amazing food.... Such a nice place to go for lunch... Food was excellent...
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Kevin Jett
Bonnie provided a wonderful array of boxed lunches for a business meeting of 40 people. The variety of sandwiches and sides - along with the ease of each box containing everything needed...including a mint and scented cloth....was a hit with everyone! I would strongly recommend.
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Carole Lusser
A lovely setting for lunch as an intermission to antique shopping in Paxton, Illinois. I chose blackcurrant iced tea, soup of the day cup of cream of chicken wild rice, half sandwich and taste of dessert coconut cream pie.
The property is awash in flowers, the homemade cuisine is excellent.
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H. Eckberg
Thank you for a lovely lunch I enjoyed earlier this month with two special friends. We loved the unique atmosphere and service was excellent. Our food was delicious, especially the desserts. I shall spread the word to other friends and visit your Tea Room again.
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Beth Statesir
Nice way to break up a long drive to Chicago. Food was excellent and beautiful. Pies were delicious, husband loved having rhubarb pie (not often served in Texas). Owner Bonnie was very nice and welcoming.
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Kim
Bonnie just catered my daughter's wedding. My husband and I loved Bonnie. The food was excellent. She knows exactly what to do and is so willing to change things at the last minute. Bonnie puts you at ease in a stressful situation. We had numerous compliments on the food and the presentation.
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K. Chambers
Charming ambiance and lovely table settings. My cup of mango tea was perfection. Love the 'taste of dessert'--just the right size!
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Susan Grizzle
'Beautiful' was my first thought as our beverages were placed in front of us. I had already read the quips and quotes noticed around the room and on the table next to the flowers. 'WOW' came next as our plates were placed on the table. 'This looks too good to eat!'....but I enjoyed every bite of my chicken croissant, broccoli soup, and fruit. The rhubarb creme pie left my mind blank as I tasted the half piece as part of my meal. It was luscious beyond words!!
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mary gilonske
the staff was very nice and helpful.the food was excellent and our small party had a great time ,we would definitely go back again
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Vera Crozier
Fantastic drinks, food, preparation and perfect service. Our Prime Time Group of seven were very pleased. Thank you for your kindness.
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Marti Menges
The food was delicious as well as attractively and promptly served. It was a delightful dining experience for my DAR chapter. We'll be back!
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Gail Lober
The catering service and quality was superb. The freshness of the crisp salad and the breadsticks were a delight. The main courses, lasagna and chicken alfredo, were exquisite. I highly recommend this catering company.
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Cheryl Hafstrom
I love eating here...it has a very elegant atmosphere! The quality of the food is excellent and is very affordable. I recommend this place for any occasion!
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Paula Rizner
Just went today for the first time to this lovely Tea Room. The service was excellent and the food was delicious.
Such a clean place and with pretties all around. We will definitely being going back. Worth the 50 min. drive there :)
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Clare Nolan
I've now been to this tearoom 3 times... twice with my mom, who lives in Paxton, and once with a friend of mine from Chicago. Each time, the service has been so gracious (one of the times they allowed us to come in when they were actually finished with lunch service)! My friend and I are both foodies (she's a CIA grad and a professional chef). The food exceeded our expectations...it was beautifully prepared AND presented! We broke the 'no desserts' rule and it was worth it! The tea room has a country feel. It's comfortable and charming. I'm a tea drinker. My 4 stars in variety of teas was more about the 'level' of teas available, which is good, but not excellent. The variety, though, IS excellent, and quite satisfying. There is also a little gift shop. I bought a tea pot there & love it. Overall? What a lovely time I've had... each time I've been at Country Thyme Tea Room!
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Camille and Kennerly
We took our mom, grandmother, and great aunt to Country Thyme Tea Room for our Great Aunt's birthday. 4 of us are from the Chicago area and our G-Aunt is from Rantoul. Our Grandmother always wants to have lunch at the tearoom whenever she visits her sister. It is their favorite place in the world to eat! Our Mom still raves about her portobello mushroom/veggie sandwich. We all had fun, the food was delicious, the portions were generous, and the deserts are to die for. The owner came out of the kitchen to check on how our food and service were and she was very gracious and personable. We'll be back.
