Well, now! We ended up in here by default, and this circumstance has led this to become our default coffee place. We were in Manoa when my wife really wanted a Starbucks coffee. So, we parked in Starbucks' tiny parking lot (across from Manoa Marketplace), went inside Starbucks, and it was ridiculously crowded with a bunch of petulant people slowly nursing their coffees while they wrote their dissertations, Pulitzer prize-winning novels, and other tomes on their ubiquitous laptops. There was no place to sit! We both did an immediate about-face, got back in our car, released some more carbon into the already compromised atmosphere, and drove across the street to the Manoa Marketplace (lots of parking!) We wandered in here, found it pleasantly populated, but un-crowded, with a decidedly more down-to-earth and friendly vibe than the place we came from. The folks behind the counter were friendly and low-key, and there was just one woman with a tablet (not a computer), who occasionally looked at it. The iced dessert coffee I ordered was just right, and my wife, who is much more the coffee connoisseur than I, was quite happy with her beverage. It just goes to show, sometimes those "accidents" in life are just meant to be!
(5)
Jeff T.
I have been patronizing this CB&TL for years. Service is always on point. Naturally there are different faces behind the counter but it seems they have an endless supply of young, friendly and personable team members; for most businesses this is in very short supply these days. I don't use the word team lightly - it's great how the staff actually works together. Excellent management and training - more words tossed around but rarely made a reality. This CB&TL is doing a great job and it keeps me coming back. Truth be told, I prefer the beverages at Starbucks. But see my review on the Starbucks here in Manoa. CB&TL is the clear winner in this neighborhood and example of how things should be done.
I'm a long time fan of... THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF! The first time was well over a decade ago on busy Market St. in busier San Francisco. I've always preferred it over "the other coffee chain", but I'm still more inclined to go to independent coffee shops - If I do have a choice! However, having said all that... I love this... THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF! This specific location more than the others. For one, it's in my 'hood of the rolling hills of Manoa and it just seems more of a warm and fuzzy feeling at this location. The staff always nice, samples always to be had, and service is generally efficient. I do avoid peak hours if I intend to plant my a** in a seat. On a typical day I will usually get House Coffee or Iced Green Tea. Once in a blue moon I'll get a fancy drink if I can scrounge a coupon or it's a house special! Once in awhile my friends will 411 me on .99 cents fancy drink specials, but it's rare, maybe once or twice a year. I actually came in yesterday to prepare my taxes and listen to some Paul McCartney & Enya. I mean "The Sex Pistols" aren't exactly suited for thinking! Of course, like Groundhog Day I sipped a Iced Green Tea. So yes, I recommend... THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF! It's a good chain alternative to "the other guys". I've never ventured on the sandwiches or eats, but maybe I did over a decade ago, pre-Yelp and pre-wannabe clueless foodies on every corner. The drinks are delicious and the samples, too. Heck, the next time I'm here I will definitely step-it-up and get something to eat, too. I'll be back, maybe in another two months or so... remember I'm a big independent dude, but I'll be back. Especially the one in the rolling hills of Manoa! OVERALL GRADE: 4.0-STARS! (SOLID!) LIVE ALOHA... YELP REVIEW #415
(4)
Sarah K.
This coffee bean is in a great location and almost always has space to study! There's a lot of outlets which is nice. They provide samples all the time, and the people serving are happy and nice. They also have some food selection along with products you can buy. There's outdoor seating in the shade which is nice also. The music isn't too loud which is great background noise but isn't over powering. I'm not sure if there's a bathroom on sight or not. Overall this a great place to study, hangout, or just relax.
(5)
Kristi D.
I heart this CBTL! Service is always top notch, and they always seem to have a good selection of food stuffs on hand. They also some fun coffee and tea paraphernalia, most with the CBTL logo, of course. My fave drinks are a breve latte, an iced Americano with half and half, or an earl grey with sweetener and half and half. My favorite thing to eat is the almond croissant or the quattro bruschetta. They also have some seasonal stuff, and in the summer my daughter just LOVES the melon mint tea iced blended. This CBTL also has some outdoor seating in a shaded area, and is often occupied by students, stay-at-homers, and slackers like me. :)
(5)
Reid S.
Yay! I'm a fan. I think The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Manoa Marketplace is the only coffee shop in the world that has the upper hand against Starbucks, since Starbucks is not even in the hustle and bustle of Manoa, but across the street. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has the prime location next to Manoa's huge Safeway and the Marketplace's sprinkled Asian eateries. In high school, I used to come here all the time because it was so close to Punahou, a virtual 30 second drive from campus. A typical day would include lunch and a coffee. The other day I spent a lot of time here writing reviews and doing other work, the coffee shop has a large interior with many tables and chairs for outdoor seating. It is a nice place to do work and people watch, it's rather peaceful. And the amazing part of it all is their free wifi, I mean, you have to confirm connection every 30 minutes, but the connection is much better than other places. Plus the connectivity radius is rather superb, I was sitting quite a ways away from the entrance, but had sound internet efficiency. I usually order their Hazelnut Latte or any type of Frappuccinos, they are sweet, but taste different from their Starbucks competitor. I've noticed their blended drinks are more icy, they don't melt as fast I don't know, it could all be in my head! I like their blended Chai, I love Chai. Love it. Theirs is good. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Manoa Marketplace is a prime location for lounging and doing work, grocery shopping, and eating because it is a quieter neighborhood, but there is still local hustle and bustle. Definitely a nice place to kick back and relax.
(4)
Edmund G.
Great place to get a good cup of coffee or ice blended drinks. They have free wifi and good seating inside. The staff are great and they prepare the drinks just the way you order it. Will definitely be back to try more items on the menu.
(4)
De'Lissa R.
I like this location. They're all so friendly and they're pretty fast. Most of them know me by name now since I come to this location almost every day. I used to be a Starbucks Junky but I'm starting to like Coffee Bean a bit more now. My fave is Vanilla Latte. ;)
(5)
Jenny F.
The baristas here are so wonderful! Truth be told I typically go to Starbucks since I have gift cards for them, but I like that CBTL is a little less of a large corporation. I didn't know what to order, so I went with iced tea, which is often the cheapest item on the menu. The barista was so nice and helpful, explaining the different kinds of teas that they have, and being patient with me when I was overwhelmed by the sheer variety of dried leaves that you can brew. So I went with a 12oz tea, but she asked me if it was ok to upgrade me to the large size because they cost the same!! Of course I said yes--what Chinese girl is going to say no to free upgrades? YES PLEASE. So the baristas and service are great, and the actual space is pretty awesome too. They have a good deal of tables, bar seats, couches, AND outdoor tables. All with free wifi and a decent number of outlets. It's pretty crowded and busy, but I think it'd be a great place to study in the evening when things slow down a bit. They were also really kind to an elderly man (a war vet) who had difficulty walking. He was sitting outside, and he asked me to go pick up his coffee. I went in, asked for his coffee, and instead of just passing it off to me, she walked it out to him herself! And it wasn't because she didn't trust me to bring it out to him, she honestly wanted to be of great service and be a wonderful human being. :) Happy place. :)
(4)
Reiko S.
We had a little date nite at this location and was just so impressed by Cody. Great heart and great service. Keep up the good work!
(5)
Denalee C.
Coreen L. and I have been using the CBTL as our study spot for...I'd say a year now. The parking is abundant. The long tables are useful for studying and it's an overall great spot to get stuff done. It's a bit quieter than other study spots-in terms of traffic. The customers are pretty focused on whatever they are doing and there's no music in the background. Oh, and the internet is reliable. It does however feel like the polar vortex at night. I don't know if it's because the people to AC ratio changes but seriously, in pants and a jacket I am shivering and my fingers get too cold to type. They have a nice selection of tea (my drink of choice) and fantastic customer service. I love their sandwiches and how they heat it up for you and serve it on real dishes with real silverware. We'll see you at our favorite study spot. Look for the two girls on the long table in our workout clothes :)
(4)
Lee L.
I've been visiting family in Manoa for the past few weeks and have become a regular at the Manoa Coffee Bean. The coffee is great but that has become beside the point for me. The baristas learned my name in just a couple of days and are genuinely friendly, setting a cheerful and easygoing tone for the day. After getting my coffee I sit at one of the outside tables and people watch. I love the 3 older men that meet most mornings, the corgi that comes and begs tidbits from the ladies, and the cozy familiarity of dog owners leaving their hounds with other regulars or simply leaving them hunkered down by the door while they go in to get coffee and treats. This is that mythical creature, a true neighborhood coffee shop.
(5)
Janice O.
Great friendly service. Love the bagel and salmon. Tried the ice blended dark chocolate affogato my way. Mmmm. I like it that you can customize your drinks. Gotta try their "morning glory" and turkey bacon scone! Again, mmmmm. Comfy place to sit and have coffee. Lots of parking and you don't have to run across the street like the "other" coffee place. Lol
(5)
Brianne V.
One of my go to places if I need caffeine before heading to UH Manoa. What I like about this one compared to the market city location is there is more seating and parking. There is normally at least one table open when I come.
(4)
Atul T.
CBTL @ Manoa has been the best coffee place for me so far. I have been coming to this place since they started . The staff members are exceptionally good and friendly. If you are a regular customer, they call you by name! I love their coffee and penne pesto pasta. A GREAT place to relax in the valley! Highly recommended to visit early morning over the weekend and sit outside to feel the nature in the valley.
(5)
Joy Celeste P.
This place is located next to Safeway at the Manoa marketplace across McDonalds, next to a ramen place etc... I ordered a green tea latte. The one star is for friendly service and the military discount. I paid $4.51 for a regular size (total ripoff!!!). Here's another ripoff: my cup was practically half filled! Extremely disappointed!! This was my first time to come here and the very last! I should've stuck with my guts and went to Barnes & Noble!
(1)
Nicole B.
Bought a mocha blended today. Terrible! Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's junk. Why can't they be consistent in how they make their coffee. Cafe Kyra at Don Quijote is the best!
(1)
Ivy Lou H.
I really enjoyed my Cafe Vanilla as it had the perfect balance of vanilla and sweetness and their beans had a nice mellow taste. There's lots of individual and big tables to sit at and a quiet ambience as they keep their blenders in sound-proofed cabinets (hint for Starbucks). Grab some pastries at Manoa Bakery around the corner and enjoy your cozy rainy Manoa morning.
(4)
Mari N.
I LOVE coffee bean and tea leaf! It is my go too coffee place. This review is long time over due and has become part of my study routine or morning, lunch, afternoon pick me up. Get coffee-then open books. Its a great place to meet up with friends and this particular location has seating available unlike other smaller coffee shops. I've always been served quality food and beverage items. I'm 100% satisfied with all my orders and they have a variety of drink and food selections. Drinks are consistent and staff really go the extra mile in customer service. My year around drinks are usually the ice blended or the hot drinks. And during the holidays, winter dream tea is my favorite! This location is mostly always busy, so if you see an open seat, grab it!
(5)
Keith W.
I stayed nearby & had morning coffee in downtown Manoa for a week. Tried other choices in area but found 'Coffee Bean' to be the best blend of service, food choices, coffee, sitting area & wifi.
(4)
Mike N.
Good ambiance, good coffee, good service. It's probably one of my favorite Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf locations. Highly recommend this place, but there's always lots of people so they don't need my recommendation. Keep up the good work.
(4)
Steph C.
I've had several mid-morning and mid-afternoon meetings here. 'Mid' is the key. It can be busy at the normal rush hours of the day. Timing can also determine a parking spot. The stamp card is of course a draw for me - one stamp for every dollar spent. Best part is the cards do have an expiration date printed on them but the baristas will still take them and they'll combine your cards if you really find it necessary. For meetings, the two person cafe table can be a bit squishy if there is paperwork to be done. The outside tables are larger and an option if not rainy or already taken. The refrigerator unit has your general yogurt, sandwich, muffin offerings. The egg salad is great! Today, I used a stamp card for my large coffee. Nothing special. I just like a good cup of coffee, no room. After ordering, I had to remind the barista that I'd ordered a coffee. They had served four people in between. Apologies all around and that doesn't usually happen. I think the stamp card threw him for a loop. All in all, a good tasting, large cup of coffee.
(4)
Randi C.
This is the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf location I visit most frequently, and about 90% of the time the service is excellent. Even though it gets very busy, the lines move and the servers never become NASTY ( which happens so often at most Starbucks locations that I have stopped going to any Starbucks). There is a decent selection of foods and they seem to be open even on holidays.
(5)
Slur P.
Fabulous iced coffee and so many delicious food choices. The employees are also very kind and inviting. I've been a faithful customer to Starbucks for years but the line was long at Starbucks one day and I was in a hurry so I went to find coffee elsewhere and found this place. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the coffee and food tastes better at the Coffee Bean and Ti Leaf. That's my personal opinion.
(4)
Greg B.
I can go on about the simple nature of a coffee house. It's about coffee. It's about the offered service of heating up a muffin. I can go on about how the coffee (just black) was quite good and so was the coffee cake muffin. However, it is coffee, and I would simply recommend this place for the swiftness of service. I would highly recommend coming here just for a cup of coffee but with a certain bit of yearning for something intangible. I guess one would say it's about the presentation but an alternative to other(unnamed) places.
(4)
Taryn L.
Overall, I like Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) because they offer a lot more variety in food and drinks than Starbucks. My favorite food item is their pesto pasta - you can find it in their cold case. They can heat it up for you, so it is less like a pasta salad...and it tastes better heated. It has cheese and tomatoes in it too. When heated, the cheese will melt and become more stringy (similar to the cheese on a slice of pizza when you are pulling that slice away from the whole). I love to get this for a small lunch. I like CBTL's iced black coffee. Simple, but effective. It tastes stronger than other coffee shops, but it still has a clean taste (no bad after taste...usually). I have also had their ice-blended drinks, which are good. I miss the days when they offered a list of 8 different items that you can ask them to blend into the drink. My favorite item to get from CBTL is their affogato. One of the best food discoveries in the past year has been an affogato, which is a scoop of vanilla ice cream served with one or two shots of their rich espresso. Delicious! The ice cream sweetens the espresso shot(s) while still giving the (much-needed) dose of caffeine. Perfection - a match made in heaven. CBTL also offers Bubbies mochi ice cream. I can get mochi ice cream WITHOUT the 20-minute line at Bubbies...SCORE! (possible girly scream can be added here for emphasis). I love ordering the mochi ice cream at this CBTL in particular because there is one guy employee that always looks super excited/happy for me when I order it. It is like he is excited for me just ordering the ice cream. It always brings a smile to my face. The workers here are also extremely nice and welcoming, even if you walk in 5 minutes before closing. Not an ice cream, coffee, or tea person? CBTL also offers chocolate dipped items, like fortune cookies and mini Oreos. Yup. It seems like CBTL has it all.
(5)
Ashley Y.
This is one of my favorite places to study! The staff are super friendly, bubbly and helpful. Also, there's plenty of tables and power outlets! Sometimes I find myself camping there for a whole morning or afternoon as I write a long paper or cram for an upcoming test, and no one prompts me to leave! The WiFi is really strong, too!
(5)
Brittany D.
This location super sucks. Always so slow and the people are rude. I was waiting 15 minutes for my drink and they weren't even apologetic that they forgot. And 5 people that ordered after me got their drinks before they realized I was still waiting. BOO!!!
(2)
Mel G.
As far as chain coffee stores goes this wasn't bad. Coffee was decent and it was conveniently located for a cup o joe following the Thurs farmer's market in the Manoa marketplace. Staff was friendly, though whenever they called my name for my order being ready, they must have not tried more than once. I was waiting for awhile and finally went to check and it had just been sitting there. I will give them the benefit of the doubt though since it was pretty busy and noisy in there. Prices were decent, place was clean but not sparkling. It was pretty crowded in there, but they also had some kind of repairs or renovations going on , so again giving some leeway. All in all, a good spot to pick up your java fix if you're in the area, but I much prefer little independent local joints.
(3)
Grace N.
This is the best CBTL because of the staff. They always greet you with a smile and get your order asap --and if they don't get it right (because it can get very busy and they are human after all) they apologize and fix it right away. -1 start just because it can get expensive but I guess that's the cost of coffee nowadays.
(4)
Mar M.
Not organic, but not bad!! Always clean. Usually crowded but, I'm like Sheldon, I always get my favorite seat on the couch! Only had a few issues with internet that were more likely my computer's fault anyway and THEY HAVE ALMOND MILK for the lattes!! I love, love, love that!! Soy milk is terrible for a lot of the population and I'm allergic + cow milk is nasty and my body doesn't like it anyway so what's a girl to do? Drink almond or coconut. Seeing that Hawaii is the land of the bloody coconut you'd think that the coffee shops would use it...great branding. Alas they've not caught on yet and I'm usually stuck drinking it black, which is cool, but some days you just wanna mocha!! So today, April 1st, I thought they were foolin', but it was no joke! They made me an almond milk mocha which was AWESOME!! I usually frequent the Manoa Marketplace one and really like it except for the line to the bathroom...awkward, but cest la vie!
(4)
Coreen L.
This place has been my study/writing haven in the last several months. Its a good meeting spot. The coffee is yummy, the staff are always, always, always nice and the crowd has a good vibe. Something about their coffee (latte) seems creamier and smoother than other places...so ono! I think my only complaint would be the extra hard chairs...but that just gives you a good reason to get up and move around!
(4)
Debbie R.
Good for tea. Not so much for coffee. Love the daily tea specials (green, black and Herbal).
(4)
TD H.
Military discount 10% off We're die hard Starbucks rats, but hit CBTL for a try. My husband about died that he could have smoked salmon with his latte (which was so good)!
(4)
Maddow S.
I'm fan for the beverages and food. Previous reviewers have highlighted the tasty morsels, yummy beverages and great staff. This review is a statement of frustration about the Wi-Fi. I don't mind renewing the Wi-Fi every hour, but I do mind it when I can't get back on. This is a frequent experience on weekends and after 5 pm. Hey CBTL, more bandwith please!!! I like everything else about this place but any more interruptions and I may have to transfer my loyalties to that other coffee house around the corner :-(
(2)
Emi H.
There are two camps in the world of franchised coffee... Starbucks vs. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I've always been a Starbucks kind of girl simply because there are few CB&TLs in the nearby vicinity. Today I decided to hop the fence and see if the grass was actually greener on the other side. Yelper Thomas O has been telling me for the past few weeks what a fan he is and I wanted to see what was at the center of this infatuation. First off, service at CB&TL was great! The girl at the counter was friendly, had a wonderful smile and threw in her two cents about what I should order. It was a hot afternoon and I thought it would be nice to enjoy an ice tea lemonade. She told me I could choose a tea and I decided upon strawberry cream. She suggested a snack and nudged me towards the lemon crunch which she insisted was AMAZING. And that's pretty much where the sweet sweet tea flavored fantasy ended. My drink was terrible. It had a nasty bitterness which permeated through my mouth. I tried to man up and fight my through it but I had to stop drinking it. I took a bite of the lemon dessert and that too was equally as disappointing. I know it's not homemade but it honestly tasted like hotel banquet food meets airplane food. I'm blecking as I write this review at the thought of that horrible yellow dessert hitting my tongue. As much as I wanted to get my money's worth, I stopped with one bite, two sips and left my items in the trash. Then I went across to Starbucks and ordered an iced tea lemonade which was completely GLORIOUS.
(2)
Alicia D.
I love this place! After I leave my BF's place in Manoa its my breakfest stop. Super friendly staff. I love how they remember your name the whole time. The food is amazing! My favorite is the cinnamon roll. Nom. for some reason I love that if you eat in the place they serve you on real plates with real silverware. I also love the seasonal drinks, reminds me of home. Also a great place to sit and do work. They don't pressure you to leave. There is usually no or minimal line. Super clean. A+++
(5)
Faye T.
I've come to this location a couple of times- they're kind of pricey, but it's close to UH. I went there today, and the iced latte was...alright. The store was clean, I give them that. Their cashier wasn't that friendly- barely smiled. Barista was nice though. My beef is with this particular worker. There were only two workers that day- the cashier, female, and a male, the barista. Being stressed with finals, I had accidentally left my laptop on my seat (it was under my bag, while I was packing my things). I had called in a panic, asking if they had seen/see a laptop, or if someone had turned it in. She asked what type it was, and being that I just received it recently, I had to think back, and remembered that it was an HP with a Chococat laptop case. I described to her where I was seated, to see if she could possibly also check. She put me on hold, and I heard her talking to someone that "Someone was calling about a laptop that didn't even know what it was." Wtf!? I just described it to you! I don't think she even checked, because right after she said that, she came back on the phone, saying no one turned it in, and she didn't see it. I was upset at myself for leaving it, but went to the store regardless, to leave my name and number just in case. I ran in, and IT WAS STILL THERE, ON MY SEAT. They did not even bother to check. That just bothers me. I understand that it is my fault, but really??? She did not care about customers. So i do not care to go back there and help contribute to her salary.
(1)
Sharon H.
It's summer, so in my continuing quest for thirst quenchers, I took a detour from my usual Moroccan mint tea latte with soy milk and ordered the frozen lemonade from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. One sip of the icy cold, lemony beverage and I had to wince from the immediate ache in the hollow of my cheeks. You know the place, it's the same spot that hurts when you bite into li hing mui. Sweeeeeet! A little too sweet, actually. It started to taste better when the ice melted and watered down the sugar. Coffee Bean also makes one of my favorite breakfast treats -- a moist and chewy apricot almond oatcake that pairs well with a tea or coffee latte. It's probably made with a pound of butter so is not exactly healthy, but it sure beats the dry hockey puck oatcake from the other chain. Some people like that, though, since it provides a super dose of fiber. The Manoa location is convenient if you're shopping in the marketplace and want a quick cup of joe, a sweet snack, light meal, or a just a meeting place with friends. There's indoor and outdoor seating, and the shop doesn't seem to be overly crowded at any particular time of day. Read and sip your beverage, or type away on your laptop, it's a nice little hangout to linger and enjoy the moment.
(3)
Quijana B.
On a normal day I order iced Japanese Cherry Blossom tea and add no sugar. On certain days I order ice blended Black Forest (chocolate with cherry and ground chocolate covered coffee beans) with a dusting of cayenne pepper. Heaven, and exactly what I need to turn a bad day around. Today began as a bad day. I've spent the weekend tending to a sick friend. She managed to be sprung from the hospital and we stopped for coffee on our way to her house. I would never have suggested that we stop here, as I did not want to add stress to the day. I'm so glad that she made the request. It was just what we both needed to put the past few days behind us. I love this location. It is bright and cheery and filled with a happy staff. I'm fond of every CB&TL I've visited, but this one is really something special.
(4)
Jake C.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is pretty good. I'm a huge fan of Vanilla and Peanut Butter, so the first time I went to a Coffee Bean, and saw that you could add whatever you wanted in your blended drinks, I was all for it, so I got a Vanilla Frap with peanut butter, and it was amazing. I've only been to the Coffee Bean a handful of times, but I'd say it's pretty good. The Baristas are friendly, and the atmosphere is coffee-shop like. Their menu is a lot more consistant than Starbucks, I feel like there are more things on the menu year-round, and they even have seasonal things as well.
(4)
Faye M.
Service is hot and cold - after I asked a barista to heat up my PB & Banana Bagel Sandwich thing (which they USED to just automatically ask me if I wanted them to heat it), he gave me this look like "seriously?". Yes, seriously!! THIS IS PART OF YOUR JOB!! Besides the sometimes attitude; I love coffee bean, their food and drinks are at a higher quality than the other place across the street...IMHO. Customer service needs to be improved though.
(4)
Jessica-Nicole U.
