Little Beans Cafe
1809 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614
Little Beans Cafe Menu
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Address :
1809 W Webster Ave
Chicago, IL, 60614 - Phone (773) 251-1025
- Website https://littlebeanscafe.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :9:00 am - 6:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
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Maddie F.
I really love the concept of this space! My son enjoys all the cute little structures they have (especially the firehouse) I love the cafe inclusion and that you can have breakfast and lunch at the space. It is a bit pricey, we spent $50 dollars between admission and lunch. However, it is worth it for me :)
(4)Tanya I.
I just held my daughter's first birthday party here and it was a hit! I couldn't have done it without the help of Little Beans Staff and their space. My daughter had a blast and our guests enjoyed it as well. I would totally hold another birthday party there and would highly recommend it. I was looking for a place that could hold both adults and children of a wide range of ages where parking wasn't difficult. Our guests did not have any problem parking. Thanks again!
(5)Diane C.
This place is fun for toddlers and preschoolers and offers a variety of play houses and toys. Our toddler enjoys going and mom enjoys relaxing with a cup of coffee. But it gets very crowded very quickly on a rainy weekday and on the weekend, forget about it! The $12 fee is comparable to other indoor play spaces in Chicago, but if it's so crowded within 45 minutes that your little one can't walk without tripping on another parent or kid, then it doesn't seem quite worth it. I wish it was a better value for this reason or that they let less kids/caregivers into the space at a given time. We always get there right at 9 am to "get a spot" when it's quiet and calm, and it's not unusual for us to be crowded out of our seat by 10 am. *** And just one piece of advice for LBC: please, PLEASE put a cover on your refrigerated case with kid's snacks!! I love that snacks like milk, apple sauce pouches, etc are sold here because let's face it, a tired mommy forgets things. But having an open case with coveted snacks within toddlers' reach so that they can grab and lick things then their parents have to either buy them or put them back is gross and unsanitary!! A place that caters to kids and families should know better than this. Get this stuff out of the reach of germy hands! This will save parents from unpleasant tantrums before they're even finished paying admission and will reduce the spread of viruses, too.
(2)Richard M.
Little Bean's Cafe is fantastic for children! I have held my son's birthday party there for the last two years in a row. They have great toys, great employees and reasonable prices. There is even nearby parking! If you have young children, try this place out!
(5)Jdub U.
I will preface this review with the following fact: I do not have children. I came to Little Beans for a beer event of all things. After hours. No kids around. Just adults drinking good beer. The cafe area itself isn't very big and the menu looks to be pretty simple. (I'll have to come back and give it a shot... maybe after having kids... or you'know... there's another opportunity to drink beer here). The space itself is divided between the cafe and the much larger play area that also has a few sitting tables and chairs. There's also an outdoor ice cream parlor area. The play area and the ice cream area are very cute. I followed the house rules and removed my shoes before entering the play area, then had a grand ol' time exploring the mini shops, slides, and toys. This adult-child had fun and found that attending an event at Little Beans was a refreshing change from the typical bar venues. I think that if I came during normal business hours without a kid it might be weird but I'd love to come back for more events and give that ice cream a try.
(4)Noelle P.
A wonderful play space for kiddos that ALSO has very good coffee! What a nice way to spend a rainy morning. I wish I had visited sooner. Preschoolers in the pretend play stage will benefit the most from the awesome buildings, but my younger one very much enjoyed himself, as well. Another benefit-- the bathrooms were very clean. I didn't even mind trekking there in my socks (no shoes allowed in the play area). The owner was kind and welcoming, too, which matters in my book. The food smelled good, but I didn't get to try any today. I'll be back again, though!
(5)Liliana S.
Little Beans is cute. It's CLEAN and my boys have a blast here. But it's kinda pricey..I dont know, maybe it's just me. $12 to take my son to play and then another $12 for food...It all adds up. Oh and $10 for my younger son ($2 discount, whooohoooo!!!) They have a lot of events and offer classes for parents but I dont know..Can someone just open up a place that is more economical? Don't get me wrong, I'll be back but just not as often as my son would like.
(4)michael w.
Somewhat fun but not worth the money. Little Beans cafe is an ok place to let your toddlers get their energy out but its offerings are run of the mill and its price is way too high. Nothing here you wouldn't find in an average day care center. Some toys are in better shape than others. The staff is inattentive and our overpriced order was messed up twice. Frankly you'd be better off putting a jacket on and heading out to a park instead unless you are absolutely desperate to escape CHI-Beria. I later received a comment from Little Beans. They defended the price and actually called themselves a non-profit. But he neglected to address the very high cost of the establishment. There is simply nothing here that justifies forking over 12 bucks for a kid. You can get into the entire children's museum for that money. I remain unimpressed and he did not address the inattentive staff, poor customer service, or general poor quality of the experience.
(3)Peter C.
Not much to complain about...my daughter goes here for the dance class and sometimes we stay to play. I think $12 is a bit pricey for 1-2 hours of unstructured playtime but I guess that's normal for Chicago. The facility is clean and the toys are plentiful. Food here is nothing special but they never claimed to be a fine dining restaurant. My few dealings with the staff has been unmemorable...not overly friendly or rude. Bring socks!!!!
(4)Diana P.
I have a 2 year old and coming to this place was really cool the first time, something different. However, the second time, I noticed that my son was bored and played with a car and then vacuum the entire time. It's a great place to socialize with other moms or have a playgroup here but I don't think I'd come back. Great concept with the drinks, food and play area. Horrible parking though, only 4 cars fit in the lot and the street parking is nearly impossible around here during the week.
(4)Deanna M.
Ohhh, little beans. I'd give you 10 stars if I could...but I can't...so 5 will suffice. I visited today with a play group my son and I are a part of. I didn't quite know what to expect, as he is just starting to toddle around and doesn't do much interactive play yet. We enter the cafe, where I order a delicious white mocha after taking a few minutes to size up my choices on the cute chalk board menu. The people working behind the counter were so nice! My friend had a home made peach pop tart that looked delicious. Another friend had a sandwich, which they served with carrots. Love that! After meeting up with some fellow moms, we head (shoeless) into the play area. (Shoes are allowed in the cafe but not in the play area itself, which I love! Keeps the floor area much cleaner for all the little hands that touch it.) The play area....several adorable wooden play houses for the kids to meander in and out of. I liked that they had accessories inside, but not enough to completely dictate what the kids played in there. My son and a few other babies his age spent most of their time huddled around a bin of plastic fruit, adjacent to a window that they could bang on. Great fun. There were toy cars, other ride on toys, balls, dress up clothes, slides, etc. Find me a kid who could get bored here, I dare you. There are 2 private rooms, one that seems reserved for the dads maybe (big flat screen tv, ps3, couches, etc.) or nursing moms, and the other with soft padding on the floor, perfect for those who do not crawl yet. There was also a fenced in area for crawlers, which was just packed with infant toys. This comes in handy, I bet, when there are more big kids playing and less little guys. This place was CLEAN. Clean clean CLEAN!!!! Not only was it continually arranged and tidied up by the staff, but none of the toys or items had that grimy feel to them, common for toys that are not washed often. Its obvious the people who work here take pride in their job and take cleanliness seriously. We will absolutely, positively be back! My son thoroughly enjoyed and exhausted himself. I had a great time playing with him, seeing him interact with the other little ones, and talking to the friendly moms who frequent this spot. We had no issues with parking, there was more than enough room in the ample lot. I would recommend this cafe to anyone with a young child, but even kids as old as 2nd or 3rd grade would probably enjoy running around and playing inside the houses. I was pretty tempted to pop on a tutu and take a ride on a mini BMW car, but I thought i'd leave that to the kiddos... Down side: I asked about holding my son's birthday party here in January (its now November) and the staff told me they are booked solid through March for private parties. WAAAAH! Also, something i'd like to add. The price may deter some people, but I feel that you get what you pay for here. Especially for the cleanliness and the upkeep I saw going on, i'd rather pay a few bucks extra and know my son is playing in a quality area. Also, i'm all for spending a few extra dollars if I feel the service and atmosphere warrants it, which is absolutely the case @ Little Beans!
