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

I have tried a dozen times to like this place over the years. It's like a dog and pony show, a house of mirrors just one big illusion of awesomeness but when look behind the curtain all is reveled and it's ugly. The food over priced, tasteless and minuscule proportions. The wifi never works well, often not at all. They use a shoddy provider to save money I suspect and they don't want customers to stay to long. One barista, Matt knows how to make a fantastic latte or espresso all the other dozens of employees that have come and gone over the years do not have a clue. I have talked to dozens of Oak Parker's and asked what they think about the Buzz and it's always the same. They wish it was really as good as everyone pretends it to be. Which pretty much somes up what living in Oak Park is like so it makes total sense that the Buzz survives. read more

I was really disappointed and surprised by the lack of service I recently received at the Buzz Cafe. I've come in for coffee mostly over the last 3 years, but I've noted that the food has always been good as well. I'm usually there to write, grade student papers, or chat with friends. I tried the waffles a few weeks ago and found them to be so flavorful, the aroma hit us before they got to our table. I wanted to treat myself to a Sunday breakfast (the kids were gone) over the last weekend, and Buzz seemed like the perfect choice. Unfortunately, I ordered the waffles to go. When I got home, I couldn't believe that I'd just paid over $10 for the meal! I wish I would have taken a picture. The waffle was inconsistently cooked and burned in some areas. There was no delicious aroma emanating from the food, the waffle was OVERLY bland and the sausages were not only darkened, they were FLAT and burnt on one side. I immediately called to let your staff know. However, I had to run to church and missed the 2pm closing. Early the next morning, I returned the order, and requested a refund as opposed to an exchange. Communicating with your staff was difficult. Even after I'd requested a refund, I was told that my order would be right up. After waiting for the correct person to refund my money, I noticed that I wasn't offered any kind of apology for the inconvenience. I was actually made to feel bad for having had the audacity to expect a good meal. My dollars were silently and begrudgingly placed on the counter although I was standing right there and coins were only put in my hand after I fully extended it. As a mother, I treasure these small moments I get to treat myself and was super excited about eating at your establishment, and I chose to support your business as a meeting place with friends and other mothers. My children have also fallen in love with your iced chai tea. In addition, I've frequently had business meetings there and have introduced people to your menu. I chose to support your eatery instead of franchised restaurants in our area, but have never received such bad/rude service. I am absolutely disappointed and don't see myself returning to your establishment anytime soon. read more

Normally, I'm in love with Buzz. I've been going to Buzz for the last three years; however, I went yesterday with a friend and had a very mediocre experience. Actually, it wasn't the food that was mediocre (whenever I do the food is phenomenal) it was the service that was ridiculous. Our server waited 10 minutes before even acknowledging us. It seemed like 3 other servers were also taking care of us...which is fine because it ensured that our food came out quickly. But the thing that annoyed me the most...she never asked if we needed more refills or more drinks and she waited an hour to give us our check. Then, when I paid with a $100, the waitress openly sighed and rolled her eyes when she saw it. So sorry to inconvenience you. So I won't inconvenience myself by giving you a tip. Don't expect the best service from Buzz at the moment...pretty disappointing. read more

It is so hard to write a negative review for the Buzz, I so want to love this place, but it just never quite measures up to the standards of a great coffee shop. The food can be awesome one day and the next time I visit it falls completely flat. There never seems to be a a way to determine what will be good and what won't. I have tried and tried to love "The Buzz" but she seems to fail me more times then not. I am quite certain the Buzz thrives in south Oak Park because there is just nowhere else to go. It would never make it across the street from Intelligentsia in Lakeview or any of the dozens of outstanding coffee shops in the city. Like many things in Oak Park mediocrity thrives because the competition is just not there, the merchants associations and the (VMA) Village elders make sure of that. There is one Barista at the Buzz who pulls the perfect shot. His skills are of the highest order, he is a "coffee sommelier". If you are lucky enough to be there during his shift it is heavenly. If not, might as well kill yourself or even worse go to Starbucks. It is really sad this place cannot measure up as an excellent place to enjoy an awesome espresso and some marvelous cuisine. It is such an icon in Oak Park, in fact it lead the charge in the Harrison Street Art Districts phenomenal success. The community involvement and commitment to the neighborhood should be and is highly commended. But in the end the Buzz fails herself in not delivering the most important aspect of any legendary coffee shop, if the most basic of ingredients, the espresso, fails to deliver, all else is just smothered in sweet syrup, tons of sugar lots of heavy cream. read more

