Bean Around the World Coffees

It sure is a beautiful day sitting outside at the tables and chairs here. The staff are always friendly and awesome service. I’m munching on my raspberry cinnamon bun with a coffee before work. May happiness and smiles cheer everybody today. God bless you all

I live nearby so I get to see what this location is like at all different times of day and week. It is almost always busy, and unfortunately they don’t police their space very often (plus side: great place to work during the day; minus side: often there are no seats especially during lunch and on the weekend). The problem is the food — their coffee is really bad. It’s hit or miss — sometimes it’s great, and I really appreciate that they have alternate dairy (almond, soy, etc) but often it’s terrible — usually watered down to dishwater consistency, but occasionally quite burnt. They will re-​make it (with considerable eye-​rolling and attitude sometimes).

Twice now Bean Around the World has made me the most watered down Americano ever. However, I did get a cappuccino once and it was fine. I’m sure I’ll come back as I have a friend who likes this place, but I’ll be sure to never order an Americano again.
On the plus side, the customer service is always friendly, they offer skim milk, and they have a huge selection of baked goods.

There is usually a wait but I’ve learned to accept it. The gluten free muffins are the best and I’m not even gluten intolerant. Can’t stop getting their 5 $ almond milk lattes.

I just moved into the neighbourhood. So far, this Bean is by superior to all the others I’ve been to. They bake on site, their claim to fame, and judging by the cranberry orange scone that I’m eating while typing this, it pays off. Thanks guys, it’s the best! Loaded with cranberries. About time someone gets it right.

Been a loyal customer of this store for 12 years because they have the best coffee on Main Street. The espresso is rich and deep; their huge selection of drinks proves they are serious about coffee.
Their snacks are great: the burritos and muffins are awesome, but my favourite are their granola bars. I do wish they had more gluten-​free options, however, their wide selection of options shows they are serious about satisfying their customers.
What I like most is the fact that it’s not an «instant coffee house» — each drink is made by hand instead of punched into a machine; most of the food is baked at the location — not prepackaged at a warehouse and trucked in overnight.
Finally, the owners and the regular staff are really nice people who know and care about their customers. I wish more people would use this store as a model for how to run a business in Vancouver.

Great staff. Great coffee. Great food.
I come here for take out beans every few weeks and when I want a cool place to grab a hot chocolate with my daughter after swimming. Lines move quickly and although crowded you can always find a seat. Way more laid back and less corporate than Starbucks and the coffee is waaaaaay better

Came here numerous times per day while we were in town for a week in September and loved it! The quality and price of their beverages vs Starbucks was unbeatable, and I love that they don’t charge extra to add soy milk. Very friendly staff, and relaxed environment. :)

My favourite place for coffee! I love their iced drinks especially. I usually order an iced mocha or an iced Americano. They offer free syrup which is a plus because most coffee shops like Starbucks always nickel and dime you for ever little thing you add on.
They also have fresh and delicious baked goods made fresh. Lot’s of different options from muffins, scones, croissants, loaf, rice krispy squares to cookies. You gotta try their spinach mozzarella stuffed croissant but try to go early because they run out fast. Their cinnamon buns are soft and the raspberry peach scone is pretty good too! So many pastries to choose from.
Free parking in the back.
I definitely pick this Bean over the one by Main & Broadway.

Dropped by this place while browsing shops along Main St. Staff were friendly and my Italian soda (apple flavour) was nice too! Good place to chillax and read some books.

Usually packed full of students at night since it’s one of the few coffee shops that open late in the East Van area. Lots of spacious tables and plugs around. They have a 2 hour wifi policy (you have to ask for a password), which is slightly annoying, although understandable. Drinks are pretty overpriced IMO ($ 3 for a steeped tea??), espresso is over-​roasted, drip coffee is usually stale and sour. Baked goods are quite delicious and food selection (paninis, samosas) is decent for a coffee shop. They do have some vegan and gluten-​free options available as well. It’s a family-​owned business and the owners there are all extremely friendly and try to get you know you personally if you’re a regular. although the staff turnover is high because there is pretty much a new barista every few weeks (if anyone cares).
Bottom line is, if you’re a coffee connoisseur looking to be mind-​blown at the quality of coffee here, stay away from this place. If you’re looking for a casual place to chat with friends or grind away at some work, give this place a shot.