(5)Brady H.
Pure chaos. Though that is to be expected with any business that is all about letting babies, toddlers, and little kids go wild. There are lots of different areas spread out over the large space - so that spreads out the chaos. This place is as much for the moms as it is for the kids - a good cafe seems to be a must for these types of places. Parking is a bit of a surprising hassle but otherwise thumbs up!
(3)Tiffany S.
Although my kid loves playing here it it clear that the owners are not doing much to address some of the concerns people have. My review filled with similar issues that other parents have been talking about. Rude very rude staff This is something to easily fix but looks like it is still a concern. Does not make you want to fork over money to this place. Expensive food $4 for a very plain and cold hot dog that I had to wait to order until the lady at the counter stopped wiping something down and chat to the other girl about her day. Very odd. Parking is horrible. Even if there is another lot. It is filled with large rocks that can damage car. Could be better maintained. I am sure the owners will deny the claims above as done in previous reviews but please spend the time addressing these concerns rather than pretending they don't exist.
(1)Fawn J.
I take off 3 stars for the following: 1. Awful parking! Took me 30 min. to find a spot... should have turned around and went home. 2. Snobby/Rude parents/caregivers who do not supervise their children. 3. The employees are not hands on or even friendly. While we were there a couple girls walked around with dish cloths wiping down toys, but didn't smile at the children or engage with them in any way. I noticed one little boy pulling all the groceries off the shelves (in the grocery store play house) and putting them into the carts. One worker walked in and says, "uh oh" and starts taking the toys out of the carts and putting them back on the shelves. The little boy sadly walked away. Heartbreaking. While it was convenient not having to make an appointment like it's competitor requires, I would take friendly staff, customers, and easy parking over that any day!
(2)Jennifer D.
Ok my fellow mommies listen up! I had been a nanny for 10 years prior to becoming a mom and have frequented play spaces all around the city! I have to say this one by far is the best that I have been to. I am very disappointed in those of you who write bad reviews on a play space because of moms that are there not watching their children COME ON!! These startup businesses depend on good reviews and it is NOT their fault that some mom wasn't watching her children. It happens everywhere at the park at target you get my point. I think as moms we could all be a little easier on each other and not so quick to judge! Those of you who complain about the price are being unfair as well, how do you think these businesses are going to survive. I thought it was very reasonable and competitive pricing. I had no problem parking but could see why some do, from what I hear they are working on it THEY JUST OPENED!! It is a great concept my daughter had a blast, It was very clean and the employees where so friendly and playing with the kids(which they don't need to do).
(5)Rea A.
Let me preface this by stating I'm persnickety about anything that involves my little prince. With that said, I couldn't have been happier with my son's birthday party at Little Beans. I rented the entire facility as not to have to deal with other children. The kids started off in the playroom, then had lunch in the café. After they were finished eating they opened the Ice Cream Parlor and outside deck. Additionally there is a parent's lounge with nice couches and a TV (Guess where all the Dad's were) the staff was courteous, helpful and attentive.
(5)Angela S.
Recently we had our son's 1st birthday party at Little Beans Cafe. It was the perfect place! We had around 60 adults & about 35 children (with quite the span of ages...anywhere from 8 months to 6 years old)...and there were activities that everyone could enjoy! It is large space, and laid out just perfectly so it never felt cramped. The staff was a pleasure to work with; both during the party and via email and phone prior to the party. I highly recommend it! We will be back there to play again soon!
(5)emily h.
This is the type of place you walk into and instantly think "Why didn't I think of this?!" This place is a dream play space for Moms. It serves great coffee (Intelligentsia- YUM) and has a wonderfully creative space for little ones to play. My son loves driving around the little town in his BMW or Audi!! (Can we say yuppy?) Additionally, they keep the place super clean. I constantly see staffers walking around wiping down the toys. Got to love it. The main negative to this place is it is usually pretty crowded because why wouldn't every mama in town want to come to such a great play spot?!
(4)Jen B.
Made my first visit to Little Beans Cafe today with a private group. They opened early so that the group could have play time before it actually opened. My son loved it. The big play houses, especially the fire house, was a hit. The space is kept very neat. My only two complaints are that the food is incredibly expensive (it was over $2 for a squeezy applesauce) and that it got very crowded. I have no idea if they have a limit on the number of people that are permitted in there (I would guess they do), but at the time we left it seems like that limit should be surpassed with how many kids were in there.
(4)Moe f.
The little one I and checked out this place today(Saturday). We one of the first customers in there and it filled up pretty quick. There's a really cool fire station and a house that's on fire(don't worry it's a fake fire) to put out. Plus your typical house, grocery store, and mechanic play set. And of course Lilly's favorite costume corner with firefighter for boys and princess dresses for the girls. And a little lounge for the adults to mingle in. All in all good vibe and kept my kid entertained for 2.5 hrs(she would've stayed all day if I let her).
(4)Amber C.
I like little beans for the large play space and the sweet play structures that it has. I can tell a lot of thought, creativity and money has gone into this place. I've been here a few times and it's a life saver on cold and rainy days however this was my first time in with an infant and I was so disappointed that nearly every interactive battery operated toy didn't work or if it did was malfunctioning. A downer for my two kids that raced to each toy with delight only to be bummed that each didn't work.
(3)Url R.
Pros: The play space is huge and there are two rooms separated, but attached, to the play space. One room for arts and crafts, and another room that has couches, chairs (for breast feeding?), a Foosball table, and a big screen TV. The fake houses/stores are really nice as well as a play garage. Also, there is a gated corner for crawlers. Lastly, the reasonable price is for a full day, not just an allotted time slot. The staff is friendly. Cons: Parking is tough. The food is a bit pricey. The dining area and table area inside the play room can be tough to navigate. They should get rid of the toy cars that children can sit in and push with their feet ala Flintstone style. Those are accidents waiting to happen.
(4)Sheila M.
Overall, I think this place is great. There are plenty of different activities to keep my two year old boy entertained. We have had a number of very fun play dates there, I really appreciate that I do not need to make a reservation or be limited to a time block (the time blocks at Family Grounds Cafe don't work for my child's current schedule). It can get busy towards the end of the week and weekends - but Little Beans do a great job of keeping you posted on how busy they are via Facebook or Twitter. Just two precautions: First - the slide in the house on fire - If your child is young, watch them as they go down the slide. It is quite steep - Little Beans has added a cushioned mat at the bottom to soften the landing, but that isn't placed permanently, and often moves around. Also, there can be other kids at the bottom of the slide. Second: The ride-on cars and kick-scooter also seem like an accident waiting to happen. Keep an eye on your little one, whether they are the ones riding, or just playing in that area.
