The Unseen Bean
2052 Broadway, Boulder, CO, 80302
The Unseen Bean Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Boulder for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Boulder for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
2052 Broadway
Boulder, CO, 80302 - Phone (303) 447-2326
- Website https://www.theunseenbean.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:30 am - 6:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Holly S.
Love this place. Fantastic brews and a yummy lunch menu too.
(5)Ben R.
First off, the story behind this place is something you should look up. But since I'm guessing you won't, I'll give you a short summary. The owner is blind from birth (the unseen bean--yeah, sneaky isn't it?) and was an auto mechanic for forty years. I'm not exactly sure how you can work on a car without eyesight because even with eyesight I am only able to point out the engine, the fan thingy, and, on a good day, something that looks to be a battery. (For a more in-depth summary, look at Sean J.'s review). Anyways. In my opinion, anyone who can make the switch from incomprehensible machinery to operating a café--not to mention doing it blind--is quite the dude (or dudette). For this I commend the owner and also for incredible pun work on the name. The shop itself, however, is small inside with seating for maybe ten people who don't mind claustrophobia. To head outside would be a mistake as well, for what would be a nice outdoor seating area should Broadway never have existed is a very loud testament to America's love of individual vehicular transportation. The traffic made any conversation an experiment in how many times we had to pause to allow another rumbling industrial-type vehicle to pass, the ones that take five gear changes to get going fifteen miles per hour and spew out enough black smoke to incapacitate several prairie dogs. The coffee itself was top-notch, and I believe this spot would be prime to stop by on your way to or from work and looked to have a fair selection of breakfast eatable foodstuffs, but as far as staying for a nice chat, I would find somewhere else to go.
(3)Patrick B.
Not only do you get the derisive barista attitude that we all crave with our daily cup, but you then get the privilege of pouring said cup. Luckily, they've removed any danger from the endeavor by allowing the coffee to cool for hours before refilling the pot.
(1)Brandi F.
Cute little place. I've only been once, but the mocha was outstanding and the barista was really friendly. There's a lot of seating, but it's kind of squished into a small space. It's easy to bump into people. Also, I had a danish that was very dry and difficult to eat. I would like to go back for a mocha, bring a book, and sit in a chair on the sidewalk in the early Autumn...
(4)Julian P.
This place has delicious drip coffee (maybe even the best in boulder), but it's a little too small to be the kind of coffee shop you can go work at. The staff is great though, and it has tasty beans for you to take home. Highly recommended.
(4)Boston K.
I was pretty disappointed with the service and food at this little coffee shop. The coffee was a 4/5. The food 2/5. Go here if you like microwaved bacon. Part of my order was missing and Mary, one of baristas, was extremely rude when I called as soon as I got home. She refused to give me a credit for food missing and told me to come back in before 3pm to get it made. I will certainly not be returning, boulder has so much more to offer.
(2)Maritza G.
Their mint biscotti was surprisingly good. Small coffee shop with small tables and one table outside for two. They have discounted pastries from the day before. I got a regular mocha and was just as good as any.
(4)Dave F.
Great coffee. Ordered the salted Carmel latte :-) Breakfast bowls are good too... Fresh ingredients!!!
(4)Christopher B.
I find coffee shops hard to rate because it's subjective but everyone is looking for something different. To me, it normally comes down to the coffee itself and the ambiance. In this case, there really isn't anything to be desired to hang out there so it's really a pop-and-go spot. As for the coffee, I had a coffee latte and it was okay. I've had better, I've had worse. It did the job.
(3)Harry L.
Dictionary definition of great coffees. If you have the chance, buy a pound, take home and brew the best. Pure yum.
(5)Linda H.
Amazing coffee (currently enjoying my second cup of cappuchino) - roasted to perfection. Also very fast, free WiFi ;-)
(5)Joel W.
This little cafe definitely wins for the most creative name and best startup story. The mere fact that a blind man roasts all the beans by smell alone is a reason to check this out. It's not a place for work because it's cramped, there aren't real tables or accessible outlets. In any case, stop by on your way to work somewhere else and try the excellent coffee.
(4)Brad B.
