Discovering Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery in Northbrook
Located at 1361 Shermer Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062, Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery serves as a welcoming destination for those seeking a blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors and a contemporary coffee house atmosphere. The establishment has carved out a unique space in the local community, offering a relaxed environment where patrons can enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals and high-quality beverages. Whether you are looking for a quiet corner to work, a place to catch up with friends, or a quick stop for a flavorful lunch, the restaurant provides a consistent and inviting experience for all visitors.
The philosophy behind Basu centers on the belief that food and coffee are best enjoyed when they are prepared with care and served in a space that feels like an extension of one's own home. By focusing on fresh ingredients and authentic preparation techniques, the kitchen team aims to honor the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam while adapting to the preferences of the local Northbrook neighborhood. The interior design reflects this balance, featuring clean lines and a comfortable layout that encourages guests to linger over their cups and plates.
Beyond the menu, the establishment places a high value on the guest experience. The staff is dedicated to maintaining a friendly and efficient service standard, ensuring that every visitor feels valued from the moment they walk through the door. This commitment to hospitality, combined with a menu that bridges the gap between a casual cafe and a sit-down eatery, makes Basu a versatile choice for various occasions throughout the day.
Key Highlights of the Basu Experience
Authentic Culinary Approach: The menu emphasizes traditional Vietnamese recipes, focusing on the balance of fresh herbs, savory broths, and high-quality proteins to deliver a genuine taste of Southeast Asian cuisine.
Specialty Coffee Selection: Beyond the food, the establishment takes pride in its coffee program, offering a variety of brewing methods and bean selections that cater to both casual drinkers and coffee enthusiasts.
Community-Centric Atmosphere: Situated in the heart of Northbrook, the space is designed to be a neighborhood hub, providing a comfortable setting that is equally suitable for solo diners, remote workers, and families.
Consistent Quality and Service: A strong focus on operational excellence ensures that every meal is prepared to a high standard, supported by a team that prioritizes customer satisfaction and a welcoming environment.
A Destination for Local Flavors
Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery stands as a testament to the vibrant food culture in Northbrook. By successfully merging the energy of a modern coffee bar with the depth of Vietnamese cooking, the restaurant offers a distinct dining experience that appeals to a wide range of palates. Whether you are a long-time resident of the area or simply passing through, a visit to this Shermer Road location offers a chance to slow down and enjoy a meal that is both comforting and expertly crafted. We invite you to stop by and discover the unique character that makes Basu a staple of the local dining scene.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Seating
Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Usually plenty of parking
Menus
Appetizers
Menu
Popular
Banh Mi
Menu
Popular
Bowls
Menu
Popular
Pho
Menu
Popular
Extras
Menu
Popular
Photos
Reviews Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery
SY G
30-05-2026
For first timers with pho this place would be a good place. Ordered beef pho that didn’t have much rich flavor like most other pho places I’ve been to. Spring rolls were good but nothing special. Forgot to take picture of the Ube latte … More
Gwendolyn Elder
30-05-2026
Actual review is 4.5.
We visited this place on a last Sunday, having read great reviews and in desperate need of some good pho broth. After moving to Chicago last Nov from Atlanta, we have struggled to find solid, memorable Vietnamese food. But this place might have changed that.
Beef pho - broth is super clean, not oily, not sweet (thankfully) and nicely balanced. I really enjoyed it, as did my husband. Our only complaint about the pho is the beef quality. Not sure if it was overcooked, as it took quite a bit of chewing to manage, or just very sinewy. Either way, I think I would have been happier with just the broth, noodles, and accompaniments- without the beef. That is a first for us, as the beef is generally a selling point in pho.
Pork Banh Mi - very good. The bread reminded me of my travels through southeast Asian, where foreigners often discover how amazing baguette bread can actually be. The flavors were nice, balanced, nothing overwhelming. Would definitely recommend.
Shrimp Spring Rolls with peanut sauce- very good, very light, great peanut sauce.
Overall, we liked this place and will come back, just may order our pho without beef unless it was just an “off” day.
MyungJoo Ko
30-05-2026
I love beef pho here
My son love chicken wings too
Order type
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Gwendolyn Elder
30-05-2026
Actual review is 4.5.
We visited this place on a last Sunday, having read great reviews and in … More
Vincent Viviani
30-05-2026
Tru was my waitress and made sure that I knew every detail of the menu when I made a selection, she was very professional and knew what she was talking about. Any restaurant would be lucky to have her as an employee and hope they take that into consideration. More
Ali LeFebre
30-05-2026
We ordered the Pork House Noodle Salad and the Belly Classic Banh Mi. Both were amazing and the staff was patient as we took our time deciding. Free parking lot made it super accessible and easy to get to in a pinch. More
Jennifer Gallerani
30-05-2026
We eat here several times a month and every time is delicious. Staff are always friendly and I appreciate the rewards for us regulars. Made to order Vietnamese coffee is also a go to treat. More
Marco Lunas
30-05-2026
Second time trying Vietnamese food and very happyI did. This place is actually much better than the one I tried some time ago. I liked how clean it was and food tasted good and fresh. I had shrimp spring rolls and tofu pho bowl. It was plenty of food for about $15 but I didn’t feel like a stuffed turkey after eating all of it.
J M
30-05-2026
I have been coming here since they opened. So long time customer. I have to say their food is delicious, fresh & consistent. Even when we pick up, their food is always packed well, Including their soups. Their staff is friendly and … More
MyungJoo Ko
30-05-2026
I love beef pho here
My son love chicken wings too
Order type
Dine in…
More
Benjamin Clements
30-05-2026
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 … More
Alex Chan
30-05-2026
Shrimp spring rolls were blah. No onion, basil or chive. Curry chicken rice bowl was ok. For the beef pho in MSG soup, sub par. Not coming back.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Lindsay Coulter
30-05-2026
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 😌 … More
akwasi asare
30-05-2026
Went there for the first time and I must say all the 3 dishes I got was delicious. The beef rice bowl, honey grilled port and spicy wings were fire. I’ll be back More
Tony V
30-05-2026
Another update after a little later.
The place is till around. The food is still great :)
----------------- … More
Zainab Lakhani
30-05-2026
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 … More
Randy L
30-05-2026
Surprisingly good! Our first time. Best Spring Rolls. Awesome Tofu Curry Rice Bowl and Sunny Side Beef Banh Mi. Friendly knowledgeable staff. Table top for two was a little small. Recommended. More
Very Moon
30-05-2026
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!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Soy Glazed Wings
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Paid parking lot
Parking
Parking is the train station parking lot, may depend on time of day for availability. Should be free parking after 5.
Lily Serna
30-05-2026
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!
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$40–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
3-4 people
Wait time
No wait
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Vegetarian menu or section
Andy Le
30-05-2026
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…
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Vegetarian offerings
Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Siha Gnet
30-05-2026
My family came here and they really enjoyed the soup. They said it was super tasty and the service was fast and the atmosphere was relaxing.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Cherryl Rafael
30-05-2026
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!!
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reservation
Reservations not required
Wait time
No wait
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Reviews Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery