Our family lives in Oak Park and we support local establishments as often as possible. We have been to Buzz a handful of times over the past few years, but yesterday we had a second experience of our order getting "lost" - i.e. the waiter didn't put it in. How do I know this? After ordering and waiting 25 minutes for our food, the waiter finally came over (didn't approach our table for that full 25 minutes of waiting) to say that one of the daily specials we ordered is taking longer than expected. We had two very hungry children, so we asked them to bring out their food right away. BTW - how can a daily special take so long? 5 more minutes go by and our kids food is still not out. That's when I knew they were scrambling to make our food. At this point, I was raising my hand and asking in a loud voice for the waiter's attention, but he ignored us! So, another waiter (maybe the manager?) came over and tried to apologize. All I wanted was for him to be truthful, but he would not credibly explain what happened. So, we got up and left. He tried to offer us a free meal, but by that point I had lost my appetite and it would have been uncomfortable to stay. Let me restate: This is the SECOND time this has happened to our family at Buzz! What are the odds? Think twice before supporting Buzz unless they make some major changes. read more

I had a meeting here at 10 this morning and was surprised by how many people were enjoying coffee/breakfast. Apparently people don't work in Oak Park or they don't start work until at least 11. If that's the case...I may need to move there! :) I had my usual non fat sugar free vanilla latte (so much for giving up coffee as my New Years resolution) and enjoyed it more than the one I had at Starbucks yesterday and the many days before that. The charming atmosphere of this cafe is worth 5 stars, but I'll save that extra star until I try food from the delicious looking menu. read more

Been coming here for over a decade. Always order breakfast (because as advertised: "all day every day"). Came in at 11:00 AM today, Saturday, for brunch. Opened the menu, yep Breakfast "all day every day". As I order the server immediately says "oh, we're not doing breakfast all day". What?!?! She indicated the policy had changed, the menu and advertising had not. Too bad. Loved this place. Referred it to many. Fortunately we left and found another local joint that does serve breakfast "all day every day". #badforbusiness read more

Attended an acoustic jam at this cafe this morning from 7 to 10 am. This cafe has a variety of coffees and teas and pastries. There may be additional items on the menu but I just ordered a poppyseed lemon bread, which the staff member informed me was just made in house. It as excellent and paired well with my chamomile tea. The cafe has a cute artsy folksy urban vibe. The jam took place in a cozy seating area in the back of the cafe, which was set apart from the dining area and had couches and a coffee table. There is original art for sale on the walls. The bathrooms were clean. The service was great. The food was yummy. This place creates a real community feeling. I'll be back! read more

I went here the other night with my ex. I ordered the a grilled cheese, and actually really liked it! I tried to be healthy and get fruit as my side. That being said, I do believe that the portion sizes are a little small for the price, but that's okay. I like the feel of this place - the walls are covered in art and it looks almost more like an art gallery that decided to last minute add food. The dessert selection looked so good! read more

I came in this morning on my way home from downtown. The Buzz Cafe is conveniently located right off 290 so when I Yelp searched cafes in the area that happened to be open , bright and early, at 6am- the Buzz popped up! I ordered the Chai Tea w/ soy milk ($4.60) - it was a little too sweet for my liking but seeing that they don't offer it spicy it would have to do. I also prefer my tea HOT and it was just warm but with all the crazy idiots out there nowadays who can't read a warning label I'm not surprised. Rather be safe then sorry with a lawsuit on your hands, right? I also picked out one of the pastries to go- a scone with a raspberry marmalade. It was delightful. I may or may not stop in again depending on whether or not I'm ever in the area at such an early hour. I prefer tea to coffee and they're more of a coffee joint then a tea hot spot. Also, for a "specialty tea" that was double the price of an Earl Grey it was beyond overpriced. The interior has a very relaxed, kickback, dive bar, type of feel to it- in other words, it fits right in with the Art District. Interior: 5/10 Service: 10/10 Selection: 5/10 Quality: 6/10 read more