+ Local vibe. Live, free for all bluegrass band on the weekends. (Hey! It's the gang from the farmers market.) Bring your banjo or your cowbell! Ample parking. Southern, crafty decor. All chairs individually painted. Artwork and newspaper clippings on the walls. A great line-up of events and happenings. Burger night = BYOB. - A latte... in a tall glass cup? Service slower than molasses in January. The place was not full. Our waitress walked by numerous times without checking on us, bringing the bill, taking the payment, etc. I wasn't a huge fan of the menu. Opted for the pancakes and a side or bacon. Not a huge fan of special sauces and tofu for breakfast. LOUD! music. Not ideal for conversation. I'll be back, but probably not for breakfast. read more

Ya know this is my spot but I cant give'm 5 stars until they start serving french fries, sweet 8fries , baked potato wedges or something!

Overrun with children. Seriously, when I was here, they were EVERYWHERE. It was a little disconcerting, especially since the seating leaves you feeling rather cramped. It was basically noise and chaos everywhere. The kids were mostly gone by 8 PM, but since this place closes at 9 PM it wasn't much of a reprieve. Our attempts at ordering food were thwarted as the kitchen had run out of basically everything we wanted to order. I was there with a large group of people (10 maybe?) and only two ended up with sandwiches. However, the Buzz is BYOB (which is one of the few good things about this place) so I just filled up on the cheap wine I had brought along. Besides, the reason for our visit was to see one of our friends perform, not to eat. Which is just as well, since had I gone there for a meal I would have been extremely disappointed. The walls are covered with paintings, many of which reminded me of my high school art classes. If you're the snarky type you have an hour of entertainment right there. All of it is available for sale, so if you do come across something you like, you can take it home with you. I guess this place is cute in a family-friendly neighborhood-y sort of way. It's unlikely that I'll be back, though. read more

Stopped in here on a Saturday around 10:30 to meet an 'online date' for the first time. The place was jumping. I guess I didn't realize it was more of a breakfast spot, than just a coffee house - my bad. We were told about a 20 minute wait, and they took our name. We probably waited less than 10 minutes before we were sat at a very rickety table. The place is loud, and cramped, and small. The art work on the walls was really cool - worth checking out. I ordered a large non-fat latte. It came in a huge (like 20+ ounces) glass. It was just ok. My 'date' got a regular coffee. Service was good and prices were average. The date was a bust, but that had nothing to do with Buzz. If I was back in the area, I'd probably stop by. Maybe go at a more non-breakfast time. read more

I think this place is a great neighborhood staple and convenient for locals. The coffee is great and it's relaxing on a Saturday or Sunday morning to read the paper. My 3 stars is derived from the fact the employees never seem really customer friendly and warm like the baristas at Starbucks and Peete's so that would completely be a coaching area if I were the owner of the establishment. Remember customer experience is all about the entire process from coffee to polite and energetic interaction. read more

Not a good place to sit down and relax. I came in this morning with a friend and the server was rude, loud, sarcastic, and pushy. The whole experience felt like a fast food restaurant. read more

So my mom, sister and I hit this place up for some lunch to get charged up for a girls' afternoon together. It has a great, local, charming feel inside. Its artsy, cute, clean and relaxed. The menu had a good variety without being overwhelming and the coffee was good. On a side note, I was disappointed to see such a 'crunchy' (organicy, vegetarian & vegan oriented, local) place using disposable plastic glasses and aluminum cans for their beverages... The food was just ok. My mom had this roasted vegetable pita thing and although the veggies were good, they needed some seasoning or cheese or sauce/dressing something. Bland. The fish soup, also bland. I had a wrap with grilled chicken, carmalized onions, apples and brie. Hardly ground breaking, but ok. Again, needed some more flavor or something - I'm not sure they even used salt and pepper? I also felt that $8.50 was a bit steep for it, but whatever. My sister had a tuna salad sandwich... you guessed it -bland. The quality of the ingredients seemed pretty good but they need to take their flavors up a notch. The service was alright. Polite, but not very attentive. Also, tell that waiter that people don't wear patchuli anymore, at least not that much of it - P-U! read more

