Bambu | Authentic Vietnamese Coffee Che Desserts in Uptown Chicago

Overview

Located in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, Bambu offers a fresh spin on Vietnamese coffee culture and desserts. This coffee shop is more than just a spot for your typical caffeine fix; it’s a destination where traditional Vietnamese ingredients meet modern tastes in a welcoming, contemporary space.

Bambu’s menu is a treasure trove for those seeking unique and flavorful experiences. Highlights include their French macarons—gluten-free and generously sized—offering delicate flavors like vanilla, dark chocolate, and pistachio, perfect for pairing with one of their signature drinks. The Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Sea Salt stands out with its bold, sweet, and creamy profile, a true reflection of authentic Vietnamese coffee traditions. For tea enthusiasts, their Thai and Matcha frosty blends provide refreshing twists, blending aromatic premium ingredients with luscious creaminess.

Dessert lovers will find the Pandan Mochi Waffle and the layered Vietnamese chè especially enticing. The chè, a customizable treat made with coconut milk, jellies, beans, and fresh fruit, offers both a textural and flavor-rich escape, crafted to suit your sweetness preference. This adaptability has earned praise from many visitors who appreciate the personal touch in their orders.

The atmosphere at Bambu is relaxed and inviting, with a clean and modern design that encourages lingering or quick takeout. The staff consistently brings warmth and patience, enriching the overall experience for both newcomers and regulars. Whether you’re stopping by for a midday refresher or a weekend gathering with friends and family, Bambu delivers quality and a sense of connection to Vietnamese culinary heritage.

With over 80 options spanning smoothies, blended coffees, and unique desserts, Bambu appeals to a diverse clientele—from adventurous foodies and coffee aficionados to those simply looking to explore vibrant flavors in a friendly setting. Its location on North Broadway provides easy access, making it a must-visit spot in Chicago’s coffee and dessert scene.

Menu Highlights

See Full Menu

Amenities & Services

Popular for

Solo dining

Offerings

Coffee

Atmosphere

Casual

Cosy

Trendy

What Customers Say

Stephanie

Dec 10,2025

5/5

Every time I’ve gone here it’s always been a good experience for me. I mostly go here with my mom and aunt a lot and the people behind the cash register are always so friendly and patient. I personally love their Thai tea here, while my mom and aunt love the chè. We always get #2 or #3. I always order to go, so I never really dine in.

Mayra

Dec 10,2025

5/5

Came here and loved the mango halo halo. The picture shows three scoops of mango ice cream but it only came with barely one. It was delicious though. It got very busy right after we ordered. Definitely coming back.

Truth

Dec 10,2025

5/5

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you're craving something refreshing, vibrant, and a little out of the ordinary, Bambu in Chicago is a must-visit. Nestled in the heart of Uptown, this cozy spot offers a wide variety of Vietnamese-inspired drinks and desserts, with a focus on chè—a layered, customizable treat made with coconut milk, jellies, beans, and fruit. The menu is impressively diverse, with over 80 options ranging from fruit smoothies and milk teas to bold coffee blends and signature dessert drinks. I tried the Coconut Combo and Taro Lover, and both were rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced—not overly sweet, which I appreciated. You can adjust sugar levels and swap ingredients to suit your taste, which makes the experience feel personal and fun. The shop itself is clean and modern, with a relaxed vibe and friendly staff who are happy to walk you through the menu if you're new to Vietnamese desserts. Service was quick, and the drinks were beautifully presented. Whether you're stopping by for a midday treat or looking for something unique to share with friends, Bambu delivers on flavor, atmosphere, and hospitality. I’ll definitely be back to try more combinations—and maybe even bring a few curious friends and my whole family members along.

Marina

Dec 10,2025

5/5

I’d never heard of Vietnamese Che before I came here, but I loved it! It was delicious and very refreshing in the warm weather. I also love that you can ask them to change the sugar levels so you can get your drink, for example, with 25% sugar.

Mike Goji

Dec 10,2025

5/5

Stopped by Bambu Cafe in Argyle and really enjoyed it. The place is clean, modern, and has a refreshing vibe with great background music that adds to the chill atmosphere. We got the Bambu Combo and Fruit Addict—both were super tasty and just the right level of sweetness. The staff was friendly, and the prices were reasonable too. Highly recommend if you're in the area. Will definitely come back!

Bianca Avram (bia146)

Dec 10,2025

5/5

My friend and I love coming here for their Che! A dessert and food all in one - the flavors mixed with he coconut milk, not even the cold can stop us. I personally like the Combo Combo and Summer delight also, would recommend their mochi waffles; I loved the pandan

TinaEh VangLee

Dec 10,2025

5/5

An excellent dessert and Boba drink and tea shop. The drinks are made very well and they are very delicious! The employee was very nice and helpful. You will have to most likely park around the surrounding block. But it's not far at all and totally worth coming here if you are done eating at any of the restaurants around There is seating but we only ordered for takeout. Overall, an excellent shop to satisfy your sweet tooth or your Boba drinks!