Fun, casual coffee shop with a bohemian vibe. Excellent menu and very good food. Service was attentive and accommodating.

Like a previous reviewer, I really wanted to like this place since I like in the neighborhood but the service is really spotty. If they're just slow because they're busy, it would not be as bad but there have been so many times where I am at the counter waiting while the staff is just chatting and taking their time. There was one time where I felt like the employee was just so unfriendly that it was such a burden to make her work. I have to agree with the other reviewers that this place must only be willing to pay really low wages since the employees all look like they're in high school. There are one or two that are pleasant but in the majority of my experiences there, the staff is just rude, slow, or indifferent. I have had better experiences at Nola's and Blue Max. read more

I like their coffee and the food isn't bad, but you can't hear your own thoughts at this place. I've been here several times. If you've got kids, this is the perfect coffeehouse for your family. But for the rest of us who simply want to enjoy a good cup of coffee, chat with a friend, or web surf, we better find another place. read more

What a gem. My wife and I were on the way home from Chicago and decided to get a bite to eat. We needed to find a place that had gluten free options for my wife and our app mentioned the Buzz Cafe. It has shabby eclectic cafe decor with local art for sale and a very casual ambiance. It is small but not claustrophobic and we loved it. I had an apple, brie burger with a salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing and my wife had a cheeseburger on gluten free bread and the same salad. My burger was wonderful and it would have been a crime to put catsup on it. The brie and apple blended with the burger and onion bun to create a complex and amazing burger. My wife actually liked her cheeseburger with the gluten free bread. She also had a gluten free peanut butter cookie that she loved. It is in the artsy section of Oak Park and complements the area well. It's a new favorite place. read more

Used to frequent the buzz about once every couple of months. (So note: I am not a regular). Gas prices soared and couldn't justify the price for driving mi rt for coffee. However, about a week ,ago decided to take my sister there for coffee. Nice summer morning about 10 am. Big mistake. I have a daughter and I would never impart to her the the belief: mothers with children are the most important people on the planet and can demand a table for 4 just because they want one with no waiting. Enough said about this. We ordered two coffees and sat down at a vacant table for 4. No others were available. Behind us was a couple at another table for 4 eating food. At another table for 4 sat a couple with a beverage and a pastry. Behind us a table of 8 women, ordering many waters and one coffee. We were seated when I noticed the 2 women w/ two kids come in. Most of the tables for two had one person sitting at them. . The women w/ the two kids, motioned the server and started pointing to the table at which my sis and I sat. I began my conversation with my sister while monitoring the situation. A couple of minutes later, the couple who had been sitting at another table for four finished their beverage and pastry left. The table only needed to be cleaned to seat patrons. This did not happen. The server came over to us and said, "You'll have to move to the back because I need this table for others who are eating and your coffee is in a to go cup. " This is exactly, how she approached us and what she stated. I said, "When I ordered the coffee, the clerk didn't ask if I wanted it in house or to go."She then said that the table are for customers ordering from the menu at that time of morning when things are rushed. ( Could she not see the group of 8 women who had ordered nothing at all or the recently vacated table which only needed to be cleared of a two saucers, a napkin and a saucer?) I told her to give me a menu. She did. Then, I thought, I didn't really want to order a dish, so I'd rather just have my money returned to me and she could have both coffees as I had barely drank from my cup and really didn't want to sit in the noisy back with the kids. Neither did the backyard seem appealing. It was humid and hot.. I simply didn't think this was worthy of much discussion. I thought, if such a policy exists, a simple sign at the front counter would be helpful. When we walked to the counter to wait for her to return the monies paid, out came someone( perhaps, asst mgr/mgr?) and said that it would now be okay if we sat at the table. She apologized. I told her we now desire the return of our monies because we could no longer enjoy a cup of coffee over relaxing conversation. The manager continued to talk as we awaited the return of our monies. Why the clerk returned with the mgr after insisting that only those who ordered from the menu could sit instead of promptly returning the money was a stupid action. Of course, now we had a scene. I lost my cool. I didn't yell but even speaking firmly or in a raised voice in such small space at the front attracts attention--precisely what I did not want. I have owned a couple of business, one being a confectionery, gourmet chocolate, candy emporium with sit down seating, and this experience was past the ridiculous. You may have the buzz cafe. I believe, an owner can enact whatever rules she/he desire. Just post them for all to see. Also, there were two available tables outside. The 2 women w/ the two kids could have been accommodated if the clerk didn't want to clean off the available table inside the cafe. There was a man outside having a full plate of food and a beverage at one of the outdoor tables in the front. Just because a cafe can garner a lot of press nationwide is not to be equated with good service. Not impressive. This is more reflective of access to media by patrons and owners than any acclaimed service or food. I know, I was in the biz for a few years Many times, my shop was applauded in the press, a couple of statewide newspapers as well. I believe it to have been well deserved; however, many deserving small business go unnoticed. It was about access to the different media outlets. Tip to owner: Sign in front helps. Tip to mother w/ small children: A non reservation restaurant doesn't owe you immediately seating. Next time, use the wait for a teachable moment to instill paitence in yourself and your children. Tip to server: Stick to one story when you're asking someone to vacate a table. ( She gave us several reasons why we had to leave) I'll return to the Blue Max in Forest Park. read more

I really want to like to Buzz, but after years of trying, I am just giving up. The poor service is too hard to ignore. I live in the neighborhood and have tried take-out, catering and eat-in with bad results. After being ignored by the counter staff and wait staff for over 15 minutes, I often give up and walk out. The food is just so-so, and quite overpriced for what you get. The coffee drinks are completely inconsistent. OK some days and horrible others. Without a good neighborhood alternative, I've kept trying, but it's not worth the trouble. Southeast Oak Park needs a good sandwich/coffee shop where the employees actually are trained to take care of their customers (or at the very least acknowledge their existence.) read more

Stick with the coffee. Weeknight 5pm dinner with kids was an expensive bust ($6.50 kids, $9 adult sandwich, $2 extra for soup. Soup was cold, (they removed $2 charge) the sandwich was gross with no tomato or garnish even. The kids meals were terrible--unrecognizable grilled cheese. I had to go home and cook. read more

I love this place. The vibe is great and I love the selection on the menu. Lots of organic and vegetarian choices. Great coffeehouse atmosphere and tasty food and beverages. I often bring out of town guests here for a late breakfast or lunch and they are always impressed. read more

This is THE neighborhood coffeehouse. Love the cheesy egg sandwich on a bagel! I have gotten to know the owners over the years and appreciate their support for the local arts community. read more

i loved this place for live music when i was in college. just didn't like the seeds in the pesto on the grilled cheese. place has a great atmosphere, tho. read more

Coffee: serviceable. Food: small portions and way too overpriced. 14 dollars for a tiny sandwich and some cantaloupe. They rely too much on being a small neighborhood joint. The workers are nice though. read more

I've been going to the Buzz for years, and the food quality has really deteriorated recently. My pancakes came out undercooked, with chunks of baking soda. I get the impression that they've gotten lazy lately. I really want to still love the Buzz! I wish they would be a little more conscientious with their food. Not the best service either--they need to wake up and be more professional, but also avoid being too overbearing and energetic. The atmosphere is great, however; I love the artwork and homey, independent-coffee-shop feel. read more

I stopped eating here because the service is horrible. BUT....the coffee drinks are wonderful and so is the blueberry pie. If I just take it to go its all good :) read more

I'd hoped for much better. I stopped in for the first time this morning for a simple coffee with an amaretto syrup shot. My only apprehension with this order was that it might be too sweet, but the problem was just the opposite. The coffee was very bitter as if it had been sitting around a long time. I was in a hurry and got it to go. I had a sip right away in the car and it was not even very hot. Given that it was such a simple thing and that two things were lacking, I'll drive by next time without a stop. Too bad because it had a vibrant atmosphere and polite staff. read more

One of my favorite places to eat! It's fun and different, and the food is great. I also like the play area in the back, so when the kids are done we can send them back there and finish our meals in our own time. read more

Buzz has excellent coffee and some yummy lunch options (the organic chicken salad is great). However, the breakfast is bad. I love breakfast food, but will only get oatmeal here. I've tried the breakfast here 4 or 5 times - I really want to like it as there are organic options - but it is always undercooked (the eggs and the bacon) and is kind of gross. The wait staff is inconsistent at best, with a lot of turnover as well. read more