Good coffee. Good sandwiches. Don't care for their pastries. A bit overpriced but worth it. Service can be a bit slow so don't come here if you're in a hurry. read more

Atmosphere - Oozes Oak Park as its own pretentiousness bleeds through the forced kitsch. Aging hipsters, and the strollers of their petulant offspring, crowd the already too close for comfort seating arrangement. Coffee - Good/fast during the morning rush hour. They use metropolis Coffee, which is a big plus. I have only ordered black drip, so I can't speak for their espresso. Breakfast - Quite enjoyable. Eggs are always cooked properly to order. I usually go for the classic eggs/bacon and enjoy the side of fresh fruit. Serving size and prices are just right. I recommend it if its not too crowded. Don't even bother on a weekend morning. Burgers - Sigh. Don't ask me how I want my burger cooked if all you're going to do is cook it medium. Definitely not worth their asking price of 12 dollars. Griddle top burgers can be excellent. These are average. However, they allow do allow BYOB, which is some justification for price. Gluten free bread is available. Need I say more? 3.5/5 read more

I really want to love this place but I keep getting disappointed. Every time that I get used to something delicious, like Intelligentsia Coffee, you get rid of it. You've changed your pastry supplier like 3 times in the past year, just when I have found or flexed to accept a new favorite bread. Your pastries are not good quality, definitely not worth the price (check out Eastgate Cafe's pastries). Also - why are your soups spicy?? Your gaspacho is pretty unedible..I really havent found a good soup there, and believe me, I've tried. They're just not tasty. They're either spicy, over-seasoned or just gross (lima bean comes to mind). You have grandiose ideas that just don't come out right. Let's not even get into your organic burgers... another great idea now completely off limits for us- my husband has gotten sick...twice! But oh well...you're in a great location, good hours, you are very kid friendly, we love your community involvement (you must clean the announcement board, or get a larger one? it is impossible to try to read so many ads...and its annoying when the thumbtack finally gives up and sheets fly out..). But you know how to make a good latte, and if nothing else that alone is worth returning. I want to love you...you just make it hard. read more

Great place, great "buzz." A wonderful, cheery, super-cozy place to sit and relax and have a cup of coffee or tea (unlimited refills), espresso, or some of their excellent soups. Brunch on Sundays. TLDR (why only 3 stars): Pros: love the vibe and coffee; some staff is excellent, some good prices Cons: some staff is unbelievably inattentive Pros: Happy, pleasant vibe. Friendly atmosphere. Amazing, dark, strong coffee. Only $3 for unlimited refills on basic coffee or tea! Other items, affordable if you're on a budget: soup (homemade varieties are the best, very good), house salad, bagels Some of the harder-working staff is quite attentive and helpful. (They look more harried, too :-( ) Great art on the walls by local artists, for sale. Cons: Some items are expensive (but see pros, above) Some of the (younger) staff is unbelievably inattentive. One server (with a great personality) took my coffee order during brunch, brought it, and then never came back until I indicated I wished to pay. (Refills on coffee, I had to flag another server. See pros.) Work is hard, guys! Get used to it, please. Personality isn't everything. read more

OK...now I freakin' LOVE this place! With each new time I go it just gets better and better. Granted, I haven't been for breakfast in quite a while, but every single thing I've had from the lunch menu has been SUPERB. They serve an incredibly good take on the BLT...probably the second best I've ever had. The Rustic salad KICKS ASS, as does the Bistro chicken wrap. The food is always fresh, wholesome (lots of whole wheat and organic ingredients), tons of fruits and vegetables to choose from. No iceberg lettuce here...only the darkest mixed greens in their salads and sandwiches. The staff...someone said something, because the past 3 times I've been here every single staff member has been smilingly kind and helpful. There is never any hesitation from the staff when I ask for specific, off-menu items for my son. I walked in today having been clocked but good in the face with a car door and they unquestioningly offered me an ice pack...but NO WAY IN HELL was this episode gonna keep me from having lunch! There is new art on the walls every time I go in (I just can't wait to buy some someday) and my son is perfectly content to play in the back room on his own allowing me to work or have grown-up conversation with friends. Plus...FREE WIFI! Buzz is now destined to be a frequent haunt of ours. read more

