I really, really want to like this place as it's a convenient 1/2 way point for a friend and I to meet for coffee with our tots. They also have byob live music some nights which would make for a family night out BUT, theres the service & attitude. Our first night there, the server was friendly but our order came out wrong, not once but twice. It took an incredible amount of time for our food to come to the table. It was over an hour before we had the correct meals in front of us and were eating. The next time I met a friend for coffee & we sat in the back area, a cozy corner of thrift store furniture complete with a bin of well loved toys and shelves of tattered children's books. We sat, sipped and got caught up on each others lives as we watched our little ones play on the floor. So I'm thinking OK, this pace is better during the day for coffee and a snack. Flash forward a couple of weeks to today. The gentleman at the counter sporting the attitude of a prince asked to work amongst the people, asked if I was placing an order to go, I told him we'd be sitting in the kids area in the back and was told last time we had to order at the counter because the waitstaff did not service that area. He then told me there was no food allowed in the "lounge." I was confused. First off, you serve food, but only in certain areas of your cafe? Second, you can't possibly be referring to the corner in the back as a "lounge." You say lounge and I'm picturing high end modern furniture, night club lighting and maybe, possibly, a martini. That back there sir, is not a lounge, so cool that food can not be consumed with in its walls. Google "lounge", click on images and you'll get the jest. Get over yourself! He asked again if I wanted my order to go, to which I replied I'd be ordering a drink (had I not been waiting to meet someone I would have just walked at this point). So he tells me I can order from my server when I order my food. I laugh! Oh dear surly sir, I will not be eating here today as it is not allowed in the realm of your kingdom to which I must travel. You see, I have a tot in tow and if I am to have any peace as I try to enjoy my $5 coffee, we must travel to the area of your fine kingdom where the toys are allowed but the consumption of feast is not. If someone could maybe explain to me why one would not be allowed to eat in the "lounge" I may reconsider this place but for now, it's one star for the kid's area (or "lounge") and one star for the tasty Mexican Mocha. read more

Once upon a time, this place was sorta cool. That was long ago. I just walked out after being seated at a child height table with a broken chair next to the toilet and being completely ignored for 15 minutes. Not even water. The server plowed into me rushing somewhere and instead of excusing himself and letting me pass he just kept pushing through. I'm not upset with him, just seemed really stressed out like he was working for a stock exchange instead of a restaurant. Which pretty much sums the place up for me. The food is expensive and the customer experience sucks. I love local places that make a difference. This isnt one. read more

I sent the email over a month ago and received no response to the horrible service and below average food. To whom it may concern, Having had many delightful meals at Buzz in the past, I was particularly disappointed with both my meal and the service this morning. The service was extraordinarily slow and lacking. Several tables that sat well after our party received their food long before we did. We did order coffee drinks, they were good. We were half way through our drinks by the time we were able to order. When the food finally arrived there were multiple problems. None of the food arrived at the same time. First to arrive was our extra crispy bacon, it was soggy, we sent it back. With the soggy bacon, was a cold waffle without syrup or butter. The waffle was sent back as well. Next arrived a side of sausage. Nothing was wrong with this, except it was the only food on the table. We ate this as we were hungry from waiting. The bacon, now crispy came out. It was delicious. We ate it with no other food on the table. Next came a fruit cup. It was fine. The waffle returned, while it was warm, it lacked flavor. The server never asked us for reorders on the coffee. He offered no water. Normally, this would not be a problem, but we finished our drinks while waiting for our food. I did end up ordering another coffee drink at the register. I did not want to wait for it or have to tip the waiter another penny. It appeared to us that every server in the restaurant was helping the server. He served us about three times, taking the order, sending the waffle and giving us the check. I had to get up to ask him for syrup and butter. All other service was completed by other staff. I only write this email, because 2 hours later, my friend and I are still bothered by our experience. Going out for a meal should be a pleasure. We should not pay for mediocre food and horrible service. This experience will have me reconsidering Buzz in the future. Thank you for your time. read more

I visited buzz last weekend (Saturday) with some friends and my 3 yr old son after seeing a show around the corner. I only had about 45 minutes before I needed to get my son home for the evening sitter. But Buzz was a coffee house...45 min should be plenty of time to grab a snack and enjoy the company of friends. Right? We decided to sit down for table service since everyone was pretty hungry. It took a few minutes for them to set a table for our 6 person party and luckily they did bring us waters right away because it was 20 minutes before we saw a waiter again to take our order. I decided then that I would let the waiter know I was in a hurry and decided not to order the pizza I was going to share with my son but instead ordered a simple chai latte, a chocolate milk and a donut for my son. Easy enough... Maybe not. Everyone else's food came out before ours...everyone's complicated frozen frothy beverages came out before ours. My friends quesadilla came out, a heated apple pie came out, it took 25 minutes to get my son's donut to him and still no chai or his packaged chocolate milk. Upon delivery of the donut we reminded them of our hurry but it was still 15-20 minutes later before we received our drinks. Let me reiterate that we arrived around 3:15 and it was now 4:15 when our full order had finally been received. An hour to get tea and a donut? And making me 15 minutes late. And instead of enjoying my chai latte with my friends I had to take it to go. I can't believe I was still brought a check...the service was so incredibly poor and slow. Even my friends who had ordered a simple black coffee and coke didn't receive their drinks for 40 minutes. Service needs serious attention...I couldn't even comment on the quality of the food/drinks because the service was soooo appalling it colored my view entirely. read more

The coffee is alright, the place is WAY too busy and loud for it's small size. But the vegetarian/vegan dishes are absolutely delicious and the staff is pretty cool generally. It seems a little bit like a great artsy hole in the wall place that got too big for it's britches and is now populated by anyone and everyone all of the time. Not so quiet and artsy hole in the wall anymore. read more

We can walk to this place from home, which I love, and their food always hits the spot. You wouldn't necessarily think a cafe has a solid hamburger, but that they do. One of the things I appreciate most about The Buzz, though, is how they've made themselves into a center for the community. Art for sale by local artists, music and shows in the evening, even civic engagement with a school board candidate debate. They serve the community and I really love that. It doesn't hurt that they have good lattes, either. read more

The Vegan tofu scramble and hashbrowns were quite good and the fruit was fresh and tasty. There was live music which was loud. Perfect for me since I wasn't trying to have a conversation. The decor is fun with wonderful art for sale, covering every wall. Service was fast and friendly and the prices were fair. They have a few more vegan dishes on the menu that I can't wait to try. The bathrooms need a $20 paint job. read more

I serve at a very popular Oak park restaurant, and this is where I send people when they stop in for breakfast at a time the kitchen isn't open. This place isn't perfect. You will not have your butt kissed, a napkin tucked in your collar, or a finger bowl. You don't come to a place like Buzz to be fawned over or to chomp your meal in less than ten minutes. It really only takes a second's consideration to understand the intended atmopshere. You sit here. You engage in conversation with people. You laugh. It's an independant cafe. Amateur performers get intimate with you and practice their craft. Kids FINALLY have an outlet at a restaurant that isn't a diseased McDonald's ball pit. The owners (a young family) make their own rules because we need places that aren't impersonal, sterialized spaces. They crammed together this hodge podge of local art, liberal love, tarot card, knitting bible spinach yoga bacon supreme for the people that want to see and experience that sort of thing. I feel they are very up front about who they are and don't try to convience you otherwise. If its not for you, that's okay. Just don't come here expecting the Buzz to be what it is not. read more

Today I waited 45 minutes for my brunch. It was a quiche served on a dirty plate served with half frozen hashbrowns. So very disappointed. Been there many many times and each time just ok, but this time... I won't go back. The manager said it was just a bit of jam on the plate. Actually it might have been just a bit of jam on the plate after it had been washed. There is a difference between fresh jam on the plate and something that was washed but not fully cleaned!!! But sending a dish back to get it cooked longer after a 45 minute wait. Sad just sad. read more

I've been to Buzz several times and usually have pretty good service and food. While it's pricey I've felt it is unique and a nice change from the corporate chains. (If you don't read this whole review, just know I will think twice before returning to Buzz) However, my thoughts started to change when in July I ordered a bottle of water to go and it was $2.50, I know you are probably thinking it was large 20 oz. Smart water. Nope. 12 oz. and a brand I've never even heard of. Then today, I was in mid-bite of my pretty good (but missing something) veggie wrap when the server (after being directed by a man who looked like a manager) asked me to move tables because they needed to seat a table of 12. I was shocked and said (probably with spinach in my teeth because I had just taken a bite) how about when I'm done eating. Then she moved 2 tables next to me while I was eating and even moved my computer over! Customer service? read more

Horrible overpriced food, tiny portions and the wait staff moves at a snails place! Latte's are way over priced. Go anywhere but here!

