About
Our Afternoon Tea and Lunch menus are based on Chef Pamela Geralds personal journey over the past 20 years.
A Unique Experience You Don't Want to Miss
Homespun preserves, curds, and chutneys, teapots of every variety from traditional English to whimsically modern, rustic seating alongside tables dressed in linen—the quaint atmosphere of the Pinecone Cottage Tea House located in downtown Downers Grove is the perfect spot for an Afternoon Tea.
Freshly Prepared Garden to Table Sweets and Savories
The Pinecone Cottage Tea House name came from the original 1905 golf cottage near one of the Chicago suburbs’ first golf courses. The cottage is surrounded with towering pine trees, which pepper the ground with pinecones. Since 1990, it has been home to the Geralds and their extensive garden whose produce enlivens the Tea House menu.
Each month, Chef Pam Geralds creates a unique Three Course Afternoon Tea and Sweets and Savories Lunch, using fresh seasonal produce from the Pinecone Cottage Garden. The menus are inspired by the many trips the Geralds have taken around the world. They bring back plant varieties from various locations, inspiration from local farm stands, and vintage teapots from antique shops along the way.
Meet the Chef
Master Chef|Accomplished Gardener|Author
Chef Pamela Geralds was born on the south side of Chicago and moved to Downers Grove at the age of 11. An avid gardener, she began growing and preparing foods fresh from the garden. Fifteen years ago, she brought her distinctive style of scratch made cooking to the downtown area.
Whenever she travels, Chef Pamela attends cooking schools, her favorite being Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shannigary, Ireland, and is the proud owner of over 600 cookbooks.
The inspiration for Pinecone Cottage’s unique menus and cooking classes are based on travels with her husband and nephews both domestically and abroad. She is the author of the 12 Months of Teas Cookbook.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Experience what we've experienced...
"Had afternoon tea with a friend today- such a charming place with delicious food and tea! I really appreciated their willingness to make a few adjustments because of my food allergies. Will definitely be returning!"
"The 4 course meal was delicious! The tea was fantastic. They have great service there and the place looks super adorable."
"A wonderful cozy experience. The tea is lovely as is the place. I enjoy mother daughter time here. But a Sunday tea with friends is good too."
"Cute, well made and well matched foods and tea. Love going here."
"We love this place!! The menu is different every time, fresh products and creative menu! Lovely relaxing time guaranteed."
"Went there with 7 other ladies for my birthday. Service was fabulous, food was tasty, a great place for afternoon tea."
"This place is very darling and the seeing the seasonal decorations is half the fun of coming here (see these pictures from Halloween time below). Come here hungry because they serve a lot! Every experience I've had here included fantastic tea, adorable teapots, fresh tea sandwiches, and a lovely dessert. One of the tea few places I know that offers soup. It's a family run business that bases its menu largely on the garden. They prefer that you make reservations in advance and have catered to my dietary needs upon request. This place is perfect for a girls' afternoon out, birthday party, or small wedding shower. It's also conveniently located near the train station in Downer's Grove. We go here then head to the old-school Tivoli theater up the road for a great-priced movie sometimes. I cannot recommend it enough! It's a fantastic value and will make anyone fall in love with afternoon tea."
Let Pinecone Cottage cater your next party, baby or bridal shower with choices from the afternoon tea or catering menus. Stop by the Tea House to browse the wide selection of personally selected products such as Tart Cherry Preserves with Brandy, Apple Curd with Cinnamon, and Spicy Tomato Chutney, along with loose teas, all available for purchase.