I was there for brunch with a girlfriend and our two toddler boys. We were seated and despite the fact that the waitress was the only one on the floor, our order was taken promptly and food brought out very quickly. That's where the positive stops. Because the place was so full, she never came to check on us. Ever. Did we need anything...who knows? Could she bring us anything else...no idea. I ordered granola with yogurt and it was vile. The granola tasted awful and had the chewiness of something stale. I asked her to take it away and remove it from the bill. Not only did the waitress not ask if I wanted anything else, but I heard her complaining about me to another staff member just a couple of feet from the table. Bad food. Bad waitress. Bad attitude. read more

It's a coffee shop that has a restaurant identity crisis. Would give 4 stars if Buzz was less restaurant & more coffee shop. At a place like this, in the heart of the Arts District, I just want to hang out over coffee, not order a meal & be waited on. That being said, great vibe. read more

Oh, Buzz Cafe. What can be said about your determined small business Oak Park existence? Some see you as a small moral light in a world of dark chemical non sustainable consumerism. You are hope for the confused artists who hang their emotionally volatile art on your ill painted walls, and a battery for the caffeine deprived community of southeast Oak Park. But let's be honest; if Starbucks (or even Dunkin' Donuts) moved in nearby, their streamlined latte creating regimen would decimate your coffee revenue. I can't handle the old drip coffee that remains stagnant from the earliest morning crowd till it runs out around 10.The espresso drinks are weak and not quite hot enough. I pass. But, redeemingly, the apple compote oatmeal and cinnamon waffles are delicious to the nth degree, and I applaud the kitchen. The service is iffy at best, rude at worst, but all in all, due to lack of alternatives, I don't mind stopping by for a bite with my babes. PS: Saturday morning band is fun. Live music; thumbs up. read more

Over-priced and under-whelming. I've been here a few times and each time I've been irritated by something. The last time I found out the hard way that if you don't go to a table to order (despite the very obvious counter service), you cant sit down in the cafe area. Perhaps they have a sign indicating this, but it's not obvious enough given the general coffee house culture of ordering a drink and then finding a seat. Today I just ran in to grab a blueberry muffin (since my folks at Eastgate were sold out). I paid $3.25 (3x the price at EG!) and walked out with a dry, one pound muffin that crumbled all over me and tasted like saw dust. I hate to talk badly about mom and pop enterprises, but I've just spent too much $ trying to find something to like about Buzz... read more

The good, service, they support local art, and have organic options. The bad, the hash browns are soggy as others have said. I asked them to toast them and I took a picture of what they have me. Far from good hash browns. I wanted to like this place. I live do close to this place. read more

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

Ah, Buzz Cafe... Love: the edgy young hipster baristas. The veggie options, including soy sausage, hummus and marinated tofu. The inventive daily specials. The purple walls and ever-changing array of funky, local art. The fact that the delicious and inexpensive Buzz Salad comes with those tender little vittles known as hearts of palm. The overstuffed couches and kids story hour. The newsletter and family dinner nights and foreign language meetup groups. And the sexy, SEXY Mexican spiced mocha. Props! These guys also feature live music, and possibly the best (although not vegan) breakfast sandwiches in the history of time. And while their food is not always consistent, and occasionally you get a really hung-over waitress, and well, the kitchen staff wasn't sure if the wraps were vegan or not, at least the coffee drinks totally ROCK. Go there, java fiends. Run like the wind. read more

*Occasionally* we get slow service there, which is the ONLY reason they got 4 out of 5 stars. I love the decor, and the local artwork for sale all over the place. The free wifi and the couch area in the back is an especially nice touch when you want to get coffee and chill with a book or your laptop. I've had breakfast/brunch there mostly, and it is ALWAYS fantastic. Vegetarian friendly too, my favorite new thing on the menu if the Southwestern Breakfast Burrito with tofu, and not vegetarian. Their coffee is also REALLY good, and I am a bit of a coffee snob. I went there once for a late dessert (which was so good and freshly made), but make sure their kitchen is still open if you're heading there after 8pm. Check it out, reasonable prices, great ambience, great food. read more

The location is a bit hidden, but once you find it, it's worth it. The atmosphere is artsy and cute, and the food and coffee are fantastic. This is by far our favorite place to get breakfast. When you order, you get the choice of organic or regular. Organic costs a few dollars more, but the choice is yours. Every time my wife and I go, I order the breakfast burrito with marinated tofu and she gets the cheesy egg sandwich. If you're not a tofu eater, this marinated tofu may change your mind; it's wonderful. Sometimes, I daydream about this burrito. The coffee is great, especially the mexican mocha. If you're looking for coffee, breakfast, or just someplace cute and local (read: not a chain), you owe it to yourself to try Buzz Cafe. read more

