Basu

4.6 (241 reviews)

ModerateCoffee & Tea, Vietnamese

Closed • 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Add Review

Call

Directions

Website

Basu Photos

Basu - sunny side beef - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Basu - Dining area (1 occupied table not pictured). - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Basu - belly classic - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

+279

Basu - sunnyside beef and veggiecado - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Basu Popular Dishes

21 Photos53 Reviews

20 Photos33 Reviews

10 Photos24 Reviews

Basu menu photos

See all

BASU ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

33 Photos

Outside

9 Photos

Classy

Moderate noise

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Basu

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.

Start your review...

Browse more easily on the app

Reviews With Photos

Madeleine B.

A little gem in the middle of Northbrook. We came here for a quick dinner on a weeknight, and it wasn't super busy. Not peak hours. You order at the front and they serve at your table. We got the Vietnamese iced coffee, garden spring rolls, and chicken pho. Incredible food!

Christine L.

Stopped by on a Saturday, it's located right by the Northbrook Metra station. We were able to find parking near the front entrance pretty easily. Ordering was pretty easy at the front, they give you a number and you bring it to the table if you're eating in. I was surprised at the number of options they had for drinks. My friend and I split two banh mis, the ginger chicken and the veggiecado. Surprisingly I actually liked the veggiecado better than the chicken as it was really bursting with flavor! Wish this place was closer as I'd definitely be back again.

Karyn M.

This is a small, modern Vietnamese restaurant and coffee bar in downtown Northbrook, next to the Northbrook Metra Station. We parked in the lot, which was already quite full, and the restaurant was almost full as well when we stopped in on a Sunday afternoon. We ordered shrimp spring rolls, crispy pork egg roll, steak pho, pork noodle bowl and Vietnamese iced coffee. They brought out my coffee quickly. Made with Cafe du Monde, it was strong, sweet and delicious. The pork egg roll was crisp, hot, and nicely flavored with sweet chili dipping sauce. The shrimp spring rolls (2) were stuffed with lettuce, rice noodles and 2 shrimp with a delicious sauce. My beef pho was enormous, steamy and fragrant with lots of cilantro, sliced beef and soft rice noodles and accompanied by basil, sprouts and lime. There was an option to add jalapeños (I didn't) so it only needed a little splash of sriracha. My friend enjoyed a pork house noodle salad which included an egg roll. I tasted the pork and it was marinated in a sauce and tasted delicious. It was a nice, light, crisp and fresh option for lunch on a summer day. I liked my pho but I might try the noodle salad next time.

Clark S.

I became addicted to their Cold brew Vietnamese coffee. Bitter, but,not too sweet. Hit Just right. I stopped by every time I'm off work. There is not a week I wouldn't crave for one. I believe they only use gourmet coffee grounds from Vietnam. Also their phos and shrimp wraps are amazingly delicious.

Cheryl T.

Great little Vietnamese cafe with modern decor that's located right next to the Northbrook Metra train stop. Inside it's very clean, quaint and quiet. You order up front and they will give you a number, then they will bring the food to your table pretty quickly. We ordered the Honey Pork Bahn Mi and the Beef Pho. I really enjoyed the Banh Mi sandwich because the French bread was just a soft crunch on the outside, and the pork was really juicy. My husband enjoyed the beef pho saying it was really tasty. Both portions were a pretty good size and what you would expect to pay for this type of food in the area. I brought half of my banh mi sandwich home and the kids fought over it. One warmed it up and then the older one subsequently stole and ate it, thus causing banh mi drama. Guess I'll be needing to drop in again here soon!

Emily K.

Basu is a hidden gem and we tell everyone locally about it. The viet coffee is delicious and we love the Pho and banh mi sandwiches. The staff is super friendly and kind. We usually come here with our son and it is very kid friendly. Bonus- you can watch the trains go by out the window so that's a big hit with our toddler ( and some adults too!) The food is super comforting and the quality is high and extremely consistent. Great for a weekday lunch or evening take out!

Peter S.

Excellent food, nice atmosphere, and friendly service - I love this place! So, lemme say this first; I've had a LOT of Vietnamese food over the years. Bowls and bowls of phở and more bánh mì than I can remember, from many different restaurants in the United States. When I was in college, I lived in Chicago's West Argyle Street Historic District (a.k.a. "Little Saigon"), so I've had some of the best Vietnamese food within a few minutes of walking... Basu's food ranks in the top, in what I consider "contemporary cafe" style Vietnamese restaurants, which should appeal to a wide variety of palates (nothing is too spicy, strong, bitter, or sour). Their phở broth is super aromatic, their noodles are cooked perfectly, and I think they do a pretty good job with their meats & tofu. Their bun salads are very good, with tasty fresh ingredients, and I'm a fan of their rice bowls (in particular their crispy tofu curry rice bowl). Their bánh mì is really well made, with nice crispy bread and savory ingredients. No good Vietnamese lunch or dinner is complete without a sweet and complex Vietnamese coffee or tea, either! The Northbrook Basu is conveniently located right next to the Northbrook Metra train station, with parking lots behind it and to the east across the tracks. The dining area has a nice view of the station and sidewalk, has comfy seating, and very well lit. The staff keep the place nice and clean, along with the restrooms, and provide fast service. For carry-out orders, you can order ahead and there's a rack for convenient pick-up.

Alex L.