Pros: Solid coffee, excellent happy hour coffee drinks, pretty good pastries. Cons: You and your friends won't fit inside without some lube. Disclaimer: I'm a coffee snob, I admit it, I own it. I roast my own beans, grind them, maintain my machine to have the proper pressure... I have a serious problem. But then there are those times when I'm not home, and I'd like an afternoon cappuccino. I try to be realistic, so I'd prefer that my Java on the road doesn't suck, and I'd really like it to be sort of OK. And I don't care for the recent fad of light roasts for espresso. This is stupid and wrong, and everywhere and everyone in Italy knows this. Eventually, we'll know this too, but we're only a decade into it, and they've got fifty years on us. Anyhow, you're not getting four stars out of me without doing something special, and if you want five, well, good luck. Back to the Unseen Bean. This place is only a few blocks from where I work, but there are about five other places nearby to choose from for a caffeine fix. I've worked out a hierarchy, which depends on how much time I've got and where in town I am, but it looks like this: The Cup Vic's The Unseen Bean Trident Starbucks Brewing Market Amante Bookend Paradise And, well, I try not to drink anything worse than Starbucks. (I know, I'm missing the Laughing Goat, but the one time I was in there to pick up a sandwich I got such crappy service that I haven't gone back since. I'm probably missing out, but there's a principle.) The happy hour mid-afternoon specials tend to pull me out of that post-lunch work coma nicely, and with the discounted price, they win hands-down during that time. The service, well, it's Boulder. About par for the course? Bottom line: I like this place enough to keep going back, and if you're just going for the coffee, you probably will too.
(3)Poem G.
The big drawback here is the coffee is not fresh, you serve yourself through termal dispensers, and you only have a choice between two roasts. It is fast and convenient. Not a place to hang out. its coffee on the go.
(3)staje W.
Absolutely excellent coffee. This is where I buy my beans for home use because over the years I've never once had a bad cup of coffee. When you buy a pound of coffee you get a free cup and I've always quite enjoyed sitting in the shop and sipping. As others have said, it isn't a large shop, but I've never had a problem getting a seat and I've seen a number of amusing things related to the mall while there (for example a flash mob). The things that I don't like are related to the location, it can be hard to find parking and the bathroom is upstairs in the adjoining building and requires a key. On the other hand, it is located right off Pearl street and directly across the street is the Savory Spice shop so I think it evens out and the quality of the coffee makes it outstanding. I've also met the owner a couple of times and he is very nice and funny.
(5)Jen M.
What an amazing story...a blind owner who had to overdevelop his sense of smell to become a master roaster. It is amazing because so much of coffee roasting is by sight. Great latte. It could have been served a touch hotter but the flavor was great. I still think Cup and Flatiron Coffee are better but I am happy to support Unseen Bean any day.
(3)Matt P.
Small Mocha Price: $3.32 Pros: 1. Great Coffee 2. Outdoor seating 3. Good scones 4. Free internet Cons: 1. A bit small but was able to find good seats. I don't spend much time in Boulder but we decided to try this place out since it did have a sign that stated "Best Coffee in Boulder". How can you go wrong? I really enjoyed the coffee here although it isn't a place I'd choose to sit down and work from my computer for a few hours. Reason being that it's a bit small and can get crowded/loud. I also had a scone that was better than average and really got a kick out of the music playing (Dr. Dre) which you don't typically hear at a coffee shop.
(4)Colie J.
As others have said. This coffee shop is small, but the frappe I had was okay. The price wasn't on the menu, but $4.50 +0.25 for mocha for the small size seems very high. Didn't come with whipped creme (not sure if I could have added it for an extra charge). Took some discussion between the two guys as to if they could make one decaf and how to charge me. I would go back and try a latte when I am back to drinking coffee again.
(3)Dominick Q.
Call me Starbucks-brainwashed, but when I buy coffee...I'm not only buying the liquid, I'm buying the experience as well. I'd give this place two-stars for experience. It's a tiny little shop - maybe 8-10 seats - that seemingly gave little thought as to how to make the space feel intimate as opposed to cramped. You serve yourself via the thermal dispenser in the corner. Like most other Yelpers have said, this is a "grab-and-go" and not a place to linger spot. Four stars for the coffee quality, five stars for the fair trade practices...and one more thing: I have to give a shout out to Sean J's review, as he provides a really cool/compelling back story on how The Unseen Bean not only gets its name...but also a detailed description of how the beans are roasted. In summary, if you just want a cup of tasty coffee to go, this is your place. if you want an experience...check out The Cup or one of the dozens of other Boulder coffee spots.
(3)Leila M.
This place is Boulder's best little coffee shop! Really yummy coffee, I always order a mocha, and its just bittersweet enough that the chocolate isn't too overpowering and you can still taste the coffee. Friendly, easy to get along with staff, and a great environment. My bf and I are never disappointed when we go here.
(5)Xoxo X.
I have never been here ( I needed to star rate to post) but I saw it on a Kickstarter campaign and I really like the logo and the story. The campaign is raising money for another location ( Lafayette?) for roasting and coffee. Maybe the "experience" noted will be better there. kickstarter.com/projects…
(4)Caley Jack S.
This quaint little coffee shop offers up blazing hot coffee and gluten free snacks. Seriously I think the coffee was boiling when I got it.
(3)Tali T.
I love this place. It's not a big shop and not a ton of seating but for a drink and lunch/breakfast on the go it is great. The staff there are wonderful. Always very pleasant and mellow, yet responsive and get your order out quickly.
(5)Laura L.
I was in Boulder last week for a meeting, and needed some coffee stat. Of course, I could always check my trusty Yelp app, but sometimes it's nice to take the recommendations of the locals you're hanging with, so that's what I did. And that's how I ended up at Unseen Bean! Now, I'd call this spot more of a grab-and-go coffee shop, as it's a small spot and there are only a few tables. They do have wifi though, so if you're lucky enough to snag a seat you can get some work done. I was impressed by the friendliness of the waitstaff and the fact that they carry fresh, local-made breakfast burritos - which always puts a smile on my face. My mocha was quite tasty, and I immensely enjoyed my caffeine buzz all morning. A little background: founder Gerry Leary has been blind since birth, and started pursuing the art of roasting beans over 15 years ago in San Fran. He tries to carry organic, fair-trade beans when possible, and if you check them out right now they are doing a special sale on Kona beans (perhaps my fave of all time.) Still expensive, but if you're in the mood to treat yourself...hey, go for it! Never been to the Unseen Bean? Get there! If you're nowhere near Boulder, you can find their beans at Grindhaus on 17th or you can order online.
(4)Sean J.
I have loved several coffee shops in my day, but until now I have never believed in one. I actually haven't been to the coffee shop in Boulder, but I did spend some time with Gerry Leary, the owner, master roaster, and visionary of The Unseen Bean, and here is my story. I was informed by my dad that my uncle knew a guy who roasts his own coffee in Longmont and sells it at his local coffee shop in Boulder. Intrigued with such news, I wondered if I could somehow spend a day with Gerry and see how the whole roasting process works. I contacted my uncle and he informed me we could stop by and hangout for awhile. When we finally got there, this is what happened. The Unseen Bean isn't just a name whimsically dreamed up. In fact the name has extreme relevance. Gerry, the owner has been blind since birth. He used to be a Porche mechanic but got bored and wanted to get into the coffee business. No one would teach him how to roast coffee by justifying their answer saying that coffee beans need to be seen in order to get the perfect roast. Not taking no for an answer, Gerry finally found someone in California who would teach him how to roast based on temperature and sound. So it all began. Two years ago Gerry bought a small roaster that roasted half a pound at a time. He would roast coffee for friends, and finally made enough to buy a bigger roaster and open a store off Pearl Street in Boulder. He has done well, and here was my experience. When we got there, Gerry was roasting a batch of coffee from Zambia. To my left were raw coffee beans and to my right were freshly roasted coffee beans. He explained the process of roasting by hearing the cracks and watching the temperature. He had a thermometer that would relay the numbers by sound since he obviously couldn't read the display. After the batch was done roasting, it was ready for cooling. He then made roasted some coffee from Ethiopia then Panama. He explained why the Zambian coffee roasted 3 seconds longer than the Ethiopian and why the Panaman roasted a whole 30 seconds quicker than the Ethiopian. While we were there he gave us an espresso chocolate bar made from his coffee, of course a cup of coffee from the freshly roasted beans, and I bought a pound of coffee in support of his business. When I asked if I could try a freshly roasted bean, he replied, "Take several. Take a handful. Try them all." He sent me off with two bags that the raw beans came in, one from Zambia, and the other from Panama coincidentally enough. Midnight, his dog that's displayed on the company logo, meandered inside and out. He slept and stared. He knew his place in the business and helped out. It wasn't as though Gerry was flawless either. Since he was blind he could be seen listening to his laptop as he filled out invoices. He often stumbled as he would run into buckets of beans. He obviously had to feel his way through the warehouse. That made me respect him and his business so much more. The Unseen Bean put a whole new perspective on coffee for me. It is no longer just a fluid that I drink for taste or energy. I will now taste the process, the passion, and the privity. I will wholeheartedly support Gerry and his company, because I saw his zeal and love for coffee. He didn't let an "impairment" hinder him; rather he pushed forward and started one of, if not, the most respectable coffee companies in Colorado.