I'm a fan of this place for the atmosphere. It's a great place to just go and chill out and read. Sometimes they have a local singer or artist come which is nice. I would say definitely try this place for yourself and make your own judgment, it's not as bad as people are saying. It's very cute! read more

its kind of hard for me to rate this place as i'm kind of stuck.....it really depends on what day you are there honestly. good points: -very cool look to the place -this place is very supportive of the arts -live music/groups meet here - the coffee drinks arent always made correctly but seriously......what do you expect?...this place hires a lot of highschoolers and this is probably their first job and what not....it is not easy being a barista.....give them some slack....they are learning....sorry but not all of us are born with the ability to grind and tamp with the precision of a La Pavoni bad points: -if you are the type who likes to sit in cafes for hours for reading/writing/drawing/talking............this place might not be for you.........i had a very bad experience with that. read more

Ah, The Buzz. I grew up in Oak Park, and find myself still living here... yet now I live super close to The Buzz. I'm sorry but I honesty think there are much better things out there and am crossing my fingers that we get another cafe shop with the new retail space available on Harrison. I'm not a big fan of the coffee, don't like the taste of it, however I do like their coffee drinks ala lattes, soy chais, etc. For the food... it's bland. I just had the Tofu wrap and it was expensive (the prices on the website are NOT accurate) and bland. Really needed some seasoning... at least salt and pepper. It also could use for a change up in texture, if they added something with some crunch and added some seasoning to the vegetables it would help a lot. One thing I do find myself consistently enjoying since my high school days is the Cheesy Egg Sandwich (on a bagel), that one is delicious. As I live so close to the cafe now, I will try other types of sandwiches... maybe it's just the vegetarian options that are unfortunately the most bland items. read more

Ever since I heard about this place I had been wanting to try it and today I thought what the heck. We walked in and decided to eat-in and check the place out. We didn't wait long before we were seated at a small table. The chairs are kind of flimsy and feel as though they may break at any moment (but individually painted so kind of cool). We ordered and I was happy until the waitress forgot my tea and brought the check with it listed on their for payment. I kindly reminded her that I never got it and she was happy to remove the charge and even offered one to-go on the house but I was just ready to leave and tea didn't sound good anymore. OVERALL...not a bad place but not my first choice coffee shop. Checkout Blue Max which isn't too far from this place. read more

Cute local place with cool staff! Very involved with the community. Walking distance from the blue line! Menu has organic and vegetarian dishes! read more

Located in Harrison Art District, this colorful cafe is a great place to hang out and drink coffee with friends. You can either buy a cup and sit at the tables in the front or you can have a sit down in the back and order breakfast or lunch. They have tons of vegitarian dishes. I especially love the veggie pita. It's stuffed with cucumbers. Yum! There is a children's play are in the back with couches and toys so it's family friendly. All week they have different events like open mics and story time for kids. read more

I love the idea of the Buzz Cafe and its quintessential Oak Park feel. I just wish the food made you want to come back. The service behind the bar is always kind and friendly. Service at the tables is spotty, sometimes responsive, sometimes lackluster (overheard the waitress complaining to co-workers how she hates her job). The food is the height of mediocrity, and it often fails to meet even that standard. Undercooked sausage recently, dry scrambled eggs. Coffee could be much better. read more

