The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
“Thank you CBTL for finally opening your doors on the UES!!!”
“Wifi is free, and if you are looking, there are plenty of outlets in the back room!”
“The awning had changed from the former Wicker Park to this.”
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Accepts Apple Pay: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Good for Working: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range Moderate
8 reviews
Rate and write a review Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I really want to like The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Like, I really, really want to. It would make my life so much easier; it's right around the corner from my office. But, I can't. Like, I really, really can't.
As I'm sure you know by now (…if you've read my reviews), I am a stickler for customer service. And, I'm sorry to say (#sorrynotsorry), y'all's attitude sucks. If I had a nickel for every time a staff member gave me a dirty look for no apparent reason or looked at me like I was crazy for placing my order (placing orders is an integral part of the coffee-getting experience, it's not like I'm asking for something random, like a kidney), I'd be a very rich woman.
Aside from customer service, the latte is decent, but it is never all the way filled. It's more like half-a-latte. And, when I'm paying for a whole latte, I expect a whole latte.
Now, you might be wondering why I gave this place two stars. Two stars for it's two, only redeeming features — space and pastries. The black and white cookie was delicious and fresh, and the place is massive. I especially like the booths which offer space and privacy.
Early morning went in for 2 cappuccinos and 2 toasted bagels with CC. Waited 20 MINUTES! I mean come on! It was 2 of the same things! And I even had to spread the CC on own bagel! COME ON!!!!
Attempting to kill some time while waiting for a friend, I was walking around the area and found this place. I figured I would write my review while I am still here.
Extremely average coffee shop. The offer lattes, cappuccinos, blended ice coffees, muffins, bagels, macaroons etc.
I decided to get a chocolate chip muffin and a medium vanilla iced coffee. Total cost was about $6 and change.
The girl at the register was not too friendly. She had this look on her face like this was the last place she wanted to be and just had a very uninviting attitude.
However, the girl who made me and handed me my coffee had a big smile on her face and seemed happy to serve.
The iced coffee I ordered was not as cold as I preferred, and it tasted a little to sweet for my taste. It also unfortunately failed to give me the "pick me up" I needed so I went back inside and got a single shot of espresso which was nice and strong. This time a guy was on the register and he was nice.
The muffin was pretty big. The outside layer was also extremely sweet but in inside was soft and delicious.
The shop is average sized. Plenty of tables to sit on the inside and outdoor seating as well–booths, tables ad a larger room hidden In the back with a large table. The tables outside were pretty dirty. I had to wipe it down before I even placed my stuff on it.
The bathrooms were not pleasant either, also dirty. They have two bathrooms. One was stuffed to the max with toilet paper, employees were using the bathrooms which I'm sure one of them knew it was clogged so why not fix it? The other bathroom was very small and pretty much had the sink over the toilet, so when people was their hands they get water all over the toilet seat–also had no paper towels or mirror.
On the plus side, this place does offer free water…
Overall, I was happy to find a place to wait for my friend today; but if I'm in the area again I would look for a different coffee shop to go to.
Staff wasn't as warm as I thought they would be. The iced chai was very disappointing. I was confused between two beverages, and felt like the cashier was snappy. During my visit on a Sunday evening, I didn't have anyone behind me. I had been looking forward to coming here for a long time.
I am spoiled with Laduree macarons, and am always disappointed when I purchase French macarons around New York City. I must say, these were divine. The smores was delicious.
Came here with a girl friend who's in love with their Chai. I can't speak to that because I didn't get one. I did get a cereal milk macaron that tasted just like fruity pebbles. You know when the fruity pebbles at the very end sit in the milk and turn it rainbow-colored and delicious? That's exactly what it tasted like; rainbow speckled to match. YUM.
Staff was not nice though. They literally would not give me 5 seconds to look at the flavors and decide what I wanted. I'm a New Yorker (born and raised) I get the fast-paced thing, but when you don't give me 5 seconds to make a decision on a $3 macaron, you lose stars.
Eh….so-so coffee shop. Extremely expensive food. Only if you want something other than the 'Bux….nothing special though and not very efficient.
Ugh I'm so jealous of my friends who literally live down the street from this Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Coffee Bean is my go-to coffee place in Southern California, so being able to hang out in one in NY makes me nostalgic for the weekend trips I would make down there with my family.
This location is extremely spacious, with a smaller room tucked in the back that has even more seating and tables. It's nice because it keeps you out of the way of the storefront foot traffic, especially if you are planning on sticking around and studying for a while.
Wifi is free, and if you are looking, there are plenty of outlets in the back room! There are a few interesting individuals who frequent this location, but otherwise it stays pretty quiet.
Things I have gotten: iced pomegranate blueberry tea, sugar-free vanilla latte, iced vanilla latte, mocha latte, vanilla ice-blended, green tea, mocha cappuccino, and banana walnut muffin. Everything has been top notch, I'm sure not the BEST quality you'll find in the world, but it's above decent, and I just love the atmosphere, love the helpful easygoing baristas and cashiers, and love that they do samples on the counter every now and then.