Buzz Cafe? More like BUZZKILL Cafe... Having moved to the Arts District in Oak Park, I was excited to see that there was an independent coffee house just down the street. I finally decided to check it out, walked in and ordered a scone and a muffin, neither of which had prices next to them. I was a little taken back when the total was $6.53!!! Had I known it would be that much I would've not even ordered, and had they been exceptional I wouldn't have minded the price. I really like to give indepentent establishments my business but this is just unethical pricing for such sub par coffee house treats. The muffin was very small compared to other coffee houses' and the scone was flavorless. I really wanted to like this place, but from now on I will drive a few minutes extra to Kay's Bakery, where for around $5 I can get 3 amazing bakery treats AND 2 coffees, now THAT is serving your community! read more

Very eclectic decor and good service. I rarely eat red meat so when I do it has to be good. The grass-fed beef hamburger more than met my expectations. And it's BYOB! I always like a place where we can share a bottle of wine without paying some ridiculous price. One of the appetizers is an apple and melted brie dish with pita slices. We got it for dessert and it was wonderful. I would not recommend it as an appetizer as it is way too sweet to start a meal with. read more

Love Buzz cafe! More than just coffee, in fact the food is killer! Pie, soups, sandwiches all excellent. Very inviting, great community asset, offering free meeting space. read more

Great coffee house. Food is a little expensive for what you get. Either way, good people and atmosphere. I gave 4 stars for the coffee. Food would get 3 read more

Very good vegetarian stuff. We have ordered from Buzz for parties and not been disappointed. Have found the service when we eat in to be good, everyone is very anxious to please, but they also leave you alone to talk. read more

I would love to like this place more but the bad clearly outweighs the good. I like the decor and the coffee and vastly prefer supporting local establishments to the ubiquitous Starbucks - but the food is mediocre at best and the service is terrible. Recently went in with my 3 children and waited 10 minutes before getting up and retrieving menus myself. The server was completely uninterested in helping us despite the mostly empty dining room. This has been my consistent experience over about a half dozen visits. I keep expecting things to get better - I am going to stop trying. Too bad, lots of potential. read more

Came here for Sunday brunch. Absolutely loved it! The food was decently priced, and tasted great. Their menu seems to go on forever. Local artists' artwork is hung all over the walls. Real nice artsy feel. The artwork is a bit overpriced, but easy on the eyes. The staff was friendly, although the service wasn't anything spectacular. They have great BLTs (with avocado)....and a great breakfast menu. My experience was definitely a pleasant one. read more

This is for breakfast and brunch. It has good drinks and deserts but not as many choices as other places.

Cute little place in the art district. Healthy and yummy food...delicious for bfast and lunch! Everything I have had is yummy and place is a super cute. read more

The food is good don't get me wrong but the service isn't so hot in the "dining room," and I definitely didn't feel the "take your time" cafe vibe. It seemed to me as though the waitress wanted us in and out so she could get more folks at her tables. Funny enough there were about five open tables during our entire visit - plenty of room for more patrons. Immediately upon finding a table, I overheard the waitress huff that she didn't "have time for this" - referring to a pair that needed more time to take a look at their menu. Maybe she was having a bad day....but if you're going to have a "sit down/order" cafe, what do you expect? I think this place it trying to be a coffee shop and a restaurant at the same time. Unfortunately, given the limited space you need to choose one. I won't be back for the coffee/work vibe; but I may return for a burrito. read more

Great little place with the perfect coffee shop feel. The food is good and the drinks that I have had also tasted good. I think it's all organic and made fresh. They also have gluten free options. This may be something that drives the price up a bit higher than other coffee shops, but still worth it. A great little independently owned coffee shop in the Oak Park Arts District. Definitely will be eating there again. read more

Awesome place to take kids for lunch - great area for them to play/read in back. LOVE!

I have gone to Buzz since their opening in 2000, and am sad to say, they just aren't what they used to be. Yes, I LOVE their local social vibe, Metropolis coffee, the art you can buy off the walls, their commitment to use organic foods more and more. However, their food quality is starting to decline - their chicken salad used to be outstanding, full of nice chunks of chicken, grapes, crunchy celery, now it's like a bottom of the barrel mixture with no texture- just a clump of mayo infused something or other. It was sad and disappointing. I would not rate the place so poorly based on one meager sandwich though. I'm reviewing it because the place is FILTHY. There are always fruit flies hovering your plate - no matter the season, making me wonder how much is rotting in the kitchen. The paint is chipped and peeling, I truly doubt they have repainted the place in 13 years. Judging by the amount of dust behind all those great works of art or the grime on the doors- they haven't cleaned in that long either. It needs a lot of TLC. I was grossed out and will skip returning anytime soon. read more

Some really tasty dishes for breakfast or lunch, good coffee, artistic environment. Can get a bit busy, and is a tad overpriced for what it is. Otherwise, a nice cafe. read more

This is a great place for breakfast! I love the breakfast sausage. The organic breakfast is great too. Everyone is very friendly. You have to try their pastries!! I would recommend this place to everyone. read more

I love the Buzz. I have been a regular for years. Matthew the Barista on the weekday AMs is the best, he knows my order by heart and gets it started for me in advance when there is a line and he sees me come in. No one makes a latte like Matthew and he is nice too. The Buzz is kid friendly and that is always good when the little tot is in tow. Great great great service always. I totally disagree with other reviewers. The staff is always friendly and great.... a lot of young high school age kids which is nice. The Yummy buzz egg sandwich is my favorite. I higly recommend the BUZZ - it is a good buzz. read more

I was impressed by the food. My one year-old was entertained by the toys they had in the back. It was a good place for me to meet up with my friends from the city and suburbs. read more

They have the best coffee and the best breakfast! The Tofu Veggie Scramble, and Hearty Vegetarian Breakfast wraps are super good. My favorite is the Southwestern breakfast wrap! So delicious, and they let me substitute bacon for veggie sausage. I look forward to getting their coffee everyday. A couple of times my girlfriends and I have dined in for breakfast and the atmosphere, and service were excellent. Kathy has been my server numerous times, she is ALWAYS super friendly and fast. She's awesome. read more

Great food, service could be a lil better. I took my boyfriend for a breakfast last weekend and we really liked it, but they made us wait for the food. Well, looked like they were pretty busy. read more

Amazing coffee, and excellent service getting a quick cup to go. Had a small incident with a credit card disappearing here and suddenly re appearing two weeks later. Some times the food can be slow, but its worth the wait read more

This is a local coffeehouse and cafe in every way. If you are looking for the 'Oak Park' experience, this is it. The owner has been super active in the community for years, and has always opened up the Buzz for all sorts of community groups and meetings and supports local artists on all the walls. The staff are always pleasant and the coffee and tea drinks are great (they have almond milk lattes, yea!) And the Mexican Hot Chocolate is an awesome treat. In the wintertime, the Bluegrass band from the Farmer's Market plays here on Saturday mornings. A great place to meet an old friend for lunch, grab a bagel and coffee to go, or to have breakfast and read up on local events on the Buzz newsletter. An Oak Park tradition keeps us coming back :) read more

I have been a 'regular' here for 7 years. I spend gobs of money, approximately $8.00 daily for a coffee and pastry. A couple times a week I sit down to eat a meal here . I have finally been forced to speak my mind to the public. Every other time I come here someone gets my order wrong or I get treated like my business does not matter, maybe because I'm a regular they think I'll come back regardless. Well, they are wrong. A new cafe just opened and it's right outside my door. Anyway, todays fiasco was not getting the drink I ordered, I waited another 10 minutes before they fixed it. My food finally arrived, my bagel was burned and the bacon fell apart when I picked it up. I sent it back. I received a newly made plate of food, this time the bacon was undercooked and transparent. My neighbor had French toast and the underside was BLACK. You would think that a restaurant would try to make GOOD food, isn't that the point of having a restaurant, to serve people good food?? When the service is good, the food sucks, when the service is bad, the food can be decent. Hmmm, I guess going to the Buzz is like taking a gamble, you just never know what to expect, and not in a good way. read more

buzz cafe is cute. it tries a bit too hard to be hip and artsy, but it strives for that warm, fuzzy feel. it's a great place to meet people who would rather give their patronage to a small business than a bix box store. that's really the only reason to go there. unfortunately, the food is mediocre at best, and the drinks are average; but there is an energetic buzz in the place and it's super family-friendly. read more

not really crazy about their coffee, per say, but i LOVE the atmosphere! bad, funky art on the walls is fun to look at and it's a super kids-friendly place. can take little ones with strollers, etc. and the wait staff have no problem with baby messes. we go there a lot simply because it's easy to go with little ones. i like the chicken wrap and kids menu. read more