Mediocre… I feel like such a snob here. NONE of the places I’ve been to get the foam right. Maybe it’s just Vancouver style, or the foam I’m used to back in Seattle is unique. But alas, you’re reviewing Bean Around the World specifically, so snap out of your pity party, Clemmie.
BATW = Nice space. LOOOOTS of tables and nice bright window seats for gawkin’ at passers-​by. They had loads of muffins, cookies, and some sandwiches, but I wasn’t in the market. The coffee temp was reeeeaaally hot. I know because I burned my tongue and my hand’s had to toss the paper cup back and forth for 4 blocks of walking before the heat stopped transferring.
The gal was training in another lass, and I wanted to instruct her «okay, shots done. It’s taste nasty if you let more water in the shot glass…» she let it go for about 2 seconds beyond, and I’m guessing that’s what ruined my coffee experience. It’ s not, «how much water can filter through the coffee before it starts to run clear»…NO!!!

Decided to finally stop in here and grab something to drink. I really wanted something sweet and decided on a hot chocolate. It wasn’t busy but yet waited about 10 mins for my drink. I don’t mind waiting for a good thing but the hot chocolate wasn’t very good. It tasted just like steamed milk. Hot chocolate doesn’t need to be sweet to be good it just needs to be chocolaty. I’d rather walk further down main next time.
***EDIT April 10^th 2014
I really want to love this place because it is so close to my house but I just can’t. I decided to grab some lunch to go and was disappointed. I love a good broccini sandwich so I decided to try it… it was $ 8 for a relatively small sandwich which was mostly mayonnaise and spinach. You’re charging so much and skimping people out on their meal. Go have one at Our Town and then learn some stuff. The only reason I didn’t reduce my review to one star is because the guy who made my sandwich was really nice.

Snooty staff who can’t make a non fat no foam latte. More like a cappuccino!

Out of all the Bean Around the Worlds, this is my favorite ’cause it is right across the street from my favorite record store, the know my name, they know how myself and when I am picking up drinks for others at the store as to how we like our drinks. The staff is always smiling and polite. Their prices are fair market and they have wifi. The drinks aren’t complicated so there is little room for fuck ups. I always look forward to seeing a familiar face behind the til before heading to the record store. They have some gluten free pastries = huge plus points.

Prefer this location over the crazier one down Main St. This one is relaxing, outdoor seating, & own parking lot in the back, albeit a rough n tumble one with the gravel.
Nice staff too & good size seating in proportion. Not much coffee houses other than the handful south of King Edward.
this one you can sit for awhile.

I like it here just fine. Nice outdoor seating, friendly service, free wifi, fresh baked goods (including those of the gluten free and vegan variety), there’s nothing saying that one shouldn’t stop in here for a drink and a little bite to eat.
But, how does an Americano made with espresso beans taste like hazelnut? Burnt hazelnut, to be honest. Maybe this Bean hasn’t around the *whole* World, because if it had, it’d know that no Americano should taste of hazelnuts. Well, unless it’s meant to. Which it shouldn’t. Ever.
Comfortable enough, but coffee nerds need not enter.

I’ve gotta say that if there’s nowhere to sit then I’m definitely NOT going to give your establishment my business. Unfortunately today was the case. Luckily it’s not raining or snowing as I came by today while waiting for the establishment across the street to open for me as they change ownership (They closed their doors March ¹⁄₁₂ — just over two weeks ago)

The coffee here is really good. Yum.
Unfortunately they are so busy that the service is slow and there is often not seating, but the coffee makes it worth it.

The coffee cake here is absolutely delicious! Ok, I know, I’m supposed to be reviewing the coffee, but trust me, the cake is soo good! They also have lots of other baked goods-​cookies, pies (lemon pie!), muffins (quickstart muffin!), and sandwiches.
I like this location because it has glass surrounding the whole place, allowing lots of light to come in. Lots of seating available, with large tables, so I can actually have my laptop running, with all my other papers and books. Fresh flowers are always displayed on the counter, which gives us a homey feeling.
I usually order a Chai Latte or for certain random days, I would get a London Fog. Their Chai Latte is creamy and delicious, and then I also add honey… mmmm, I could have so many of these! London Fog is made with Numi teas, an organic tea. Also very good, and their drinks are always piping hot, just the way I like it.
They are very environmentally friendly by using metal spoons and forks, as well as recylce bins to recycle your cups and lid. They also have brown sugar here!
I’ve always had good service here, and this is a perfect sanctuary when I just want to get away, bring my laptop here, and just hang out.