If you're ever in Albany Park, please try this place! The atmosphere is a super cozy, down to earth type of place. Lots of indoor seating, individual and communal + ample benches outside. So many AFFORDABLE food, drink and smoothie options w/ super friendly staff. Will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Bri
They went ahead and updated their online ordering. Thank you!!🙌
Naaman
They are so nice they best service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel Nguyen
The Wifi doesn't work. I came here to get some school work done and paid 2 hours of street parking and the Wifi isn't loading anything. I had to use my hotspot but it's not the best. Bagel and drinks are good but my initial intention was to be able to get work done. Just got up and left, kinda disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Ana Serratosa
Such a lovely spot! Cozy, relaxed vibes with a great atmosphere. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. And the coffee? Absolutely delicious! This has definitely become my new favorite neighborhood stop
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ricardo Torres
Great atmosphere! Pretty cool! Cozy. Great area. Safe. Quiet place, friendly. Coffee is delicious and economic. My favorite coffee is Vietnam ice coffee
The first thing that struck me when I walked in was how calm it felt. Unlike most coffee shops that are loud and rushed, Outdoor Cafe is refreshingly peaceful. The music is soft, the lighting is warm, and the overall vibe invites you to settle in and stay a while. Whether you’re coming in with a laptop to get work done or meeting a friend for an unrushed chat, the environment supports whatever pace you want to take.
But what truly makes Outdoor Cafe stand out is its impressive collection of board games. There’s an entire wall (yes, a wall) lined with everything from classics like Scrabble, Jenga, and chess to newer strategy and party games. It’s such a wonderful idea—and it’s all free to use while you’re there. Whether you’re a hardcore board game fan or just looking for a fun way to spend time with friends or family, there’s something for everyone. The tables are arranged with enough space to play comfortably without feeling cramped.
The coffee is equally impressive. You can tell the baristas really know what they’re doing—the espresso is smooth and balanced, the lattes are crafted with care, and their tea selection is surprisingly diverse. They also offer light snacks and pastries, which are perfect for sharing during a long board game session or just enjoying on your own. The food and drinks are consistently good, and prices are very reasonable.
Staff here deserve a shoutout as well. Every time I’ve visited, they’ve been friendly, patient, and welcoming. They don’t rush you, and they seem genuinely happy to help you find a game or recommend a drink. It’s clear that creating a positive, low-pressure environment is a big part of the culture here.
The seating is comfortable and spaced out enough to give you privacy. Whether you’re tucked in a corner reading or sitting at a large table with friends, it always feels just right. The decor is minimal but charming—natural wood tones, cozy lighting, and a few plants make the space feel warm and inviting without being overly styled.
All in all, Outdoor Cafe is much more than a coffee shop—it’s a place to relax, think, play, and enjoy time with others. It’s a perfect balance of quiet charm and thoughtful touches, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Whether you come alone or with a group, you’ll find it’s the kind of place that quickly becomes a favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tenzin Dawa
Just ordered from here for the first time. The chicken bahn mi was great. The bread is not too hard like some other places. I’d def come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
em
My boyfriend and I went to this place and we each ordered Boba, the Boba itself was good but my boyfriend ordered Mango and they didn’t even give him Mango
We were craving boba and bing soo. We ordered on the kiosk but you can also order in person. Service was pretty quick, we played with Jenna and dominos while we waited and ate. The ice in the bingsoo was a bit icier than I would like but the portion was big!
I enjoyed my strawberry mango boba smoothie- I’ll have to try other flavors next time!
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Joan McCormick
Perfect place to set up shop, get a Vietnamese coffee, & a banh mi, if ya nasty. Loved it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Qusai Abdallah
Been coming here for years. Recently there was a point where I was coming in every single day to study. Out of those many days there were two days I didn’t purchase anything because of some issues I was having with my bank. Regardless, I wanted to come study somewhere I was comfortable at and hopefully where I’m recognized. That was not the case. The owner came up to me and said hey, I’m trying to run a business here, you can’t just come in here and not buy. If he would pay any attention he’d know I’ve spent money at his establishment at a minimum of 3 days out of every week just that past month. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. That statement was so off putting that I can never see myself going again. Very disappointed.
Shazia H
The overall cafe is super cute, great place to sit and study or chat. Maybe bring your own coffee though, their coffee tastes like garbage water. Maybe their boba is better but if you’re looking for coffee go elsewhere
Good atmosphere and song choices.