I dorm at University of Hawaii at Manoa. So I moped to this location. Definitely worth the 6 minute trip. I've only been to this location and the one by market city. I like This location better because it's more spacious and comfortable. Feels much better to study and a lot more relaxing and comfortable. Doesn't feel like I have to leave. I usually buy a regular or large blended dark chocolate - my fave. Comes out to about 4.60 or something to that extent. Or about 5.00. So it's pretty expensive. They ask if you want whipped cream. Extra calories but no extra charge. They also hand you an hour long Internet card for every purchase. this is understandable because if they didn't I'm sure coffee bean would be overcrowded. They also have this card where for every dollar they put a stamp. Enough stamps gets you a free drink of your choice any size. So that's a good deal. The style is really cute and it's not too crowded. Usually I can find a good seat when I get my order. The service is fast, friendly and helpful. When asking a bunch of questions the barista was extremely patient and nice. Overall, comfortable, modern feel. I wouldn't recommend it for the average college student because it's quite a trip if you don't have a car or moped. Although there's a lot of space for parking, ESP compared to the market city coffee bean.it's also pretty pricey. $5 for a cup of blended deep chocolate? get outta here! But it's really worth it if you have the money. Great place to kick back, relax, read a newspaper and enjoy a good cup of blended deep chocolate :)
(5)
Kate T.
Oh how my obsession with CBTL continues. I came here to do some recording and luckily I got to have a drink here. Everything is awesome here and the store is very clean and the employees are nice! What more do you need in a CBTL?
(5)
Jillie K.
This place has literally become my sanctuary for studying. If one of my teachers spontaneously decides to assign us a paper, thinking that their class is the only one who we have homework for, I automatically know where I'm spending my evening and early morning. Coffee, food, wifi, place to sit for hours tediously mulling over how to make your paper seem longer. It's the whole package. Seriously, I would live here if I could. On the aspect of food and drink, I'm in love with the PB & Banana bagel and the Ice Blended Matcha (HEAVEN). They also have great lattes and a whole assortment of pastries, which just right for my incurable sweet tooth. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better place. Sorry Starbucks, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has stolen my heart.
(5)
REBEKAH H.
I love myself some Starbucks, but if it were to come down to it I would choose Coffee Bean. I just tried their iced peach blueberry tea latte and it was awesome! Starbucks tends to over roast their coffee, so if I order a drip coffee there it is only their mild. Not so at Coffee Bean. Smooth coffee, not as bitter as SB. I love all their tea flavors and that they come both iced and hot. I live on the east coast and this is one of my favorite stops whenever I see one.
(5)
Anastasia B.
I prefer Coffee Bean over Starbucks because it doesn't have the burnt taste. On the downside, the food and pasties are over-priced but that's expected in Hawaii. Buy the gift cards at Costco to save money. I think it a $100 gift card for $80.
(4)
Marjorie H.
Located in the manoa market place right by Safeway. It's pretty busy in the mornings, but the baristas move the traffic smoothly. There's seating both in and outside. I'm not big on coffee, but I love their chai and matcha teas. They come strong so that's all the caffeine I can handle! My husband gets his coffee here black and swears he loves it. There's even hot chocolate for the kids so everyone's happy. I've tried this thing called an affogato that was such a morning delight! Its a scoop of bubbies vanilla ice cream with a shot of espresso I believe. Not big on coffee, but I will be back for this treat! My favorite thing to order is the 'to go' pack. It's roughly around $15 for a jug of coffee in light or dark roast (I ask them to mix half and half) that yields roughly a dozen cups of coffee (depending on the coffee drinker). Comes with cups, creamer, sugar, and all. Imagine me walking into a crowd right before the kids early morning game on a weekend...I bet the parents are all like "best team mom ever!". You get a stamp for every dollar you spend in here and military gets 10% off. Yes this is why we choose this coffee shop over its competitor, Starbucks across the street!
(5)
Sean N.
Staff is friendly and produces quality drinks if, you know what to order. The atmosphere is welcoming, constantly changing. I frequent this place multiple times during the week and enjoy going back. Good service, and although I dont order them much, I love that they offer Bubbies Mochi Ice Cream. Managers and long time staff deserve credit where credit is due. Thank you Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf of Manoa Staff. Sean
(3)
Larr L.
Dark Chocolate Ice Blend? Yes, please! Great place to stop in. I know their ice tea is good as well, but have not tried much else. Service is friendly and quick.
(5)
Ryan Y.
Quick review: so in Manoa, Coffee Bean is in very close proximity to Starbucks, so competition is really narrowed down to the college kids, old folks, and the Internet freeloaders fighting to get a seat. To the Beans benefit, during the school semesters, both places are almost always full of folks. Be aware, college folks, it's a hit or miss, but Bean definitely accommodates for the studying folks who need a seat... Much more than Starbucks, anyway Aside from seating, the coffee is decent. The ice blended drinks (frap equivalent) are really sweet.. Maybe a little too sweet. Nevertheless, they are good. The food is meh.. The staff is really nice, and the tea is amazing for a cafe, IMO. Side note: the restroom.. Is clean.. And it doesn't smell like a burnt match, which stench sticks to your shirt (unlike the Manoa Starbucks).
(4)
Jessics H.
This Is my go to coffee shop! Drinks are always consistent, and the workers are amazing! Each one of them really go the extra mile! I'm never disappointed.
(5)
Ashley N.
I used to go to this Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf all the time and always remember their store being in pristine condition. Tonight, however, the entire store seemed very dirty... I originally decided on going to Coffee Bean tonight, since I believed their Ice Blended drinks were a lot better than Starbuck's Frappuccinos (despite being a little pricier). I decided on their Strawberry & Cream Ice Blended, with whipped cream. Once I paid for my drink, I headed over to the condiment bar and was shocked by how dirty it was! There was liquid sugar all over the counter with milk spills here an there. There was also a trail of small bugs heading to the spice containers... (Gross!) My only other complaint is that my Ice Blended was incredibly disappointing for the $5.15 price I paid for it. It had very little flavor, despite being a deep red color. Also, about halfway into my drink, there was a piece of metallic plastic that made its way up the straw and into my mouth. I don't mean to sound nit-picky, but I really do believe there should be a certain amount of cleanliness in a store that handles food and beverages. After coming to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf tonight, I think I'll just stick with Starbucks from now on.
(2)
Jenn T.
Everyone knows theres a secret (or maybe not so secret) battle between CBTL and starbucks. While most regular starbuck go-ers would never step foot into CBTL, whether it be out of loyalty, fear or addiction to those starbuck coffee beans, I find that CBTL is just as awesome as starbucks. YES, i said it! I most definitely am a frequent starbucks customer, but i absolutely love CBTL for their variety in teas. Lets just be honest, starbucks makes a great coffee, but CBTL makes a just as great cup of tea. I especially come here when I am craving a chai tea latte. MMMmmm. It is definitely my favorite at this cosy little shop. I also love their variety in green and black teas! Starbucks most definitely does not keep up in the tea department with CBTL's selection. I love that it comes piping hot, in a large cup and they have teas with full and great flavor! This location is awesome as well. There is a lot of seating, both indoors and outdoors. They have different types of seating, ranging from couches, to tables with chairs to outdoor lounging options. I also love that it's in manoa market place, which has a ton of food options as well. The service here is great. The employees are friendly, more than willing to help you and are smiling all the time. They have never been rude, especially when it gets busy. OH and they serve BUBBIES mochi ice cream here. AWESOMEEEEEE!
(4)
Cynthia L.
No, I wasn't working 8-5, but I still needed my caffeine fix. I scaled down on my coffee habit and ordered an small Earl Grey Tea Latte. It was good, basically tea with hot milk. What stood out about my experience were the friendly staff! The baristas were cheerful with smiles. They even chatted with me a few moments. Their restroom was clean, too. No complaints here! Price: $3.66 for a small tea latte.
(4)
Cyra K.
Love there hazelnut latte!!!
(5)
Cory S.
Out of all the Coffee Beans I've been to, this one is the best! The staff is always friendly and is willing to fix an unsatisfying drink. Very comfortable atmosphere, and very clean. The tea flavors that they have are much better then Starbucks. This is one of my favorite places to go!!
(5)
Dio P.
My daughter goes to Mid Pacific Institute so this is our go-to place if we're ever early, ha ha. Anyway, I love that it's not Starbucks! When I'm there I usually can't decide between the coffee cake or the blueberry cream cheese scone! If I don't get one of those 2, and needing some protein, I'll usually get the ham and cheese on croissant and get it warmed up, delicious! I'm cheap so I usually get whatever the coffee of the day is, usually the light roast and dark roast when I really need to wake up! If I'm feeling sassy, I might splurge and get an Americano. If you're going to get a iced latte, just order an ice espresso and pour the milk yourself on the condiment table, you'll save a dollar! Great thing about this location is that the line moves pretty quickly and I can always find a seat! Unlike the other guys across the street where they buy 1 coffee and hog the seats and wifi the whole day!
(5)
Shanley R.
I love the outdoor seating area!
(4)
John R.
I start out almost every morning with a Moroccan Mint Tea Latte with a Breakfast Burrito. The breakfast burrito is one of the best you will have anywhere on island with eggs, cheese, potatoes, turkey bacon, and delicious spices (green chili, etc). It's got a kick that makes this transplant from New Mexico feel the joy... Staff is warm and inviting, and you can't beat chilling out in peaceful Manoa.
(5)
Cari A.
Since writing my first review here, I've gone back quite a few times. I've found the chai *can* be sickeningly sweet and filled with a whole lot of ice... I've stopped getting it here. However, their other iced teas are really great. Perhaps corporate should back off having their associates use so much ice, though...
(3)
Courtney B.
I hate going to coffee shop chains when there are so many great locally-owned options around, but this one happens to be closest to my car repair place, so I'll sometimes stop in while waiting for an oil change or inspection. The service here is good, wifi is free, interior is clean, and power outlets abound. I usually get the iced teas, but coffee and espresso drinks are decently good too. A large iced green tea is only around $2. Food and pastries are previously frozen and shipped from the mainland -- don't bother (you're much better off walking over to Fendu Boulangerie on the other side of Manoa Marketplace). The parking lot is massive because they're next to Safeway, so parking is never an issue, but at peak hours you may have to hover for 5 minutes or so to snag a table due to all the UH students studying.
(4)
Brian K.
This is definitely one of the best coffee shops on the island. Bold statement, I know. If it weren't so crowded, I'd say it's THE BEST coffee shop. The atmosphere is perfect. Couches? Check. Good coffee? Check. Good teas? Check. Free wi-fi? Check. Friendly service? Check. Parking? Check. If I'm in the area I go here for coffee. Heck, even if I'm not in the area I'd drive here :)
(5)
Megan R.
I CRAVE COFFEE BEAN'S HAZELNUT LATTE'S!!! I seriously come here at least once a week! Which is great for my coffee bean stamp card! Such a good deal, I feel like I get free coffee all the time! All the workers are extremely friendly, and give out free yummy samples. I love that I can trust the quality of the coffee, it is ALWAYS consistent. The perfect amount of espresso - not too strong & the perfect amount of syrup - not too sweet. One word: Perfect. I try not to give into my guilty temptations, but their pastries are scrumptious... especially the blueberry cream cheese scones! Which are not always available :[ But they like to change it up & offer a wide variety of food to choose from. Again! Just to reiterate, their coffee is SUPERB! A coffee lover's must.
(4)
Crissy K.
The lattes. etc., at the Coffee Bean are just OK, but what you REALLY go to CB&TL for is the whole leaf TEA. They have so many different varieties, you could have a different one for every kind of day you're having. My absolute favorite hot tea is their genmaicha green. Take a look at the tea bag when they brew it: it's even got whole popped popcorn kernels in it, along with the rice -- very cool, and it's got such a nice flavor. They recommend that you remove the bag after steeping, but I've found that you can easily add more steaming water and stretch its usage for at least one more cup. On hot days, I'll go for an iced pomegranate blueberry tea. Don't let the pomegranate in the name scare you: the taste isn't overwhelming. It's a really nice, mild flavor. When I first heard about CB&TL, people were saying that their baked goods were supposed to be excellent, but I've tried a couple and found them to be on the dry side. Their refrigerated meal options, like sandwiches and wraps, are considerably better, though. But remember: you are there for the tea. Do not leave without trying the tea!