(5)Margaret T.
If you are going to get a cup of coffee, just for the delicious flavor, this is probably the best place on Pearl to go to. Not only is there an amazing back story (see Sean's review), but you can literally taste the hard work and passion in their coffee. However, this place doesn't really have much as seats go- and if you're like me and you love to sit at a coffee shop and hog their internet all day, this is a downside. I often find myself going somewhere else if I want to spend a lazy Saturday morning on Pearl just because I walk by and there's not any seats... but if you like to get your coffee to go, I definitely recommending such a great business with such an interesting, "only could happen in Boulder" back story.
(4)d c.
Been living here for five months. This is the best coffee in Boulder by far. Great taste, body, and very smooth. It literally tramples the competition.
(5)Isaac V.
These guys know their coffee.
(5)Lah G.
Stumbled in here at 9:00 on a Sunday morning when nothing else around here was open. They had just opened so I was hoping they had iced coffee chilled and ready to go. Not only did they have it, it was delicious and was made well. (some iced coffees are just coffee poured over ice. Not Good.) I was in a hurry so I didn't get a chance to really peruse, but it seemed like they had some excellent and interesting coffee beans.
(5)Alley C.
i want a comfortable place to study and sip. no soft chairs or couches. feel rushed to buy coffee and leave.
(2)Rachel E.
This is an in-and-out coffee shop..My drip coffee was one of the best cuppa joes I've ever had.. The perfect drop in coffee shop before starting your day on Pearl Street..
(5)Tait S.
Best coffee shop in Downtown Boulder hands down! Great staff, awesome coffee and reasonable prices!
(5)Alejandro D.
As far as I can tell, the coffee here is excellent. Down from the bean selection to the roasting and brewing. It also seemed like a very unique place with a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Definitely a unique story, that's for sure. The only downside to this place, I think, is the size and location. While it is very centrally located, I found that Broadway is a bit too loud to enjoy sitting outside, and its a bit too small inside. So maybe it's not somewhere I'd go if I was trying to stay there for a long while. Aside from that though, this place is becoming a true Boulder landmark.
(4)Anthony T.
Simply the best coffee around. There is such a difference to having a cup of coffee where the beans were roasted just days before. The Breakfast Blend, Malawi, and Indonesian Sumatra are personal favorites.
(5)Elizabeth W.
This coffee is delicious!! I just stopped in and not only is it great coffee, the selections are fair trade and/or organic which if you aren't keeping up with these things really means a lot. Fair trade means the workers are treated propperly and that they are practicing organic practices but may not be certified organic yet (takes like 5 years to get organic certification ) Organic: meaning (among other things) that there are not harmful pesticides in what you are ingesting. Bravo! My skinny latte was perfect. Quickly made, but not sloppy and the taste is really some of the best I've had. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. P.S. yes, this place is small but I went for the coffee, not the outdoor seating:)
(5)Jared K.
When if comes to the coffee itself, this is one the best unsung coffee shops in this mecca of great coffee shops. As others have pointed out, it's just a tad on the small side. But the coffee itself is fantastic. I've always had great service, and if you're there for an early bite to eat as well, you can't go wrong with one of their delicious breakfast burritos (not made there, I don't think, but delicious nonetheless). If you're looking for a change from the typical "Cup" or "Trident" scene and value the flavor of a perfectly roasted coffee bean, then this is your place.
(5)Albert H.
Unseen... yes, unseen if you're coming from the Pearl mall (it is tucked back a little and faces the other direction). But finally I found it, and the coffee was quite good. Water in the little fridge was not very cold though. Looked like a cute little kitchen for some hot food - maybe next time.
(4)Michael D.
The Unseen Bean roasts and brews the best coffee in Boulder, a town full of great coffee options. It's true that the space is somewhat cramped, but I don't linger long usually. Some great deals are available, too: coffee happy hour 2pm-3:30pm (among other deals: $1 for a 12 oz. drip!), a Buy 9 Get 1 Free card, discounts for downtown Boulder employees, etc. I buy bulk coffee for brewing at home. It's a little steep ($25 for 2 lbs) but you get what you pay for: fantastic coffee.
(5)