It does have a pretty great vibe when you walk in - there's framed art by local artists all over the walls, and the chairs are very colorfully painted (my favorite was the one that said "I Love Horses). I ordered the Mediterranean wrap that was on special and a cherry Italian soda. The wrap was pretty bland and the Italian soda tasted watered down - not a whole lot of cherry flavor. There was also a gnat flying around us as my friend and I ate which was pretty obnoxious. There is an upside, though - the brownie we split was DELICIOUS. After we left, though, we realized we both smelled a lot like grease, which was a total bummer, and also kind of weird because I don't even think that there was anything fried on the menu. read more

What a great place for the conscious eater crowd! There are always options, gluten free, organic, free range, etc. Every time I go in here I can do and feel I'm in here for what I need to be there for. If it is a meeting it feels right, if it is to relax I can relax, if it is to get work done, I get work done. The waitstaff is generally attentive and they definitely give ya space, they pick up on what ya need quick. It is very obviously a beloved place because it is always a great crowd, a great place to run into neighborhood friends or meet new people. The art on the walls is inspiring, the owner is inspiring and the food is ALWAYS yummy! read more

They carry fair trade coffee and use Monin Syrup, good. They over brew their espresso, don't stir the syrup into the drink, and are glacially slow, bad. Their menu is chalk full of organic and vegetarian options, good. I'm not super impressed by the taste, bad. The ambiance is awesome, local artwork literally covering the wall, chairs and tables, the farmers market band winters here, and there seem to be a lot of clever activities on the calendar, good. It's often loud, crowded, and a little dirty, bad. Will I keep patronizing this place? Yes. They are an active part of the neighborhood and I like that. The art is good enough to buy, and I have. Will I continue to be Starbuck's bitch? Yes. They're consistent and it matters. I forgot the best part: they allow dogs on the outside patio and even offer free dog biscuits! read more

I wish I liked this place more. I like it okay, but it's my local coffee shop and I want to looooove it. Things I like: The decor is artsy and eclectic and the employees have just the right amount of tattoos and piercings (gah, I sound old and conservative for even having noticed). Their caffeinated beverages are tasty, too. Unlike: I've tried the food a few times and was pretty underwhelmed. I don't remember what I ordered, which is probably a bad sign. I'll give the menu a few more tries, though, and will definitely still be stopping in for coffee and various beverages. Edited to add: I've been back a few more times for brunch, and would best describe Buzz as inconsistent. Sometimes it's great and the service is speedy, and other times the food is blah and service is slow. So, hit or miss. read more

The Buzz Cafe has local art work everywhere. Take a look around, they are on sale, if you see something you like, talk to a manager. Coming in for just some coffee and a pastry, they have you covered. The staff are upbeat and friendly. The Buzz is BYOB. Buzz is also dog friendly. Out walking your dog and want something to drink, or just wanna eat and have your dog with you? Dogs are allowed in the front area, and they even have a treat tin. Sit outside and eat with your dog. I'd bring a frisbee, or something for your dog to drink out of while sitting outside. The Buzz also hosts community events like live music, belly dancers, ect. Talk to a manager if you want to book a gathering up stairs. Want to have coffee or food with a friend, grab a seat. A waiter will be by soon to take your order. There is a play place in the back for kids. When it's not over-run by kids, there is a couch you can curl up in and read at. Only drinks in that area though. The food is uniquely Buzz Food. Lots of organic options. The Buzz is Vegetarian and Vegan friendly. The Buzz's chairs... They're hand painted by the community every year. You can sit in a chair painted by the girl scouts, or local artists. What other cafes have local art for sale on all the walls, and hand painted chairs by artists and kids? The Buzz does cater. I recommend the Buzz's cookies and pies if you're in a sweet mood. I love their Veggie deluxe, flatbread pizza, southwest wrap, and their veggie platter. The front of the Buzz also has various things for sale, including Buzz Travel Cups, Mugs, Shirts, and Coffee Beans. If you're wanting to get away from your house, roommates, what ever in the middle of the day, come to the buzz to study, get some work done, relax, or read. It's pretty quite during the day. Picks up at around 6. Want to know what's going on in the Arts District of Oak Park? Stop in at the Buzz and read their newsletter while having coffee. Also see their bulletin board. The Buzz always has a nice window display as well. read more

