You’re walking through Highland Park, a leafy, quiet suburb about 25 miles north of Chicago, and you see a storefront that looks like a 1930s Parisian salon teleported into the 21st century. This is Madame Zuzu's, the brainchild of Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and his wife, Chloé Mendel.
It isn't a gimmick. It’s not a "celebrity cafe" where the owner’s name is just slapped on a window while he’s off in a mansion somewhere. Honestly, if you hang out there long enough on a Tuesday afternoon, there is a very high chance you’ll see Corgan himself—likely bald, definitely tall—sipping an infusion or rearranging a display of rare vinyl.
The billy corgan tea shop has become a bit of a local legend, mostly because it defies what we expect from rock stars. Usually, they open bars or high-end steakhouses. Corgan opened a plant-based teahouse.
The Weird, Wonderful History of Madame Zuzu’s
The shop first opened its doors in 2012 in a tiny space in the Ravinia neighborhood. It was cozy, maybe a bit cramped, and felt like a cross between a Victorian parlor and a record store. Corgan wanted a "social hub." He’s been a resident of Highland Park since 2003 and basically felt the area lacked a certain cultural "soul" for people who wanted to exchange ideas without being in a loud bar.
Things hit a snag in 2018. They were forced to close that original location due to some messy tenancy issues, but the business itself was actually doing great. Fans were worried it was gone for good. Luckily, in 2020—right in the middle of a global pandemic, because why not?—it moved to a much bigger, more ambitious space on 1st Street.
💡 You might also like: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
This newer version is an "Emporium." It’s got that Art Deco flair, a stage for live performances, and rows of 180-gram vinyl. It’s a full-on community center now.
What’s on the Menu? (No, It’s Not Just Grass)
One of the funniest things about Madame Zuzu’s is the misconception about plant-based food. As Chloé Mendel once joked, people often ask if they "only eat grass."
Actually, the food is surprisingly hearty. They’ve gone fully vegan as of late 2022, but the menu focuses on "insanely delicious" comfort food that happens to be made from plants.
- The Chickpea Tuna Melt: This is a crowd favorite. It’s served on grilled sourdough with a bit of a spicy kick.
- Grandma JoJo’s Meatballs: This is based on a secret family recipe but uses soy meatballs. Even the skeptics usually admit it’s got that traditional savory depth.
- The Rare Teas: This is where the "expert" part of the billy corgan tea shop kicks in. Corgan is a self-described "tea guy." He sources through the Rare Tea Cellar, offering things like 2012 Vintage Silver Needle Pu-Erh or Barrel Aged Hot Chocolate Pu-Erh.
You aren't just getting a Lipton bag here. You’re getting single-origin, thoughtfully sourced leaves that Corgan often selects himself.
📖 Related: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
It’s a Music Venue and a Record Shop Too
If you go on a weekend, you might stumble into a live jazz trio or a "High Tea for Two" event. The stage isn't just for show. Corgan has been known to do eight-hour ambient jam sessions based on literature like Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha.
Seriously. Eight hours.
The shop also sells exclusive, limited-edition Smashing Pumpkins vinyl that you literally cannot find anywhere else. They’ve even launched a clothing line there with the tagline "Sorrow Is The Family Business." It’s very Corgan. It’s very "90s alt-rock royalty," but in a way that feels accessible to the suburban families living down the street.
Why Does This Place Actually Matter?
In an era of generic Starbucks and corporate coffee chains, Madame Zuzu’s feels human. It’s a place where a guy who sold 30 million albums decided to build something small and local.
👉 See also: Curtain Bangs on Fine Hair: Why Yours Probably Look Flat and How to Fix It
The shop provides a space for "those who don't quite fit into the mainstream," as the owners put it. It’s about more than just the caffeine. It’s about a positive community shift. They provide local jobs and a platform for artists who aren't necessarily "radio-ready."
Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the billy corgan tea shop, here’s the reality of what to expect:
- Check the Calendar: They host everything from karaoke to spiritual social clubs. If you want a quiet experience, go on a Wednesday morning. If you want the "vibe," go on a Saturday during High Tea.
- Order the Pu-Erh: If you’re a tea person, don't miss the vintage stuff. It’s expensive, but it’s a legitimate experience for the palate.
- Browse the Records: Even if you aren't a Pumpkins fan, the curation of the vinyl section is top-tier.
- Respect the Space: It’s a working cafe. While fans do travel from Detroit or even Europe to visit, it’s also a neighborhood spot where people are doing their homework or reading the news.
The shop is located at 1876 1st Street, Highland Park, IL. They typically open around 8:30 AM most days, though they stay open later on weekends for shows.
To truly experience Madame Zuzu's, skip the standard black tea and ask the staff for a recommendation based on their current "Rare Tea" rotation. If you're hungry, the "Impossible Meatball Sub" is the safest bet for those new to plant-based eating. For the collectors, check the "New Arrivals" bin in the record section immediately upon entering, as the limited-edition 180-gram pressings often sell out within hours of a restock announcement.