We ordered carry-out from Basu for the first time back in April this year. I had the beef pho. It should be the signature dish of any Vietnamese eatery, and I had expected the beef to be tender. However, I found the beef quite chewy. I thought it was just a blip, and ordered beef pho again the second time we had the carry-out. Unfortunately, the beef was still quite chewy. So the third time that we had the carry-out, I ordered the ginger chicken pho instead. Turned out to be a good decision. The chicken pho was pretty good. Ever since, when we ordered pho noodle soup, we would just order chicken instead of beef. In addition to the pho, we always order our two favorite items there: crispy pork egg rolls and soy glazed wings, both are crispy and tasty. I must say that the staff are very friendly and the ordering process is efficient. It usually takes only 10 minutes for the carry-out order to be ready. I am curious to hear what other people would say about the beef. Hopefully Basu would improve on the tenderness of the beef, and I could order the beef pho again.

Pork House Noodle Salad, comes with Crispy Pork Egg Roll

Dave J.

Nice spot next to the Northbrook Metra Station in beautiful downtown Northbrook. Simple menu. Pho, banh mi, rice bowls, noodle salad. Fresh ingredients. Prepared quickly.

Micah K.

Having a taste for Pho, I decided to check this place out based on their reviews. I'm so glad I did! The Pho was delicious and exactly what I was hoping for but the real magic here is the Báhn Mi sandwiches. I ordered one to go to have for dinner later. However, I took a bite of it and lost all self control. The sandwich was absolutely perfect! I haven't had a Báhn Mi this perfect since San Francisco/San Jose. Knowing that it's only 20 minutes away from hopefully is amazing! The service was quick and smooth. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The restaurant is very clean, well lit, and inviting. There seemed to be a lot of local people who had also discovered the magic that is Basu. I've been back numerous times since then and plan to continue doing so. This place is amazing!

Steve A.

Great place to get a simple Vietnamese breakfast or a lunch. It's one of the best places in Northbrook. Basu is located right by the Metra station, so you can hop off and be here. Easy to understand menu because there's not a whole lot on it. There's coffee along with banh mi and others. Came at lunch and got some coffee and something to eat. It's about $4 for a Latte. They have non dairy milks including oat. Good stuff but would have liked to try a Vietnamese coffee. These are made with concentrated milk though. As for the food, it has the classic favorites. It's about $11 for a banh mi. There's a vegan one called the Veggiecado. It was a pretty filling one. This came with avocado, cilantro, cucumbers, onions, sweet chili sauce, tofu, and tomatoes. Has some very good Vietnamese beverages and some light but filling food. It's mostly authentic of the street food including banh mi and spring rolls. There's a few things for vegans and vegetarians.

Teena S.

I have not had the chance to dine inside the restaurant and only did to go orders but I have to say I'm hooked! I haven't had Vietnamese food in so long and today I was craving some chicken pho. I usually don't eat the chicken but the chicken was actually really good. I can't wait to eat the rest in the morning :) Also, I got an eggroll and it was good too. The beef rice bowl was delicious as well. The honey pork sandwich without the veggies was really good!! I have to go back to try some more. It reminds me of my childhood! I can't wait to try the food when it's fresh and hot!

Kesha B.

While out and about, we realized we were CRAVING banh mis, and wanted to find somewhere nearby to try. So we went to Yelp and read tons of great reviews about Basu and decided to drop by. While we didn't dine in, the staff was extremely kind, and the restaurant was pretty busy for lunch. The food came out pretty quickly for us to grab and take home. I decided to try the Honey Grilled Pork banh mi, and share the spring rolls. The Honey Grilled Pork banh mi was great in flavors, and the breading was a perfect texture. The only thing I wished there was more of was the vegetables. While usually it isn't a problem to have more meat than veggies, the sweetness of the pork took away from the sandwich and having a bit more veggies would've made a huge difference in flavor like a traditional banh mi. But overall, it is one of the better banh mi's I had had lately. The spring rolls were okay, nothing too exciting about them and the peanut sauce was a bit too watery compared to what I'm used to. But the flavors were there. All in all, we had a really pleasant experience and next time I'll have to dine in for the full effect.

See all

Harrison P.

705

3 years ago

Basu is a great local vietnamese restaurant which is hard to find in the suburbs. The pho broth is surprisingly delicious and definitely spend the time making it. Seems as if the chicken is pre prepared and gets thrown in the pho so is a little dry but the delicious broth makes up for it. The beef pho is also delicious. The chicken wings are some of the best asian style wings and wings in general with a sweet, spicy, sticky sauce. Great spot for lunch or dinner. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Melissa D.

3 years ago

This place is fantastic!! We got egg rolls, wings, chicken pho and a chicken curry bowl. All items were great. They were very accommodating with making items gluten free too. We look forward to coming back again. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Judy W.

2 years ago

I love this place. The food is great- honey grilles pork bahn mi (add jalapeños) in particular ....

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Glean L.

209

3 years ago

This place is a gem! Great location, great service, and great food. We had the wings, spring rolls to start both were excellent. For dinner we had the pork house bowl which was perfect!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Vites A.

2 years ago

Great fresh ingredients and amazing flavors. They even adjusted the amount of rice and noddles and replaced them with more veggies...for us eating lower amounts of carbs. Great. We r coming back ***** read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Olga K.

Elite 21

6 years ago

Everything we've tried here was bursting with flavor, super fresh, and ridiculously delicious!! The menu isn't huge, but everything on it is great!! Don't forget the Vietnamese coffee, which puts regular iced coffee to shame. Also, the staff is really nice and the space is super cute. They don't have outdoor seating, but everything is available for take out, and the indoor tables are properly COVID spaced. This little gem in downtown Northbrook should definitely be tried at least once, who knows, may be you'll be become a regular (if I could give them 6 stars to convince you, I would!!) read more

Basu - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Basu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Kiana Y.