Unfriendly, rude and not a a cafe! Having been frequenting and loving cafe's for decades, I've tried to like this place three times. All 3 times, the spastic harried staff have been loud, rude, and unable to comfortably accommodate my wish for a quick peaceful bite and a cup of coffee due to the horrible layout and lack of actual cafe seating. This last time around, I bought a $4 roll and a cup of coffee (and tipped well despite serving myself at the counter) for a 15 min. respite from the days work, and the sole waitress barked at me from behind so loudly and abruptly - I literally dropped the food from my mouth from surprise. They are only interested in shoveling breakfast into as many families assembly line style as possible as a RESTAURANT - and have no time or space for cafe visitors. They don't allow food AT ALL (per their signs) in the lounge - the only other place one could possibly sit peacefully, and when I expressed my frustration politely by saying I will not be returning, the 2 people at the front responded with a shrug of shoulders and a blank stare. So be it. There are far smaller "artsy fartsy" cafe's in the city I adore who don't make me feel like I'm intruding and unworthy of a table these guys could take a lesson from. Steer clear of this place...it may look like the real deal on the surface but it is anything but and repeatedly disappointing. read more

I've tried for years to like this place, but it comes down to this: bad coffee. I don't know if it is burnt, or the machines are just not cleaned, but how does a coffee shop consistently ruin (and serve!) one of the best bag of beans out there? I was excited when we moved within walking distance to a coffee shop that brews Metropolis coffee, but have been offended time and time again by Buzz' brews. At least I can still pick up the beans and make it at home. read more

Oh Buzz, how I love you! This is in my work neighborhood and I go here all the time. Recently, I was looking at my reviews and realized that I have never reviewed this place! It is an institution.... If you're looking for a great, artsy coffee house, look no further. The food is fresh and tasty. My usual staples are the organic cheesy BBQ burger and in the morning, the organic breakfast burrito with hash browns. I get lots of stuff to go and take back to work. Laura, the owner, makes THE BEST apple pie ever! I love the sugar cookies and macaroons, too. (Yikes, my sugar addiction gets fed here!) Now, if you come here during the day, expect to see (and hear) children. The noise level can be very loud here (which is really my only complaint). Moms love this place, as it is very child-friendly. If you don't like kids, don't come at lunchtime.... They make great coffee, as they ARE a coffeehouse. You can purchase beans and other goodies (local art, etc...) located in the front window and all over the walls. read more

Loved this artsy super cute coffeehouse! We just moved to Oak Park and we were craving breakfast so my boyfriend discovered this little gem through Yelp. Once you walk in, you are thrown into a cafe with surreal and various types of art. Even the chairs have art on them! This is just not your ordinary coffeehouse too because they serve actual food, not just croissants or bagels, but actual food! I ordered the tofu breakfast scramble and it was stupendous! My boyfriend enjoyed his breakfast burrito and could not get enough of his cookies! Our service was stupendous! We will definitely be back! read more

Love this place! We're in town for the weekend and came almost everyday. The Mexican Spiced Mocha with Vanilla Soy was my fav. Warm and inviting staff. I recommend for families with young ones, our 17 month old was happily greeted each visit. Thanks Buzz Cafe! read more

The buzz about The Buzz is that this is NOT the place to be unless you are a bee. I have been going there off and on for many years (When I have memory lapses). I recently went there on a weekday a little after 1 p.m. It was crowded and I saw only one cleaned table available. I knew from past experience that this wasn't going to work. The one waitress finally came and asked me to move to another clean table as she didn't have time to clean the one connected to my table. There were people lined up at the counter as well. I told both the waitress and the counter person that they never have enough help and I left. I found a much more satisfactory place to lunch. The food at The Buzz is really just o.k., the coffee is overpriced and you have to refill it yourself. The artwork is mostly amateurish. Only in Oak Park would an establishment like this be popular with some (o.k., maybe Evanston as well) This place seems to get enough new customers to keep afloat. The owner is some sort of local maven but it is not clear what her area of expertise really is? It is clear that it is not employee or customer relations. She has been exploiting her waitstaff in particular for many, many years. She constantly and continually understaffs the place. Interesting--in such an ultra-liberal Stepford community you would think employee relations would at least rank. Then there is the woeful neglect of her customers. Perhaps if anyone is interested we could have a REAL throwback to progressive times and picket the place in support of her employees and the good of the general public. Whatever vibe The Buzz is going for DONT BUY IT! If you want to "slum it" in Oak Park and feel you are somehow being socially conscious by sitting in a faux-arty space, then go for it. But neither the food, coffee, or service is worth the inevitable angst-ridden (they want you to feel the pain!) wait. read more

