Great authentic Vietnamese eatery in Northbrook! I ordered the pork Bahn mi and pork egg roll it was tasty! Great crisp on the egg roll and bahn mi had the right medley of ingredients: cilantro, diakon, and carrots. Pork was well marinated. And French baguette was fresh and had the right crunch. Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown next to the metra station. Close to all other shops! If you’re look for a quaint but modern authentic Vietnamese restaurant in Northbrook this is the spot!!
Overview
Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery is a hidden gem nestled at 1361 Shermer Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062. This cozy spot offers a delightful fusion of bold Vietnamese flavors and the rich, comforting ambiance of a classic coffee bar. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pick-me-up or enjoying a full meal, this eatery has something to satisfy every craving.
From the moment you step into Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery, the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the tantalizing scents of authentic Vietnamese cuisine fill the air. The modern yet warm decor, combined with the friendly atmosphere, sets the tone for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and customer service is immediately apparent, as the staff greets every guest with a smile, ready to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
The menu at Basu is thoughtfully curated, offering a mix of classic Vietnamese dishes and innovative coffee drinks. The Vietnamese coffee is a must-try, especially if you enjoy rich, bold flavors. Whether you prefer it sweetened with condensed milk or served black, it’s the perfect beverage to complement any meal. The coffee is made from high-quality beans sourced from local suppliers, ensuring every cup is fresh and full of flavor.
For those craving something more substantial, Basu’s menu does not disappoint. The pho, a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, is served hot and bursting with flavor. The broth is perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of spices, while the noodles are tender and satisfying. If you’re looking for something different, the banh mi sandwiches are a standout-crispy, light baguettes filled with savory meats and fresh vegetables, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Another highlight of the menu is the rice and noodle bowls. These dishes are packed with fresh ingredients like grilled pork, chicken, or tofu, served alongside a fragrant jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles. The flavors are well-balanced, combining savory, tangy, and spicy elements that create a dynamic and delicious meal. Whether you’re a fan of classic Vietnamese dishes or new to the cuisine, there’s something here to excite your taste buds.
One of the unique features of Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery is its ability to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. Vegetarian and vegan options are readily available, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese food. The staff is always happy to assist in customizing dishes to suit specific dietary needs, whether you’re avoiding gluten, dairy, or meat.
What truly sets this eatery apart, however, is the combination of a great coffee bar and a Vietnamese eatery under one roof. It’s not often you find a place that seamlessly blends these two elements, but Basu has done so expertly. The variety of coffee drinks, from classic lattes to specialty brews, makes it the perfect spot for a casual coffee date or an afternoon pick-me-up. The quality of the coffee rivals that of any specialty coffee shop, making it a standout in Northbrook.
Basu also offers an inviting space for guests to relax and unwind. Whether you’re coming in for a solo meal or meeting up with friends, there’s plenty of seating, including a cozy nook by the windows or communal tables perfect for groups. The ambiance is calm and unpretentious, making it a great place to enjoy a quiet meal or catch up over drinks.
The prices at Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery are reasonable for the quality of food and beverages offered. Given the generous portion sizes and fresh ingredients, you’re getting excellent value for your money. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner, you can expect to leave satisfied without breaking the bank.
If you’re in the Northbrook area and haven’t yet visited Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery, it’s time to make your way over. The unique fusion of coffee and Vietnamese flavors, combined with the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, makes this spot a must-try. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Basu offers a dining experience that’s both comforting and exciting, making it a standout choice for food lovers in the area.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Asian-ownedService options
✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great coffee ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ SeatingAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 414 reviews
Basu was a good find for healthy, tasty Vietnamese food. While I personally was not too thrilled with the portion size of the Bun noodle bowl, I was very satisfied with the banh mi and heard good praise for the pho. Definitely worth a visit if you want good Vietnamese food, especially their banh mi. And there are few alternatives in the area…
Best place hands down in northbrook for food , coffee, and to chitchat with ur local baristas! Everything on the menu is fresh Made to order an absolute delicious!
Service at this cute eatery was definitely 5/5 ⭐’s! It was also clean, modern, and fresh. If you’re looking for a place to grab food that meets all these requirements (on this strip in Northbrook), this is your place! Must try when visiting Northbrook.
I love bringing my suburban friends here who for whatever reason have never been. Always a great vibe, my dad loves eating all my yummy pho leftovers. The Ube vit coffee has been my go-to drink here lately. I appreciate this place so much. Staff are always friendly and welcoming
My banh mi was really good along with my coffee but the spring rolls did not have any herbs in it. Just lettuce, cucumber, rice noodles and shrimp. The more traditional way of making them would include herbs. My wife from south east Asia did not approve of them. Other than that, this place is really delightful and worth a visit. I highly recommend the banh mi.
We've been to this location ballpark 4-5 times in 2 months since we found that there's a Vietnamese food place nearby! The ginger chicken bahn mi is superior, absolutely recommend with jalapenos! (They aren't too spicy, but they add a layer of delicious with the lemongrass chicken!) The fresh shrimp spring are also just delicious, the peanut sauce that comes with is a REALLY nice consistency I didn't know I needed- it's perfect for taking a bite, drizzling some into the roll, and having another bite. Most peanut sauces are more "dipping" sauces, this is way more brilliant. They also carry a sparkling yuzu and white peach drink by Moshi that is REALLY delightful, and perfect with the bahn mi. My guy ordered the beef pho last time, and I tried it, and I wanted to steal it, but my chicken curry was also really good, so I definitely want to order these again! There's a few other locations around the area, but under a slightly different name, Lotus Banh Mi. Guy and I feel like the consistency between the 2 locations are excellent! HIGHLY recommend! The atmosphere at this location is great, it's off the street, with parking just around the corner, and the location has a very comfortable, fresh, feeling. We're hoping to stop by for lunch one afternoon, get some things we haven't tried yet, and walk around the area some- there's a great park about a block away!