(4)Stephanie P.
Attended a pre-opening party at Little Beans Cafe today with my daughter and had a lovely time. It is located behind the frame shop so you may not see at first but do keep your eye open for it. Once inside it is divided into two areas the main coffee shop area which serves hot beverages and sandwiches and the play area. The play area is like a little town where there is a shop, a fire station, and other houses. There are also costumes for kids and cars as well as a model train table. In the play area there is also seating for the adults where we can enjoy our drinks. The kids today loved it and so did the parents. There is even a back area with a TV and foosball table where the Dads can escape from the kiddie craziness. All and all a well thought out place with good parking options. It looks very promising and I look forward to going back soon.
(5)Christa R.
Really adorable little spot. Service is a little slow because I fear they may be a little understaffed. It's really cute and perfect for kids ages 1-4. There is a little area for the crawlers but that's nothing specials. There's an indoor and outdoor playspace and outside there's a really great ice cream parlor that serves homers. They host a lot of events and classes which is cool. Some are even free (*usually sponsored by some other biz). Lots of tables. A stroller parking area. Only one changing table in the bathroom but I've never run into any trouble with that. Bring your little ones. It's way fun. Lots of cars, toys, costumes, etc.
(4)Molly F.
Of all the kids play places in Chicago, this one is probably the worst. The staff is so rude it is hard not to feel unwelcome when you walk in the door. I've given this place a fair shot and come several times for play dates and the like, but I swear the employees are afraid their faces will break if they crack a smile. Unless they are socializing with each other, which they often do. I've seen the owner standing around chatting with 4 female employees behind the counter for over an hour and not one of them took a peek around the play space to say hello to patrons or clean,etc. As a mom of more than one child I think the biggest downfall is not being allowed to bring our own food. No way I am going to spend 12 for a child to play and another 7 for each child for lunch. Even the horizon milks are 2.50 with tax. That's a 150% markup from the grocery store. Don't even get me started on the snacks. Somehow other places of business manage to make a living without requiring you to buy their food, but the little beans owner insists that "this is a cafe, and we a here to make money." Then he proceeded to tell me about a mom who had the nerve to bring in a subway sandwich to eat while she was there. What he failed to realize is that I was there that day, and I saw, and her daughter was in the ballet class, not playing in little beans, and she bought her child something to eat after class and rushed out, they weren't even staying to play. You can't force people to buy your food and they are not going to want to buy it if its overpriced and undesirable. Who wants to give their kid a cupcake or goldfish for lunch, or spend 10 bucks to get them a sandwich and drink. I've also noticed that one of the owners is a mom who likes to bring her own child, and they've started advertising mani pedis and trunk shows in the back room. If I wanted to get a mani pedi or shop for clothes while an overcrowded play place with rude staff, screaming kids, and insufficient parking, I might come here. But realistically nobody wants to do this. Lets be honest, she's just trying to have everything she would want to do all in one place for her, with built in child care for her own child while she sips coffee and charges people to come in and join her. I would bet the lady who sells clothes is either her friend or her sister, if not herself, combining 4 business models in one. Did I say 4business models, I meant 6. Nail salon, boutique shopping, cafe, play place, and don't forget the tap/ballet class they offer through a private teacher who rents the space from them. Poor girl got screwed a week ago when they laid down a foam floor in the space she rents and told her they have it for the gymnastics class they now hold and told the parents who spoke up that they do what they want because they own it. Nice attitude these people have. How can all the kids in tap and ballet do those activities on a foam floor!? You know what, I can do what I want to, I can take my business elsewhere,and I can review yours on Yelp and hope others follow suit.
(1)Martin B.
I have a 1,5 year old son and I find this place a good alternative to kill time. It can be chaotic with all different aged kids running around, but as long as you follow your kid everywhere you should be fine. I wish the other parents were just as diligent. Besides a bit of chaos, I do find there beverages etc. waaay overpriced: for example a small sandwich with bree and apple, blabla $7,50! Or 8 oz coffee $2,75ish! Ok, I'll pass. All in all this place is worth visiting.
(4)Stacy L.
This place is awesome! We are in town for the week from Seattle and needed a place to meet friends so our little ones (2 1/2 and 18 months) could get their energy out. The coffee was excellent, the employees were friendly, and it was very clean. In Seattle, the kids play & coffee shops have bad coffee, are dirty, small, and overpriced. This little place was a breath of fresh air! My husband and I felt comfortable letting our little girl play while the adults chatted. There was lots of room for kids to play without too much clutter. I would recommend this to others for sure!
(5)NRyan K.
Cute place, friendly service. Too expensive for ice cream. $6.47 for 2 single serves? Nothing remarkable about it for that price. Won't be back unless they reduce the price.
(3)Tuck T.
Skip Little Beans and try Kid City. The kids run wild here. My 3 year old daughter was punched in the face today by a little boy and now has a black eye.
(2)Kendra F.
This is a great place for infants to 4 years old. Toys galore! It is a bit pricey and when you add in buying snacks or lunches depending on how many kids you have, you can easily spend 30.00 or more there. I like coming here only in the winters with my 3 year old when it is too cold to go outside to play.
(5)Katie D.
I went for the 2nd time yesterday 2/24. I think the facility is great and the kids seem to love it. I obviously liked it the first time to come back a second time. This last visit was horrible to say the least. I got to little beans with my 2 year old and I paid the fee on top of my lunch AND a tip (wish I could take the tip back now). Everything was fine until my daughter took her socks off (she hates having socks on & it's difficult to get them back on her). Any parent knows this type of thing happens. As a health issue, I completely get it and was I was trying to get her socks back on when Elmo comes out to greet the kids. Try getting socks on a kid with Elmo around?!?! My mother (grandmother) shows up and comes into the play room to see her. Within 15 minutes of my mother being there (I had been there for over 2 hours at this point). I get a dirty look by a worker named Patricia who asks where my daughters name sticker is & why my mother didn't check in? I was also given an attitude about my daughters socks being off ( as Elmo is standing right there). I immediately take my daughter to the washroom to change her diaper and get her socks back on. As I come out of the washroom I hear the girl behind the counter and Patricia along with other CUSTOMERS talking about me & the situation. As soon as they noticed me & knew I had heard what they said they dispersed. EXTREMELY unprofessional. If the owners knew what took place I am sure they would be fired. If not, there is a problem with hiring the staff at Little Beans. As I said, this was only my 2nd time & I didn't know my mother had to check in and I had forgotten about a name tag ( isn't that something the staff should had told me at the counter?). Socks should definitely be on - no exceptions but Look at the situation- socks off for a brief time and Elmo was there!! All in all, the place is clean, kids love it, but the staff is horrible, unprofessional and obviously have no kids of their own. HORRIBLE experience. What happened to the customer is always right? Has it been replaced with Let's talk about the customer with other staff and customers...... Ugh!!!!!
(1)Becky M.