2 years ago

I dined in today for the first time in this restaurant. The worker who greeted me at the entrance, Barely smiled. I would usually expect the menu of drinks and food to be behind the cashier but the food option was on a banner and the drink menu was on a blackboard below a customer's eyesight so i literally asked where it was. I ordered the chicken curry. It tasted ok. I would have expected curry to be more flavorful. Next time, i am going to avoid the curry. The roles/responsibilities of the workers are unclear. After I ate my food, I had to pick up my plate and show them that I was done with my meal. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jessica B.

6 years ago

Delicious. We got takeout during quarantine and my family all expressed how good the food was. I knew it even before they said anything because when we started to eat no one was taking (signs of good food around our house) We had vegetarian spring rolls for my vegetarian kiddos | Rib-eye bowl | Curry Chicken and yummy wings for an appetizer. We also enjoyed their Vietnamese Coffee (cold) and a piece of yummy cake they threw in for ordering during these times. We will he back. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Ashlee W.

5 years ago

Best Pho!! I'm so happy this place opened up in Northbrook! Lots of parking out front, amazing customer service, always quick (especially when I walk in to order) great to-go pick up area in front. I order the Ginger Chicken Pho with no chicken & I add in jalapeños & avocado. The broth & flavors are amazing. The sprouts, avocado & jalapeños are super fresh. They have jalapeño chips which are so good to eat with the Pho and have clean ingredients & they have ice mountain bottled water (yay!). The staff is unbelievably attentive, nice & remember me and my order when I come in. I like to get the Pho to go & eat it outside in downtown northbrook or by the golf course. It's also great to eat on the train when I go into the city. read more

Basu - On the Metra! Ginger Chicken Pho, no chicken add jalapeños & avocado - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Basu - Ginger Chicken Pho, no chicken add jalapeños & avocado. Jalapeños chips with clean ingredients & ice mountain water - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

S S.

202

6 years ago

5 stars for the coffee and maybe 3 for the banh mi. The Vietnamese coffee was excellent, finally a place in the suburbs that actually serves it hot! Not sure why every other place only has iced. Very delicious and the exact taste like in Vietnam. The banh mi was pretty dry, the vegetables didn't taste pickled at all, the pork was good but the portion of food inside the baguette was very sparse. Not the banh mi I'm used to. I wouldn't get it again. I will for sure come back for the coffee and maybe give them another try on the other menu items. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Tai D.

Elite 26

417

1262

6 years ago

In all honesty, this restaurant was just A-ok for me. I got the Pho and the Banh Mi. The pho broth was quite light and not what I had expected. I think the Banh Mi was pretty good, so if anything, I would recommend others to try that. It was a very nice location and the order was completed quickly. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mike A.

5 years ago

Tuesday lunch was Chicken Curry Rice Bowl. Saturday lunch was Sunnyside Bahnn Mi. Both were awesome. Everything here is always great. And the staff are so friendly. Can't wait to try the Porkhouse Noodle Bowl next week! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Thomas N.

194

4 years ago

We have only done take out, but always very good and packed so everything stays fresh. Pho is the bomb. Food ready when they said it would be. Thank read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Jonathan M.

Elite 21

123

6 years ago

Absolutely delicious and fresh food. Did a pickup order last week and really enjoyed everything. The wings and garden spring rolls were so very tasty. We ordered the Curry Chicken bowl, Chicken Noodle bowl, Veggiecado Banh Mi and steak Pho. Everyone liked them even our kids who can be picky. My wife who is a vegetarian absolutely loved the Veggiecado and Garden Spring rolls. The Curry chicken bowl has a bit of a kick, but very delicious. Definitely will be back soon for some pickup and I encourage Northbrook and other local residents to try this place out as it is worth the trip. The one small suggestion I would make is to have some sort of kids options. Even if it is a smaller portion of the regular menu at a lower price or a very simple noodles and chicken option. This town is full of families with young kids, they crave the kids meals. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Peter F.

6 years ago

Finally a good Vietnamese restaurant to open in Northbrook! We definitely need something more ethnic to diversify this area a little. I've only tried their pho so far and it's quite good. They don't include the more traditional items in there like the tripes, tendons and stuff, but the broth is hella amazing. I can't wait to try their coffee. Looks like they're trying to go the small batch craft coffee route. Exciting! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mia S.

6 years ago

We stopped in for lunch and got the wings, the sunny side beef banh mi, the pork banh mi, and a curry chicken rice bowl. We also ordered 2 iced coffees. When the super nice lady behind the counter handed us the coffees, I realized we meant to order Vietnamese iced coffee. She re-made them and would not let us pay for the new ones, even though she made them completely over, and it was our mistake in ordering. The food was so, so good. Comfort food at its best, the exact right amount of filling in the sandwiches, wings were still hot even though we walked home, packaged really nicely. When we go back, which will be very soon, I'm putting 10 dollars in the tip jar for those extra coffees! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Praveen M.

3 years ago

Let's start with the best thing. The Vietnamese coffee, both cold and hot are absolutely delicious. The Banh mi sandwiches are amazing. Fresh ingredients, amazing bread. The appetizers are worth trying. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Eddie F.

