QUICK VERDICT: Decent matcha with housemade milk options that actually complement the drink – a refreshing departure from the usual cookie-cutter scene. Great treats.
LOCATION & LOGISTICS:
Oromo has two locations (at least, that I’m aware of):
- Oromo Bucktown, which sits under the Blueline stop at Western and Milwaukee – 1912 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 / Google Maps
- Oromo Lincoln Square, seated at the bend where Lincoln Ave splits – 4703 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 / Google Maps
In my experience, the menu and staff are equally delicious and friendly at both locations.
The Matcha Breakdown:
Powder: Oromo is incredibly unique in that they server matcha from a company called The Tea House. The specific matcha Oromo uses is from Yame, Fukuoka in Japan. It sells for about $0.30/gram (0.01 oz) and is a baseline grade. (But FYI, The Tea House also sells a premium grade from Shizuoka. — To my fellow matcha obsessives, you read that right: the cheaper option is from Yame while their premium “Sakura” at $1.15/gram (0.04 oz) is from Shizuoka. Make it make sense, right?)
Preparation: Approximately 3g (my guessing) regardless of drink size, prepared with super hot water but somehow avoiding the usual cardboard-dipped-in-acid disaster we’ve all suffered through at rogue cafés. This is where Oromo could make some improvements.
Staff Knowledge: On the matcha, not mucha. Solid milk guidance though – they’ll actually talk you through their housemade options based on what you’re looking for. Sweet? Nutty? They’ve got recommendations.
As for the Drinks, of course I’ve not tried them all, but here’s what I can tell you…
- Iced Matcha Latte with Horchata Milk: Rice, hazelnut, coconut, honey with hints of cinnamon and vanilla – if you want your matcha a little sweet, this is your specialty latte wrapped in one order. However, expect more horchata and less matcha flavor. It’s quite sweet.
- Iced Matcha Latte with Pecan Milk: Brings out matcha’s bitterness more – only if you’re really chasing that bitter edge (but honestly, skip this combo and save the pecan milk for espresso — I think it’s actually a better use of this milk)
The Matcha Experience: The matcha doesn’t exactly swim up and slap you with any umami or complexity, but it actually delivers a clean bitterness without the grassy astringent nightmare you get at most places. Not much depth, but also not offensive – which is honestly a win in Chicago’s matcha landscape.
The Vibe & Value:
Setting: Both the Bucktown and Lincoln Square cafés maintain a vibe that is good, but I find it a little difficult to precisely describe. Almost like a fancy restaurant that doesn’t feel fancy once you settle in. It’s not at all stuffy. But doesn’t feel 100% casual. You can be 100% casual and it’s comfy once you’re there. All that to say, it’s a great atmosphere that’s as unique as their menu features.
Service: Great staff who actually know their milk game and will guide you through options without rushing
Value: Fair pricing for housemade milk alternatives and decent matcha quality
The Treats: Pistachio+Matcha Energy Bar is legitimately delicious – big, with sweet and nutty notes, just a hint of matcha, and an almost cookie dough flavor that works. Plus lots of vegan and gluten-free options if that’s your pattern.
Our Take:
If, like me, your body is more matcha than water at this point, you know might know how rare it is to find a café using Yame matcha instead of the usual Kagoshima (Spirit Tea’s Kodamari) or Shizuoka (Rishi’s barista blend) suspects. It’s a nice switch-up in a city full of matcha mediocrity.
Could Oromo dial in the ratios better? Absolutely. But they’re making matcha without completely butchering it, and their housemade milk game actually enhances the experience rather than masking bad powder.
Side note on the housemade milks: they’re actually made at the Oromo location and are minimally processed, so they tend to have a much different feel in your mouth than any other milks. Sometimes a little more gritty or slightly chalky (think tannic black tea or wine… similar but different). And it depends on which milk you choose. I know a few folks who aren’t fans of that. Ask for a sample if you’re not sure.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION:
Go if: You want decent matcha with creative milk options and you’re tired of the same old Spirit Tea/Rishi routine every other café serves
Skip if: You’re looking for high flavor complexity or if you need your matcha to deliver serious umami punch
Order: Iced matcha latte with horchata milk for an easy sweet latte OR any other milk of choice but also add your sweetener of choice.
Snacks? Yea, I think this is their strong point. Grab the pistachio+matcha energy bar or almond teff cookie or salted chocolate chip cookie (all of those are vegan) or the baklava (not vegan).
Have you tried it?
Has anyone else tried The Tea House’s matcha powders on their own? I’m curious about the quality difference between their Yame baseline and that Shizuoka “Sakura” – the pricing hierarchy has me scratching my head. Drop a comment or send a message if you’ve done the comparison! Or if there’s anything else we should know about Oromo.
RATING: 💚💚💚🤍🤍 👍 Solid choice for a matcha break from the usual places
QUICK FACTS:
- Recent Visits: July 2025
- Powder: The Tea House, baseline grade from Yame, Fukuoka, Japan
- Approximate Price: $7+ for matcha latte / $5 for a treat
- Best for: Sweet latte lovers wanting creative milk options, or just for trying something different than the standard options in town