I think this is my favorite of the wave of "let's capitalize on the need for urban parents to get their kids out of their small city dwellings during inclement weather" places. It's very similar to Fantasy Kingdom but with more of a Family Grounds vibe and layout. If that means nothing to you-it's set up like a street/neighborhood with different themed buildings (grocery store, house, fire station, etc) as well as lots of vehicles and costumes but has a more open layout so you can see your kids from the center of the room. I love that's new so the toys and furnishings aren't worn and beat up and everything is clean! Bathroom off play area has tiny potties and changing station that was as clean as it could be considering the business that goes on in there. My toddlers love it-it not overwhelming. It seems a place that toddler through early elementary kids would like. Parking does stink on a busy day. Every place like this has lazy parents and nannies-do what you gotta do.
(5)Vesna M.
We held our daughter's 3rd birthday party at Little Beans Cafe in March of this year, and it was such a fun time. It was extremely easy and stress-free to coordinate details with the staff here, and when the day of the party came, we were able to play with the kids and mingle with the other adults without having to worry about anything. The kids had a blast, and there is something for everyone. Worth every dollar spent. I would without hesitation recommend Little Beans Cafe to anyone looking for a fun, clean, and creative place to hold their child's birthday party.
(5)David W.
Little beans is awesome. By far the best play cafe in Chicago. Highly recommend. The staff is friendly and toys are clean. Our 3 year old always has a ton of fun when we visit.
(5)Natalie R.
So many cool toys! My husband, 14-month old and I really enjoyed hanging out in here. No big crowds, really neat setting, amiable staff and great variety of age-appropriate toys. We look forward to checking out their concerts and classes.
(5)L T.
This place is so darn cute. I went today with my 4yo - we were only able to stay for a little over an hour, but she had a great time playing. I hated that I had to drag her out of there. There's a fire station, store, house, service station, many ride-on toys, train table, dress-ups - lots of things to keep the little ones entertained. My kid was definitely one of the older kids there, but she's good with the little ones and I was able to chill. The only turn-off was: the seating area (several cafe tables/ chairs) was pretty impossible to navigate because of all the diaper bags all over the floor (yes, I used to carry one - no need to leave it in the middle of the floor - the chair or under the table will do); and there were coats all over the couch (there was a perfectly good closet in the entryway). I understand wanting to save your spot, but it just kind of sloppy to me to leave a huge pile of coats in a space where someone could sit. Speaking of seating, there were a few benches around the play area where people could sit as well, which was nice. Parents/ caregivers there were good about watching their kids. Didn't get to take advantage of the coffee/ baked goods avalable. Oh, and there's also seating outside the play area. Maybe lunch next time :) Best of luck to the owner(s) - this is a great place for the kids and adults too!
(4)J B.
This is by far the best play gym and cafe for both kids and adults. What gets even better, is the play space keeps evolving for the seasons and is bar none the most imaginative and joyful kids play place in the city. The only negative is our daughter gets upset when it's tome to leave, which is well worth it because of the fun she has when she is there. We cannot recommend this fine establishment enough, and it is also a fantastic place to eat as well.
(5)Lea M.
Little beans is the nicest indoor playground cafe I have ever been too (and I have been to MANY in California, Atlanta, and now Chicago) It's very clean and the set-up is just too cute. I love the ambiance (the exposed wood beam ceiling and columns, the industrial feel with the exposed HVAC and the exposed brick, and the track lighting work well in this space, sorry for all those decor details, HGTV is one of my FAVORITE channels) It's an excellent place for 5 and under, but I would think 6 year olds (little beans cut off age) would be lose interest quickly here. LB is a large enough space for the mix in ages but not sure having an active 5 & 6 year olds run around (which is not allowed in LB but will happen as soon as you look away for a second) with small toddlers is not a good mix. However, if you come in during the school months when older kids are in school then it shouldn't be a big deal. As of this writing, 1:44pm on Wednesday May 30, 2012, there was only 1 toddler and my kids, 5 and 3, inside the play area. Good, because there less kiddy confrontations but bad, because they ask you to play with them every 5 minutes. So, all in all, I thought the experience for both the kids and I was great. I agree with other reviewers that a whopping $20 for two siblings is quite steep and after I bought 2 small bags of chips it was a total of $22! Whoa! Well, it's a treat and $22 is ok for today but not too sure about future visits. Overall, LB is a great play space.
(4)R B.
I've taken my sons there multiple times and I'm very happy with the space. The boys seem to have a great time; I can tell since they don't want to leave. I don't know what the heck people are saying about the snobby/rude parents who don't watch their kids. I just wish they'd hang out at the tables rather than all over the play area so when I'm looking for my kids to check on them I'm not dodging parents. The tables are there for sitting, or take their stuff of them so I can sit there and have a coffee. Whoever said that the ride-ons are a bad idea must have plenty of space in their homes for a kid to use a ride-on car. We don't and I love that my boys can play in the cars and they don't seem like "an accident waiting to happen" as another person posted. We'll definatley be back in the future. I just wish it were closer to the S. Loop where we need places like this in our area.
(4)Lisa D.
Overall this is a great place for little kids to run free and be allowed to explore their environment without much danger of getting hurt. The place is clean and kept tidy. Lots of different things to explore including slides, a dark room with lights all over, a little station where they can turn on and off lights over and over (my 12 month olds favorite) and even ring a doorbell. There are slides, legos, train table, costumes to dress up in, a piano to play, firehouse with awesome slide, auto shop and a little grocery store. Lots of push toys and ride in cars. There is a little area with books too. My daughter just turned 1 and absolutely LOVES little beans. Even though she is not walking yet she plays in the main area with the bigger kids and I haven't had any problems at all. There is a small area with toys for crawlers but she has no interest in that at all- would be great for younger babies to hang out with older siblings. There is also an enclosed room just off the main area with windows so you can see main area that appears to be for nursing, feeding or trying to put to sleep a younger child- seems like this would be awesome for those with more than one child. There are tables in the main area as well as before entereing the main area for eating. They have a cafe with a great selection for both adults and kids- the thing I most appreciated is there are healthy options for little ones. Last time I was there they even gave me (well not gave...) some whole milk from the gallon because they don't have it to sell in small containers. I have found the staff to be friendly and helpful. It does get crowded on rainy days but still never seems like too many kids are in there. There is a family bathroom within playspace and there are several diaper changing stations. You and your little one have to wear socks so be prepared- or else pay for them like I had to :( The ONLY reason I didn't give 5 stars is because you are not allowed to bring your own food in. There are signs in multiple places stating this. For 12 dollars (esp when we can only usually stay an hour or so) I think you should be able to bring in your own food. Other than that I am a huge fan and will be going to little beans a lot- esp in the winter.
(4)Kimberly P.
We came at 10:25 on a Sunday morning to take our son for some play time at Little Beans. We were told by a cafe worker right as we entered the building that the place was "already shutting down," though posted hours show that Little Beans is open until 11. Bad customer service and bad business sense; we would have paid for our son to play for 35 minutes, and anyway, what is the use of opening for two hours if you're going to start shooing people out after only 1.5? In that case, don't bother opening on Sundays at all...or learn to have some better customer service and business skills.
(1)Jamie D.