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Chelsea
Bonnie and her crew catered my wedding of 250 guests. She was willing to meet with us before the wedding wherever was easiest for me. She was very helpful and the her food is delicious. She was very quick to answer my questions and her display of food was so appealing. Nothing went wrong and that is a beautiful thing for a wedding. Thanks to Bonnie, for good service and amazing food.
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Amy Hoffman
Bonnie and her crew catered my wedding of 500+ people on 6/9/12. We had minimal 'kitchen' facilities to work with at our reception, so it was a caterer's challenge. She was excellent to work with, provided us with all the jars we needed, at no cost, for our 'candy bar', which can be really expensive. The food was EXCELLENT, we had several compliments from our guests. Detail is very important to me, and Bonnie pays extraordinary attention to detail, which is why I instantly clicked with her. Presentation and service were excellent as well, all of our guests were served in record timing. I would strongly recommend Bonnie's catering service to anyone. Great food, reasonably priced, and excellent service!
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Matt Prather
I had my wedding two weeks ago at Timbercreek Bed & Breakfast in Paxton. They recommend Bonnie from Country Thyme Tea Room to do the catering. So we met with her and picked out our food, and paid our deposit to reserve our wedding date. After our initial meeting however, we had a lot of difficulty getting responses from her on setting up a tasting, and getting her to return my now wife's phone calls. She was very rude on the phone. At the wedding I had a numerous complaints about how rude she was to everyone going into the childrens line and adult food line. After all the tables had been through once and we cut the cake, she packed up the rest of my food and cupcapes that I had already paid for, and left within 1 hour of dinner. She left maybe 10 cupcakes and I had guests tell me she put the other cupcakes as well as all the other remaining food in her van and left. My mistake, never be a good customer and pay the caterer when they arrive. Yea, it was a cold day, but wear a coat, and you don't steal your customers food that they paid for espically when you are billed per guest, and per cupcake. My wife was so mad, that she wanted me to call her on her cell phone and demand that she bring our cupcakes and food back during the middle of our first dance... Extremely dissatisfied with service and I will never recommend her services to anyone.
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Delores Teske
We had Bonnie and her staff do our daughters wedding Sept. 15th 2012. My daughter had said ever since she was a little girl that she wanted the tea room for her wedding. We were so pleased with her, at our first meeting with Bonnie she gave me a name of someone to rent a tent from, someone to make the cake, someone to help us the day of the wedding. She went over and above what a cater shoud do, I told her she should be a wedding planner. She gave us suggestions as to where to place things and when to do things during the wedding. This was all done at no additional cost. Our wedding would not have been as successful as it was had it not been for Bonnies help. It goes without being said that the food was amazing, as usual. I live in the area and I have never had a bad experience at the Tea Room. I find Bonnie to be very easy to work with and very proffesional. We received several good comments about the food and service. Bonnie even cut our cake, which I did not expect. Our outside wedding and reception went off without a hitch and Bonnie played a huge part in that. Her and her staff are remarkable.
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Patti
I just had a shower for my daughter and the food was prepared by Country Thyme Tea Room. It was amazing! The food was delicious and the presentation was beautiful. We had so many complments on the food. Bonnie was incredible - she helped me select the food and made several helpful suggestions. The day was perfect and I have Bonnie to thank!
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Natalie
I attended a wedding in September that was catered by Country Thyme Tea Room. The food was delicious, but the caterers attitude was disgusting. The caterers were extremely rude to the wedding party and family, and even guest! I know that the bride's mother recieved several complaints from guest days after the wedding, one of which was the Pastor.
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Liz Braddock
I just attended a wedding on Sept 8, 2012 in Paxton Il that was catered by Country Thyme Tea Room and was not impressed. The food was average at best and the actual caterers were extrememly rude to the family and guests of the wedding. Very unpleasant to everyone. Would not recommend these caterers to anyone.
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Ted Griffin
Very enjoyable dining experience. Everything was first-rate, the food was outstanding and the presentation was too beautiful to eat without first taking a picture!
