The Bean Cafe

Always clean and cozy. Rarely crowded inside though it is in the middle of the South St craziness. Good for chatting with neighbors, studying and people watching. James, the owner is a really nice guy and treats all of his customers kindly. Interesting decor with works by local artists, a book shelf and posters for events. Stays open late which is nice if you want to hang out in the evening. The coffee is really good, La Colombe brand I think. It is what I would categorize as high quality "regular" coffee.

I would never go anywhere else. I wish I could have put every $ I spent at bizarrely pompous coffee bars, cafés, and corporate coffee institutions from them and into the Bean. I have worked as a professional Barista in two cities, at the most prominent cafés in both. This is my perspective: The Bean is the most quintessential café I have ever been to in America. Cafés, in history, were always a place where every type of person gathered. The commoner , the artist, the professional (etc) would gather to share in a love for amazing coffee. The Bean has the coffee, the atmosphere, and the clientele (without even trying) that emulates the original café environment, in history, that I love and have searched for. It is without effort, it just is who they are. The Bean takes the elitism out of it. It welcomes all, with affordable pricing and authentic atmosphere. The service is authentic and always above and beyond. I would recommend no other café to anyone. Just remember to bring cash!