The Buzz Caf is a funky, kid-friendly coffee house serving organic comfort foods & featuring local art & music in Oak Park, Illinois. Our goal is to sustain the Oak Park & River Forest Community one carefully crafted cup of coffee and delicious meal at a time. We are a restaurant committed to sustainability.
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.
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.
Services
Founded in 1998 by Laura and Andrew Maychruk, Buzz Caf is a place that IS Oak Park. We believe good food, community and family are the ties that bind, and the caf embodies those ideals wholeheartedly. For over 20 years Buzz Caf has been a vibrant part of the Oak Park Arts District showcasing local art and music, serving as a community center and serving delicious food and coffee!
Our employees are a close knit family. With many of them having worked for the Buzz for us over 10 years. What's our secret to success? We take stock in providing our employees a fun fast paced work environment where they can use their natural skill set. Alana LeBeau has been working for Buzz Cafe since early 2002.
Our employees are family. With more then 10 employees having worked more then 5 years our more for our restaurant it's safe to say, we are a great place to work! We are always accepting applications and keep them on file for up to a year. Feel free to complete the application below OR download the application and bring it in in-person!
Buzz Caf thrives on the concept of using less while consuming in a smarter fashion. We offer meal options you can feel good about. The natural, organic, ethically and locally sourced ingredients that make up every dish at the caf are a driving force behind our success. We offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian options ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Start planning your Friday nights accordingly because I know you missed this just as much as we did! Dear Loyal Readers, Our reduced kitchen hours and staffing shortages continue to be problems that we are working on a daily basis to solve. As a child growing up in Indiana, Ron Aleman loved watching his mother and grandmothers in their own kitchens.
Reviews (24)
Rob H.
Jan 22, 2022
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Debi Ross
Jan 18, 2022
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Jerremy Howell
Dec 19, 2021
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I've been going to Buzz Cafe for years, but realized it's been about a year since I'd gone and wanted to give them my business and went back today. Ordered the Southwestern Wrap with extra bacon (it's amazing!) and a Chai Tea. Went to pick it up and it was $28!! I thought they had gotten my order wrong, nope...."inflation"? That's about $12-15 more than I remember and would expect to pay. Great food, super over-priced now though. I'll still continue to support local, but it will need to be sparingly - sheesh..
Raissa A.
Nov 26, 2021
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We've been going to Buzz for the last 15 years. It's a cozy spot with great ambience. Recently we stopped ordering their food because quality and service went down and stuck to coffee and take-out pastries.
Today I ordered a mocha and it was pretty horrible. The milk was lukewarm and it tasted like wet socks. I had to dump it. It's like the mocha wasn't done correctly.
I'm hoping it's a new person learning the ropes and gets better or gets reassigned a different role. Hopefully Buzz invests in training its staff and works on delivering consistently on its service
Today I ordered a mocha and it was pretty horrible. The milk was lukewarm and it tasted like wet socks. I had to dump it. It's like the mocha wasn't done correctly.
I'm hoping it's a new person learning the ropes and gets better or gets reassigned a different role. Hopefully Buzz invests in training its staff and works on delivering consistently on its service
Michael Schwager
Nov 23, 2021
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Everyone seems to love this place for coffee. I only get diet coke, which is $2.86 for a 12 ounce can. Pretty doggone expensive. Now I go to Happiness Chinese restaurant 3 blocks south where it's a buck and a quarter. I guess suburban yuppies don't mind to pay a lot for stuff. Anyway, it's been quite a while but we used to come before the pandemic and the sandwiches were always good.
Jasmin M.
Oct 31, 2021
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Personal favorites from the menu are the Mexican Spiced Mocha, the Spicy Black Bean burger, and the chai. Very yummy pastries, too!! The staff is always friendly and professional, and have been consistently so over the years. Likewise, the food and beverages have been good consistently. I always say that I don't have a favorite restaurant in Oak Park, and that I cook at home. But, if I had to pick a place, this would probably be it, honestly!
Ezekiel Wells
Oct 15, 2021
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Brett S.
Oct 09, 2021
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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
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
Pierre Wube
Oct 03, 2021
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Efrain Quiroz
Jul 18, 2021
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Derrick P.