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laci bratcher
We just used Country Thyme for our caterer at our wedding. The food was fabulous! She made ua more of a at home meal of fried chicken, pork loin, macaroni and mashed potatoes! mmmmmmm. All we heard was how great the food was and that it was the best. We were so lucky to work with her!
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Eileen Zecher
The Momence Antique Car Club very much enjoyed having lunch in the Country Thyme Tea Room on Saturday. They served our group of 22 in record time, considering we each ordered from the menu and everything selected was homemade. The food was absolutely wonderful, and served so beautifully on the plate that even one of our MEN had to go get his camera and take a picture before he would eat it! What a lovely place! We thank Bonnie and her staff for the highlight of our day, especially when she had other commitments prior to ours! Eileen Z
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Elaine Molyneux
we visited a few months ago, purely by chance en route to Decatur. Excellent food, and service, comfortable surroundings, would definitely recommend. The staff were more than helpful, and the cookery book is worth a try. Elaine ( Canary Isles)
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Lois
My friend and I enjoyed luch at the Country Thyme Tea Room last Thursday. It was very special and cozy. We enjoyed the family pictures on the wall. The food was as beautiful to look at as it was delicious! I had the portabella mushroom sandwich on sour dough bread. The soup crackers came in a cute little basket. There are many different teas to choose from and many delicious desserts to choose from. Next time I would like to eat my lunch outside on their patio amongst the beautiful landscape.
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Debby Watkins
Okay, I have to say that this place is fabulous. I had to organize a luncheon after my father-in-law passed away. Bonnie, the owner, jumped in and made it work without hesitation even though she had some other events that weekend. Everything was wonderful! My mother-in-law took us there for lunch and my husband loved it too. I recently moved here from KY and it could rival any southern tea room. Thank you, Country Thyme, for being there for our family!
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Terry Marshall
What a lovely place for lunch! A nice variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads - all fresh, quality ingredients (I felt anything I chose would be considered healthy!). An extensive selection of teas, and the Spiced Chai was prepared perfectly. Desserts were quite yummy. The atmosphere was very relaxing. Men - don't think that this might be just a ladies' tearoom - the two men in our party were quite comfortable, and happy with their meals. The restaurant would be a nice place for parties such as a bridal shower, birthday luncheon, etc. I do plan to return whenever possible - it is worth the trip!
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Mrs. Ann Davis
Thank you Karen, Mary Ellen and the rest of the staff for making our Red Hat luncheon so special. I promised we would all review your tearoom on teamap. So we all did tonight! You were so kind to make sure all of us were taken care of. Some of our group had special food needs (diabetics, gluten free,vegetarians and allergies) you catered for us all. No other place has ever done this for us. Again thank you for such wonderful kindness and all the special attention given to our group.
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Angela
We love coming to Magnolia Terrace Tea Room! We bring over 20 people from our retirement community at least twice a year (if not more). We always have several in our group, and yet the service is very speedy and excellent. The menu has so many different options - such a large selection - including many great tasting teas (and they even serve coffee!). The presentation of the food was very unique and attractive - and delicious, of course! The entire group thoroughly enjoyed our visit, and we will certainly come again
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Josephine
The Country Thyme Tearoom is a truly wonderful experience from start to finish. The attention to detail in the food presentation is beautiful, and then followed by one delicious bite after another! It is exquisite and I recommend it to anyone who wants to be treated to the best. I have been to many functions where Country Thyme have catered the meal. The excellence continues beyond the four walls of the tearoom!
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Angelika
We love coming to Country Thyme Tea Room! We bring over 20 people from our retirement community at least twice a year (if not more). We always have several in our group, and yet the service is very speedy and excellent. The menu has so many different options - such a large selection - including many great tasting teas (and the hot chocolate was a big hit too!). The presentation of the food was very unique and attractive - and delicious, of course! The entire group thoroughly enjoyed our visit, and we will certainly come again!
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Linda Schwartz
A friend and I had a wonderful day of riding around finding special places to stop and do some shopping.