Atmosphere: 5
If you're ever in Albany Park, please try this place! The atmosphere is a super cozy, down to earth type of place. Lots of indoor seating, individual and communal + ample benches outside. So many AFFORDABLE food, drink and smoothie options w/ super friendly staff. Will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
They went ahead and updated their online ordering. Thank you!!🙌
They are so nice they best service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Wifi doesn't work. I came here to get some school work done and paid 2 hours of street parking and the Wifi isn't loading anything. I had to use my hotspot but it's not the best. Bagel and drinks are good but my initial intention was to be able to get work done. Just got up and left, kinda disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Such a lovely spot! Cozy, relaxed vibes with a great atmosphere. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. And the coffee? Absolutely delicious! This has definitely become my new favorite neighborhood stop
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere! Pretty cool! Cozy. Great area. Safe. Quiet place, friendly. Coffee is delicious and economic. My favorite coffee is Vietnam ice coffee
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Outdoor Cafe is one of those rare places that instantly makes you feel at home. Tucked away from the noise of the city or the usual busy café crowds, it’s a quiet little sanctuary that manages to combine relaxation, creativity, and great coffee all in one space. If you’re looking for a place to slow down, recharge, or connect with others in a meaningful way, this is it.
The first thing that struck me when I walked in was how calm it felt. Unlike most coffee shops that are loud and rushed, Outdoor Cafe is refreshingly peaceful. The music is soft, the lighting is warm, and the overall vibe invites you to settle in and stay a while. Whether you’re coming in with a laptop to get work done or meeting a friend for an unrushed chat, the environment supports whatever pace you want to take.
But what truly makes Outdoor Cafe stand out is its impressive collection of board games. There’s an entire wall (yes, a wall) lined with everything from classics like Scrabble, Jenga, and chess to newer strategy and party games. It’s such a wonderful idea—and it’s all free to use while you’re there. Whether you’re a hardcore board game fan or just looking for a fun way to spend time with friends or family, there’s something for everyone. The tables are arranged with enough space to play comfortably without feeling cramped.
The coffee is equally impressive. You can tell the baristas really know what they’re doing—the espresso is smooth and balanced, the lattes are crafted with care, and their tea selection is surprisingly diverse. They also offer light snacks and pastries, which are perfect for sharing during a long board game session or just enjoying on your own. The food and drinks are consistently good, and prices are very reasonable.
Staff here deserve a shoutout as well. Every time I’ve visited, they’ve been friendly, patient, and welcoming. They don’t rush you, and they seem genuinely happy to help you find a game or recommend a drink. It’s clear that creating a positive, low-pressure environment is a big part of the culture here.
The seating is comfortable and spaced out enough to give you privacy. Whether you’re tucked in a corner reading or sitting at a large table with friends, it always feels just right. The decor is minimal but charming—natural wood tones, cozy lighting, and a few plants make the space feel warm and inviting without being overly styled.
All in all, Outdoor Cafe is much more than a coffee shop—it’s a place to relax, think, play, and enjoy time with others. It’s a perfect balance of quiet charm and thoughtful touches, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Whether you come alone or with a group, you’ll find it’s the kind of place that quickly becomes a favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Just ordered from here for the first time. The chicken bahn mi was great. The bread is not too hard like some other places. I’d def come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My boyfriend and I went to this place and we each ordered Boba, the Boba itself was good but my boyfriend ordered Mango and they didn’t even give him Mango
Restaurantji Recommends
We were craving boba and bing soo.
We ordered on the kiosk but you can also order in person.
Service was pretty quick, we played with Jenna and dominos while we waited and ate.
The ice in the bingsoo was a bit icier than I would like but the portion was big!
I enjoyed my strawberry mango boba smoothie- I’ll have to try other flavors next time!
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Perfect place to set up shop, get a Vietnamese coffee, & a banh mi, if ya nasty. Loved it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Been coming here for years. Recently there was a point where I was coming in every single day to study. Out of those many days there were two days I didn’t purchase anything because of some issues I was having with my bank. Regardless, I wanted to come study somewhere I was comfortable at and hopefully where I’m recognized. That was not the case. The owner came up to me and said hey, I’m trying to run a business here, you can’t just come in here and not buy. If he would pay any attention he’d know I’ve spent money at his establishment at a minimum of 3 days out of every week just that past month. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. That statement was so off putting that I can never see myself going again. Very disappointed.
The overall cafe is super cute, great place to sit and study or chat. Maybe bring your own coffee though, their coffee tastes like garbage water. Maybe their boba is better but if you’re looking for coffee go elsewhere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 4
Best coffee shop in town. Highly recommend!
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