4 years ago

Love it. Love everything about it. Great quality, generous portions, friendly staff. This applies to a number of experiences and a wide variety of food. Nothing negative that I can think of. It has become a regular place to get food from for my wife and I. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Michael G.

4 years ago

Great option in downtown Northbrook that has become one of our regulars for take-out. Quality of the food is absolutely there and the kitchen clearly knows what they're doing. Only downside for me that would normally knock it down from a 5-star to a 4-star for me on food if were located anywhere but Northbrook is that the menu is very much catered to and simplified for the local palate. I'd love the option for some pate on my Banh Mi or tendon in my Pho, but I grew up here and recognize that the clientele isn't exactly the most adventurous. Pork Banh Mi is our go-to. The marinated pork is delicious, albeit a bit on the sweet side, and the pickled vegetables and herbs are fresh. Bread is nice and fresh with a good crispy crust and soft interior. Again, not exactly the most "authentic" Banh Mi as far as the meat goes, but it tastes good, hits the spot, and I don't have to drive 30 minutes for it. Just be sure to order it with Jalapenos, as they do not come standard unless you ask... another stark reminder that you are in Northbrook, where Ketchup is considered spicy. Pho is good. More of a clean, light pho broth and I tend prefer it a little more flavorful, but it still hits the spot. Other dry noodle bowls are also very tasty and fresh. Spring rolls and wings are awesome. All in all, I'm very glad to have them so close to home. For so long it seemed we were destined only for Italian restaurants, but Basu is offering a glimmer of hope for a better future. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Brett R.

6 years ago

Outstanding!!! Easily the BEST pho and banh mi sandwiches I've had outside of key spots on Argyle or Nhu Lan Bakery on Lawrence. The curry chicken bowl was also delicious (VERY healthy portions) as was the Vietnamese iced coffee. The only downside is that I actually had to finish the coffee - would that it could only last forever...c'est la vie... They offer curbside pickup and delivery via GrubHub - please support this great new local shop during these tough days for the restaurant industry. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Janice W.

Elite 22

132

4 years ago

Wow I'm in love. The food is very fresh. It is a small menu but never gets old. Bonus: they offer kids portions of you ask!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kim W.

651

5 years ago

Great food with lots of spice level options. I highly recommend the curry chicken bowl (with rice, because that's my favorite)! I would have given this a 5 star rating; however, we ordered to go... which was a good thing because when we walked in, there was such a foul (no pun intended) odor, that I probably wouldn't have stayed. Haven't been back so I don't know if the odor was just a temporary thing or if the restaurant needs some plumbing work done (the smell was similar to sewage gas). read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Avery C.

3 years ago

So yummy!!!!!!!!The food was absolutely amazing and the drinks were over the top delicious I tried the coffee and was amazed

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sylvia H.

4 years ago

The food here come in pretty big portions and are really good! We ordered the beef pho and beef noodle bowl read more

Basu - Beef Steak Pho and Pork House Noodle Bowl - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

D M.

5 years ago

Delicious Vietnamese standards and friendly smiles in a clean, interesting corner of the building setting make this a place to which we will return. Large bowl of pho and Vietnamese coffee hit the spot! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rosanna P.

167

5 years ago

easy to find and lots of parking all around! immediately greeted upon entering by a friendly worker. i ordered the sunny side beef and honey grilled pork banh mi, and both were delicious. their vietnamese iced coffee is sweet, but still has a strong coffee flavor. this place is a little pricier than other vietnamese restaurants i've been to, but the meal was satisfying and worth it. would definitely come back again :) read more

Basu - Vietnamese Iced Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Basu - interior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Basu - Sunny Side Beef Banh Mi and Honey Grilled Pork Banh Mi - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Carol C.

3 years ago

Food is delicious! Been ordering carry out for years now and staff is always kind and friendly.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Kenneth K.

3 years ago

Great food and great service. The bowls were well seasoned and a great portion. Wings were also good. My daughter also loved this place, so it's a win all around. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

M T.

5 years ago

We had a great take out lunch today on a rainy day. This is the first good vietnamese food we have found since NY. We ordered curry chicken rice bowl, veggiecado banh mi and garden spring roll. All were freshly prepared and excellent. I thought my Banh Mi sandwich with crispy tofu was so good and fresh with crunchy radish and flavorful cilantro. Looking forward to going back already. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Annie C.

Elite 17

251

5 years ago

This is a great Viet place in the burbs if you don't want to travel to the city. I had the pork banh mi and it was pretty tasty. I just felt like it lacked crunch-needed more radish and carrots. The beef pho broth was amazing, but the downside was that the beef was served cooked already. It became super tough and I couldn't even chew it after adding in the broth. I would suggest they serve it raw so that the hot broth can cook the meat. This way we can avoid overcooked beef. The shrimp spring rolls weren't bad, but thought it was pricey for how much they give you. Overall it's a great option in the burbs, just felt like it was on the pricier side. I'll still definitely head back if I'm craving some pho! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Paul M.

5 years ago

I keep forgetting how awesome the food is here. Everything I've had is truly delicious right down to their Vietnamese coffee. The sunny side beef bahn mi and the rib eye noodle bowl are my two favorites. Their online order web site is easy and awesome too. Support local! read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

CJ W.

192

6 years ago

This place is amazing! We ventured to the neighborhood from Chicago for shopping and found this place while hunting for a place to eat! It's very clean and cozy and the food is fantastic! We had the chicken curry bowl and veggicado bahn mi! Yum! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lily C.

3 years ago

I've been going here for a while now and it is my favorite place by far. The food is delicious and the service is fantastic. I highly recommend stopping by and getting a couple things if you are in Northbrook. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Max C.