(4)
Tiffany K.
This is the first time I tried the Coffee Bean...usually I go to Starbucks, but.... *C]:O) -best Hazelnut Latte! (sweet, full, and tasty!) LRG for $4.84, i think the reg was $4.44.. -lots of seating and OUTLETS -clean and quiet, less of the loud music that SB has.. -free wi-fi :*O( -I am not sure how it compares to SB with prices... -only have reg and large size,... comparable to grande and venti.. *quick tip* -if SB is crowded, coffee bean is a great place to study/chill! -i would definitely go again!
(4)
Aly B.
There's a gentleman that works there that is so lovely and makes my day when I see him. He has black hair and is sort of tall. I don't know his name but he has the best customer service I've seen. Coffee bean has good coffee but the staff is wonderful. I wish I knew his name but he's really terrific. Everyone should go to coffee bean just because of this guy.
(5)
Jacob W.
I prefer to rate average run of the mill chain stores as a three not to be partial towards locally owned but there is rarely anything noteworthy. I went to the counter and in my half asleep haze I was well greeted and advised. Not to mention the coffee is I think better than most here. The baristas just seem to care more at this place. So if you are in Manoa go across the street to the coffee bean instead of the Starbucks on the main strip.
(4)
Jennifer K.
I don't usually review coffee shops because your experience usually depends heavily on your barista and that constantly changes but today, my barista was super awesome :D. First of all, I always order the same thing; a large iced jasmine dragon tea. Usually after I add my sugar ( I promise it's not that much xD) it doesn't have too much of a tea taste left.. There's been occasions where I let my friends try and they exclaim that I paid for sugar water -__-. Manoa's Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is usually one of the better ones at making my tea..but today it was awesome! The tea actually had some color in it and had a strong tea flavor. Even after all the ice had melted, the tea flavor remained (it takes me forever to finish it -__-). I was just amazed. I don't know who made it, but whoever you are..you're amazing. :D I've tried other drinks from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf but my regular is the Jasmine Dragon. The pure dark chocolate ice-blended drink is pretty good too :]
(5)
Jared T.
Having English Breakfast iced tea daily does not make you any more British than you were yesterday. I'm more of a tea guy than a coffee guy. I often stop by here before I head to work. It's nice that it's open at the same butt crack time of dawn that I get there - 530-545 am. I enjoy the strong brew of the English Breakfast iced when its the tea of the day, as well as the Vanilla Ceylon. It would be nice if they had a food selection which pairs with the drinks better (like the chai latte w/ pumpkin bread). While they've been adding new items like the morning glory and cinnamon rolls, i like starbucks' oat cakes and sausage sandwiches such. Anyway, keep that in mind - the tea of the day is often brewed stronger than if you order it regularly. So if youre adventurous and your belly can handle change better than your mother-in-law then by all means try it. Ask for extra ice for that great brain freeze to wake you up. love the sofas and area. i like to read books here after work sometimes.
(4)
Deanna P.
This is the location that I usually go to, but I have been to others. The quality is good at all of the locations. I actually do not drink coffee so I can't rate it. The 5 stars is based on the atmosphere and the strawberry cream green tea. There's really not much more to say. The tea is amazing.
(5)
John D.
I recently returned to the islands after 12 years on the mainland. To cope, I developed a rather robust addiction to caffeine, with coffee becoming the preferred delivery method. For a while, Starbucks slaked the thirst, but I came to realize that their beans were more like charcoal (too far beyond roasted), and switched over to Peet's. Ahhh, heavenly Peet's. There are still some Peet's roasts that are too roasted, but many of their selections are outstanding -- Garuda in particular. And their blended freddos are, without question, the best iced coffee drinks I have ever tasted. Since I can't get down to the only Peet's on Oahu (way down in Waikiki), I thought I'd give CB&TL a try. It's got a nice atmosphere and the staff is friendly. But sadly, the coffee is flat-out horrible. It's even beyond charcoal -- it's just char. I could discern nothing resembling an actual coffee taste in my iced soy latte -- it just tasted burned. And watery. And not even a hint of sweetness. And it was 2/3 ice. And they charge extra for ice drinks -- $5.11 for this disgrace!! Sorry, folks, but CB&TL is a BURN.
(1)
Stephanie C.
This is the perfect atmosphere to meet up with a friend for a chat or get lost in a book on a rainy day. The drinks are tasty, the staff are warm, friendly and talented and it's location can't be beat. Being right next to Safeway, there is always parking and it's easy to explain to a friend how to get there. There's covered seating outside, too. I've made it a habit to grab a cafe au lait after doing my grocery shopping (Another habit that could be expensive over time, but it's worth it).
(5)
Jaynie K.
Dear Manoa Coffee Bean, Thank you so very much for providing me with a comfortable place to study!!! Good tea, super friendly service, and yummy treats! Clean restroom is a plus!!! xoxoxo, Jaynie.
(5)
Lauren S.
Spacious and comfortable. Red velvet cupcakes and overly sweetened drinks. Who can ask for more?
(5)
Evan A.
The true test of a coffee shop is black coffee. I had some here. Ok. Not as burnt or acidic as Starbucks, but just not to my liking.
(3)
Lauren W.
Some dear friends whisked me away from the office to go have a "tea" at the Coffee Bean. We were enticed by the seasonal offering, "Winter Dream Tea Latte" which tasted exactly like Thanksgiving. The hot latte warmed you from the inside - which reminded me of love. Cinnamon and nutmeg spices in the tea reminded me of pumpkin pie. Then there was that last sip, where all the spices and cream are thick and concentrated - which reminded me of when you're already fully but you take one last fork-ful of stuffing and you know you shouldn't, cause it might make you throw up! Luckily, I left the last sip in the cup and just enjoyed the moment. I also had the red-velvet cupcake, although it wasn't anything special. The cake was a little dry and the frosting wasn't as creamy as I like it. I love me some red-velvet, though, so next time I'll order the sliced red-velvet cake.
(3)
Monica L.
I had a hard time liking this place at first because I'm true to Starbucks. However, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has free newspapers in the morning and 1 hour free wireless internet with any purchase. If you're on a budget like I am, the small brewed coffee is about $1.70 and tastes pretty decent. Free paper, 1 hour of internet AND a cup of coffee for under $2? How good can it get?
(4)
Ikaika T.
More parking than Starbucks, and better coffee - IMHO. Unfortunately the pricing is about the same as Starbucks. One thing that is better here is the Tea. They have a wide variety of fresh teas that you can smell before buying. You can order any tea as a latte. Also, they have a blueberry latte that is amazing here.
(4)
Danielle Y.
Fairly standard chain-y coffee shop, with added bonuses of plenty of parking (it is in the marketplace), a decent amount of seating both indoors and out, and an hour of free wireless with a beverage purchase. Coffee was good, lilikoi-mac nut pastry thingy was yummy, and the tea drinks looked intriguing. Also, if you went here and hated it, there is in fact a Starbucks across the street that you could mosey on down to at any time.
(4)
Jerrene T.
I had to buy some gift cards with gift cards... my friends were making me panic because I thought that it didn't seem like too big of a request but everyone said you better check... blah blah blah. So I was sooooo frazzled but then I called them ahead of time and they seemed fine with it. In fact the man who answered the phone had wonderful telephone etiquette... you can't say that for many companies nowadays! Anyway, I headed down there on Sunday to get the job done since it seemed like this CBTL had the best service out of any of them. It was quite busy but the man who helped me... I think his name was Scott, was so polite and patient with my request. I even ordered a beverage. I love their crushed ice over Starbucks' cubes. I ordered a pumpkin spice latte or whatever it's called... it's not as tasty as Starbucks but I can't help but give them five stars for being so friendly! Seriously I was impressed. The mood was definitely happier than the Starbucks across the street. Next time I want to try that red velvet cake drink... it sounds delicious!
(5)
Shar K.
Great iced blended drinks.
(3)
J B.
I have been coming here for quite a while and have yet to get a bad cup of coffee (okay,okay, Americano..!). The shop is always clean and the staff is terrific. On the rare occasions I eat something the pastries and bagels are great.
(5)
R K.
We come here most days and have never had a bad drink (unlike other coffee places where it is hit or miss). The staff is always courteous and prompt. I love the Americanos! Always done perfectly. Don't usually get food, but once in a while I order a bagel, and those have always been very good as well. The only downside is it can be crowded, but it's worth waiting for a seat during busy periods.
(5)
Glady O.
Love their chai tea latte, NSA. This is the only place I've found where their chai tea lattes don't leave a bitter aftertaste. I usually go to the one in Manoa, but they've been changing staff lately. Their old crew was much better so I've been going to the one in Hawaii Kai since one of the girls transferred over and I like how she makes latte. Still though, they make good drinks. :)
(4)
Jang Hyun K.
Excellent! Most aspects.
(5)
Sara H.
i'm typically a starbucks customer but when manoa starbucks was packed on friday, i deviated from the norm. pros: - gingerbread cookie latte HAD GINGERBREAD CRUMBLE on top. seriously awesome. - had seating on this particular day. i think it has less seating then starbucks manoa (but more comfy seating if you're looking to just hang out!) but for some reason CBTL had table space on friday, where starbucks did not. also lots of outlets! cons: - pricey! $0.75 for soy?! sbucks gives me that for free! - to get wireless, you need a special code - need a key for the bathroom. i guess that helps it stay cleaner but i don't like that it allows the baristas to judge me for the number of times i have to pee after drinking a small coffee. :P
(4)
Les Is More M.
aside from the weird looking manager dude, the counter workers are way better looking than the starbucks counterparts across the road. and as mentioned previously in earlier comments, much better parking. prices are about the same as starbucks, but I somehow like the quality and selection better. and better atmosphere for people watching, whereas at starbucks you get to watch traffic if you're lucky enough to score a window seat.
(4)
Jas A.
much better than acidic starbucks, the coffee bean and tea leaf offers good coffee, and amazing tea selection, and fancy espresso/specialty drinks up the whazoo. the ambiance is set for hanging out, studying, or just people watching. check it out! btw, wifi is free if you ask for a wifi card up to an hour PER TRANSACTION
(5)
Voice Of The People S.
i love this coffee shop. it seems a little pricey but pretty much everything is more expensive in hawaii so i guess coffee goes along with that, but their coffee is worth it! its really good and i always get my coffee just as ordered (i have kind of a complex coffee order that apparently is easy to mess up) there's a good vibe in here. the baristas/os are always nice, the place is very clean & cute. theres a lot of seating and pretty good access to electric outlets. the place is conveniently located so its always pretty busy though, i like this because it makes for good people-watching, but if you're looking to avoid the crowd this may or may not be the right place for you. like most coffee joints they have a punchcard (one punch for each dollar spent) and they sell a large array of coffee and tea accessories where i got my favorite ever coffee mug! their baked goods look amazing but i somehow have managed to JUST SAY NO....for now. oh and the best part: free wifi. and not obnoxiously obtained like Starbucks where you have to make a username and password and blah blah blah. you just get onnnnnnnn. thank you CBTL for that.
(5)
Beth D.
Oh, I miss Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. great drinks and great service, makes me sad to come back to Chicago and drink Starbucks!
(4)
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Address :Manoa Marketplace,2754 Woodlawn Dr, Unit 7-106
Honolulu, HI, 96822
Norm G.