Great local place. Good coffee and other beverages. Delicious locally-made desserts. Surprisingly good food, focusing on freshness and organics when possible. I say surprising, because the kitchen downstairs is very, very small. The secret? The upstairs kitchen that you don't see :) Truly worth a visit, especially if you appreciate supporting a quality local business instead of a chain. read more

I decided on Buzz for a late lunch today and it was great. Better than the first time I visited the place. I had a vegan burger with grilled onions, mushrooms and black bean hummus. Yum!! It came with a side of fresh fruits and a pickle. Also had a mocha which was better than the last latte. So I added a star cuz this time I was happy with my burger, latte and the service. Maybe they were just having a bad day the last time I stopped by. read more

I came on a referral from a friend on my way to see friends in the burbs. The buzz salad I got was drenched in dressing and I wish I had gotten it on the side. The chicken salad I added was also drenched in its white dressing. I tried to be healthy. :( The BBQ burger my BF had was good and the gluten free toast was good as well. read more

Great restaurant- horrible service. We needed a table for 6. You would think I handed my server a Rubik cube to solve. My server was more interested in pulling up a chair and talking to his friends than waiting on my table. Brought my 4 grandkids in for hot chocolate and donuts. I finally had to walk the check up to the counter myself so we could leave. Another customer noticed and mentioned how that was unacceptable. I will go back here (had breakfast there the day before) but ask for different server next time. read more

I really like how kid-friendly this place is. Not only that, but the service is very friendly and so are the other people who hang out here. Everyone smiles at you and I start to wonder if I got transplanted back to San Francisco again...anyhow I will continue to go here just for the atmosphere. I liked their hot chocolate. The Fritata and Quiche were horrible, and cold (they refunded the money for it). The standard breakfast was good and strangely enough, I actually appreciate the nice small portion because it helps me not to be a pig. Their yogurt granola was good and they do include a lot of fresh fruit, which is hard to find in other breakfast places. My son enjoyed the pancakes, although he didn't finish them. On some Saturday mornings, they have a bunch of guys playing music in the playroom area. I had mixed feelings about this, because I really like how they have an area with toys that kids can play in, but having a live band is fun too. I wish they would move the band to a different part of the cafe! read more

My family and I would usually go during the winding down hours to grab a cup of coffee and absolutely loved it. The service WAS quick and attentive. I went in yesterday and the lady at the register wasn't so cool. I was standing patiently for her to ask me my order and the hostess asked instead. And it wasn't until I told her I was actually looking to order a coffee to go and not dine in did the girl at the register ask me my order. Not to mention their demeanor sort of changed after my mother and I were speaking Spanish. Personally I thought the neighborhood around there was diverse enough so that things like that didn't come as a shock and awe. We're not a disease or a circus act so don't look at us like we are. I'm seriously disappointed and while my mom was cool enough to let it slide I wasn't as nice. Two stars for you glen coco your bad glen coco. read more

Down-to-earth and delicious! Great organic coffee, Mighty Leaf tea, really fresh, good food. Lots of local, organic ingredients. Go for the specials, they almost always rock. Definitely family-friendly--much more so than any other area coffee house. As much as I love the Blue Max, this one has the ability to contain more kids with less noise. It is not always a zoo, though from some other reviews you might get that impression. Love it. read more

I hate writing negative reviews, really I do! But this place leaves me no choice. First impressions walking in the door - it smells almost like a locker room, there are people walking aimlessly around in circles, knocking into others trying to get in the door. There's no direction about what to do once you finally get past the cluster f**k at the entrance, until you see the tiny little sign telling you to seat yourself. Where? you ask? It might be impossible, because you see, there are too many unattended toddlers roaming around, sitting in seats which could be available to paying customers. As if that weren't enough, they like to yell at the top of the lungs in the back of the room, while their mothers just sit there and look at each other in that silly little way that only suburban moms can do. IF you can get past this wonderful experience and still feel like eating, good luck. The tables just seem nasty. They seem to have a layer of grime that will never come off. The artwork above is dusty, I was afraid something would fall in my food. Bathrooms need to be aired out and disinfected. The menu seems decent, and I like that there are vegetarian options (that's why I gave the 1 star). The place is just too chaotic and disorganized. I do like that their are young adults working there, they have a bouncy energy that works well with coffee shops. I was introduced to the owner - could she be any nastier? She came across as a pompous ass, giving me a nasty look and rolling her eyes. As far as I know, I've never done anything to her, until now. Later, I overheard her bragging about her offspring as if they were gifts to the universe. I had enough of that place! Don't worry, I'll never, ever go back. read more