This place is so overrated for what it is. We went yesterday morning to find it packed like sardines and having to wait 30+ min for "admission". The facility is decent enough, well stocked, clean, but none of that matters when having to wait and pay $12 for an overcrowded play space with the kind of self absorbed parents who don't supervise their kids. We would have left, but wanted to get our $12 worth, so we stayed. Skip this overhyped place and go to Hobbitland instead.
(1)PJ S.
Our problem was with the madness that ensued during the open play time. It appeared to be more like "Lord of the Flies" than what is advertised. At no fault of the staff/ownership, the playroom is treated by parents, and even more so by the countless nannies and their boyfirends, as a vechicle to dump the kids while they congregate and gossip. You can immediately identify all of the spoiled brats amongst the group by their inept social skills, unwillingness to share, and complete lack of respect for one another. This begs a few questions: Where are the parents on the weekend where they would still require a nanny to watch their own kids? Where is the parental accountability in training (and disciplining) their children. Do we just write this off as the typical Lincoln Park/Lakeview parents who are completely unmindful of the situation? Its too bad because there is some value to the concept of the place and the staff is very friendly and professional.
(1)Jennifer D.
I tried Little Beans today for the first time after purchasing the 5 visits for $25 deal from Family Finds. Positives- All staff I came in contact with were friendly. There was plenty of seating to feed my 13 month old lunch between playing. I did have a couple of issues which is why my rating is what it is. My son still isn't walking but cruises right along quite nicely .Neg- I called to see if they had an area for crawlers and was told they did. They do in fact have a space but it is so small there was no room for him to crawl. There were two very large boys violently throwing the small basketball at each other and wrestling on the ground on the main floor. The mom's were paying no attention. Little ones were getting caught in the wrestling but no one seemed to care. It was my understanding that the rough housing was not allowed. I was disappointed that there seemed to be no place for a cruiser to play without the possibility of getting really hurt. If it was marketed for "walkers to age whatever" I could understand. I was so excited to find this space and it's price but I do believe that Bubbles Open Play will get my business. I'll pay the extra money to make sure my son gets a place to crawl, cruise and play safely. I'll have to wait until my son is a proficient walker to return to Little Beans. Just disappointed.
(2)Michelle A.
This is my favorite indoor play place in the city. My 2.5 year old son never gets bored here, in fact today we stayed for over 2 hours. The play area is clean, safe and fun. The staff is friendly and the coffee is good. The parking is easy and it's also stroller friendly. What's not to like?
(5)Sarah M.
5 stars indicates "as good as it gets" and I don't think the playspaces in Chicago get any better than this. It's new, clean, and you can eat lunch and snacks right next to the play area where your kids are (unlike Fantasy Kingdom where you have to go into a separate area). I like the cafe vibe here too, and my 4 year old daughter and her pal played happily for almost 2 hours. Parking is free in their lot or easy to find in the neighborhood. Just don't forget socks or you have to pay two bucks!
(5)E H.
By far the best kids party place I've seen in Chicago...and we've been to them all. Gorgeous, clean, Tons of great adult seating scattered throughout the kids' stuff so they can play while you sit and chat. Very nice staff. They even had an option (hotdog) for my son with egg, nut, and dairy food allergies.
(5)Elle B.
This place ROCKS! You do NOT getter better than this place! We have been here several times since they opened and have loved it each time. Having a 9 and 4 yr old,l I have made the rounds in Chicagoland of most the play spaces. This is by far the favorite. Awesome coffee beverages for moms, great play space and they carry the best ever Flirty Cupcakes. I have met up with other moms here and none of them were disappointed by my choice. Lots of costumes to try on and "houses" to imagine in for the kids. Everything is very clean and kid friendly (stool to wash hands in the bathroom, etc). The staff is very accommodating and eager to please. If you "like" them on FB they send out messages so you know when they are full and there is a wait. I HATE making a reservation at the other place, irks me. Just had a little play date for my 4 year old little bean here over the weekend and she and I could not have been happier. Had a mom drive all the way from Lake Zurich to come and said she will meet us again to play she loved it so much. The dads hung out in the lounge and watched the big screen, very comfy.
(5)Laura T.
Great place for kids! The cafe area is nice because there are plenty of windows to see the kids while your ordering. The play area, at least for younger kids, also has tables so you can sit and eat/work/etc. in the same room as the kids. Very friendly staff. A little pricey compared to other places I've been but a great time and the kids love it so it's worth it!
(4)Mary H.
This place has really gone downhill. We used to come here all the time when we lived in the city two years ago, and my older son really wanted to go back. So yesterday we made the trek to visit a friend on the northwest side and then down to Little Beans. NO AIR CONDITIONING. I walked in and the guy at the counter apologized for mopping his brow but it's really hot. I said, "The AC is working in the playroom though, right?" "Oh yes, " he said, "We're trying!" I plunked down $27. (2 kids plus socks for one.) Walked in - no AC. IT WAS COOLER OUTSIDE ON AN 80+ DEGREE DAY. But now we were there, and we live 40 miles away, so it's tough to leave - we'll make the best of it. Back door of playroom was open to let in the air - not so safe. There were awful smells in certain areas of the playroom, like dirty sewage or something. When I arrived there were no open tables except in smelly areas. It was miserable. Plunked down another $13 for lunch for hungry kids before the long drive home. Said to the gal behind the counter, "So your air conditioner is broken." She said, "No it's not. We've had the guys out today twice to fix it and no one can figure it out." Um, I think that means it's broken. "What's that area roped off for?" I ask. "The AC was leaking," she said. "But it's just water." I hope so, but my guess is that it was refrigerant. The AC was running, it's not cool, and it's leaking. Doesn't take a genius to figure that out. A lot of little kiddos walking through it and getting wet socks - another hazard. They should have been closed yesterday - or at least given everyone a 50% discount. On the way home I asked DS 5, "So was Little Beans as great as you remember it?" He said, "No - it was too hot. Mommy, I don't want to go back there again." Nuff said.
(1)Suez C.
The little bean is my favorite place so far to take my daughter to play. We have been to most of the museums and other play centers in the city and suburbs. The play area is great for toddlers that have a lot of energy to expel. There are plenty of cars to ride in and play houses to pretend in. There is a sign that asks parents to take their child home if they show symptoms of being sick. I did notice a girl constantly coughing and snot running down her nose. However no worker enforced this rule as she stayed and ran around. I just kept my daughter far away from her. The parking is very scarce as expected in the city. The first time I visited I left because I could not find a spot. This time around I managed to get a spot right in front after someone left. The coffee and food was decent. It was nice to be able to have food and drinks in the facility. Other places usually do not allow drinks, let alone food in the play areas. I am excited for the Evanston location to open.
(4)Jenny A.
I can see how they cornered the market for desperate care givers... But at a $12 admission PLUS you have to buy food because you can't bring your own, I can't rate it higher than 3 stars. The food is ok, but also priced for a captive audience. Very disappointed that the $4 mac and cheese was from a box mix. Yuck! The stars because the play space was nice. The play houses were cute and the ride on toys abundant. If admission was more like $6 or $5/kid with a food order, I'd go frequently but it's just not worth $50 of admission for 2 kids and mediocre snacks purchase to go regularly. Update: Rob, the owner, was nice enough to respond to my review, and I feel I should emphasize that the kids did have a really fun time, and the space is clean and inviting. It's a neat place to go if you've got the budget for it. I do think we'll keep it in mind for "Special" outings.