Well, now! We ended up in here by default, and this circumstance has led this to become our default coffee place. We were in Manoa when my wife really wanted a Starbucks coffee. So, we parked in Starbucks' tiny parking lot (across from Manoa Marketplace), went inside Starbucks, and it was ridiculously crowded with a bunch of petulant people slowly nursing their coffees while they wrote their dissertations, Pulitzer prize-winning novels, and other tomes on their ubiquitous laptops. There was no place to sit! We both did an immediate about-face, got back in our car, released some more carbon into the already compromised atmosphere, and drove across the street to the Manoa Marketplace (lots of parking!) We wandered in here, found it pleasantly populated, but un-crowded, with a decidedly more down-to-earth and friendly vibe than the place we came from. The folks behind the counter were friendly and low-key, and there was just one woman with a tablet (not a computer), who occasionally looked at it. The iced dessert coffee I ordered was just right, and my wife, who is much more the coffee connoisseur than I, was quite happy with her beverage. It just goes to show, sometimes those "accidents" in life are just meant to be!
(5)Jeff T.
I have been patronizing this CB&TL for years. Service is always on point. Naturally there are different faces behind the counter but it seems they have an endless supply of young, friendly and personable team members; for most businesses this is in very short supply these days. I don't use the word team lightly - it's great how the staff actually works together. Excellent management and training - more words tossed around but rarely made a reality. This CB&TL is doing a great job and it keeps me coming back. Truth be told, I prefer the beverages at Starbucks. But see my review on the Starbucks here in Manoa. CB&TL is the clear winner in this neighborhood and example of how things should be done.
(4)Naomi H.
Today was my second time at CBTL in Manoa. I ordered my drink and then sat and enjoyed the environment. Friendly service, cool ambient atmosphere with a nice music selection. There is a great variety of seating; from bar chairs by the window, two tops, four tops and there is a couch with a coffee table for the more relaxed seating option. There is also outside seating which is always a plus in my opinion. The coffee is delicious and the price is very reasonable. I had just a simple coffee of the day yesterday which was their Light Costa Rica blend, and today I went after lunch and tried their affogato. It was delicious! The espresso was rich and flavourful making for a fantastic afternoon splurge. I also am a lover of Bubbies Mochi Ice Cream and since CBTL sells them, I grabbed a few for the road! This cute cozy café has me intrigued and I will certainly be back to explore their coffee, tea and food selections.
(5)Eric Robert R.
I'm a long time fan of... THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF! The first time was well over a decade ago on busy Market St. in busier San Francisco. I've always preferred it over "the other coffee chain", but I'm still more inclined to go to independent coffee shops - If I do have a choice! However, having said all that... I love this... THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF! This specific location more than the others. For one, it's in my 'hood of the rolling hills of Manoa and it just seems more of a warm and fuzzy feeling at this location. The staff always nice, samples always to be had, and service is generally efficient. I do avoid peak hours if I intend to plant my a** in a seat. On a typical day I will usually get House Coffee or Iced Green Tea. Once in a blue moon I'll get a fancy drink if I can scrounge a coupon or it's a house special! Once in awhile my friends will 411 me on .99 cents fancy drink specials, but it's rare, maybe once or twice a year. I actually came in yesterday to prepare my taxes and listen to some Paul McCartney & Enya. I mean "The Sex Pistols" aren't exactly suited for thinking! Of course, like Groundhog Day I sipped a Iced Green Tea. So yes, I recommend... THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF! It's a good chain alternative to "the other guys". I've never ventured on the sandwiches or eats, but maybe I did over a decade ago, pre-Yelp and pre-wannabe clueless foodies on every corner. The drinks are delicious and the samples, too. Heck, the next time I'm here I will definitely step-it-up and get something to eat, too. I'll be back, maybe in another two months or so... remember I'm a big independent dude, but I'll be back. Especially the one in the rolling hills of Manoa! OVERALL GRADE: 4.0-STARS! (SOLID!) LIVE ALOHA... YELP REVIEW #415
(4)Sarah K.
This coffee bean is in a great location and almost always has space to study! There's a lot of outlets which is nice. They provide samples all the time, and the people serving are happy and nice. They also have some food selection along with products you can buy. There's outdoor seating in the shade which is nice also. The music isn't too loud which is great background noise but isn't over powering. I'm not sure if there's a bathroom on sight or not. Overall this a great place to study, hangout, or just relax.
(5)Kristi D.
I heart this CBTL! Service is always top notch, and they always seem to have a good selection of food stuffs on hand. They also some fun coffee and tea paraphernalia, most with the CBTL logo, of course. My fave drinks are a breve latte, an iced Americano with half and half, or an earl grey with sweetener and half and half. My favorite thing to eat is the almond croissant or the quattro bruschetta. They also have some seasonal stuff, and in the summer my daughter just LOVES the melon mint tea iced blended. This CBTL also has some outdoor seating in a shaded area, and is often occupied by students, stay-at-homers, and slackers like me. :)
(5)Reid S.
Yay! I'm a fan. I think The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Manoa Marketplace is the only coffee shop in the world that has the upper hand against Starbucks, since Starbucks is not even in the hustle and bustle of Manoa, but across the street. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has the prime location next to Manoa's huge Safeway and the Marketplace's sprinkled Asian eateries. In high school, I used to come here all the time because it was so close to Punahou, a virtual 30 second drive from campus. A typical day would include lunch and a coffee. The other day I spent a lot of time here writing reviews and doing other work, the coffee shop has a large interior with many tables and chairs for outdoor seating. It is a nice place to do work and people watch, it's rather peaceful. And the amazing part of it all is their free wifi, I mean, you have to confirm connection every 30 minutes, but the connection is much better than other places. Plus the connectivity radius is rather superb, I was sitting quite a ways away from the entrance, but had sound internet efficiency. I usually order their Hazelnut Latte or any type of Frappuccinos, they are sweet, but taste different from their Starbucks competitor. I've noticed their blended drinks are more icy, they don't melt as fast I don't know, it could all be in my head! I like their blended Chai, I love Chai. Love it. Theirs is good. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Manoa Marketplace is a prime location for lounging and doing work, grocery shopping, and eating because it is a quieter neighborhood, but there is still local hustle and bustle. Definitely a nice place to kick back and relax.
(4)Edmund G.
Great place to get a good cup of coffee or ice blended drinks. They have free wifi and good seating inside. The staff are great and they prepare the drinks just the way you order it. Will definitely be back to try more items on the menu.
(4)De'Lissa R.
I like this location. They're all so friendly and they're pretty fast. Most of them know me by name now since I come to this location almost every day. I used to be a Starbucks Junky but I'm starting to like Coffee Bean a bit more now. My fave is Vanilla Latte. ;)
(5)Jenny F.
The baristas here are so wonderful! Truth be told I typically go to Starbucks since I have gift cards for them, but I like that CBTL is a little less of a large corporation. I didn't know what to order, so I went with iced tea, which is often the cheapest item on the menu. The barista was so nice and helpful, explaining the different kinds of teas that they have, and being patient with me when I was overwhelmed by the sheer variety of dried leaves that you can brew. So I went with a 12oz tea, but she asked me if it was ok to upgrade me to the large size because they cost the same!! Of course I said yes--what Chinese girl is going to say no to free upgrades? YES PLEASE. So the baristas and service are great, and the actual space is pretty awesome too. They have a good deal of tables, bar seats, couches, AND outdoor tables. All with free wifi and a decent number of outlets. It's pretty crowded and busy, but I think it'd be a great place to study in the evening when things slow down a bit. They were also really kind to an elderly man (a war vet) who had difficulty walking. He was sitting outside, and he asked me to go pick up his coffee. I went in, asked for his coffee, and instead of just passing it off to me, she walked it out to him herself! And it wasn't because she didn't trust me to bring it out to him, she honestly wanted to be of great service and be a wonderful human being. :) Happy place. :)
(4)Reiko S.
We had a little date nite at this location and was just so impressed by Cody. Great heart and great service. Keep up the good work!
(5)Denalee C.
Coreen L. and I have been using the CBTL as our study spot for...I'd say a year now. The parking is abundant. The long tables are useful for studying and it's an overall great spot to get stuff done. It's a bit quieter than other study spots-in terms of traffic. The customers are pretty focused on whatever they are doing and there's no music in the background. Oh, and the internet is reliable. It does however feel like the polar vortex at night. I don't know if it's because the people to AC ratio changes but seriously, in pants and a jacket I am shivering and my fingers get too cold to type. They have a nice selection of tea (my drink of choice) and fantastic customer service. I love their sandwiches and how they heat it up for you and serve it on real dishes with real silverware. We'll see you at our favorite study spot. Look for the two girls on the long table in our workout clothes :)
(4)Lee L.
I've been visiting family in Manoa for the past few weeks and have become a regular at the Manoa Coffee Bean. The coffee is great but that has become beside the point for me. The baristas learned my name in just a couple of days and are genuinely friendly, setting a cheerful and easygoing tone for the day. After getting my coffee I sit at one of the outside tables and people watch. I love the 3 older men that meet most mornings, the corgi that comes and begs tidbits from the ladies, and the cozy familiarity of dog owners leaving their hounds with other regulars or simply leaving them hunkered down by the door while they go in to get coffee and treats. This is that mythical creature, a true neighborhood coffee shop.
(5)Janice O.
Great friendly service. Love the bagel and salmon. Tried the ice blended dark chocolate affogato my way. Mmmm. I like it that you can customize your drinks. Gotta try their "morning glory" and turkey bacon scone! Again, mmmmm. Comfy place to sit and have coffee. Lots of parking and you don't have to run across the street like the "other" coffee place. Lol
(5)Brianne V.
One of my go to places if I need caffeine before heading to UH Manoa. What I like about this one compared to the market city location is there is more seating and parking. There is normally at least one table open when I come.
(4)Atul T.
CBTL @ Manoa has been the best coffee place for me so far. I have been coming to this place since they started . The staff members are exceptionally good and friendly. If you are a regular customer, they call you by name! I love their coffee and penne pesto pasta. A GREAT place to relax in the valley! Highly recommended to visit early morning over the weekend and sit outside to feel the nature in the valley.
(5)Joy Celeste P.
This place is located next to Safeway at the Manoa marketplace across McDonalds, next to a ramen place etc... I ordered a green tea latte. The one star is for friendly service and the military discount. I paid $4.51 for a regular size (total ripoff!!!). Here's another ripoff: my cup was practically half filled! Extremely disappointed!! This was my first time to come here and the very last! I should've stuck with my guts and went to Barnes & Noble!
(1)Nicole B.
Bought a mocha blended today. Terrible! Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's junk. Why can't they be consistent in how they make their coffee. Cafe Kyra at Don Quijote is the best!
(1)Ivy Lou H.
I really enjoyed my Cafe Vanilla as it had the perfect balance of vanilla and sweetness and their beans had a nice mellow taste. There's lots of individual and big tables to sit at and a quiet ambience as they keep their blenders in sound-proofed cabinets (hint for Starbucks). Grab some pastries at Manoa Bakery around the corner and enjoy your cozy rainy Manoa morning.
(4)Mari N.
I LOVE coffee bean and tea leaf! It is my go too coffee place. This review is long time over due and has become part of my study routine or morning, lunch, afternoon pick me up. Get coffee-then open books. Its a great place to meet up with friends and this particular location has seating available unlike other smaller coffee shops. I've always been served quality food and beverage items. I'm 100% satisfied with all my orders and they have a variety of drink and food selections. Drinks are consistent and staff really go the extra mile in customer service. My year around drinks are usually the ice blended or the hot drinks. And during the holidays, winter dream tea is my favorite! This location is mostly always busy, so if you see an open seat, grab it!
(5)Keith W.
I stayed nearby & had morning coffee in downtown Manoa for a week. Tried other choices in area but found 'Coffee Bean' to be the best blend of service, food choices, coffee, sitting area & wifi.
(4)Mike N.
Good ambiance, good coffee, good service. It's probably one of my favorite Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf locations. Highly recommend this place, but there's always lots of people so they don't need my recommendation. Keep up the good work.
(4)Steph C.
