I'd like to give this place a better review, but having visited a number of area coffee shops and cafes, I can't in good conscious rate them as well. There is a free parking lot with plenty of parking and I found a spot right away on an early Sunday morning. It's very bright and feels more like a retail store atmosphere than a cafe. There were only three tables and a counter running along the back wall. It was easy for two of us to just sit at a table for a while, but as more people came in, we felt guilty taking a table as we just sipped coffee and chatted. They definitely have some kinks to work out and they've only been open for a few months, and they need to train their staff better as they clearly don't understand how to serve with any type speed. They don't do traditional here. You can't just get coffee and a Danish or other typical bakery item. You can't even get toast with butter despite them offering many toast options with toppings. Here's a tip: offer toast with butter or a spread. You'll get a lot more sales with some items that are not super filling. I opted for a hot mocha coffee with an extra pump of chocolate and a crepe. Again, you can't just get plain crepes. They are homemade and should be offered plain, but I digress. I got the Hangover crepe. According to their website, this is the description of The Hangover Crepe: "Start your day right with our delicious breakfast items like bacon, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese, served till 11 AM. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing acai bowl or pair your breakfast with a cappuccino or a chai tea latte. Don't forget to try our matcha latte for a unique twist at our coffee shop in Buffalo Grove!" Look, I just do marketing for a living, so don't sell me on what you have before and after 11am. Just tell me what you get with this specific crepe. And that's bacon, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and cheese. The scrambled eggs are some of the best fluffy and dry eggs you can get anywhere. They were perfect. The hash browns were in patty form and were perfect for this dish. They serve it as a handheld, but it definitely needs a knife and fork, which you collect at the counter. You have to ask for salt and pepper or a sauce if you want. The savoryness of the items mixed with the sweetness of the crepe was a great combo. It was very tasty. But it took them quite a while to make the crepe. I was mostly finished with by hot mocha which I could have topped off for an additional fee. My compatriot wanted plain toast with butter. Mind you they have six (6) different toast offerings with all sorts of toppings. You can get your toast item made with sourdough, multigrain, white, or gluten-free. However, you can't get plain toast. And just as a side Q&A: when you order toast anywhere else, how many pieces do you typically receive? If you answered two (2) pieces/slices, you'd be correct. Irene's gave him one slice. They first toasted it and burned it badly. They make toast items. How do you screw up toast if you routinely make toast? Then they finally brought out the one slice and asked if he wanted butter. He did, so they took the toast to the kitchen and put two dabs of butter on his toast. But then they didn't give him a knife to spread it, so he used the crust of the bread to spread it on the slice. Like I stated, kinks need to be worked out. While we were there, the owner's family came in and took up two of the tables. Now all three tables were taken. And older couple came in and had to side at the counter height stools along the wall. The food was tasty, the drinks were good. Both are pricey for what they are. And they are seriously lacking seating. It would be nice to see them last in Buffalo Grove, but they need to fix the seating issue (maybe smaller rectangular tables instead of round ones?), and get things out of the kitchen faster, and drinks made more quickly to have more staying power. Oh, and have your family not come all together and take up all your tables. read more

This is a clean, healthy option for breakfast and coffee! For food options, they have crepes, sandwiches, smoothies, and acai bowls. There are a couple tables if you want to linger, but it's a small space overall. The servers are friendly and accommodating. I had the vegetable crepe and dragon fruit acai bowl, and both were delicious. The crepe itself is really light. The prices are on the higher end for the portion sizes. read more

Irene's Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Buffalo Grove, Illinois

This is a cute new place in town! The owner is super sweet and friendly and clearly cares about her customers' satisfaction. The food was good, and the owner said the menu will soon be expanded. They are working on their latte art, too. I'll be sure to go back to try other items. read more

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Today I stumbled into Irene's and decided to try some menu items. I wanted to try the lox toast but was sad once I was told they were out of lox. :( it was one of the few savory options and they were out of stock. So, I decided to get a açaí bowl. It was easy to make modifications but the acai was disgusting. It took almost 20 minutes for them to bring out with 6 workers working. The acai came out frozen and hard same with the fruit. I had to throw it away it was not edible. The workers seemed nice however were clueless and unsure. read more

I've been twice now.. both times the staff is so friendly, and the acai bowls have been phenomenal. Definitely will be back regularly

Very few breakfast items to pick from. Overpriced for what it is, avocado toast only gave once slice with nothing with it, nothing like most places ., and the child sized crepe too small .... and if you want to eat there they give no plates just cardboard bowl and no silverware!!!!just very cheap plastic silverware that easily breaks .,,if they want to stay in business they need to make some changes.. received your reply -my answer you had no plates to eat on you put avocado toast in a cardboard bowl and silverware was plastic which broke - and both materials -cardboard and plastic Not environmental friendly!!!!!! read more

Amazing local spot everything we ate was fantastic! Everyone was so warm and friendly when you walk in. The store has such a cute cafe area setup. Highly recommend their bowls. The Pina Colada was my favorite with a coconut base. Will definitely be back to try more items on the menu. read more

Everything here for breakfast and lunch are really good-was waiting for this place to open as it is close and the bowls are excellent. Try the smoothie's as well. Very good and a nice price! read more

Irene's cafe has amazing coffee, great food an amazing customer service great place to hang out and drink a cup of coffee with a friend. Don't forget to try the hangover crêpes life changing. read more

The food service and ambiance is amazing, the staff is welcoming and their selection is great! Definitely recommend if looking for Cafes in the area! read more

My husband and I loved everything we tried at Irene's cafe! The lattes were amazing and the staff is so friendly. So glad to have this new place in town! read more