(3)Buck O.
Place was clean. Staff was exceptional! I was truly impressed! Kids had fun which was the main thing. Ok, well, the adults had a great time too! Parking is scarce but we managed. I will tell all my friends they can expect great service from here. Thank you Little Beans Cafe!
(4)Hillarey R.
As a play center, Little Beans is nice--similar to other play centers in Chicago, but a little bigger. My daughters and I have been there a few times and it was always fine. Nothing awesome, but nothing awful either. This review is related to a few things that I experienced yesterday. I went there intending to stay until close--6 pm, as stated on their website. Just as I was about to order some dinner for my girls, an employee came over to the area where my older daughter was playing and putting away all of the toys that she was playing with. When I asked why she couldn't continue to play, I was told that tonight was "baby prom", and everyone needed to "clear out"(her words), so that the baby prom participants could enter. First of all, it would have been nice to have some advance warning that the facility was closing early--a mention from the employee when I paid the admission fee, a sign on the door announcing the early closing, something. Then, when I tried to ask for more details about the event, I was told that it was too late to sign up and that I basically just needed to hurry up and leave. Not her exact words, but the attitude that I was receiving. Finally, as I purchased a to go item at the cafe before leaving, I tried to let a different employee know that it would have been nice to have had some advance warning of the early closing--this employee ignored my discussion and didn't want to acknowledge that a customer was concerned about an aspect of their experience at the play center. So, I guess that as a play facility, Little Beans is nice, but the customer service that I received from their employees could definitely be improved upon. And, when a special event is taking place that requires early closing, it would be appreciated by customers to get a heads up.
(2)Dexter H.
Great play space. I'd feel a lot better if the cafe was cleaner, it's actually borderline filthy, I want to tell the three employees to buss the tables and sweep the floor and clean the condiment stand. I turned my ankle on missing floor plank covered up by a rug. Can't they fix that?
(4)Randie W.
I am Not A Scam Artist, by Any Stretch of the Imagination! Your calling me names is Unprofessional but I must consider the Source. I want to Go On Record. I Never removed a Review I Posted. It's still their for All to see. I was your Customer! You came at me like an Out of Control Bull. I'd never seen this in any establishment, particularly one with small children. I would say, Customers Beware and be sure to stay on the Right Side of the Owners. I hope no one else ever experiences his anger and rage. This Was My Experience. I am an Upstanding Honest to a fault, Citizen
(1)Natalie V.
Always very clean. Love this place a lot. Even my mom likes to come with me now. Food is good. Even if it seems crowded, this place is big enough where you don't really notice it. It winds down around noon-ish when it's like the universal nap time.
(5)Deanna S.
This place is great to let your kids run around and burn off energy while it's cold outside. It's also great for summer, too, as they have an outdoor space with an ice cream parlor. I have a 4 yr old and a 1 yr old and there is enough things in this space to keep these two occupied for hours. I enjoy having breakfast or lunch here, too. It's nice to not have to leave the space to eat. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because it's pricey. This place is always packed and they often run a wait so I guess they can get away with it. I had my son's 2nd birthday here and it was nice to have the food brought in, the cake delivered and Little Beans did the clean up. It was expensive, though. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny.
(4)Genia R.
Just hosted my son's 5th birthday party this past weekend. I was first a bit hesitate given his age, but what can I say - the kid loves going the LBC. We had around 30 kids ranging from 3-10yrs and all ages really had so much fun that they didn't want to leave. We had around 50 adults which the cafe area was the perfect space to hold our Big Fat Greek Birthday Party! Everyone had fun. There's a nice space off to the side to accommodate the catering, drinks and cake display. Love that there's a separate coat and shoe area so the space is very nicely kept. Adults loved the coffee station (we added to our contract). Ashley worked with us to make sure our party was set up and answered all my questions, she was super friendly! The staff that assisted for the evening was very helpful and cleaned up throughout the party. I was super impressed that when we entered the space at 3:30 (half-hour before the party started) all the tables were set, chairs in place, all ready for me to enter with the food and drinks. They took care of everything for me. Totally took the stress off so I can manage my eager-to-play kids. My husband loved the space and gave me the big "Nice Job Babe" on pulling off a successful party for such a large group. Well, the thanks goes to Little Beans Cafe. Nice job to all! Thank you so much!!!
(5)Marcela R.
Very cute space, coffee was good. It's more for toddlers. Not so much for crawlers, on my opinion.... So not worth it to pay $12 if your kid can not use the space. Also the parking situation kinda sucks. Employees are nice and the place seems pretty clean.
(4)Mike L.
We met some friends here who also have a little one. Our child is a year old and theirs 9 months. The crawler area was pretty small but there were plenty of other areas they could make use of. The coffee was great (Intelligentsia), and we had some nice conversations with the other parents there. Everything was clean. This was a Friday morning and it was a little difficult to find a table at first, so I can imagine how it could get nuts on the weekend. The prices for coffee and for a day pass were reasonable, and I would certainly consider doing something like this again.
(4)Kristin W.
My son, whose now a little over 2, asks us a least 2-3 times/day to go to Little Beans. We simply love it! We've been going there since he was about 6 months old, but now he's at the age where he's able to enjoy everything. I feel that the price at $12/admission is completely reasonable, given the amount of space they offer! If you go to any other play cafes they only offer 1/2 the space and are extremely dirty. The staff and the owner are completely friendly and pleasant to deal with. They have dedicated staff whose jobs are to strictly clean the toys - you can't say that about any other play cafe. Their prices on food are okay, but I'm not one to complain. Their a business and they do need to make money. I don't go there expecting to have a 5-star meal given that their audience are children. I really appreciate the fact that they serve Intelligentsia coffee; it allows me to be so much more energetic when interacting with our son and/or other children. The toys that they offer and the play houses are extremely high quality. When a new toy looks like it's towards the end of it's life span, they take it out and replace it. If they notice that children fight over certain toys (i.e. the two trains tables) they went and purchased nearly 4x the amount of trains. How awesome is that? It does get busy on the weekends, but we always stick to going when they first open or around lunchtime when the crowd dies down. My only one complaint, which Little Beans is at no fault for, is the crowd that it attracts. I really dislike the nannies and parents who choose to not interact with their children and are on their phones the entire time. I wish it was a no cell phone/lap top zone. Overall though we go there about 2 times/week and really love this place. Every parent I come across I highly recommend Little Beans to. I can't wait for the Evanston location to open up though. Also, if you haven't tried out the Little Beans Special Events they offer - they're really cool and fun. We've gone to about 5 now and it's absolutely perfect for an activity on a Friday night, when you're going to be sitting at home anyways.
(5)Jason C.
Great place for toddlers - and parents! Clean, safe and fun!
(5)Marija M.
I totally love this place, my daughter loves it too. Only thing i ll say that i dont like it is that it was too cold to be just on socks. My feet were freezing they need some heat on the floor definitely.
(4)Mimi M.