I've had several mid-morning and mid-afternoon meetings here. 'Mid' is the key. It can be busy at the normal rush hours of the day. Timing can also determine a parking spot. The stamp card is of course a draw for me - one stamp for every dollar spent. Best part is the cards do have an expiration date printed on them but the baristas will still take them and they'll combine your cards if you really find it necessary. For meetings, the two person cafe table can be a bit squishy if there is paperwork to be done. The outside tables are larger and an option if not rainy or already taken. The refrigerator unit has your general yogurt, sandwich, muffin offerings. The egg salad is great! Today, I used a stamp card for my large coffee. Nothing special. I just like a good cup of coffee, no room. After ordering, I had to remind the barista that I'd ordered a coffee. They had served four people in between. Apologies all around and that doesn't usually happen. I think the stamp card threw him for a loop. All in all, a good tasting, large cup of coffee.
(4)Randi C.
This is the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf location I visit most frequently, and about 90% of the time the service is excellent. Even though it gets very busy, the lines move and the servers never become NASTY ( which happens so often at most Starbucks locations that I have stopped going to any Starbucks). There is a decent selection of foods and they seem to be open even on holidays.
(5)Slur P.
Fabulous iced coffee and so many delicious food choices. The employees are also very kind and inviting. I've been a faithful customer to Starbucks for years but the line was long at Starbucks one day and I was in a hurry so I went to find coffee elsewhere and found this place. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the coffee and food tastes better at the Coffee Bean and Ti Leaf. That's my personal opinion.
(4)Greg B.
I can go on about the simple nature of a coffee house. It's about coffee. It's about the offered service of heating up a muffin. I can go on about how the coffee (just black) was quite good and so was the coffee cake muffin. However, it is coffee, and I would simply recommend this place for the swiftness of service. I would highly recommend coming here just for a cup of coffee but with a certain bit of yearning for something intangible. I guess one would say it's about the presentation but an alternative to other(unnamed) places.
(4)Taryn L.
Overall, I like Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) because they offer a lot more variety in food and drinks than Starbucks. My favorite food item is their pesto pasta - you can find it in their cold case. They can heat it up for you, so it is less like a pasta salad...and it tastes better heated. It has cheese and tomatoes in it too. When heated, the cheese will melt and become more stringy (similar to the cheese on a slice of pizza when you are pulling that slice away from the whole). I love to get this for a small lunch. I like CBTL's iced black coffee. Simple, but effective. It tastes stronger than other coffee shops, but it still has a clean taste (no bad after taste...usually). I have also had their ice-blended drinks, which are good. I miss the days when they offered a list of 8 different items that you can ask them to blend into the drink. My favorite item to get from CBTL is their affogato. One of the best food discoveries in the past year has been an affogato, which is a scoop of vanilla ice cream served with one or two shots of their rich espresso. Delicious! The ice cream sweetens the espresso shot(s) while still giving the (much-needed) dose of caffeine. Perfection - a match made in heaven. CBTL also offers Bubbies mochi ice cream. I can get mochi ice cream WITHOUT the 20-minute line at Bubbies...SCORE! (possible girly scream can be added here for emphasis). I love ordering the mochi ice cream at this CBTL in particular because there is one guy employee that always looks super excited/happy for me when I order it. It is like he is excited for me just ordering the ice cream. It always brings a smile to my face. The workers here are also extremely nice and welcoming, even if you walk in 5 minutes before closing. Not an ice cream, coffee, or tea person? CBTL also offers chocolate dipped items, like fortune cookies and mini Oreos. Yup. It seems like CBTL has it all.
(5)Ashley Y.
This is one of my favorite places to study! The staff are super friendly, bubbly and helpful. Also, there's plenty of tables and power outlets! Sometimes I find myself camping there for a whole morning or afternoon as I write a long paper or cram for an upcoming test, and no one prompts me to leave! The WiFi is really strong, too!
(5)Brittany D.
This location super sucks. Always so slow and the people are rude. I was waiting 15 minutes for my drink and they weren't even apologetic that they forgot. And 5 people that ordered after me got their drinks before they realized I was still waiting. BOO!!!
(2)Mel G.
As far as chain coffee stores goes this wasn't bad. Coffee was decent and it was conveniently located for a cup o joe following the Thurs farmer's market in the Manoa marketplace. Staff was friendly, though whenever they called my name for my order being ready, they must have not tried more than once. I was waiting for awhile and finally went to check and it had just been sitting there. I will give them the benefit of the doubt though since it was pretty busy and noisy in there. Prices were decent, place was clean but not sparkling. It was pretty crowded in there, but they also had some kind of repairs or renovations going on , so again giving some leeway. All in all, a good spot to pick up your java fix if you're in the area, but I much prefer little independent local joints.
(3)Grace N.
This is the best CBTL because of the staff. They always greet you with a smile and get your order asap --and if they don't get it right (because it can get very busy and they are human after all) they apologize and fix it right away. -1 start just because it can get expensive but I guess that's the cost of coffee nowadays.
(4)Mar M.
Not organic, but not bad!! Always clean. Usually crowded but, I'm like Sheldon, I always get my favorite seat on the couch! Only had a few issues with internet that were more likely my computer's fault anyway and THEY HAVE ALMOND MILK for the lattes!! I love, love, love that!! Soy milk is terrible for a lot of the population and I'm allergic + cow milk is nasty and my body doesn't like it anyway so what's a girl to do? Drink almond or coconut. Seeing that Hawaii is the land of the bloody coconut you'd think that the coffee shops would use it...great branding. Alas they've not caught on yet and I'm usually stuck drinking it black, which is cool, but some days you just wanna mocha!! So today, April 1st, I thought they were foolin', but it was no joke! They made me an almond milk mocha which was AWESOME!! I usually frequent the Manoa Marketplace one and really like it except for the line to the bathroom...awkward, but cest la vie!
(4)Coreen L.
This place has been my study/writing haven in the last several months. Its a good meeting spot. The coffee is yummy, the staff are always, always, always nice and the crowd has a good vibe. Something about their coffee (latte) seems creamier and smoother than other places...so ono! I think my only complaint would be the extra hard chairs...but that just gives you a good reason to get up and move around!
(4)Debbie R.
Good for tea. Not so much for coffee. Love the daily tea specials (green, black and Herbal).
(4)TD H.
Military discount 10% off We're die hard Starbucks rats, but hit CBTL for a try. My husband about died that he could have smoked salmon with his latte (which was so good)!
(4)Maddow S.
I'm fan for the beverages and food. Previous reviewers have highlighted the tasty morsels, yummy beverages and great staff. This review is a statement of frustration about the Wi-Fi. I don't mind renewing the Wi-Fi every hour, but I do mind it when I can't get back on. This is a frequent experience on weekends and after 5 pm. Hey CBTL, more bandwith please!!! I like everything else about this place but any more interruptions and I may have to transfer my loyalties to that other coffee house around the corner :-(
(2)Emi H.
There are two camps in the world of franchised coffee... Starbucks vs. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I've always been a Starbucks kind of girl simply because there are few CB&TLs in the nearby vicinity. Today I decided to hop the fence and see if the grass was actually greener on the other side. Yelper Thomas O has been telling me for the past few weeks what a fan he is and I wanted to see what was at the center of this infatuation. First off, service at CB&TL was great! The girl at the counter was friendly, had a wonderful smile and threw in her two cents about what I should order. It was a hot afternoon and I thought it would be nice to enjoy an ice tea lemonade. She told me I could choose a tea and I decided upon strawberry cream. She suggested a snack and nudged me towards the lemon crunch which she insisted was AMAZING. And that's pretty much where the sweet sweet tea flavored fantasy ended. My drink was terrible. It had a nasty bitterness which permeated through my mouth. I tried to man up and fight my through it but I had to stop drinking it. I took a bite of the lemon dessert and that too was equally as disappointing. I know it's not homemade but it honestly tasted like hotel banquet food meets airplane food. I'm blecking as I write this review at the thought of that horrible yellow dessert hitting my tongue. As much as I wanted to get my money's worth, I stopped with one bite, two sips and left my items in the trash. Then I went across to Starbucks and ordered an iced tea lemonade which was completely GLORIOUS.
(2)Alicia D.
I love this place! After I leave my BF's place in Manoa its my breakfest stop. Super friendly staff. I love how they remember your name the whole time. The food is amazing! My favorite is the cinnamon roll. Nom. for some reason I love that if you eat in the place they serve you on real plates with real silverware. I also love the seasonal drinks, reminds me of home. Also a great place to sit and do work. They don't pressure you to leave. There is usually no or minimal line. Super clean. A+++
(5)Faye T.
I've come to this location a couple of times- they're kind of pricey, but it's close to UH. I went there today, and the iced latte was...alright. The store was clean, I give them that. Their cashier wasn't that friendly- barely smiled. Barista was nice though. My beef is with this particular worker. There were only two workers that day- the cashier, female, and a male, the barista. Being stressed with finals, I had accidentally left my laptop on my seat (it was under my bag, while I was packing my things). I had called in a panic, asking if they had seen/see a laptop, or if someone had turned it in. She asked what type it was, and being that I just received it recently, I had to think back, and remembered that it was an HP with a Chococat laptop case. I described to her where I was seated, to see if she could possibly also check. She put me on hold, and I heard her talking to someone that "Someone was calling about a laptop that didn't even know what it was." Wtf!? I just described it to you! I don't think she even checked, because right after she said that, she came back on the phone, saying no one turned it in, and she didn't see it. I was upset at myself for leaving it, but went to the store regardless, to leave my name and number just in case. I ran in, and IT WAS STILL THERE, ON MY SEAT. They did not even bother to check. That just bothers me. I understand that it is my fault, but really??? She did not care about customers. So i do not care to go back there and help contribute to her salary.
(1)Sharon H.
It's summer, so in my continuing quest for thirst quenchers, I took a detour from my usual Moroccan mint tea latte with soy milk and ordered the frozen lemonade from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. One sip of the icy cold, lemony beverage and I had to wince from the immediate ache in the hollow of my cheeks. You know the place, it's the same spot that hurts when you bite into li hing mui. Sweeeeeet! A little too sweet, actually. It started to taste better when the ice melted and watered down the sugar. Coffee Bean also makes one of my favorite breakfast treats -- a moist and chewy apricot almond oatcake that pairs well with a tea or coffee latte. It's probably made with a pound of butter so is not exactly healthy, but it sure beats the dry hockey puck oatcake from the other chain. Some people like that, though, since it provides a super dose of fiber. The Manoa location is convenient if you're shopping in the marketplace and want a quick cup of joe, a sweet snack, light meal, or a just a meeting place with friends. There's indoor and outdoor seating, and the shop doesn't seem to be overly crowded at any particular time of day. Read and sip your beverage, or type away on your laptop, it's a nice little hangout to linger and enjoy the moment.
(3)Quijana B.
On a normal day I order iced Japanese Cherry Blossom tea and add no sugar. On certain days I order ice blended Black Forest (chocolate with cherry and ground chocolate covered coffee beans) with a dusting of cayenne pepper. Heaven, and exactly what I need to turn a bad day around. Today began as a bad day. I've spent the weekend tending to a sick friend. She managed to be sprung from the hospital and we stopped for coffee on our way to her house. I would never have suggested that we stop here, as I did not want to add stress to the day. I'm so glad that she made the request. It was just what we both needed to put the past few days behind us. I love this location. It is bright and cheery and filled with a happy staff. I'm fond of every CB&TL I've visited, but this one is really something special.
(4)Jake C.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is pretty good. I'm a huge fan of Vanilla and Peanut Butter, so the first time I went to a Coffee Bean, and saw that you could add whatever you wanted in your blended drinks, I was all for it, so I got a Vanilla Frap with peanut butter, and it was amazing. I've only been to the Coffee Bean a handful of times, but I'd say it's pretty good. The Baristas are friendly, and the atmosphere is coffee-shop like. Their menu is a lot more consistant than Starbucks, I feel like there are more things on the menu year-round, and they even have seasonal things as well.