2 years ago

great beef pho and really good service I highly recommend this place if you love pho.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Victoria N.

Elite 21

6 years ago

I thought the banh mi was pretty good (I got a the pork and the veggie ones). The pork banh mi with egg was was flavorful, but the tofu in the veggie banh mi needed more flavor, but the veggies it was paired with were fresh and tasty. The pho, however, was lacking in flavor and the sprouts were old and soggy. They prepared the food quickly and they were really friendly. I'd go back, but only for the banh mi. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rebecca P.

5 years ago

I've gotten takeout from Basu several times this year and every time I am so happy with the food, kind staff, curbside pickup, and everything :) I usually get the garden spring rolls which are so good! read more

Basu - Garden Spring Roll - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kelly J.

371

6 years ago

Delicious and simple. Nothing else like it in the area. I got the tofu rice bowl and loved it. They are currently doing curb side pick up. I highly recommend. read more

Basu - Curry Tofu Rice Bowl - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

mij n.

5 years ago

Food is fresh and yummy and the staff is super friendly. It's hard to find good pho in the area so we're happy to have found Basu.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

jess g.

2 years ago

the sunny side beef bahn mi is my new comfort food!! such a cute sit down spot to grab a coffee too.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Jonathan A.

5 years ago

Their beef pho had a surprisingly clean and refreshing flavor! I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised for sure. I am so happy that there is quality pho soup so close to home. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 4 of 7

1361 Shermer Rd
Northbrook, IL 60062
Directions
(224) 904-3364
Call Now
Visit Website
https://lotusbanhmi.com/basu/

Hours

What time does Basu open?

Basu opens at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Basu close?

Basu is closed on Monday.Basu closes at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon ClosedTue-Sun 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Basu take credit cards?

Yes, Basu takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Basu have catering options?

Yes, Basu does have catering options.

Does Basu have a drive thru?

No, Basu does not have a drive thru.

Does Basu serve alcohol?

No, Basu does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Basu allow dogs?

No, Basu does not allow dogs.

Does Basu have TVs?

No, Basu does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Basu have bike parking?

Yes, Basu has bike parking.

Does Basu have outdoor seating?

No, Basu does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Basu have parking?

Yes, Basu has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does Basu have free WiFi?

Yes, Basu has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Lotus is more than just a meal. Each dish, from our vibrant bánh mì to our soul-warming pho, is cooked to order. We prioritize freshness: meats without additives, vegetables delivered daily, and sauces made in-house. You'll taste the difference. At Lotus, you get freshly cooked, flavorful food, crafted with high-quality ingredients, designed to nourish and energize your day. That's the Lotus promise.

History

Established in 2020.

Lotus was born from late-night study sessions. We were college kids, tired of greasy, uninspiring food. We craved vibrant flavors, real nutrition, and quick, affordable meals. So, we took the Vietnamese dishes we loved and reinvented them for the modern lifestyle. Think vibrant bánh mì, soul-warming pho, satisfying rice bowls, and refreshing noodle salads – gourmet fast food made with fresh ingredients. We built Lotus to be the antidote to mundane meals, a place where busy, decision-fatigued people find delicious, nourishing meals served quickly and easily consumed.

Meet the Business Owner: Dao N.

We started this place because, frankly, we were tired of the same old food rut. You know the feeling: greasy, bland, leaves you sluggish and queasy... just plain uninspiring. We wanted something different. Something that tasted amazing, fueled our busy lives, and didn't break the bank. So, we took the Vietnamese flavors we grew up with and reimagined them for today's bustling lifestyle. Think vibrant bánh mì, soul-warming pho soup, customizable rice bowls, and refreshing noodle salads, all made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. We call it gourmet fast food: nourishing meals, no compromises, for people who refuse to settle for mundane

Basu Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
1 Review

Ask the Community - Basu

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

Bean Bar

I have been excited about the addition of Bean Bar to our neighborhood in downtown Northbrook for a…read morewhile. We finally had a chance to visit together before we went to the Art in the Park the Saturday of the Mother's Day weekend! It totally justified all the hype! Given it was a Saturday, there was an annual art fair in the Village Green close by, and the Mother's Day weekend, we expected it to be very busy, and it was justifiable so. There was a rather long line placing orders at the cashier, but it moved quickly. There were many laminated menus for us to read while waiting in line. The cashier was friendly, patient, and helpful in answering questions. Our daughter ordered an Avocado Toast and a Berry Zen Refresher. My husband and I found that a good idea, and each of us also ordered an Avocado Toast, although I had hoped that I got different types of dishes to photograph, lol. Husband had a Cappuccino, and I had a large Iced Pistachio Latte (oat milk). This simple brunch came up to $77.34 with tip, and it's worth it. All 3 Avocado Toasts were perfectly made. All the ingredients were very fresh, although there wasn't a lot of seasoning, the taste of each ingredient worked well together to achieve a delicious dish. I especially liked the over easy egg and the crispy edges of the warm toast. My Iced Pistachio Latte was very good without being too sweet. Although the food and drinks were the star, the ambiance was so pleasing and relaxed that totally elevated the entire experience. The dining room with high ceiling and chandeliers was spacious and beautiful. There were many different types of seating for patrons -- big comfy couches, regular tables, high-tops, small booths, conference rooms with long table and chairs, small private rooms... not to mention about the large sheltered patio with many tables and seats! As I have mentioned, we went at a busy time, there were not a lot of tables left for dining purposes, we opted for a high-top. Even though the venue was almost filled to capacity, it still felt very airy and comfortable. I could just chill there happily for half a day with my latte! However, there were small hiccups that fortunately did not ruin our first experience there. My husband's and daughter's drink came out almost instantly after we sat down, but I had to chase down a staff (there's no servers except for the staff who delivered the dishes or cleaned tables) to tell him that my drink was missing. I told him that it's supposed to be cold but with no ice. He immediately got me a Pistachio Latte but with ice. The cashier lady had specified no ice on when she placed the order for me, I talked to her about this and she offered to make me a new one, but I had already had a sip and didn't want to put the drink to waste, so I just kept it. I later scooped out all the ice so that it did not dilute my drink, and it was good. I must mention that the food came out in just 5 minutes even though the place was busy. Our high-top table wobbled when we used our knives and forks to cut the toasts, not a very big deal, but the restaurant could easily have that fixed as I am pointing it out now, It's one of the high-tops under the BB sign. This brunch kicked off a very happy Mother's Day weekend. I was in a very good mood going to the art fair from Bean Bar. We will definitely return to try the many other items on their menu.