We went to Paxton and ate at the Country Thyme Tea Room and the most delicious meal. The service was wondferful and the atmoshpere very relaxing and felt like we were being pampered.
The turkey sandwich with the cranberries and apricots was so wonderful.
We will definitely be back and I want to take my Mom back for a special treat for her and I.
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Ano Ritter
The Turkey sandwich did a lively, happy dance in my mouth. I challenge anyone to find a better, fresher sandwich within 100 miles. Make a reservation and prepare to be awed.
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Ann Ludwig
I invited two friends who had nev er been to the tea room before and they enjoyed the experience as much as I have in the past. It is a favorite place to to take people to for the first time. They always want to return.
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Julie Moody
My cousin, two aunts, and I met at the Tea Room in Paxton for a wonderful lunch. The new location is so spacious and bright. All of us enjoyed the delicious food, the lovely presentation, and the courteous manner in which it was all delivered to our table. My aunts are both in their 90s, Bonnie helped them make food choices they were happy with and feel like special guests. We will definitely return.
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Ashley
What an amazing experience my mother and I had upon visiting the Country Thyme Tea Room. We were greeted warmly and served as if we were guests in their home. The food was exquisite and uniquely prepared. They were very accommodating to a request split two meals between the two of us to have a better sampling of their menu. The deserts are worth a trip alone. The amazing Chocolate Toffee Torte and Apple Dumpling were home made and served warm. What a wonderful dining experience and friendly staff!
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Phyllis Perkins
We had a wonderful time at the Country Thyme Tea Room. The food was great. The brocolli cheese soup was my favorite. We ask to stay longer and we were treated great. We met a daughter of one of our former classmates and she is a dear. Hope to return soon.
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Jaleigh Brill
The Country Thyme Tea Room was a great place to eat for lunch. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed great food and great company. Our waitress was also fantastic and turns out she had only been working for a few days!!
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Peggy Miller
Our church quilting group enjoyed our trip to the Country Thyme Tea Room. The elegant surroundings, food and service were excellent. It is a challenge to serve over 20 ladies when each has different tastes...and there were no unsatisfied guests!
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Ruth
A group luncheon at Country Thyme Tea Room turned into a delightful visit. Although there were several in our group the service was excellent. The menu gave us a large selection including many great tasting teas. The food was attractively presented and delicious. A good time was had by our group and we'll certainly return again. Stop by, you are in for a treat at this quaint, quiet, relaxing tea room.
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Barbara J. Wood
A group of Country Thyme fans met on Feb. 16th for the opening of the new location. Our luncheon was delicious as usual, and the new decor is different from that of the old location, but equally as beautiful and tasteful.
We each enjoyed being treated to a rose to celebrate the new location.
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Thelma I Davis
Our holiday celebration party of 11 very much enjoyed our luncheon. The tea, food, and service were execellent. Our waitress was courteous and competent and met our every need. Another great visit.
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Pat Northam
Our party of 5 enjoyed our lunch. The food was superb, desserts heavenly with each ordering something different. The service couldn't have been better. I look forward to my next visit.
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Bethany Kieser
A sizable group of women, including myself made reservations at the Cuntry Time Tea Room to celebrate a birthday. When we made the reservation, we explicitly asked about bringing a birthday cake. We were shocked by the hostile reaction our cake was given by the proprietor. The food while tasty, did not sit well with several of us and made for an uncomfortable ride home.
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Roger and Sue
The Tea Room catered a wedding reception for us in Indiana. We were very happy with the food and service.
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Kendra Smiley
The Country Thyme Tea Room is a lovely spot for a delicious, leisurely lunch with friends. The food is wonderful and so is the service.
I have also had this tea room cater all three of our sons rehearsal dinners and the meals were a GREAT success! I would highly recommend Country Thyme.
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Margaret Fiorillo
There were five of us for lunch on 8/19/09. Three of the party came from Bloomington and LeRoy. The service was excellent and the food was delicious, as usual. It is always a pleasure to dine there.