(4)Faye M.
Service is hot and cold - after I asked a barista to heat up my PB & Banana Bagel Sandwich thing (which they USED to just automatically ask me if I wanted them to heat it), he gave me this look like "seriously?". Yes, seriously!! THIS IS PART OF YOUR JOB!! Besides the sometimes attitude; I love coffee bean, their food and drinks are at a higher quality than the other place across the street...IMHO. Customer service needs to be improved though.
(4)Jessica-Nicole U.
I dorm at University of Hawaii at Manoa. So I moped to this location. Definitely worth the 6 minute trip. I've only been to this location and the one by market city. I like This location better because it's more spacious and comfortable. Feels much better to study and a lot more relaxing and comfortable. Doesn't feel like I have to leave. I usually buy a regular or large blended dark chocolate - my fave. Comes out to about 4.60 or something to that extent. Or about 5.00. So it's pretty expensive. They ask if you want whipped cream. Extra calories but no extra charge. They also hand you an hour long Internet card for every purchase. this is understandable because if they didn't I'm sure coffee bean would be overcrowded. They also have this card where for every dollar they put a stamp. Enough stamps gets you a free drink of your choice any size. So that's a good deal. The style is really cute and it's not too crowded. Usually I can find a good seat when I get my order. The service is fast, friendly and helpful. When asking a bunch of questions the barista was extremely patient and nice. Overall, comfortable, modern feel. I wouldn't recommend it for the average college student because it's quite a trip if you don't have a car or moped. Although there's a lot of space for parking, ESP compared to the market city coffee bean.it's also pretty pricey. $5 for a cup of blended deep chocolate? get outta here! But it's really worth it if you have the money. Great place to kick back, relax, read a newspaper and enjoy a good cup of blended deep chocolate :)
(5)Kate T.
Oh how my obsession with CBTL continues. I came here to do some recording and luckily I got to have a drink here. Everything is awesome here and the store is very clean and the employees are nice! What more do you need in a CBTL?
(5)Jillie K.
This place has literally become my sanctuary for studying. If one of my teachers spontaneously decides to assign us a paper, thinking that their class is the only one who we have homework for, I automatically know where I'm spending my evening and early morning. Coffee, food, wifi, place to sit for hours tediously mulling over how to make your paper seem longer. It's the whole package. Seriously, I would live here if I could. On the aspect of food and drink, I'm in love with the PB & Banana bagel and the Ice Blended Matcha (HEAVEN). They also have great lattes and a whole assortment of pastries, which just right for my incurable sweet tooth. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better place. Sorry Starbucks, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has stolen my heart.
(5)REBEKAH H.
I love myself some Starbucks, but if it were to come down to it I would choose Coffee Bean. I just tried their iced peach blueberry tea latte and it was awesome! Starbucks tends to over roast their coffee, so if I order a drip coffee there it is only their mild. Not so at Coffee Bean. Smooth coffee, not as bitter as SB. I love all their tea flavors and that they come both iced and hot. I live on the east coast and this is one of my favorite stops whenever I see one.
(5)Anastasia B.
I prefer Coffee Bean over Starbucks because it doesn't have the burnt taste. On the downside, the food and pasties are over-priced but that's expected in Hawaii. Buy the gift cards at Costco to save money. I think it a $100 gift card for $80.
(4)Marjorie H.
Located in the manoa market place right by Safeway. It's pretty busy in the mornings, but the baristas move the traffic smoothly. There's seating both in and outside. I'm not big on coffee, but I love their chai and matcha teas. They come strong so that's all the caffeine I can handle! My husband gets his coffee here black and swears he loves it. There's even hot chocolate for the kids so everyone's happy. I've tried this thing called an affogato that was such a morning delight! Its a scoop of bubbies vanilla ice cream with a shot of espresso I believe. Not big on coffee, but I will be back for this treat! My favorite thing to order is the 'to go' pack. It's roughly around $15 for a jug of coffee in light or dark roast (I ask them to mix half and half) that yields roughly a dozen cups of coffee (depending on the coffee drinker). Comes with cups, creamer, sugar, and all. Imagine me walking into a crowd right before the kids early morning game on a weekend...I bet the parents are all like "best team mom ever!". You get a stamp for every dollar you spend in here and military gets 10% off. Yes this is why we choose this coffee shop over its competitor, Starbucks across the street!
(5)Sean N.
Staff is friendly and produces quality drinks if, you know what to order. The atmosphere is welcoming, constantly changing. I frequent this place multiple times during the week and enjoy going back. Good service, and although I dont order them much, I love that they offer Bubbies Mochi Ice Cream. Managers and long time staff deserve credit where credit is due. Thank you Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf of Manoa Staff. Sean
(3)Larr L.
Dark Chocolate Ice Blend? Yes, please! Great place to stop in. I know their ice tea is good as well, but have not tried much else. Service is friendly and quick.
(5)Ryan Y.
Quick review: so in Manoa, Coffee Bean is in very close proximity to Starbucks, so competition is really narrowed down to the college kids, old folks, and the Internet freeloaders fighting to get a seat. To the Beans benefit, during the school semesters, both places are almost always full of folks. Be aware, college folks, it's a hit or miss, but Bean definitely accommodates for the studying folks who need a seat... Much more than Starbucks, anyway Aside from seating, the coffee is decent. The ice blended drinks (frap equivalent) are really sweet.. Maybe a little too sweet. Nevertheless, they are good. The food is meh.. The staff is really nice, and the tea is amazing for a cafe, IMO. Side note: the restroom.. Is clean.. And it doesn't smell like a burnt match, which stench sticks to your shirt (unlike the Manoa Starbucks).
(4)Jessics H.
This Is my go to coffee shop! Drinks are always consistent, and the workers are amazing! Each one of them really go the extra mile! I'm never disappointed.
(5)Ashley N.
I used to go to this Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf all the time and always remember their store being in pristine condition. Tonight, however, the entire store seemed very dirty... I originally decided on going to Coffee Bean tonight, since I believed their Ice Blended drinks were a lot better than Starbuck's Frappuccinos (despite being a little pricier). I decided on their Strawberry & Cream Ice Blended, with whipped cream. Once I paid for my drink, I headed over to the condiment bar and was shocked by how dirty it was! There was liquid sugar all over the counter with milk spills here an there. There was also a trail of small bugs heading to the spice containers... (Gross!) My only other complaint is that my Ice Blended was incredibly disappointing for the $5.15 price I paid for it. It had very little flavor, despite being a deep red color. Also, about halfway into my drink, there was a piece of metallic plastic that made its way up the straw and into my mouth. I don't mean to sound nit-picky, but I really do believe there should be a certain amount of cleanliness in a store that handles food and beverages. After coming to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf tonight, I think I'll just stick with Starbucks from now on.
(2)Jenn T.
Everyone knows theres a secret (or maybe not so secret) battle between CBTL and starbucks. While most regular starbuck go-ers would never step foot into CBTL, whether it be out of loyalty, fear or addiction to those starbuck coffee beans, I find that CBTL is just as awesome as starbucks. YES, i said it! I most definitely am a frequent starbucks customer, but i absolutely love CBTL for their variety in teas. Lets just be honest, starbucks makes a great coffee, but CBTL makes a just as great cup of tea. I especially come here when I am craving a chai tea latte. MMMmmm. It is definitely my favorite at this cosy little shop. I also love their variety in green and black teas! Starbucks most definitely does not keep up in the tea department with CBTL's selection. I love that it comes piping hot, in a large cup and they have teas with full and great flavor! This location is awesome as well. There is a lot of seating, both indoors and outdoors. They have different types of seating, ranging from couches, to tables with chairs to outdoor lounging options. I also love that it's in manoa market place, which has a ton of food options as well. The service here is great. The employees are friendly, more than willing to help you and are smiling all the time. They have never been rude, especially when it gets busy. OH and they serve BUBBIES mochi ice cream here. AWESOMEEEEEE!
(4)Cynthia L.
No, I wasn't working 8-5, but I still needed my caffeine fix. I scaled down on my coffee habit and ordered an small Earl Grey Tea Latte. It was good, basically tea with hot milk. What stood out about my experience were the friendly staff! The baristas were cheerful with smiles. They even chatted with me a few moments. Their restroom was clean, too. No complaints here! Price: $3.66 for a small tea latte.
(4)Cyra K.
Love there hazelnut latte!!!
(5)Cory S.
Out of all the Coffee Beans I've been to, this one is the best! The staff is always friendly and is willing to fix an unsatisfying drink. Very comfortable atmosphere, and very clean. The tea flavors that they have are much better then Starbucks. This is one of my favorite places to go!!
(5)Dio P.
My daughter goes to Mid Pacific Institute so this is our go-to place if we're ever early, ha ha. Anyway, I love that it's not Starbucks! When I'm there I usually can't decide between the coffee cake or the blueberry cream cheese scone! If I don't get one of those 2, and needing some protein, I'll usually get the ham and cheese on croissant and get it warmed up, delicious! I'm cheap so I usually get whatever the coffee of the day is, usually the light roast and dark roast when I really need to wake up! If I'm feeling sassy, I might splurge and get an Americano. If you're going to get a iced latte, just order an ice espresso and pour the milk yourself on the condiment table, you'll save a dollar! Great thing about this location is that the line moves pretty quickly and I can always find a seat! Unlike the other guys across the street where they buy 1 coffee and hog the seats and wifi the whole day!
(5)Shanley R.
I love the outdoor seating area!
(4)John R.
I start out almost every morning with a Moroccan Mint Tea Latte with a Breakfast Burrito. The breakfast burrito is one of the best you will have anywhere on island with eggs, cheese, potatoes, turkey bacon, and delicious spices (green chili, etc). It's got a kick that makes this transplant from New Mexico feel the joy... Staff is warm and inviting, and you can't beat chilling out in peaceful Manoa.
(5)Cari A.
Since writing my first review here, I've gone back quite a few times. I've found the chai *can* be sickeningly sweet and filled with a whole lot of ice... I've stopped getting it here. However, their other iced teas are really great. Perhaps corporate should back off having their associates use so much ice, though...
(3)Courtney B.
I hate going to coffee shop chains when there are so many great locally-owned options around, but this one happens to be closest to my car repair place, so I'll sometimes stop in while waiting for an oil change or inspection. The service here is good, wifi is free, interior is clean, and power outlets abound. I usually get the iced teas, but coffee and espresso drinks are decently good too. A large iced green tea is only around $2. Food and pastries are previously frozen and shipped from the mainland -- don't bother (you're much better off walking over to Fendu Boulangerie on the other side of Manoa Marketplace). The parking lot is massive because they're next to Safeway, so parking is never an issue, but at peak hours you may have to hover for 5 minutes or so to snag a table due to all the UH students studying.
(4)Brian K.
This is definitely one of the best coffee shops on the island. Bold statement, I know. If it weren't so crowded, I'd say it's THE BEST coffee shop. The atmosphere is perfect. Couches? Check. Good coffee? Check. Good teas? Check. Free wi-fi? Check. Friendly service? Check. Parking? Check. If I'm in the area I go here for coffee. Heck, even if I'm not in the area I'd drive here :)
(5)Megan R.
I CRAVE COFFEE BEAN'S HAZELNUT LATTE'S!!! I seriously come here at least once a week! Which is great for my coffee bean stamp card! Such a good deal, I feel like I get free coffee all the time! All the workers are extremely friendly, and give out free yummy samples. I love that I can trust the quality of the coffee, it is ALWAYS consistent. The perfect amount of espresso - not too strong & the perfect amount of syrup - not too sweet. One word: Perfect. I try not to give into my guilty temptations, but their pastries are scrumptious... especially the blueberry cream cheese scones! Which are not always available :[ But they like to change it up & offer a wide variety of food to choose from. Again! Just to reiterate, their coffee is SUPERB! A coffee lover's must.
(4)Crissy K.
