Located at 1361 Shermer Rd in Northbrook, Illinois, Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery serves as a welcoming destination for those seeking a blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors and a modern coffee house atmosphere. The establishment has carved out a unique space in the local community, offering a relaxed environment where guests can enjoy thoughtful preparations of classic dishes alongside a curated selection of beverages. Whether you are stopping by for a quick morning pick-me-up or settling in for a leisurely lunch, the focus remains on providing a consistent and enjoyable dining experience that reflects the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality.
The philosophy behind the kitchen is rooted in the appreciation of fresh ingredients and the balance of textures and aromas that define Vietnamese cuisine. By maintaining a commitment to quality, the team at Basu ensures that every plate served honors the culinary traditions it represents while remaining accessible to the diverse palate of the Northbrook neighborhood. The space itself is designed to be versatile, functioning equally well as a quiet corner for remote work or a casual meeting spot for friends and family to gather over a meal.
What Makes Basu Unique
Authentic Culinary Approach: The menu emphasizes the core principles of Vietnamese cooking, focusing on the harmony of fresh herbs, savory broths, and high-quality proteins to create dishes that are both comforting and flavorful.
Community-Centric Atmosphere: Situated in the heart of Northbrook, the eatery acts as a local hub that prioritizes a welcoming environment, making it a preferred choice for residents looking for a neighborhood staple that feels personal and unpretentious.
Versatile Beverage Program: Beyond the food, the establishment takes pride in its coffee offerings, providing a range of options that cater to both traditional coffee drinkers and those looking for unique, culturally inspired caffeinated beverages.
Thoughtful Service Standards: The team is dedicated to providing attentive and friendly service, ensuring that every guest feels valued from the moment they walk through the doors on Shermer Road.
The culinary landscape of Northbrook is enriched by the presence of establishments that bring global flavors to the local community, and Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery is a testament to this diversity. By focusing on the fundamentals of good food and a comfortable setting, the eatery continues to build lasting relationships with its patrons. It is a place where the simplicity of a well-made cup of coffee meets the complexity of traditional Vietnamese recipes, resulting in a dining experience that is both grounded and memorable. Whether you are a long-time resident of the area or simply passing through, a visit to this Shermer Road location offers a pleasant opportunity to slow down and enjoy a meal prepared with care and intention.
As the restaurant continues to evolve, it remains committed to its original vision of being a reliable and inviting space for the Northbrook community. The combination of a relaxed ambiance, a menu that celebrates heritage, and a dedication to quality service ensures that Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery remains a notable destination for anyone in search of a satisfying meal or a quiet moment of respite. We invite you to experience the flavors and the hospitality that define this local gem, and we look forward to serving you in a setting that feels like a home away from home.
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
I love beef pho here
My son love chicken wings too
Order type
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Gwendolyn Elder
23-04-2026
Actual review is 4.5.
We visited this place on a last Sunday, having read great reviews and in … More
Vincent Viviani
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
I love beef pho here
My son love chicken wings too
Order type
Dine in…
More
Benjamin Clements
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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. More
Lindsay Coulter
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
Another update after a little later.
The place is till around. The food is still great :)
----------------- … More
Zainab Lakhani
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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 … More
Lily Serna
23-04-2026
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! More
Andy Le
23-04-2026
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. … More
Siha Gnet
23-04-2026
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. More
Cherryl Rafael
23-04-2026
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 … More
Reviews Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery