Introduction to HAIBAYÔ Cafe
UPTOWN — Neighbors can now pop in for a coffee, pastries, sandwiches and more at HAIBAYÔ Cafe on Argyle Street, the business arm of the nonprofit with the same name.
The Grand Opening
HAIBAYÔ Cafe opened over the weekend at 1132 W. Argyle St., said nonprofit co-founder Jennifer Pham. The cafe has been years in the making as part of HAIBAYÔ’s mission to boost the Asia on Argyle district, and it feels “surreal” to have it finally open, Pham said.
“It’s something that we’ve thought about over the years, and we weren’t really sure that it was going to happen, but it all came together, so we’re so excited to open up our doors,” she said.
Menu Offerings
Neighbors can pick up a drip coffee ($3) or latte ($5.50), or one of HAIBAYÔ’s specialty drinks, like Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk ($6) or the Coco Espress, an iced drink made with espresso and toasted coconut water ($6.50).
HAIBAYÔ’s espresso beans are sourced from New Math Coffee, an Indonesian-American company, and the Vietnamese coffee is from Vietfive, an Asian- and woman-owned coffee company with a cafe in the West Loop. The tea is from Chicago company Volition Tea, which is also owned by an Asian American woman.
Pastries are from local vendors, and the sandwiches, like the croissant bánh mì, are made in house, Pham said.
Photos of HAIBAYÔ Cafe
HAIBAYO cafe opened this week at 1132 W. Argyle St., offering coffee drinks, teas and sandwiches. Credit: Provided/Lissy Poeut
About HAIBAYÔ
HAIBAYÔ — which is a play on the Vietnamese phrasing for “one, two, three, cheers” — is a community-focused nonprofit dedicated to enhancing Uptown’s Asian business and cultural corridor and provide opportunities for its residents, artists and makers.
Pham launched the nonprofit in 2019 with local business and community organizer Hac Tran, and the organization began with food and art pop-up events in and around Argyle Street.
The aim was to create more reasons for people to visit Argyle Street and as a way to foster community and collaboration among the area’s entrepreneurs and creatives; Pham owns Mini Tx Pharmacy, 1069 W. Argyle St., which she took over from her parents.
The Community Center
The group now has a permanent spot in the Asia on Argyle corridor, which opened in 2024. It opened in a storefront adjacent to the plant and gift store Qideas, a second-generation Asian-American business which reopened after renovations in 2024.
The cafe is meant to be a place for neighbors to pop in for a quick bite to eat and a creative gathering space. They’ve hosted events like movie screenings, comedy shows and markets, and have a book swap coming up soon, Pham said.
“The intention of why we’re here is not only to serve coffee, tea and programming, but we really want Argyle Street to be kind of like the Southeast Asian hub for the Midwest,” Pham said.
Hours of Operation
HAIBAYÔ Cafe is open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Conclusion
The opening of HAIBAYÔ Cafe is a significant milestone for the Asia on Argyle district, providing a much-needed community space for residents, artists, and makers. With its unique menu offerings and commitment to fostering community, HAIBAYÔ Cafe is sure to become a staple in the neighborhood.
FAQs
Q: What is HAIBAYÔ Cafe?
A: HAIBAYÔ Cafe is a community-focused cafe and nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing Uptown’s Asian business and cultural corridor.
Q: Where is HAIBAYÔ Cafe located?
A: HAIBAYÔ Cafe is located at 1132 W. Argyle St. in the Asia on Argyle corridor.
Q: What are the hours of operation for HAIBAYÔ Cafe?
A: HAIBAYÔ Cafe is open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Q: What types of menu items does HAIBAYÔ Cafe offer?
A: HAIBAYÔ Cafe offers a variety of coffee drinks, teas, pastries, and sandwiches, including Vietnamese coffee and specialty drinks.
Q: What is the mission of HAIBAYÔ?
A: The mission of HAIBAYÔ is to provide opportunities for residents, artists, and makers in the Asia on Argyle district and to foster community and collaboration among entrepreneurs and creatives.