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Karen
Relaxing, quaint decor and background music, excellent veriety of teas, wonderfully creative combination of ingredients in their food offerings. The baked sweet potato soup was fantastic! Service was promt and very friendly. My friends and I enjoyed chatting with the very talented and modest owner, Bonnie. Beyond my expectations and definitely worth repeat visits!
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Anna and Ann Steidinger
We enjoyed the Teriyaki Chicken Salad and the Country Chef Salad. Both were very attractive as well as delicious. The service was super, also. Thanks for making our lunch special!
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Ann Cavanaugh
Country Thyme Tea Room was a
wonderful experience! We loved our
lunch. Service was great
It was very cute and calming
atmosphere.We are looking forward to
another visit.
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Bobbi
We arrived at this wonderful place one half hour before closing with a large birthday party on their way in. We were greeted warmly and placed in a private room to eat our lunch. We were impressed with the employees ease under pressure and how they made everyone feel welcome, and no one felt rushed! The food was delicious as always. A great place to stop!
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Ilene Sperling
I would take my friends there anyday! Prices are within reason, the food is yummy and atmosphere is very comfortable.
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Joan DiLeonardi
whenever I have out of town guests I bring them here for lunch. Everyone has loved the food and ambience. The Country Combinations are a favorite.
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Shirley Ledbetter
My daughter and I try to get to the tearoom three or four times a year. The food is delicious and so well prepared and served.I love the variety of choice and Bonnie never lets us down--great lunch today, Thanks
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Barbara Vendt
I was at the Country Thyme Tea Room for a birthday celebration for my 83 year old father. The atmosphere is delightful! We had a light afternoon luncheon of delicious gourmet sandwiches, fresh fruit on skewers, fresh vegetables with dip and birthday cake. Before the food was served we had cheese and crackers with water, lemonade and coffee. The afternoon was wonderful! Bonnie ahd her staff did everything to make this a wonderful party. Thank you!
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Jan and Bob
Last winter Bonnie catered a home party for us with a 'Roaring Twenties' theme and what a fun night. The food was wonderful, decorations were perfect for the occasion and Bonnie was a delight to work with, full of helpful suggestions to make it all come together perfectly. We highly recommend the catering expertise of Bonnie and her staff at Country Thyme Tea Room.
Jan & Bob
06/03/09
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LaNae
I have never been disappointed when dining at Country Thyme Tea Room. Bonnie and her staff do a wonderful job of preparing and serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, and entrees. The food is presented very artistically and is a delight to the palette. As for teas, I prefer them iced and normally prefer to add sugar but not with Bonnie's - they are never bitter!
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Beth
Country Thyme is by far the best tea room that I have been to. The food is excellant and the price is very reasonable. I have also been to wedding receptions that they have catered and it was excellent. The arrangement of food on the tables was presented with style. The tea room is very nicely decorated and the atmosphere very calming.
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Janice Thomas
There are three of us friends that
love to eat at Country Thyme. It is our favorite tearoom. The food is wonderful. It is cozy, clean and the staff are very nice. I would highly recommend it.
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Susan Lamb
Country Thyme staff is personable
and accomodating. The food is
served artistically and is pleasing
to the eye as well as the palate.
There are choices on the menu for
the men as well.
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Carol Steinman
Cozy atmosphere! Decorated with fun and unusual items. Lovely menu selections! Courteous, efficient service! I brought guests from AZ. there twice and will continue to do so. Thank you for providing a lovely tea-room for the area.
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Cheri Friedman
The food was delicious. Served with such attractive and creative presentation and combination. Healthful and tasteful. The atmosphere is warm and peaceful and a step out of this world and its stress and pressure into a cheerful and quiet space. The service was swift and friendly.
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Nicole O'Dell
I had a delightful lunch at the Country Thyme Tea Room, today. I was able to meet the owner, Bonnie, and enjoyed a warm and friendly discussion with her about potential events in the future. Her creativity and attention to the finer details assured me that I was placing my plans in the best possible hands. I look forward to a long relationship with the Tea Room and with Bonnie.