The lattes. etc., at the Coffee Bean are just OK, but what you REALLY go to CB&TL for is the whole leaf TEA. They have so many different varieties, you could have a different one for every kind of day you're having. My absolute favorite hot tea is their genmaicha green. Take a look at the tea bag when they brew it: it's even got whole popped popcorn kernels in it, along with the rice -- very cool, and it's got such a nice flavor. They recommend that you remove the bag after steeping, but I've found that you can easily add more steaming water and stretch its usage for at least one more cup. On hot days, I'll go for an iced pomegranate blueberry tea. Don't let the pomegranate in the name scare you: the taste isn't overwhelming. It's a really nice, mild flavor. When I first heard about CB&TL, people were saying that their baked goods were supposed to be excellent, but I've tried a couple and found them to be on the dry side. Their refrigerated meal options, like sandwiches and wraps, are considerably better, though. But remember: you are there for the tea. Do not leave without trying the tea!
(4)Tiffany K.
This is the first time I tried the Coffee Bean...usually I go to Starbucks, but.... *C]:O) -best Hazelnut Latte! (sweet, full, and tasty!) LRG for $4.84, i think the reg was $4.44.. -lots of seating and OUTLETS -clean and quiet, less of the loud music that SB has.. -free wi-fi :*O( -I am not sure how it compares to SB with prices... -only have reg and large size,... comparable to grande and venti.. *quick tip* -if SB is crowded, coffee bean is a great place to study/chill! -i would definitely go again!
(4)Aly B.
There's a gentleman that works there that is so lovely and makes my day when I see him. He has black hair and is sort of tall. I don't know his name but he has the best customer service I've seen. Coffee bean has good coffee but the staff is wonderful. I wish I knew his name but he's really terrific. Everyone should go to coffee bean just because of this guy.
(5)Jacob W.
I prefer to rate average run of the mill chain stores as a three not to be partial towards locally owned but there is rarely anything noteworthy. I went to the counter and in my half asleep haze I was well greeted and advised. Not to mention the coffee is I think better than most here. The baristas just seem to care more at this place. So if you are in Manoa go across the street to the coffee bean instead of the Starbucks on the main strip.
(4)Jennifer K.
I don't usually review coffee shops because your experience usually depends heavily on your barista and that constantly changes but today, my barista was super awesome :D. First of all, I always order the same thing; a large iced jasmine dragon tea. Usually after I add my sugar ( I promise it's not that much xD) it doesn't have too much of a tea taste left.. There's been occasions where I let my friends try and they exclaim that I paid for sugar water -__-. Manoa's Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is usually one of the better ones at making my tea..but today it was awesome! The tea actually had some color in it and had a strong tea flavor. Even after all the ice had melted, the tea flavor remained (it takes me forever to finish it -__-). I was just amazed. I don't know who made it, but whoever you are..you're amazing. :D I've tried other drinks from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf but my regular is the Jasmine Dragon. The pure dark chocolate ice-blended drink is pretty good too :]
(5)Jared T.
Having English Breakfast iced tea daily does not make you any more British than you were yesterday. I'm more of a tea guy than a coffee guy. I often stop by here before I head to work. It's nice that it's open at the same butt crack time of dawn that I get there - 530-545 am. I enjoy the strong brew of the English Breakfast iced when its the tea of the day, as well as the Vanilla Ceylon. It would be nice if they had a food selection which pairs with the drinks better (like the chai latte w/ pumpkin bread). While they've been adding new items like the morning glory and cinnamon rolls, i like starbucks' oat cakes and sausage sandwiches such. Anyway, keep that in mind - the tea of the day is often brewed stronger than if you order it regularly. So if youre adventurous and your belly can handle change better than your mother-in-law then by all means try it. Ask for extra ice for that great brain freeze to wake you up. love the sofas and area. i like to read books here after work sometimes.
(4)Deanna P.
This is the location that I usually go to, but I have been to others. The quality is good at all of the locations. I actually do not drink coffee so I can't rate it. The 5 stars is based on the atmosphere and the strawberry cream green tea. There's really not much more to say. The tea is amazing.
(5)John D.
I recently returned to the islands after 12 years on the mainland. To cope, I developed a rather robust addiction to caffeine, with coffee becoming the preferred delivery method. For a while, Starbucks slaked the thirst, but I came to realize that their beans were more like charcoal (too far beyond roasted), and switched over to Peet's. Ahhh, heavenly Peet's. There are still some Peet's roasts that are too roasted, but many of their selections are outstanding -- Garuda in particular. And their blended freddos are, without question, the best iced coffee drinks I have ever tasted. Since I can't get down to the only Peet's on Oahu (way down in Waikiki), I thought I'd give CB&TL a try. It's got a nice atmosphere and the staff is friendly. But sadly, the coffee is flat-out horrible. It's even beyond charcoal -- it's just char. I could discern nothing resembling an actual coffee taste in my iced soy latte -- it just tasted burned. And watery. And not even a hint of sweetness. And it was 2/3 ice. And they charge extra for ice drinks -- $5.11 for this disgrace!! Sorry, folks, but CB&TL is a BURN.
(1)Stephanie C.
This is the perfect atmosphere to meet up with a friend for a chat or get lost in a book on a rainy day. The drinks are tasty, the staff are warm, friendly and talented and it's location can't be beat. Being right next to Safeway, there is always parking and it's easy to explain to a friend how to get there. There's covered seating outside, too. I've made it a habit to grab a cafe au lait after doing my grocery shopping (Another habit that could be expensive over time, but it's worth it).
(5)Jaynie K.
Dear Manoa Coffee Bean, Thank you so very much for providing me with a comfortable place to study!!! Good tea, super friendly service, and yummy treats! Clean restroom is a plus!!! xoxoxo, Jaynie.
(5)Lauren S.
Spacious and comfortable. Red velvet cupcakes and overly sweetened drinks. Who can ask for more?
(5)Evan A.
The true test of a coffee shop is black coffee. I had some here. Ok. Not as burnt or acidic as Starbucks, but just not to my liking.
(3)Lauren W.
Some dear friends whisked me away from the office to go have a "tea" at the Coffee Bean. We were enticed by the seasonal offering, "Winter Dream Tea Latte" which tasted exactly like Thanksgiving. The hot latte warmed you from the inside - which reminded me of love. Cinnamon and nutmeg spices in the tea reminded me of pumpkin pie. Then there was that last sip, where all the spices and cream are thick and concentrated - which reminded me of when you're already fully but you take one last fork-ful of stuffing and you know you shouldn't, cause it might make you throw up! Luckily, I left the last sip in the cup and just enjoyed the moment. I also had the red-velvet cupcake, although it wasn't anything special. The cake was a little dry and the frosting wasn't as creamy as I like it. I love me some red-velvet, though, so next time I'll order the sliced red-velvet cake.
(3)Monica L.
I had a hard time liking this place at first because I'm true to Starbucks. However, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has free newspapers in the morning and 1 hour free wireless internet with any purchase. If you're on a budget like I am, the small brewed coffee is about $1.70 and tastes pretty decent. Free paper, 1 hour of internet AND a cup of coffee for under $2? How good can it get?
(4)Ikaika T.
More parking than Starbucks, and better coffee - IMHO. Unfortunately the pricing is about the same as Starbucks. One thing that is better here is the Tea. They have a wide variety of fresh teas that you can smell before buying. You can order any tea as a latte. Also, they have a blueberry latte that is amazing here.
(4)Danielle Y.
Fairly standard chain-y coffee shop, with added bonuses of plenty of parking (it is in the marketplace), a decent amount of seating both indoors and out, and an hour of free wireless with a beverage purchase. Coffee was good, lilikoi-mac nut pastry thingy was yummy, and the tea drinks looked intriguing. Also, if you went here and hated it, there is in fact a Starbucks across the street that you could mosey on down to at any time.
(4)Jerrene T.
I had to buy some gift cards with gift cards... my friends were making me panic because I thought that it didn't seem like too big of a request but everyone said you better check... blah blah blah. So I was sooooo frazzled but then I called them ahead of time and they seemed fine with it. In fact the man who answered the phone had wonderful telephone etiquette... you can't say that for many companies nowadays! Anyway, I headed down there on Sunday to get the job done since it seemed like this CBTL had the best service out of any of them. It was quite busy but the man who helped me... I think his name was Scott, was so polite and patient with my request. I even ordered a beverage. I love their crushed ice over Starbucks' cubes. I ordered a pumpkin spice latte or whatever it's called... it's not as tasty as Starbucks but I can't help but give them five stars for being so friendly! Seriously I was impressed. The mood was definitely happier than the Starbucks across the street. Next time I want to try that red velvet cake drink... it sounds delicious!
(5)Shar K.
Great iced blended drinks.
(3)J B.
I have been coming here for quite a while and have yet to get a bad cup of coffee (okay,okay, Americano..!). The shop is always clean and the staff is terrific. On the rare occasions I eat something the pastries and bagels are great.
(5)R K.
We come here most days and have never had a bad drink (unlike other coffee places where it is hit or miss). The staff is always courteous and prompt. I love the Americanos! Always done perfectly. Don't usually get food, but once in a while I order a bagel, and those have always been very good as well. The only downside is it can be crowded, but it's worth waiting for a seat during busy periods.
(5)Glady O.
Love their chai tea latte, NSA. This is the only place I've found where their chai tea lattes don't leave a bitter aftertaste. I usually go to the one in Manoa, but they've been changing staff lately. Their old crew was much better so I've been going to the one in Hawaii Kai since one of the girls transferred over and I like how she makes latte. Still though, they make good drinks. :)
(4)Jang Hyun K.
Excellent! Most aspects.
(5)Sara H.
i'm typically a starbucks customer but when manoa starbucks was packed on friday, i deviated from the norm. pros: - gingerbread cookie latte HAD GINGERBREAD CRUMBLE on top. seriously awesome. - had seating on this particular day. i think it has less seating then starbucks manoa (but more comfy seating if you're looking to just hang out!) but for some reason CBTL had table space on friday, where starbucks did not. also lots of outlets! cons: - pricey! $0.75 for soy?! sbucks gives me that for free! - to get wireless, you need a special code - need a key for the bathroom. i guess that helps it stay cleaner but i don't like that it allows the baristas to judge me for the number of times i have to pee after drinking a small coffee. :P
(4)Les Is More M.
aside from the weird looking manager dude, the counter workers are way better looking than the starbucks counterparts across the road. and as mentioned previously in earlier comments, much better parking. prices are about the same as starbucks, but I somehow like the quality and selection better. and better atmosphere for people watching, whereas at starbucks you get to watch traffic if you're lucky enough to score a window seat.
(4)Jas A.
much better than acidic starbucks, the coffee bean and tea leaf offers good coffee, and amazing tea selection, and fancy espresso/specialty drinks up the whazoo. the ambiance is set for hanging out, studying, or just people watching. check it out! btw, wifi is free if you ask for a wifi card up to an hour PER TRANSACTION
(5)Voice Of The People S.
i love this coffee shop. it seems a little pricey but pretty much everything is more expensive in hawaii so i guess coffee goes along with that, but their coffee is worth it! its really good and i always get my coffee just as ordered (i have kind of a complex coffee order that apparently is easy to mess up) there's a good vibe in here. the baristas/os are always nice, the place is very clean & cute. theres a lot of seating and pretty good access to electric outlets. the place is conveniently located so its always pretty busy though, i like this because it makes for good people-watching, but if you're looking to avoid the crowd this may or may not be the right place for you. like most coffee joints they have a punchcard (one punch for each dollar spent) and they sell a large array of coffee and tea accessories where i got my favorite ever coffee mug! their baked goods look amazing but i somehow have managed to JUST SAY NO....for now. oh and the best part: free wifi. and not obnoxiously obtained like Starbucks where you have to make a username and password and blah blah blah. you just get onnnnnnnn. thank you CBTL for that.
(5)Beth D.
Oh, I miss Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. great drinks and great service, makes me sad to come back to Chicago and drink Starbucks!
(4)