For over 40 years, Josephine’s Tea Room & Gift Shop has remained as a staple of Godfrey, Illinois. The tea room offers the ideal relaxed lunch environment in a beautifully well-preserved historic college. For generations, the old Monticello building has been a fixture of the Mississippi bluffs in Godfrey. As long as the city has existed, the building was a fixture of the community. It represents the character of the region- perseverance, longevity, and beauty. After the Monticello house closed, it was quickly purchased, as the people of Godfrey recognized the building’s importance in the city. 

Since 1979 it has operated as Josephine’s Tea Room & Gift Shop. Guests love the variety of salads, and Josephine’s sells everything from the classic chicken, to the stuffed tomato. Additionally, an order of the ham special, stacked club, or chicken salad sandwich is sure to reward the taste buds accordingly. Not in the mood for lunch? That’s fine, the tea room also offers delicious cakes, pies, and other sweets. 

After eating in the tea room, visitors are encouraged to check out the gift shop. Here, visitors will have their pick of various artisan home décor, tops, pants, shoes, jewelry, handbags, and much more! Josephine’s Tea Room and Gift Shop is the perfect way to spend any early afternoon. You can eat, shop, and marvel at the beautiful Monticello House.