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Bonnie McDonald
Largest variety of both hot and cold, bagged and loose tea that I have seen anywhere! The staff is very friendly and knowledgable on all the various tea. Nothing has been overlooked on the menu or the decor. The salads are the best! The sandwiches are all on fresh baked breads and rolls made right there on site by Bonnie Kaeb, the owner. Bonnie will leave the kitchen, when possible, to speak to the customers personally. There is never a question as to where our group or just a few of us want to head for a special lunch. Just an ordinary lunch becomes special at Country Thyme Tea Room.
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Ann
I have enjoyed Country Thyme Tea Room over the years with a small group of friends, a red hat group and today I treated a step-daughter and daughter-in-law to the experience of the tea room. They loved it and the lunch as always was excellent and attractively served. A quiet, relaxed place to enjoy the fellowship with those you love.
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Cheryl
My mom and I went to the tearoom for lunch today. The ambiance was so relaxing, very enjoyable instrumental music playing added to the effect. My mom had the chicken salad in 1/2 a pineapple, The chicken salad was delicious, and not loaded with mayonaise, losts of the most wonderful sweet pineapple and other fruits. I had the country combination, with 1/2 club sandwich, salad with Bonnie's homemade raspberry poppyseed dressing, which is to die for. Assorted slices of fresh fruit as a garnish. We each had a taste of dessert, which is 1/2 a piece, which is more than plenty after a meal. Mom had the rubarb crunch pie that was wonderful and I had the raspberry cheesecake whichs was wonderful. The dessert are made there at the tearoom. They diffently are not premade from a factory. All in all I highly recommend you come for lunch and stay awhile
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Melissa Chicago, IL
Country Thyme Tea Room is the best I've ever encountered. The atmosphere is elegant, with a small town, friendly appeal. The attentive service is second to none. Attention to detail is what makes this tea room special. Everything from the framed tea puzzles on the walls, to the hand-made tea vests the waitresses wear follow the theme of the restaurant. The food is clearly all prepared by hand by skillful chefs. Despite the laid back, at ease atmosphere, the wait staff and kitchen staff are extremely fast and efficient. I love to come visit on a Saturday afternoon with my friends. When I can't make it down from Chicago, I sit in my kitchen at home dreaming of what I could be eating if I were at Country Thyme. In fact, I could go for a mouth-watering turkey reuben, or a scrumptious black forest brownie right about now...
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Robin
I can't believe this tea room is acctually ranked #4 in Illinois! I've been to #3 in Clinton, #7 in Bloomington-Mormal, #9 in Mackinaw, and #66 in Godfrey. All are infinitely superior to this place. They have only bagged tea which is presented with warm water in the kind of metal pots one gets at a diner. The chicken salad, while presented prettily in half a pineapple, was horribly bland, canned chicken with only bits of celery and too much mayonnaise. The two 'scones' were flat and more like frosted cookies; they were good and fruity, but certainly not scones. For dessert my apple dumpling was a microwaved, frozen dumpling, the kind one can buy at 'warehouse' stores. The 'shop' consists of a small room of garage sale-type items and a hallway with a limited number of nice tea pots and dishes. The atmosphhere is quaint and relaxing, and the decor and tables are lovely; the service attentive and warm. However all in all it was a disappointing experience, and certainly not worth the drive from Springfield.
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Paula and Mark Lowery
What a beautiful trip back in time. A very serene little place to enjoy a bite of the most wonderful food. The best soup & sandwich we've ever had, and a great chai tea. The owner and the waitresses were so gracious to deal with. Looking forward to our next outing there.
Paula & Mark, Urbana
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ErinSaybrook IL
The Country Thyme tearoom has all my favorit foods.They serve your food with fruti on the side, you have the choie of soupe,salid,or pastasalid with your meal.The soft music that plays while you eat is very relaxing and peaceful.All the people are very kind.I love how there is pictures of there family on the walls. It does not mater where you live go to Paxton IL. to the Country Thyme Tearoom.ENJOY!!!!!!!!
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Marion and Tom
Country Thyme Tea Room is one of our most favorite places to eat in Paxton! We live in Bl/Normal and it's well worth the drive. I would rate this Tea Room in the excellent category; the soft music adds to the wonderful atmosphere and makes for a most enjoyable experience!