Cute place. Great concept. My 15 month old really enjoyed herself for over 2 hours. We also had lunch there which was fine. Nothing major, but just right for tiny tots. Only downside is them not enforcing the coughing, sick rule. There was a big 4 year old terror of a girl (my first encounter w a child aged 'bully' more on that later) running around coughing a flesh, throaty cough along with her caretaker/grandmother who was hacking a lung while being engrossed in her phone while the kid terrorized the toddlers. Part of it is parents. Obviously. But businesses that cater to toddler aged kids has to strictly enforce those rules, especially an indoor facility. To top it off, the kid was running around taunting babies, yelling at them, telling them to go away, she's not their friend, etc. not little beans fault. None of us went to complain, which ultimately is our responsibility. But it was my first time and so I just kept I protective watch over my little one when the terror would come around. Other than that, cute spot.
(4)Beth D.
Way too crowded and not much for the kids to play with. I was there on Sunday with my 2 1/2 year old and we arrived early and there were way too many people already on a Sunday morning. All the toys were used and inside the cute little houses there wasn't really anything to do- nothing to play with. For example, there's a cool garage and inside there's an old gas dispenser, but nothing else except for a car that is up high and says please do not touch- for display only- makes no sense for a kids playroom. No where to store coats/shoes, etc. the place was a hot mess the day I was there. I left within 10 minutes of being there and my son was fine with us leaving- which is a stronger indication of a problem.
(2)Kara S.
Spent the morning at little beans today. This place has nothing on Peekaboo in Oak Park. Frankly, it was pretty dirty. The floors in the cafe were filthy and no one cleaned a single table the whole time we were there. I get that it's winter and snowy, but if you're going to force me to wear sox then have the place swiffered once in a while. Bathrooms were dirty, no wipes on the diaper changer, and there was no cover on the diaper changer. The people that work here are less than happy and certainly don't interact with the kids at all. Or smile. I saw one hipster vacuuming the middle of the floor, but that's the extent of any cleaning of the kids space I saw in 3 hours. I'm sure this place does well, but the folks at Peekaboo just do it so much better.
(3)Jackie C.
Cute play space--we went on a Saturday at 9 am (when it opens) and easily parked on a nearby street and played for almost an hour before it started getting busy. We stayed until about 11:15 ish and it was getting pretty packed. My 18 month old loved it and there were a lot of other kids her age and size. For $12 to have two good hours of play was a fun thing to do this morning. I would say this is a good choice for walkers (they do have a crawler's area too) all the way up to 3-4 years. Looks like they have some classes too, there were a bunch of little ballerinas coming in and out first thing in the morning and this didn't impact the big main area playground. So if you're worried that classes going at the same time will affect your experience, don't. I did not try the food but did have a latte which was good. Overall the place was clean but like I said we were there first thing when it opened. They have a cute family bathroom with a little potty and a big potty and a changing table.The pad on the changing table could use replacing. It would be nice if maybe they had a thing of disposable pads to use.
(4)Jana D.
We came here on a Friday afternoon, parking was easy to find and little beans was not overly crowded. Our one and a half year old loved playing with all the toys and running around. This is a great place to take your kid in the winter to get out of the house and let them run around. I found the staff very friendly and the cafe had great options for kids. Exactly what I was looking for,
(4)Barbara O.
I really like this play space. Lots of excellent toys and you see staff cleaning them throughout the day. My 2.5 yr old loves it! Love special discount on Mondays
(5)Lexi N.
I give this place 5 stars because of the experience including the staff and the food. I have read some complaints about the "pricey" food and it was just ok. First of all, if you are going to entertain your child in this neighborhood, you should expect to pay for it. My son practically used to live here when he was 3 and 4 years old. We would come about 3-4 times per week when we were in town. We used to live in Phila and stayed in Chicago for months at a time. The internet connection was great and I could easily work on my pc while my son played. The food is great! My favorite is the turkey avocado sandwich which I ordered all of the time. The ice cream is delicious and the coffee, to die for so not sure what the complaining is about. I would arrive at 9am and stay until closing. My son will be 5 in a few weeks and I miss LB because he is now in school and yet still asks to go always! In Phila, we don't have places like LB so I'm very happy that this one is only about 2 blocks away from my Chicago home. 5 stars and thumbs up for Little Beans!! It's a God sent!
(5)Rob J.
Listen, sometimes you just need a place where your kid(s) can run around and you can sit back a little. Doesn't mean you don't watch them, but you know, you can be a little more calm and its not a class so you don't have to participate every second. Love this place. Kids of all ages can play together. A fenced (seriously, a white picket fence) area for the littlest kids (crawlers). Couldn't ask for more.
(5)Katie O.
My nine month old daughter loves Little Beans, especially the mini piano. We bought the annual pass because we knew we needed somewhere to go with cold, miserable weather inevitable. If your baby is not crawling, entrance is free with drink purchase. There is a small fenced in area for non-crawlers with age-appropriate toys. They have a room open, if it is not booked for an event, with a couch and exersaucer which is perfect for nursing or isolating little ones from bigger kids. Little Beans has costumes for dress up, a good book selection and lots of space to move around. I believe my daughter started crawling because she the older kids doing it. This is a great place.
(5)Katie T.
Little Beans is a warm, cozy spot for a play date! It's very clean, and they have a lot of fun toys. I think it's ideal for toddlers up to about age 3 or 4. After that, the kids might start getting a little bored. It's not inexpensive but it's worth it for a few hours of play on a day when you don't want to be outside!! You will definitely see every approach to child care and parenting here--from the helicopter types to those who don't look up from their phones--but most people are nice and just want their kids to have fun. Staff is friendly, snacks are expensive and eye-level for the kids. Good strategy;-)
(4)No N.
This is the first time I've ever been to anything like this. I chose this place because of the reviews and the fact that they have a crawlers area. The parking kind of sucks but there is free 2 hour parking on the street. On a busy day I imagine it would be pretty hard to find parking. I went in the middle of the week, early afternoon. I have a non crawler and knew I didn't have to pay because of the reviews I read on here. I went in and appreciated the signs they posted about the shoes and socks instead of waiting in line to ask. I took off my shoes by the door and I literally just walked in. Later on while I was leaving I overheard someone say that they needed to leave their name tag on to be able to get into the playroom. I had no idea I needed to check in! I just walked by the cashiers and they didn't notice me or didn't say anything. A sign should be added really. Also super appreciated the employee cleaning and picking up the toys all the while. As for the atmosphere, I felt pretty uncomfortable at first. I came alone with the baby and all I saw were women on play dates. I smiled to a few and they looked away. My poor baby wanted to play with the other babies but their mothers kept their squirmy kids on their laps the entire time. Maybe it was just me though. Probably was just me. Anyway. I wish the crawlers area was bigger. At one point their were 3 crawlers in there with lots of toys and 3 moms and it was getting pretty crowded. Overall. Great experience. My baby had sooooooo much fun watching the other kids and babies and all the light up toys. I have yet to try the food, but I probably will at some point. :) Keep it up guys!
(4)Andrea R.