The ambience is incredible here! What an eclectic, artsy vibe. I feel like I'm in Chicago when I'm…read moreat the Bean Bar. I love the brick walls, high ceilings, and the wide variety of seating areas - both indoor and out. Staff here is wonderful, very friendly with top-notch service. I ordered the avocado toast with no egg to make it vegan, and a latte with oat milk. The latte was perfect, but I didn't love the avocado toast. Bean Bar is the perfect place for both personal and work gatherings... or to just hang out by yourself.

Photos

Interior

Strawberry Matcha Latte & plain croissant

See all

Inside

Blazed Bakery

4.5

(59 reviews)

1.3 mi

Kayla Atlas is the dopest!! Very friendly and a whole vibe! We love her! The music was nice it was…read morevery clean. And of course we got blazed!!

Delta 8 or 9 is what they use. Thats why you don't pay the crazy Illinois tax. Don't waste your…read moremoney, all they sell is garbage.

Photos

See all

The Wild Roaster

I've been in the station connected to this spot more times then I can count, but I'm usually later…read morein the day and always miss my shot. Today Is new years eve and I was nearby on errands when I saw people inside finally! Yes, it's coffee time. First of all, this place is an oasis. Way too cute and perfect to be connected to the grime and cold of the metra station. If your waiting for a train, do yourself a favor and come in here! Better smells, better temperature, better people. Find me waiting for my trains in here whenever they're open. The professionalism here is on full display, you can tell from the obvious thought in the decor, the look of the coffee machines being used, and the excellent and friendly service. I just had a quick mocha today, I needed to warm up and this drink improved my mood right away. Made in front of me (before paying... that's respect) by a sweet lady who also hooked me up with a punch card, it was very nice. Not overly rich from the chocolate and just the right temperature. I see they make they're own pastries and have some fancy cold options for summer! I can't wait to come back and try more. I'll definitely be filling up that punch card in the coming months!

I saw this coffee shop listed on "Too Good To Go" & Kaye packed my bag to the top with croissants…read moreand fresh baked goods. I always feel so special when I visit, everyone is so kind and listens to me yapping about random things. I don't take the train at this stop, but it's easy to spot once you're in the plaza. I highly recommend if looking for fresh baked goods, fresh coffee & spot to chat with your friends or read a book.

Photos

See all

Cute spot

Tous Les Jours

Great place for delicious cake! Parking can get a little bit crowded right in front of the store…read morebut if you don't mind walking the lot is larger in the back area. I ordered online for a 10:30 cake pickup but got a text that it was ready at 10am. We had the strawberry lychee cake which was nice and light and the favorite 'not too sweet'. The store itself had so many options and coming in the morning they had a huge selection. The service was fast and friendly for pickup too.

I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience here was disappointing…read more My family and I stopped by on Saturday shortly before closing. As employees were already putting away the bread, I politely asked if I could grab a piece before everything was picked up. I was told that the bread was being moved to the front and that someone would assist me there. While I waited, two other groups entered after me. They heard the same information and ended up being helped before I was, despite the employees knowing that I had been waiting first. I politely asked twice for assistance and was told to continue waiting while the other groups were served. What made the situation more frustrating was that the customers ahead of me were taking a long time deciding what they wanted. I had already put on a plastic glove and was prepared to select my own bread, but I was told that wasn't necessary because an employee would help me. While waiting, I witnessed one of the teenagers from a group point directly at the bread, and another teenager pushed their hand into it. This happened in front of the employees, and no one addressed the situation or reminded them not to touch the food. As someone who was trying to follow proper sanitation practices, I found this very concerning. Not only did this happened once but 2,3 times infront of them. Yet nothing was addressed. After being ignored, waiting while others were served ahead of me, and seeing unsanitary behavior go unaddressed, I decided to leave without making a purchase. I was disappointed by both the customer service and the lack of attention to food handling standards.

Photos

See all

Complimentary Café

I just recently discovered this place. I work in Lincolnwood. It has a great ambiance to talk with…read morefriends, co-workers, or just chill by yourself and sip on coffee. More than enough seating and outlets to do work. My go-to drink is the iced café latte with whole milk. The coffee quality is far superior to Starbucks. Also, I love the gauva empanada with cream cheese! Also its good to know you are supporting a local business. Happy to know 5% of their proceeds go to charity. Overall highly recommend!