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Lisa
If you have never experienced the amphiance of this small unique tea room, you are missing out on the pampering of your lifetime. The atmosphere will take you back in time where ladies were treated with respect and dignity. The music, the decor, and the food is like no other food or recipes that you have eaten before. You will not know what to order first and will have to come back time and time again to try the items that you did not try the first time. I am not a dessert person but I have to have dessert each time I come because they are like no other from any other establishments. I always have to take a piece of Miss Bonnie's Key Lime Pie home with me for later because it is my favorite and I do not have room for it during my visit. Miss Bonnie's entrees and her desserts will have you coming time and time again if not having her cater your next event also. The Country Thyme Tea Room is where you should have your next meeting, your next girls afternoon out, that most special get together, bridal shower, baby shower or have her cater your next event. You will not be disappointed in any event that Bonnie will handle for you.
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Nancy Paxton, IL
I have now been a customer of The Country Thyme Tea Room for lunch and a customer as an event coordinator. As a lunch eatery, I would recommend it to anyone who comes to town. I cannot wait to take my family and friends when they come visit me in my new home. As a caterer, the professionalism, knowledge, and artistry are above and beyond my expectations. I was new to planning local events and found myself without a worry because of the wonderful help I received from the owner. Without a doubt, I would encourage others to use The Country Thyme Tea Room for business ventures, weddings, and other catering needs.
Thanks, Bonnie, for all your expertise and support in my planning!
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Nellie
I have been to the Country Thyme Tearoom several times and always enjoyed it, so I recently took my husband for lunch. He was amazed..he had really only gone to please me, but couldn't stop saying what a great place it was, how delicious the food was and how relaxing the whole experience was. His final words were,'We'll be coming back.' Of course, he's right...as soon as you step inside the door you know you are in for a very special time. The decor with all the teapots, the tables with all the handmade crocheted tableclothes and the little lamps with their flickering flames...the soft inspirational music...the quiet movements of the waitress all speak of a wonderful experience just waiting to happen. The food is above and beyond anything you might expect plus the quaint way it is presented is wonderful. I'm so glad we have such a delightful place in our area.
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Laura Rosen Cissna Park, IL
A couple of my lady-friends (Carol Keller of Rankin & Delores Rizza)wanted to take me out for my birthday last month (Sept.) and decided that the Country Thyme Tea Room in Paxton was the best place, as they had both been there several times in the past and enjoyed their lunch experience very much and wanted me to have the same wonderful experience for my birthday. What a lovely place to have a wonderful meal with special friends. Great service, great food and great atmosphere! (Hot Vanilla Chai & dessert was great also!) Then to top things off, we went into the consignment store as well as the gift shop and I spotted a 'red apple' decoration that would look great in my 'fruit-themed' kitchen. I did not buy it right away and when I came back, the restaurant was already closed. So I left a note for Bonnie indicating that I wanted to purchase this apple. She was kind enough to give it to her husband (Steve), in order for him to deliver it to my home on his way from work in Cissna Park. What a nice surprise and GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE to have the item delivered right to me. (I moved here from up north-Chicago suburbs and can attest to the fact that the retailers up north would not go to this trouble.) I am looking forward to going back for many more lunches, in the hopes of trying more of the tasty items on the menu. Thanks Bonnie! You are the best (and so is Steve)!
P.S. Your 'T.L.C.' is apparent in all that you do!
Laura Rosen - Cissna Park, IL
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Sherry and Lyle
My husband and I had Bonnie cater our daughter's wedding and rehersal dinner. The food presentation was pure art with vegetables and fruits garnished in ways I had never seen. The cold food was cold and the hot food was hot and of very good quality. We received very many compliments from our guests. Bonnie was very professional, gave us many ideas and was a pleasure to work with. We would highly recommend her services.