Buzz Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

Disappointing experience for the price. Although the service was decent, a member of the serving staff was wiping their nose with their hand. Gross. The place is filthy and the dishes are all chipped and stained. The food was so horribly put together it reminded me of my high school cafeteria. Really? Any positive review of this place has to come from someone in the neighborhood or someone who did not eat there. I commend them for supporting the arts community, but it is also to their benefit. Reviews of restaurants should not be based on self-promoting charity, but on service, atmosphere, food, and overall value. read more

It's okay. I'm mainly disappointed about the portion for the price. Its cute and eclectic and maybe a bit messy. From what it looked like and its interiors I wasn't expecting most of brunch menus to be over $10 so was surprised. I feel like there are plenty of better options in terms of atmosphere, portion, price, just maybe not around the neighborhood. Food was tasty. I had quiche which is only available on Sundays but disappointed at the size. Supposed to be a $7.95 dish. Coffee was pretty good. I would prefer if it was order at the counter and get food your own when food came out. Not really worth tipping at this kind of place imo. There are many more pleasant places to eat brunch for the similar price point. Again, okay food but I wouldn't be coming back. I don't eat out that often as I enjoy home cooking so I'm very selective of where I eat out. read more

Buzz Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

Buzz Cafe is a south Oak Park institution. Good coffee and pastries, a great place to spend your morning

I'm giving this a full five because it's totally deserved. I've lived just around the corner from this spot for 2 years, but because Covid made me weird, I just rarely go out to restaurants. Let me tell you, as of today that's a mistake I won't be making again. Don't sleep on this place, it's super charming, the staff is very friendly and warm, and THE FOOD...YOU GUYS!!! I wasn't expecting much, but I was so hungry and didn't have time to cook. I had the breakfast veg/bean "burger" with salad for brunch and it was so ridiculously, exceptionally good. The burger is accompanied by loads of avocado, a PERFECTLY cooked fried egg, on a perfect brioche bun. What a delight! Will visit again ASAP. Good job, you little hidden jewel. read more

We have been frequenting Buzz Cafe a lot lately during our lunch break because the food is so darn good! Plus, we love that we can order a HEALTHY, quality meal. I usually order the Bistro Chicken Wrap with a side of fruit, which is what I got last Friday when we all went . Everyone was really happy with their meals. I sometimes order a burger, which are also AWESOME there. Basically, everything there is good, no matter what you get! Cathy has been our server the last few times and she is always outgoing, upbeat and HILARIOUS! This is our favorite place to go when we want to make healthy choices! read more

Buzz Cafe - My fave @Buzz! The apple and brie burger!!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

Cute small cafe featuring local art and organic food. I had the vegetarian breakfast wrap which featured roasted veggies and a garlic goat cheese spread and surprisingly sweet pineapple on the side. Kids meal was a little underwhelming...three tiny pancakes and a garnish of fruit (1 bruised strawberry and 1 small slice of honeydew). Husband had a mug of the coffee of the day which was described as "light and sparkling" (too acidic for me) and I enjoyed a mug of the Buzz Blend, a medium-bodied roast. Parking was easy enough on Sunday morning, in a metered spot right in front of the cafe. A pleasant surprise was bins of toys in the back sitting area for kids to play with. Changing table in the restroom. Our waitress was nice enough but S.L.O.W. and unattentive. I never got a fill up, and for $2.60/mug for coffee, I wanted to be asked a few times if I need a top-off, please. Toddler and I were waiting anxiously for the bill and I saw the waitress sitting down at a table in the front window, talking with a co-worker, and eating. WTH? read more

Buzz Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

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Living just a few blocks away and wanting to support a local business, for better or worse my wife and I have repeatedly given Buzz Cafe the benefit of the doubt, especially as new ownership took over. I'm sad to say that we are done trying. The final nail in the coffin was my wife ordering quiche, which was labeled as a vegetarian option. My wife does not eat red meat, and what do we find in the quiche? Pork. How could you be so careless when it comes to people's dietary restrictions? Beyond that, service has always been terribly inconsistent and is seemingly run by a revolving cast of teenagers. I've waited ~15 minutes at a time multiple times for a simple latte, only for it to be poorly made. I'm done trying their stale/tasteless pastries. I could give an even longer list of times I've been underwhelmed or just flat out disappointed by Buzz Cafe. I hate writing such a poor review for a local business, but they truly need to get their act together. read more

Buzz cafe is good for most things, good coffee and treats but the burgers not so much. I ordered the classic burger no cheese and I have to say I am disappointed. The burger has no flavor whatsoever and I've lathered mine in ketchup to give it some, also added pickles from home because they do not carry any. The price of the burger is up there for what your getting 12.50 is a lot for a tiny little burger. This burger is about the size of a slider and also has disappointed me. I will not be returning to the buzz for their food sadly. Wish they could have done better. read more

Buzz Cafe - Classic Cheeseburger - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

We visit the area a few times a year. We're both vegan and organic. We gave Buzz Cafe a try for the first time. It was delicious. They had plenty of vegan and organic food choices. The food was excellent, came out quickly and was hot and made correctly. We had some modifications to our order. The prices were much lower than we expected (organic food can be expensive) The place is cute and clean. The employees seemed to work well together and we're all friendly. We will certainly return. read more

Love the artsy vibe at Buzz Cafe, and I'm so grateful for gluten free and vegan options on their menu! Polite and fast service for a quick lunch out. I had the Veggie Delight that was loaded with juicy portobello mushrooms! YUMMM! read more

Independent coffee joints have a special place in my heart. Yummy coffee and croissants! I just wish their teapots wouldn't leak when you poured from them. read more

Had a panini and piece of pie. Waitress offered the pie heated up. Tasted like they microwaved it. Was gummy. Wasn't good and told her it wasn't good. She apologized but still charged me for it. Should've taken it off the bill. Won't go back after that experience read more

We tried Buzz Cafe today and brought our toddler and baby with us. Service was excellent and they were so sweet with our boys. I love how family centered it is and it was great to meet the owner and her son. The quiche was the best quiche around! We will be coming back frequently! read more

Phenomenal coffee shop and SO much more. Food is wonderful in a very interesting and artsy atmosphere. The brownies ROCK!! Actually everything they make here is pretty darn good! Paintings/photos/misc hangings are for sale to the public. The "Bitch and Stitch" Knitting group that meets here sounds like something I need to do in the future... I have a lot to bitch and stitch about... (wink). Terrific local groups/musicians also provide music here from time to time. Don't miss the song-writers circles, they are really cool and the talent displayed here was truly inspiring. read more

Buzz Cafe - Song Writers Circle at Buzz Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

It's a cozy place for meeting. The bistro chairs, strange/hipster walls and a lounge area in the back are great. Most of the paintings and photography look like they belong in someone's home. There's a photography of two small children in the bathroom and I feel like that should be in someone's living room. However, the food is 1-star and atmosphere is 3-star. Bummer. That guac is an awkward, smooth cafeteria style consistency. Add unevenly chopped apple and this girl is not happy. HOW DO YOU SLICE AN APPLE UNEVENLY? Are you... 5 years old? Do you even work in the food industry? And hot drinks served like that DISGUST ME. read more

Buzz Cafe - Quesadillas and strawberry jam brie plate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

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The art is definitely the buzz around the restaurant and fits perfectly with the arts district in south Oak Park. The decorations are nice and welcoming even though the restaurant feels very tight when it gets crowded to capacity during those prime brunch hours on the weekend. The coffee is great and the baristas are so friendly. When it comes to the food, the restaurant falls short. Priced moderately, the sandwiches aren't flavorful and the vegetarian options are too raw. Raw and fresh cut vegetables are good but I wouldn't pay over ten dollars. read more