Jul 10, 2021
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They've captured the organic, arty neighborhood vibe spot on! Colorful chairs, lot of art on the wall, and the place has a warm, inviting feel. The food doesn't quite match the atmosphere, at least for breakfast. I've been having breakfasts here when I've been in town over the past 5-10 years and it's good, not great. Service is sometimes great, sometimes not so great.
Still, it's one of my favorite places in Oak Park in its charming way, and I look forward to coming back many more times.
Still, it's one of my favorite places in Oak Park in its charming way, and I look forward to coming back many more times.
Michael Hill
Jul 01, 2021
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Found this place by searching and reading Google reviews. Love this area. Very artsy! Good prices and good food. Also, our server was great. She was good to check on us often. Food flavor was yummy. My ham & cheese panini was very good. Ham had a strong maple flavor, not my favorite, but it was still good. My wife's fruit was so fresh and delicious too.
Libby Z.
Jun 20, 2021
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Sarah S.
Dec 19, 2020
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Victoria M.
Sep 12, 2020
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Tara C.
Sep 07, 2020
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B. W.
Jun 27, 2020
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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.
Lydia J.
Jun 17, 2020
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David Bruton
Nov 14, 2019
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This feels more like a restaurant with a cafe attached. They've got quite the spread of food and coffee options. It's more noisy and focused on families with kids, so I expect they'll continue to do well in Oak Park.
There's a good number of tables that are typically quite full during weekends mornings. These tables feel like they're more for eating with friends and family than working at like other cafes.
Occasionally they host live music in the mornings!
There's a good number of tables that are typically quite full during weekends mornings. These tables feel like they're more for eating with friends and family than working at like other cafes.
Occasionally they host live music in the mornings!
Harper D.
Nov 04, 2019
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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!
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!
Siobhan D.
May 21, 2019
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I like the outdoor seating in the summer months and that the Buzz hosts community talks and music sessions, like the Farmers Market folk music crew. It is a convenient location to meet up with someone who is coming out from the city. Free parking. Good food, plenty of healthy and vegetarian options. Nice bakery treats. Casual decor. The tables are close together, so not ideal for private conversation, but nice for a social outing.
Megh L.
Mar 06, 2019
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I've been here a couple times when in Oak Park. When I got there this last time, it wasn't busy/full. I sat down at a table but was told to move to a smaller one since it was just me. Mind you, no one sat at the larger table during the whole time I was there. I was in a tiny table in the middle of the cafe. Anyways....I just ordered tea. I think they didn't want to deal with me because I only ordered tea. Staff was kind of dismissive. I do like the vibe in here and the tea was very good. I'd say just a more friendly and attentive staff would push me to a higher star rating.
Ronald Y.
Oct 09, 2017
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Quirky. Quaint. Good food.
Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or staying for dinner, I don't doubt that you'll have a positive experience. I'll admit that the food isn't the best part but I've also never had BAD food from here. They have a multitude of healthy options (Gluten free, organic, etc) and the friendly service helps it not feel too pretentious.
What's also cool is they sometimes hold small events like open mic nights or book readings. I feel like if you were to choose a place to represent the attitude of Oak Park, it would be Buzz Cafe (especially
Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or staying for dinner, I don't doubt that you'll have a positive experience. I'll admit that the food isn't the best part but I've also never had BAD food from here. They have a multitude of healthy options (Gluten free, organic, etc) and the friendly service helps it not feel too pretentious.
What's also cool is they sometimes hold small events like open mic nights or book readings. I feel like if you were to choose a place to represent the attitude of Oak Park, it would be Buzz Cafe (especially
David C.
Sep 22, 2017
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Thus morning; I had a taste for some pancakes. Thankfully; I made it just in time for breakfast.
My server Alex was delightful. She's very personable. After reviewing the menu; I was also pondering the breakfast wrap. Therefore; she was patient and understanding. Buzz cafe is known to great food and want to order everything off the menu.
Each time I'm greeted with warm smiles. The staffs are great. The owner loves her customers so much that she always off samples of dishes while waiting ( carry out only lol). The ambience is cool, live, full of energy. This is a great place for
My server Alex was delightful. She's very personable. After reviewing the menu; I was also pondering the breakfast wrap. Therefore; she was patient and understanding. Buzz cafe is known to great food and want to order everything off the menu.
Each time I'm greeted with warm smiles. The staffs are great. The owner loves her customers so much that she always off samples of dishes while waiting ( carry out only lol). The ambience is cool, live, full of energy. This is a great place for