I have been a vegan for over 2 years, and went to Buzz because they have good vegan options. I asked the waitress if they had a vegan desert and she said yes, a coconut macaroon. I said great, and ordered it. I had an allergic reaction and am only allergic to eggs, not why I went vegan though, I did that for ethical reasons and it is quite important to me. Sure enough when I asked the managers or owner, not sure which, they said that the macaroon had eggs. The man was not even apologetic, and the women was slightly so. The macaroon was gluten free. Apparently the waitress did not know the difference between gluten free and vegan! I will never go back in there! read more

Great little eclectic coffee house in the arts district of Oak Park! Kind of out of the way, as it's not in the downtown area of Oak Park, but well worth the trip. I first discovered this place when my teenage son, an aspiring musician, played a gig here on a Saturday evening. My friends and I enjoyed their selection of appetizers and the music; they feature local musicians, mainly acoustics, in a cool coffee house environment. Comfortable, appointed with works by local artists, it's a cool place to hang - and great coffee too! read more

I got to Buzz for two reasons - when I want to have a pre-work breakfast to read the newspaper or sift through my blog reader. I get the same thing, everytime - Buzz Breakfast with an Iced Coffee. The second, is when i am on the run and I want a great Iced Coffee. Their coffee is the best in the area. The service can be spotty as they have some people that have worked there for a while and depending on the day can be short, bordering on rude. It doesn't bother me, but I can see it bothering others. I wish they'd change out the artwork on the walls a little more, but it definitely gives the place a coffeehouse vibe. Other than Bluemax, this is the only other 'real' coffeehouse in the area. read more

I would recommend Buzz for the coffee drinks and pastries; *to go*. I have to agree with most of the other reviewers about the (lack of) service and food issues. The servers tend to make you feel like you are bothering them when you come in to place an order. I've only eaten food from there once or twice. Neither dish was very flavorful or all that appetizing. read more

What I witnessed this morning was unacceptable! I patron this place on occasion and I am sad to say, never again. This poor girl's dog ran into the cafe early this morning because the clip supposedly came off the dog's harness. As I was walking out the cafe the guy at the counter yelled and shamed her in front of patrons. He shouted at her to get out and to never bring her dog in again as she was apparently told this previously. (Let me be clear this dog looked very young and non threatening!) She looked shocked. I was made to feel completely uncomfortable. I do understand it is a health code violation - truly I do, as I have a dog myself. But to witness the blatant out-of-control behavior this guy screamed at her was unprofessional! I'm sorry but how dare you treat a person this way. I don't care what the accusation is, there is a better way this situation could've been handled and shouting accusations is not one of them. You, sir, should never be allowed to work in customer service. read more

The food is horrid. they are always improvising on the recipes so if you like something once chances are you will not get the same dish again. It is very expensive crappy food. The menu is very limited. They also do not realize that soy is in vegetable oil. I have a soy allergy. I was told that what they were serving was soy free. The staff does not know what is in the food.When I told them that I could not have any gluten products I was offered whole wheat bread more than one time. I would never go back there again. The coffee sucks too. read more

I wanted to like Buzz Cafe because they are kid friendly and vegetarian friendly, but they cut corners with the food. The baked tofu that they use for everything isn't house made, it is packaged and tastes a lot like the Trader Joe's baked tofu--a very salty, strong taste. They even use it in the tofu scramble! Anybody who has been a vegan or vegetarian for any length of time knows that all you do for a tofu scramble is crumble a block of raw tofu, season, and cook (like scrambled eggs, but with seasoning). Very salty, strong-tasting baked tofu cubed does not a "scramble" make. The veggie sausage has the same problem--prepackaged and way too salty. Also, the last time I ate there the eggs had shells in them! Service is slow and not overly nice. I'm done with this place. read more

A wonderful neighborhood place to eat. Eclectic, kid-friendly, and super yummy food... I've never been disappointed with the service, the atmosphere, and most importantly, the food. So lucky we are able to walk here whenever the mood strikes to inhale their awesome menu items! read more