One of my all time favorite breakfast spots. The food is soooooooo good, and the quality is fantastic. I love the staff, they are very friendly and outgoing. if your not sure what to order i highly recommend their southwest breakfast wrap. The buzz pancakes are some of the best pancakes I've had, they are very dense and moist, not dry or tasteless. The ambiance is what gives this place character, they have a lot of art all over the place from local artists. (...and most of the artists will negotiate a price with you) I seriously come every week, and i truly miss it when i cant make it in. Also if your coming for lunch their burgers are delicious. They taste even better due to the fact that the ingredients are all from a co op type farm i believe in Wisconsin. I just love that there is a place i can go with character, that promotes healthy food, and environmentally conscious. ps just a warning if you are thinking about brunch on a sunday, there will usually be a wait but they are pretty good about getting people sat as quick as possible. read more

Buzz Cafe - The southwest breakfast wrap, with a side of fruit - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

A surprisingly good spot in Oak Park. It was recommended by another business because I said I was looking for a quick bite to eat. It was a little chilly out so I decided to have a combination plate of broccoli cheddar soup, half of a BLT sandwich with a salad. All delicious. I left satisfied and full. I would recommend this place. The decor is cute, eclectic and fun. Artsy wood furniture with a variety of canvas pictures on the wall. Very clean. Easy parking right in front. read more

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The good: they sometimes have live music & they serve organic, healthy sounding fare. They accommodate families with small children. Not so good: the food was dry and didn't have much taste. With a name like Buzz, the coffee was not good, but maybe I'm a coffee snob. The prices are higher than other breakfast brunch places considering the smaller portions. The service was lacking. read more

Great lattes, good BLT, quesadillas, and other food things, and a really nice area to sit outside!

I'm a fan of the Buzz café for a variety of reasons. I grew up in the neighborhood and my mom still lives there. It is great having a local coffee shop to stop in when I visit. They have artists' works on the walls, COVERING the walls top to bottom. It is nice they promote and display work. They have a kids area in the back with toys and books which is perfect for toddlers and a nice distraction for parents that just want to relax and have a cup of coffee. Almost all of their food has vegetarian and organic options. They have good coffee and the service is friendly. Now, the important thing to me; it is a family and local establishment. The owners lived above the shop when it first opened (maybe they still do, I dunno). The also hire local kids which is why the service might not always be above par but fun fact! One of those, "local kids" once upon a time is funny person, Cecily Strong from Saturday Night Live. I'll also claim that they became the anchor of the, "Art District of Oak Park", The Buzz was a fixture local galleries could grow around. Local musicians also gather in the kid area to jam on the weekend mornings. Perfect for a cup of coffee on your way to historic ValHallas records down the street. They also have live music acts at night. For breakfast, I usually stick to one of the wraps which aren't mind blowing by any means but are served with fresh fruit, a salad or hash browns. They have a wide variety of pastries. Prices may be on the steep side for coffee shop grub but it isn't totally outrageous. P.S. Just a half block from the Austin/Lombard blue line stop so a nice place to grab a coffee on the go. read more

The burgers are delicious. I brought a friend from out of town there the first day she was visiting. She liked it so much that she wanted to go there for lunch the last day too. I like the support of local artists and the fun atmosphere. I would have given a five star rating but I think the prices are a bit high. read more

Went in to donate some items to Cradles to Crayons. The gentleman at the cashier was very friendly and willing to help bring in some items. Ordered a Mexican spiced mocha and it was delicious! Very cute and family friendly. The service is wonderful. read more

Meh. Odd vibe with the wait staff. The older heavy set woman with glasses has an odd behavior. The last time I was here I witnessed her tell a customer to "don't put that chair there" instead of being a little more courteous given he was carrying his toddler and about to seat him. They are overpriced... Pro: good coffee read more

Buzz cafe if a vet oak park place.  Quirky, artsy, and very friendly.  There was a decent crowd on Wednesday morning.  It is a traditional coffee house setup.  Amazingly they still only had pre packaged sweetness on the tables!  The cream was brought out fresh and the coffee was good.  Not bitter at all it evens seems slightly sweet.  Hard to tell since I added sugar by default. The menu is limited, I had the southwest breakfast burrito.  It had a good spice, could have used a bit more bacon but over all it was good.  The hashbows were cooked to perfection and I would recommend them.  It also comes with fruit for a desert.  Overall a good value for organic food. read more

The coffee drinks and pastries are great! So is the barista who works weekday mornings. Customer service leaves a lot to be desired, though.