I've only sat down to eat here once, even though I've lived in Oak Park for years. It always falls off my radar. I had the organic breakfast burrito and it was delicious. I also had their chicken/brie wrap (can't remember the name) to go, and that was also very tasty. Coffee is decent, hot chocolate tasty. I also used Buzz for a private event in their upstairs room. This was a very good experience. Alaina was very helpful in getting things arranged, even a last minute pastry tray that I'd forgotten to pre-order. The room upstairs is like someone's dining room/living room. We had about 10 people in there and it was comfortable. The best part is use of the room is FREE. They also will advertise for you in their monthly newsletter and cafe event sign. Overall it was a great experience and we'll be using them for future events. read more

I like the atmosphere and the decor of this cafe. Art on the walls, art on the chairs, it's all very adorable and comfortable. The food tasted fine, but definitely too small of a portion for the $13 I paid for it. And it took a surprising amount of time, for how little effort it looked like it took. There was more wrap then filling and I'm pretty sure some of the ingredients that were listed on the menu were missing. I'll be back for coffee, but probably not for food. read more

There is nothing buzzing about this place except maybe the overpriced, mediocre food, and the burnt coffee. I will agree with some that this is a cute, hipster cafe, but it's just not worth the time or money. McDonalds has better coffee! I'm totally for being environmentally conscious, earth and animal friendly, sustainable and all that jazz, but I think it'd be cheaper (not to mention more filling) to drive up to Trader Joe's on Harlem and pick up some fresh fruit and organic peanut butter for breakfast than go to the Buzz. read more

From the moment you walk in, Buzz Cafe is different from the start. The paintings and drawings up all over the high ceiling walls, tells you that they are all about community and supporting locals. What better place for local artists to display their work than in the Arts District of Oak Park. They have an arrange of food and bakery options that can be your choice of organic or completely vegan. I have enjoyed their organic breakfast burritos and spicy black bean hummus. As soon as you see the menu, it will be hard for you to choose too! They offer poetry readings, meet-ups, and live Jazz bands themed to great dinner packages. My wife and I enjoyed a fabulous jazz band called Lucas Ellman Jazz Quartet! BYOB. read more

This cafe has been an Oak Park go-to for years. I love the cozy hometown feeling and the food is always fresh and amazing. The cafe itself is very eclectic with local artwork for sake on the walls. We frequent Buzz because it is conveniently located in South Oak Park right off the blue line. The area of Harrison street "Art District" has grown quiet a bit with new restaurants that seem to come and go. All of this is still no competition for the Buzz Cafe. We go there for coffee, omelets, a quick hamburger at night and frequently go for Sunday brunch (if you can get in). Their food is all homemade on site and the staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. This is a fun cafe to stop in and read the paper or to take the entire family. If you are in town, skip some of the more pretentious places and give this cozy cafe a try. read more

Met a friend here on Saturday and I had the best server! She was really on top of her game. We ordered a hummus plate and it was delicious. we had two samples: black bean and red pepper. It was served with fresh vegetables as well as pita and was fresh and delicious. A little girl gave me a cute little smile and a wave on her way out and now I feel bad about what I wrote earlier. Kids are cute when they're being led out the door by their moms. I'm kidding. Really, she was a cutie. read more

I'm sad to say that our last few experiences haven't been great. It seems as if we have been choosing the wrong time to visit. Our last few trips have been occurring during change of shift. Nothing sucks more than being the last table served by your wait person. You feel hurried to leave a tip before you are finished with your meal, and worse you stand the chance of being ignored by the incoming waitperson who knows that the former has already been tipped. We always order the same thing. I am a sucker for portabello mushrooms, while my son loves BLt's. My last sandwich was almost inedible. The grilled onions were barely cooked, and the mushroom spongy. I hate complaining, but I can not eat raw onions. I asked if they could please recook my onions. They brought it back to me swimming in a blackened cup of grease. read more

The coffee and soups are amazing. Notice I said COFFEE, I don't know about any of the other drinks. I had a mocha once and was not impressed but the coffee is great. It is a bit pricey but the quality is very good. My favorite here is the southwestern chicken wrap. The soups are always impressive. Recommended for a quick delicious lunch! read more