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Ruth and Sandra
We recently hired Bonnie to cater a business holiday lunch for us and were exceptionally pleased with the quality of the food, her set up and presentation, and how easy she was to work with. She was able to fit us in around the holidays in spite of rather short notice and her prices were very reasonable. Our group had a great time and felt they'd been treated to a really special afternoon! We'd recommend giving Bonnie a try for any catering needs!
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Jones
Very disappointing. We hired Bonnie as our caterer for our Wedding. Not only was she forgetful when it came to setting the table for the champaign toast but she also handed us a separate bill while we were eating our reception dinner. This bill included items that we had already paid, extra service, ice etc... It also included a 25% tip. There is no way that her service deserved a 25% tip. When we refused to pay she hit my brother-in-law up for the payment while my husband & I were having our first dance. She quickly packed up and left with all of our leftovers immediately after the last person had gone through the buffet line. Not only was she rude to our guest, she was also rude to us from the moment she received our down payment for her services. I would not do any form of business with this woman. She also runs Midtown food bank. She seems very crooked.
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Duane and Carol Broquard
Duane and I stopped for lunch and was very pleased with the meal. It was very tasty and very artistically displayed. The desserts were WOW. I wish we lived closer so I could come and dine here more often. Thanks. Duane and Carol, Indiana
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Sherry Marble
I recently brought my mother to eat lunch at the tea room and we were both extremely satisfied. We had made reservations for 11:30 and the tearoom was not filled to capacity. It is what I would call a 'typical' tea room with specialty items on the menu. We ordered a sampler plate with half a sandwich, cup of soup and half a dessert; this was more than enough for us. We were particularly impressed with with little baskets that held our soup crackes. We both had the hot chai tea which was superb, although a bit sweet for me. I would recommend this tea room to anyone. Also, I recently sampled a box lunch that they had catered in Champaign and it too was delicious.
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Kristin and Alyssa
I took my 8 yr. old daughter for a special Mommy/Daughter date. The owner and staff took great care to accommodate our requests for the day. The presentation was beautiful and my daughter left feeling special and pampered.
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Prairie Food Critic
Teas are OK but nothing special. Very frilly, feminine decor. I also question whether some of the items offered are actually made-from-scratch. Portions are extremely small - we left hungry after a $20 bill (not incl. tip) for 2 of us. Very nice plating presentations. Overly-friendly service. We did make reservations, but there were many empty tables. Patrons appeared to be mostly out of towners, so maybe there's another hot spot for lunch in town that we didn't know about. Country Thyme seems well suited for elderly ladies with small appetites.
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Pam Ristow
I enjoy the experience at Country Thyme Tea Room. The food is always delicious and presented in a unique manner. I enjoy taking friends there for special occasions because of the enjoyable atmosphere. I happen to think the lemon blueberry cheesecake is scrumptious. Pam
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Bubba
Don't even dream of showing up without a reservation. We were passing through Paxton one day and decided to try it out. When we walked in there were 6 patrons in the entire restaurant. The hostess greeted us very coldly when we said we did not have reservations. The meal was unimaginitive and mostly redressed store bought foods. The dessert 'lemon blueberry cheescake' was absolutely revolting and poorly prepared.
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Me052783
After searching our area for a cute little tea room I found Country Thyme in the local paper. I went with a friend (after making a reservation for two) and we had a wonderful experience and have been several times since. Each time our waitress is friendly and efficient. The food is very tasty (don't leave without dessert!
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Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Keane
We were not actually able to get into the Country Thyme Tea Room. This was not due to them being completely booked, but due to the fact that when we called for reservations for afternoon tea for two, the owner rudely informed us that they 'wouldn't go to all that trouble for just two people'. She went on to inform us that she would only accept reservations for parties of five or more. Not only did she refuse to accept our reservations, but she was equally rude in responding to our inquiries of a typical afternoon tea provided at her tea room. When asked if the tea is patterned after a traditional British afternoon tea, we were brusquely told that they 'don't pattern ourselves after anyone. We do our own thing here'. With such treatment over the phone, we certainly cannot recommend anyone make the trip to be treated so in person. In fact, when told by others who have heard of the tea room and are contemplating visiting it, we relate our phone experience and suggest they go elsewhere.