Such a warm and cozy cafe. Grab something to go or stay awhile, this place is IT. They have…read morecoffees, teas, and specialty lattes. I went with an iced peppermint tea and it was very refreshing. I also tried the guava and cream cheese pastry and my goodness this was insanely delicious. The pastry dough is crispy, flakey and fluffy. The guava jam and cream cheese was sweet and not overly sweet. I stopped in on a weekend morning and throughout my time here there was a constant flow of customers coming and going. Staff members were able to keep up with the influx of weekend customers. Within 5 minutes of placing my order my items were ready to be picked up at the front counter.

Photos

This one really resonated with me!

See all

Veggie Samosa empanada and a black seeded honey latte

Matari Coffee

4.1

(95 reviews)

7.0 mi

I would give Matari 4.5 out of 5 stars, so I'm rounding to 5 based on service and ambiance! I heard…read moreabout their fruit mousse cakes online, so we knew we had to stop by to check it out. The cafe is immaculate and service was very friendly. The person who took our order was patient as he explained the different pastries in the case. I wish they had signs explaining what each pastry was so I could have decided while waiting in line. We ended up sharing an iced pistachio latte (delicious and 10/10!), the pistachio cheesecake (10/10!), and the strawberry mousse cake (7/10 - a subtle sweetness, great texture, but needed more cake or crust inside as it was mostly whipped cream and the shell). The mousse cake was $12.00, which felt steep considering it was mostly whipped cream, even though it was obviously beautiful. We would definitely come back for the coffee and to try more menu items! Check this place out!

I wanted to like it. I did. But after a few visits, it's just not for me…read more The first trip, I tried the Matari Tea: Green tea, Himalayan pink salt, milk, and spices, topped with roasted pistachios. Sounds good, right? Alas, it could not have been blander. I couldn't taste any "spices" or even the hint of salt. The profile was that of very watered-down tea mixed with milk, and a ton of pistachios floating on top. Like, barely crushed pistachios. Huge pieces, covering the top of the drink, bobbed around like tiny icebergs, and even they somehow had a toned-down flavor. The drink was definitely a swing and a miss. Fast forward two weeks, and I tried Matari again. This time with a simple cortado. I sat at the table right by the door, and the espresso was pretty good. Solid body, not too bitter. It was on the pricy side ($7+), but I was ok with that. But then, I'm hanging out, sipping my coffee, and I catch a burst of perfume-like scent. I'm shocked, but whatever, I figured someone in heavy perfume walked by, no big deal. A few minutes later, wham, I'm hit in the nose with another burst of perfume. Then, I see it. A slight haze around me. So, not a heavily perfumed woman after all, but an automated air-freshener. After further inspection, I see the unit plugged in on the ground right behind my chair, which sprays up and out on a timer. That's right, an air freshener right next to a table where people consume food and beverages, shooting a mist into the air that slowly rains down onto my head and table, and into my coffee. I ended up tossing the last few sips of my cortado, as I could taste the scented whatever-it-was in my cup. I'd have gone to the counter and asked for a new one, but I was so over my visit by then, I just opted to get out. The staff aren't very friendly. Not rude, but they don't give off a welcoming aura, and I didn't feel like trying to explain the issue. Lastly, can we talk about their little "your order is up" beepers? We've all seen them. The little electronic things that blink and make a noise when your order is ready, so you can go snag it from the counter. When I think of a coffee shop, I think quiet and peaceful, or perhaps a bit louder, with bustling people and well-paired music. At Matari, it's an insane BEEP BEEP BEEP that goes off every few minutes when an order is up. I get it, you don't want to bring the food out to your customers. But does it really need to feel like an airport Chili's? It's a bummer, because Matari is beautiful inside. It's clean, it's chic, and its location is at a notable crossroads in Skokie with plenty of parking, leaving it extremely convenient. They've even got an easy-to-use website, which so many coffee shops simply do not have. There aren't a lot of coffee shops in this particular part of town, which is why I so, so very much wanted to love Matari. But subpar drinks? Air freshener spray intrusions? Frequent and obnoxious beeping? I tried. I'm sorry. I just can't.

See all

Liquid Fusion Cafe

Tried a few drinks here and everything hit…read more The Java Chip was the star for me it tasted exactly like the old McDonald's chocolate chip frappe that got discontinued. Super nostalgic, perfectly blended, not too sweet, and really satisfying. The taro was smooth and creamy with a nice authentic flavor, not overly sugary or artificial. The strawberry milkshake was also solid fresh, classic, and refreshing. Cute café vibes, lots of drink options, and a great spot to chill with friends. Definitely coming back to work my way through more of the menu.

Cute spot to stop by if you have that "need something sweet" fix. My friend and I had a taste for…read morebingsoo after dinner so we stopped by. It was kind of late, but we came in....employees were probably also not expecting many people if anything, because it was snowing too. Although there were quite a few different crowds that came in after my friend and I did. The bingsoo was okay. My friend and I shared a cup since we were still pretty full from dinner. I wish there was a little more to it. Sweet enough to get that "sweet fix" and call it a night. I also ordered the almond milk tea and it was good. It was a nice balance. The menu also has other items to offer like shakes, coffee, ramen, sandwiches, etc.

