You’ve probably driven through downtown Morris a dozen times without ever realizing one of the best lunch spots in Illinois is hiding behind a courtyard. Seriously. If you aren't looking for the small sign on Washington Street, you'll walk right past it. But for those who know, Letty Mae's Tea Room Morris is basically the holy grail of "slow living" in a world that refuses to stop for five minutes.
Finding it is half the fun. You have to walk through a narrow courtyard between two brick buildings, hang a right, and suddenly you’re in a place that feels like your grandmother’s house—if your grandmother was a world-class chef with an obsession for vintage linens and mismatched teacups.
The Story Nobody Tells About Letty Mae
Most people think "Letty Mae" is just a cute, made-up name for branding. It’s not. She was a real person. Letty Mae was the great-grandmother of the original owner, Lori Belinski, who opened the shop back in July 2011. Lori didn’t just use the name; she used the recipes.
When Jan Murphy took over in 2016, she kept that legacy alive. Honestly, it’s rare to see a business change hands and keep the soul intact, but Jan managed it. There's a portrait of Letty Mae hanging on the wall, and she looks exactly like the kind of woman who would make a mean chicken salad.
Everything here is personal. The dishes aren't just numbers on a menu; they're named after Letty Mae’s siblings.
- Maggie’s Chicken Salad: This is the heavy hitter. It’s served on a croissant with strawberries and pecans.
- Anna’s Asian Salad: A mix of bok choy and red lettuce with a crunchy topping that actually stays crunchy.
- Severt’s Deli: If you aren't in the mood for fruit and nuts, this is the roast beef and turkey option on swirl rye.
Why the Vibe Actually Works
A lot of tea rooms feel stuffy. You feel like you’re going to break something if you breathe too hard. Letty Mae’s isn't like that. It’s "shabby chic" but leaning way more into the chic part.
The tables are covered in vintage cloths, and the tea arrives in pots that have clearly seen decades of conversation. People donate these teacups. That’s how much the local community loves this place. It’s a collective effort of nostalgia.
Let’s Talk About the Food (Beyond the Tea)
Kinda weirdly, people forget this is a full-service lunch spot. It’s not just finger sandwiches and pinkies up. The portions are surprisingly decent.
One thing that genuinely surprises newcomers is the strawberry soup. Yeah, you read that right. It sounds like it should be a dessert, but it’s served as a starter or a side, and it is a total game-changer. It’s cold, creamy, and weirdly refreshing on a humid Illinois afternoon.
And then there's the chocolate cake. It’s a triple-layered situation that usually looks like it belongs in a magazine. If they have it when you go, don't be a hero. Just order the slice.
The Realities of Visiting (The Logistics)
If you’re planning a trip, you need to know the quirks. This isn't a late-night dinner spot.
Current Hours as of early 2026:
The tea room is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from about 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Because the space is small and the food is made in-house, they can run out of specials. If you show up at 1:45 PM, don't be shocked if the soup of the day is a memory.
Does it actually rank for dietary needs?
Surprisingly, yes. For a place that feels very "old school," they are incredibly careful with gluten allergies. They offer gluten-free bread (though it might cost you an extra buck or two), and the staff is actually knowledgeable about cross-contamination. This isn't just a place for "tea drinkers"—it’s a place for people who want a safe, high-quality meal in a setting that doesn't feel like a sterile cafeteria.
Why This Place Still Matters in 2026
In an era of QR code menus and "fast-casual" everything, Letty Mae's feels like a protest. You can't rush here. The tea takes time to steep. The servers, like Ruth Brisco who has been a staple there, actually talk to you.
It’s one of those rare spots where you see three generations sitting at one table. You’ll see a grandmother, a daughter, and a granddaughter all drinking out of mismatched china. It’s priceless, honestly.
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Practical Tips for Your First Visit
- Reservations are your friend: Especially on Saturdays. The secret is out, and it gets crowded.
- The Courtyard Entrance: Don't let the GPS fool you. Look for the alley/courtyard entrance at 112 E. Washington St.
- The "Fancy Junk": The shop attached used to be called "Fancy Junk," and while the focus has shifted more toward the dining, there are still often cute, vintage-style finds to browse.
- Bottomless Lemonade: If you aren't a hot tea person, the strawberry lemonade is bottomless and dangerously good.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check their Facebook page before you head out. They post their daily specials and any unexpected closures there. If you're coming from out of town (like the Chicago suburbs or Joliet), make a day of it—Morris has some of the best antique shopping in the state, and Letty Mae’s is the perfect home base for a Saturday morning crawl.