Cafe and tea house featuring some rare teas as well as coffee drinks and vegan pastries. Also has almond, soy, oat & house-made cashew milk. Food includes grilled cheese with house-made vegan cheese, Impossible meatball sub, chickpea tuna melt, tofu bahn mi, mac & cheese with butternut squash cheese, miso bowl, salads & soup. Many gluten free options available. Reopened September 2020. Fully vegan from September 2022. Open Mon-Wed 8:30am-5:00pm, Thu-Sat 8:30am-8:00pm, Sun 8:30am-4:00pm.
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1876 1st St (at 1st St & Central), Highland Park, Illinois, USA, 60035
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Last update on 11 Jun 2024 by geometric-noise
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Added by WiderVistas on 14 Sep 2020
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28 Reviews
First Review by WiderVistas
hashtagvegan
Points +106
Unique plant-based venue - Edit
I was sad when the first Madame ZuZu’s closed in Ravinia, but I’m happy she’s back in Highland Park with a plant-based menu. Honestly, my chicken Caesar wrap was somewhat plain for the price, but I have yet to try other dishes so I want to be fair to the only all-vegan place in town. The space used to be a clothing store, and now the extra space is used to host concerts, which I appreciate. Right by the entrance are bins of records for sale; naturally, there are various Smashing Pumpkins LP’s available. Additionally, true to the original vision there are loose-leaf teas available for purchase as well, though so far I haven’t bought any at this new place.
Read moreThere’s a lot Madame ZuZu’s has to offer, so I recommend stopping by and checking it out.
Updated from previous review on 2024-04-28
Pros: Spacious, Live music, Train/bus/parking nearby
Cons: Food is a bit plain for the price
Guest
ohgeorgia
Points +772
Let Down - Edit
We really wanted to like this place more than we did - it's a fun environment with a fully vegan menu and a neat little shop of various things. The food was a huge let down, though.
Read moreThe orange chicken was just chicken nuggets and everything else had the texture of frozen food - good sauce, but that was it. The "Insane" grilled cheese had like one slice of cheese on it and nothing else lol. The bread was good, and the side potatoes were fine, but it was pretty expensive for what it was and disappointing.
I bet the shows here are fun, though! Pretty cool that it's a venue.
Pros: neat space, venue
Cons: disappointing food
Guest
MichaelTelesky
Points +1049
Vegan Deliciousness - Edit
Had a great lunch today at Madame ZuZu’s. Impossible burger, potatoes, kitchen sink cookie and a Lavender Tea.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-02-22
Pros: Vegan, Lots of options
Cons: So loud!
Guest
Yvonne108
Points +114
Best Botanic Gardens Pitstop - Edit
I come here each time on my way to the Chicago Botanic Gardens for breakfast and brunch. Kid friendly, lovely staff, and the shop is awesome. Try the golden milk and pastries! We always go too early for the live music, but they have it and it’s a great family place!
Read morePros: Best chilaquiles, Delicious coffee and teas, Fun for kids
Guest
megangould
Points +53
Friday before Xmas brunch - Edit
I don’t know how I only just found this place. We had breakfast sandwiches, my 15 year old had a waffle, & my adult kids had varied meals, &, we all enjoyed them. We are a 25 minute drive away, but would love to come back when there is live music.
Read moreGuest
kamelya18
Points +95
Surprised it’s also a venue! - Edit
Love love love this spot! Hidden secret in the NorthShore. Will return!!!!
Read moreGuest
TheFriendlyGiant
Points +159
Great fresh food - Edit
My experience with Zuzu's was very good. I appreciate that they were open till 7:30 and made delivery available on Uber Eats!
Read moreFood was excellent.
Guest
Samantha18
Points +475
Disappointed - Edit
We had high hopes for this restaurant after reading good reviews. We loved that it is 100% plant based, but that’s where the love ended.
Read moreThe food was very disappointing. For the price we had to pay, the food was bland, boring, and seems as if all the ingredients were from the freezer. Nothing tasted fresh.
I ordered an iced chai latte with almond milk and it was by far the worst chai I have ever had. It tasted like water and milk mixed together. I could not even drink it.
The identity of this cafe was very confusing. It has potential to be a really great vegan spot, but our experience was again, very disappointing.
Pros: All vegan
Cons: Not fresh
Guest
microfauna
Points +1886
Cool Space, Subpar food - Edit
UPDATE:
Read moreAfter dining here over the years, I can’t say I recommend this restaurant. I’m glad a vegan restaurant exists, and it’s a cool space, but the low quality food is way out of proportion to the prices.
August 2022:
Madame Zuzu’s is a refreshing haven for vegan options in HP. It’s greatest strength is the community space and store. There are a lot of vegan options, but the quality has been inconsistent the times I’ve eaten there.
Recently ordered a chicken waffle w/ maple syrup and a sausage. I was surprised and disappointed by the ingredients which included the cheapest frozen vegan chicken nuggets and sausages to be found at your local supermarket. The fruit atop seemed canned. The gravy and waffle were the best part. While it was filling and satisfying, I’d probably order something else next time.
Also ordered the “snickerdoodle” cookie, but instead was given a Mexican chocolate snickerdoodle.
Updated from previous review on 2022-08-19
Pros: Most Vegan options in the area, Music space and store, Outdoor seating
Cons: Expensive for the quality
Guest
anir117
Points +491
So many fresh options! - Edit
Great space, variety of options, very nice staff, and often a Billy Corgan sighting!
Read moreGuest
VeganUSA
Points +8481
100% Plant-Based Experience - Edit
We enjoyed the tofu binh mah and the crunchy veggie-chorizo wrap. Both offered an explosion of flavor and texture.
Read moreFood is ordered at the counter; staff bring it to your table. We lingered in the spacious setting enjoying conversation and vegan delights.
Pros: 100% vegan , Helpful staff, Delicious food
Guest
bookishteatime3
Points +30
Fully vegan tea shop and cafe - Edit
I like to stop here whenever I am in the area. My favorite is the tofu bahn-mi, although their sausage is good as is their bacon.
Read morePros: Menu is tasty, Can modify to gf, Rotating special menu
Cons: Expensive , Small portions , Mozzarella on its own is claggy, try on something
Guest
phashonkat
Points +503
It’s pumpkin season… - Edit
…so what better place to go than to a place owned by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan?
Read morePro tip: combine the seasonal smashed pumpkin latte and the pumpkin spice hot chocolate for a treat your tastebuds won’t soon forget! Real smashed pumpkin with cozy, chocolatey vibes.
The GF option for the smoked carrot lox blew my mind - some of the best GF bread I’ve ever had: thick, spongy, moist with a crunchy crust and fluffy insides. The carrot lox was nice and thinly sliced, but could have been cooked and marinated longer as it was still pretty crunchy rather than the melt-in-your-mouth lox I remember from my childhood and have had with carrot lox at other venues in the past.
The only reason this us a 4 instead of 5 is the lox and the lack of ambiance. It’s a bit of a hodgepodge of many things, though it’s clear they want a versatile community venue, it just doesn’t feel very welcoming to hang out in.
Pros: Unique coffee menu options, Tasty foodstuffs
Cons: Lack of ambiance, Not very comfortable seating, Expensive
Guest
JackyIsLove
Points +268
Ok food but expensive for what you get - Edit
The food as ok.
Read morePros: Outdoor seating, Desserts
Cons: Espensive, Small food portions, Plastic Spoons and forks
Guest
VeganYes
Points +32
Great Food, Ambiance Not there - Edit
My husband and I were looking for a vegan restaurant in Highland Park, and were very pleased to find Madame Zuzu's. Decent portions, especially the Avocado toast (loaded with avocado, tomatoes & greens) and cheese melt with hearty bread.
Read moreI asked if the food were vegan, having seen "plant-based," and perhaps there were some items with honey, but there was a large enough menu to stick to vegan options.
Pros: Very tasty food, whole grain bread, Good portions and prices , Everything was plant-based! Yay!
Cons: Stark environment, except for unique gift shop , Too much open space, should be sectioned off
Guest
CMSDE
Points +126
Good but Inconsistent - Edit
I work not too far from this cafe and have been there several times. The teas and coffees are great--I especially have liked the lattes I've had--and I've also taken advantage of the packaged teas and small gift shop when I've needed to give a gift. The quality of the food, though, has been inconsistent--sometimes good and sometimes rather disappointing. Memorably, I had one dish that was garnished with pickled daikon that would have made a nice garnish if sliced very thin--but it was served in huge chunks that were so strongly flavored as to be inedible. On the other hand, I have enjoyed the grilled 'cheese' with tomato soup. Frequently, the restaurant is advertising for staff so I really think that the inconsistency is likely caused by the high turnover almost every place is having right now. So it's the reason I'm only giving three stars, but I also plan to keep going there, so it's not a dealbreaker for me. If you want something sweet, I highly recommend the sliced layer cake, which comes from Pie Pie My Darling. The available cake flavor changes monthly.
Read moreThis restaurant also has entertainment fairly regularly (including sometimes in the evening, when they're otherwise not usually open), and hosts some community activities. As some others have noted, the prices are a little high, but I think that they are not out of line for the area. Most of the seating is indoors, with a few sidewalk tables outside in nicer weather. Parking is relatively easy--there is a small parking lot for the strip mall, plus street parking and a small municipal lot across the street. From the Highland Park Metra station, the walk is an easy few blocks.
Updated from previous review on 2022-08-14
Pros: Cake from Pie Pie My Darling, Coffees and teas, Supports the community
Cons: Food can be inconsistent
Guest
KatieB
Points +449
Awesome - Edit
We got delivery today, 3 Shanghai rice bowls, the chicken & waffles, and a selection of cookies. Everything was generously seasoned, perfectly cooked, and absolutely incredible. Don’t trust the photos on the online menu, which aren’t super appetizing; they don’t do this great food justice. The cookies were also soft, generously sized, and packed with flavor. I would love to try their specialty teas as well, but I’ll wait until I can get that in person. Will definitely order from them again.
Read moreGuest
WiderVistas
Points +1689
Vegan variety - Edit
There was a variety of different vegan options to choose from. We opted for the Tofu Banh Mi, Impossible meatball sub, a kids mac & cheese to share and a Do Rite vegan donut for dessert. The sandwiches were served on crunchy, fresh baguette bread with just the right amount of sauce so it wasn't dry and wasn't dripping. The meatball sub tasted like spaghetti on a sandwich in a really good way. Veggies in the Banh mi were fresh & crunchy. The sub and mac & cheese were both lukewarm when we got them (even though we arrived 3 minutes before scheduled pickup) and probably would have tasted better hot. The donut was more of a bundt cake - moist, light, fluffy with a slight zing of lemon and sweetness from a dusting of powdered sugar. Staff was friendly when they brought out our order (curbside pickup) and the tables outside were all clean and well spaced apart. Everything was packed in biodegradable packaging.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2020-09-14
Pros: Vegan variety, Vegan baked goods, Biodegradable to go containers
Cons: A little pricey (especially without sides)
JuliaAmelina
Hello! Do they still offer cow’s milk and honey for drinks?
Read moreWiderVistas
Updated to reflect they no longer offer dairy milk or honey for drinks
Read moreGuest
Marcyp7
Points +188
AMAZING! - Edit
Delicious vegan pastries. Excellent food choices; fun sandwiches. Very friendly staff. Highly recommend! I went there for 5 days straight!
Read moreGuest
·X·
Points +21301
Madame Zuzu’s - Edit
Did you all know that Madame’s Zuzu’s is owned by Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins? Perhaps I am dating myself here 😆… but growing up in the 90s, Smashing Pumpkins was definitely a band I listen to. So, needless to say I was super excited to try this restaurant. The food is great as is the atmosphere. I highly recommend it, especially the Smashing Pumpkins fans out there!
Read moreGuest
BiblioBeruthiel
Points +82
Funky Plant-Based Cafe - Edit
This is a really interesting spot with lots of merchandise related to tea, tarot, incense, and music. I had the Tofu Banh Mi and one of the daily iced teas. Both were delicious. Looking forward to trying more options.
Read moreThey also offer vegan picnic baskets for Ravinia with 24 hours notice.
Pros: Lots of options, Funky Merchandise, Interesting range of baked goods
Guest
Pyrrho
Points +30
Yum - Edit
The food is perfect. It suits me well, I recommend the grilled cheese and donuts...yum.
Read moreGuest
Piggy
Points +406
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Edit
Everything was unique and so good!!!!!! Plus, it's an added bonus that *almost* everything can be made gluten free. The meatball sub was mouthwatering and their pastries are so so good. They also have vegan snacks up at the counter.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2020-09-28
Piggy
Some people in my family are soy, nut, dairy, egg, and and gluten free, and were able to find a couple options
Read moreGuest
jamie.labue
Points +236
Very tasty! - Edit
Took my non vegan friends here and they all loved it! Best thing on the menu is meatball sub, chicken panini was also really good. Everything on the menu looks super good too!
Read moreGuest
Dela
Points +119
Great pastries and yummy food. - Edit
Great vegan cafe. Have tried most everything and it’s all yummy. Four stars due to the higher prices for lunch items.
Read moreGuest
AlishaM
Points +1060
Pretty good, not perfect - Edit
What a cool space! And such a funky little selection of goods! The food gets a 2 out of three. The muffin I got was delightful and the Tofu Bahn Mi was very flavorful! But the Gado Gado bowl fell flat. Not enough sauce and the kitchen just threw in giant chunks of completely raw and unseasoned extra firm tofu. I’ve been a vegan for many many years (meaning I should be used to weird vegany ingredients), but this was not appetizing at all. If it had been cooked or seasoned with a bit more sauce it could have been a home run. I’d come back, though.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Variety of menu items, Baked goods
Cons: Not all menu items are that good
Guest
BrandyHuerta
Points +203
Great everything - Edit
Love the new spot, ordered Do-Right donuts and other house made baked goods that were all fantastic. The meatball sub, banh mi, and Italian wedding soup were the best. Their sourdough bread is so soft and crusty. Anything that has their meatballs in it are must-order items. I also suggest the Magnolia Oolong tea. All the takeout containers and silverware are eco friendly.
Read morePros: Quality of the food, Eco friendly containers, Very kind staff
Cons: Outside seating not the greatest, but good to have
Guest
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