Photos

House blend milk tea

See all

Tala Coffee Roasters - Highwood Cafe

Driving from Chicago to Minneapolis I made an impromptu stop at a random roaster and so glad it was…read moreTala! The shop itself is adorable with tons of natural light, brick walls, some plants, the works. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The baked goods looked great but I didn't get any. Music is a bit loud but that's to be expected; I was still able to get some work done with headphones. The espresso itself was fantastic. Really smooth and flavorful. Plus they do it right and serve with sparkling water and a small nib of extra dark chocolate. If I lived in the are this would 100% be my go-to working cafe and I recommend stopping in if you get the chance.

Super super good…read more Miel is better hot I think. Still good iced. Orange you glad - espresso with milk and cream and orange juice. Holy cow! So good! Cold brew with a little bourbon vanilla - nice. Chocolate muffin was alright. Blueberry donut was delicious.

Photos

Engine 37 latte w/ oat milk and an Old Fashioned

Such a cool industrial vibe!!! Very Portlandesque

See all

Harmony Coffee Bar

When in the area, we had to make a stop by one of our local faves. We stopped by because I was in…read moreneed of matcha and absolutely love their strawberry matcha. My husband came with and saw croffles and it was a no brainer. We waited a few minutes for the croffle to come out, and it was so good. My little even devoured the strawberries, it was the perfect snack and treat for all! Can't wait to come back soon, we saw they had other flavors, and some fun new drinks.

Cute, cozy space with great drinks!! It's quite a hidden gem and I would recommend to everyone, I…read moregot a delicious matcha.

Photos

Decor is so cute

See all

Mango Galaxy Tea Strawberry Matcha

Candy Cloud

4.0

(51 reviews)

1.7 mi

I love a good bubble tea and was excited to find one so close to the Target I always frequent. The…read moreinterior was very minimal and modern. There were quite a few people hanging out inside. I did a mobile order and it was ready within a few minutes. There are so many options! I opted to try the green tea and was excited to see there was a lavender flavor option and of course I added pearls. I LOVE the tab on top - that's a first I've seen at any bubble tea place. The tea wasn't the best I've ever had and I'm not sure if it's because of the lavender flavor but that is my assumption since I never had it in a bubble tea before. I think all the fruit options are a much better way to go. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying more menu items and even their savory food items.

Candy Cloud was such a fun little find…read more I tried the peach drink and it honestly reminded me of an energy drink but in the best way possible. It had that refreshing kick, but was definitely on the sweeter side, which I actually loved. Super flavorful and perfect if you're craving something fruity and bold. My sister got one of their coffee drinks and WOW... it was so good. Very caramel-forward with a strong, rich coffee flavor definitely a must if you're into sweeter coffee with a real caffeine punch. We went a little before closing, and I was lowkey expecting slower service, but they were so quick and efficient. Everything came out fast and the staff was still super friendly, which I really appreciated. They also have a surprisingly big food menu, which makes me want to come back and actually try more next time. That elote sandwich is already calling my name Overall, such a cute spot with great drinks and speedy service. Definitely coming back to explore more of the menu!

Photos

Purple Potion

See all

Peanut Butter Cookie (Left) and custom with chocolate Oatley ice cream, chocolate drizzle, peanut butter cups (right)

Liquid Fusion Cafe

See all

Crumbl - Northbrook

4.2

(94 reviews)

1.9 mi

The cookies NEVER disappoint! 10/10, would definitely recommend! I love the unique flavors, the…read morevariety, my go to place when I need a delicious cookie! The staff is so friendly!

Sometimes you crave a chocolate chip cookie... and this is my go to place, not often as it is a bit…read morepricey, but it's definitely worth it once in a while. I really like the strawberry cookie and have been waiting patiently for the Rice Krispies to come back on the menu (hint hint) I like how you can order the smaller cookies but it will be gone in a few bites. People who work here are nice so that's a bonus!

Photos

6/29/26 - 7/4/26: Summer Berry Tart Cookie

6/29/26 - 7/4/26: Campfire Skillet Cookie

See all

6/29/26 - 7/4//26: Cherry Bomb Cookie ft. Golden Oreo

Carol's Cookies

Not bad cookies! They sell them at Elgin Lou Malnattis and who knows where else? But I'll have to…read moremake a pilgrimage out here sometime

I was surprised with a box of Carol's Cookies! Had no idea about this company, but glad to be…read moreintroduced! This rather mid-sized box arrived to my doorstep which is rather weighty. I open it and it is a gift from a place I'd made a rather large purchase. Thanks! When I opened the outer box the wonderful smell of butter and other sweet fragrances hit my nose. As I open the inner box I see four (4) huge cookies! they come wrapped in cellophane bags with a cute ribbon. There were no names of the flavored cookies, yet I took an educated guess. These cookies are the largest (In depth) cookies I have ever encountered. Thick and delicious with rich butter flavor is the best way for me to describe them. At the thickest section of the cookie - unfortunately was of a sandy milli consistency, yet the butter taste was throughout. I will say that if I am in the area of where the cookie shop is, I will definitely stop in to purchase some - as I sure hope they are clearly marked/identified. P.S. Thank you for the Sweet Treats...You know who you are!

Photos

Inside of the Chocolate Chip Cookie

Cookie Gift Box

See all

Cookie Flavors

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

5 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Jake A.

2 years ago

I really like the Banh Mi sandwiches here, particularly the Pork Belly. It is a little pricey for what it is. Parking isnt so bad. I think there is a lot nearby and there is usually some street parking. The service was great and the people are nice. The atmosphere is modern and very clean. Great place for lunch! read more

Timothy J.

2 years ago

The food is good and the employees at base are very kind and respectful. I would really recommend to come to this place and try their Vietnamese coffee. read more

Lynn H.