Dined there yesterday outside. Great experience! I ordered the Tuna Pocket and my husband the California Turkey. Will return soon!

My favorite little cafe! Get a sugar cookie for sure! They serve metropolis coffee and the service is always quick!

I heart the Buzz. It's part of what gives the Art District its charm. They regularly participate in community events (e.g. Farmer's Markets, La Leche League, etc.) and routinely have live music. I also appreciate the coffee bar on busy weekend mornings. Check out the art hanging on the walls - it's for sale, and some of the pieces are really great. read more

This is my favorite cafe in Oak Park. It's a small dinning space that feels cozy like a neighborhood cafe should. The coffee bar is excellent. There's a great selection drinks complemented by a modern American breakfast/cafe menu. Fresh bakery treats are on display upfront. read more

I love the Buzz Cafe. Biased? No. This is based on many visits over years. Not regular enough to be a "regular," but often enough to know that it is a winner. To begin with, I love the artsy-fartsy feel of the place. Super bohemian. There are original pieces of art by local artists on every wall for sale. The tables and chairs are painted with colorful designs and pictures. Sometimes there is live music and there is a comfortable reading section in the back with couches and well-loved books. The employees are mostly young people (teens or 20-somethings), but are courteous. What I love about this place is the size of the drinks. Let's just say they are VERY generous. And delicious. Their Mexican Hot Chocolate is my favorite. I like their food too. It's yummy and reminds me of healthy home cooking. I have to agree with Pete D. and Jelena Z. that service can be slow sometimes, but it doesn't bother me. After all, I usually go there to visit with friends. I believe that any grievance about the speed of service is more than made up with charm; however, the speediness is the reason why I knocked off a star. An employee once noticed that she made my drink incorrectly and (before handing it to me) offered to refund my money AND remake my drink. I was so tickled that I said to just remake it (I also didn't want to be bothered with the refund). The employee gave me a $5 gift certificate instead, which was more than the value of my drink! Experiences like that make me love the Buzz Cafe through and through. read more

The food is good, it's a cute place. But they've screwed up my order every time. Always a different screw-up. Come on, Buzzies, leave the drugs at home and quit substituting sausage when I asked for meatless. read more

I've been back twice now, and I've decided it's really just okay. I like it, yes; but love? No. The service (for me, anyway) has always been inexplicably slow. Once, I waited 25 minutes for a to-go wrap. Yes, it was busy but quite a few people who had ordered before me left with their made-to-order yummies while I patiently waited. And then I waited some more. They did offer a free cookie for my inconvenience but really, I just wanted to get on with my day with my healthy selection in tow. Last time, it wasn't as crazy busy but I still played the waiting game. I understand that quality food takes a bit longer to prepare, but what Buzz ultimately puts out isn't worth testing my patience. The espresso drinks are great and it's definitely a charming find, I'll give them that. But service could be stepped up and a smile wouldn't hurt anyone, either. And that's just my two cents. read more

Have tried time and time again to like this place but to no avail, which stinks because I live right around the block from it. Most recently I had to get up and leave before my friend paid the bill I was so disgusted with the service. Both times recently I have been there for breakfast and the server, not sure her name is a bully and just plain mean. When I asked for a refill she said "sure sweetie". Now if she were my grandmother that would be fine but as she is not my grandmother, it was inappropriate. Not to mention she never brought the refill. And when I reminded her she snapped at me and said "you mean no one brought it to you yet?". Really? who else was going to bring it to me? YOU are the waitress and you are supposed to bring it to me. Needless to say I don't even go in for counter service anymore. Besides, do I really need the attitude with the bitterness of their coffee? Sorry Buzz Cafe I have given you far too many chances and each time it is worse than the last. I just can't continue to give my money to a business that clearly thinks their patrons should be patronized and treated poorly. Tip to the manager/owner train your morning server to be more friendly and less fake. read more