In my time as the mom of a toddler I"ve learned that indoor playspaces are essential for especially hot, rainy or cold days. We have our fair share of hot or cold days in Chicago, but fortunately lots of playspaces to choose from. I've been to most of them and have to admit that Little Beans is among my favorite. The toys and facility are clean so you don't need to worry about your little one picking up too many germs besides from the other kids running around this place, but then again...that's called building an immune system. Their café offers lots of snack choices for both kids and adults. I rarely get out of there without spending an extra $15 on food because my daughter loves to help herself to the display of chocolate milk, string cheese, etc. My daughter gets so excited by all the toys (doll houses, trains, disco room, etc) that I can chill out while she runs around in bliss. There's always a ton of kids her age there (1 1/2 - 2 year old), but I think it's a fun spot for older children as well. On a recent visit my friend had her almost 5 year old with her and she looked like she was having a blast. There's also a small area for babies to play if you're looking for someone to do with your non-walker children. I'd love to see more parking options, but they do have a small lot outside. If you want to be sure to get a spot get there right at 9am (when they open) and you should get lucky. However, if it's a particularly hot, rainy or cold day you can expect this place to be insanely crowded and may be out of luck when it comes to finding parking. It's also a fantastic spot for bday parties. In fact, my daughter and I are such a fan that we'll be hosting her next bday party there!
(5)Nichole F.
I went to Little Beans today with my one year old. This was my third time here and my little boy had a blast. He is at an age that is appropriate for this place (not like the previous times I have been here). There is an area for crawlers, tons of toys (they have two of a lot of the big toys which is genius!). We had lunch there with friends and had a great time. My only complaint was that there was a little boy there who was coughing and sneezing and snotting all over (gross!). I know that is a parent thing and not Little Beans. Anyway, I am thinking about buying a 10 pack or 20 pack because I think it is cheaper that way. With play time and lunch it was a less than $30. We will be back!
(5)Roxy H.
My 3 year old loves this place. She could stay here all day if I let her. I try to get in about 1:30 on Saturdays. The crowd thins out about that time, they close at 3. I don't have to drag her out of there because, hey! they are closing! Works like a charm. The food is pretty good. The selection is great for toddlers: fruits, organic milk, snacks... The coffee is good - Intellgensia. The price is great. $12 bucks for all day play? Wifi? I can check my emails and still have one eye on my daughter running around playing. Win Win! A negative? Maybe add a few sofas/comfy seating? Overall, this is a great place for pretend, indoor play...
(4)Claudia S.
No, I'm not a parent, but I take care of a small child and now that he's more active (and older), we've been getting out to more of these types of places. Little Beans, sadly, was not none of my favorites. I'm actually kind of glad mom doesn't seem to be too crazy about it, because it means I won't be subject to being here often. First, they were either very overwhelmed or are just so disorganized that I watched several people not pay. This was confirmed when I overheard "Did you pay? Where were we supposed to pay?" FREE PLAY!! Second, only one employee was remotely friendly. I asked a very friendly lady who frequents this place all of my questions, as she was definitely more approachable. Third, the dirty toy bin should be kept higher. Let's face it. Plenty of parents aren't watching their children, which means they take the toys out from under the benches and they end up on the floor. I've got a little guy who is teething. As much as I try and stop the toys before they reach the mouth, he gets a few past me. From my daycare days, I know why the dirty toy bin was kept higher. Fourth, a lot of parents aren't actually watching their children. This is usually with older children, but I had a few different children take toys out of my little guy's hands. I'm not going to argue with a 3-year-old, especially because little man is still easily distracted, but I'm teaching him that we don't just take and it would be nice if parents actually watched their children. Moving on, one of the rooms inside the play room is very cold feeling. Not literally, but it didn't feel like a fun place one would want to play. Perhaps this is why children would run in and quickly run out. Finally, the area of crawlers only is SMALL. There are PLENTY of toys, but it feels very cluttered. I'm definitely a fan of another place (which is cheaper) and hope I don't have to come here too often as I just wasn't impressed.
(2)Elisabeth C.
While in Chicago for a preschool evaluation, we stopped into Little Beans with grandma and grandpa to give my daughter a few hours of run-around toddler time (without braving the cold of Chicago in February). The play space is very large, with tables both within the space and in the cafe area. There is an extensive coffee menu (and food, which we didn't try), and the coffee we had was actually very good- much better than anything you order from Starbucks. My daughter had a fab time and spent nearly three hours playing (well worth the $12 entry fee). The toys are clean, and there is plenty of stuff to do, even when it's busy. My only qualm is that the staff behind the counter were decidedly NOT FRIENDLY. The hipster girl behind the counter (didn't get her name, but she had short brown hair) was the most apathetic, unhappy person I've seen outside of an American Apparel store. I get it: you hate children, you hate your job, you'd rather be listening to some band I've never heard of, screw the man, et cetera- but when I'm being friendly and polite to you and you can't acknowledge me with more than an eye-roll, then it's time get a different job. I am not your typical yuppie mother, either- I'm heavily tattooed and rocked those nineties fashions (that are now, apparently hipster) when said hipster employee was still in diapers. Anyway, if we're back in Chicago then I would be happy to bring my daughter back here to play, but I do hope in the meantime they get some staff who are better at customer service (or at least pretending to be nice).
(4)Jaime B.
Great place, but I'd like to see people cleaning a little more.
(4)Anabella J.
Great place for kids.my 18 month old loves it.you can grab coffee and even eat good quality food at this location while watching your child.only thing i didnt like is that there is no space for shoes enough.they are all over the front door.other than that great place!will come again to play!
(5)Courtney M.
This would be an excellent place for children of many ages to play if the parents would just allow it. We have been here a few of times since our neighborhood play cafe closed down in December of 2012. My daughter really likes Little Beans and asks to go a lot on days she isn't in preschool, but the sheer volume of parents and kids is a little overwhelming. For the cost of admission, food, and drinks, I would not expect to be ready to leave in 30 minutes. Unfortunately, many parents tend to hover and leave very little space for the children to actually play. I do wish the attendants would ask adults to stay out of the play zones, or to at least clear a path so that kids who want to ride in the vehicles could actually maneuver around the space. We would probably come a lot more often if there were limits to the amount of people coming in at any given time, or if parents were somehow encouraged not to stand in every available space. Just relax and let your children play!
(3)Natalie S.
I scheduled the little dude's first play date with an old friend of mine from high school and his little dude. He suggested we come here and I was game. When you walk in, you're supposed to remove your shoes. *Make sure you bring socks*. If you forget your socks, there are some available for purchase ($2 a pair for both kids and adults). Admission into the play space is $12 per child, crawlers and up (additional siblings are $7 each). Infants are free with adult beverage purchase. So, my friend and I ordered a couple iced beverages and made our way inside. He claims it was crowded the morning we went and it was still chaos free. We stuck in the crawlers area until lunch time when it cleared out when we let the little guys venture into the other areas. There's a couple playhouses for the kids to climb on as well as a room with train tracks and a hypnotic light machine that entranced my kid. The babies had fun and when we got home, the little dude took a 3 hour nap. Score! $12 is kinda steep considering that the children's museums in the area charge $8 per person to get in and are significantly larger... but this is less hassle than packing up and making a trip to Navy Pier/the burbs. We'll be back!
(4)Jose C.
The place is always clean, my son loves the toys they have and plenty of space for the kids to run around.
(4)Christine K.
Great place to take your little one to when its cold out and you don't want to be stuck in the house again. A nice place for imaginative play. They have several different slides for various ages if you have an active one. My son is 21 months and loves to run around. This place provides a safe and clean environment where he can do just that. By the time we are done, he is pooped and ready for his afternoon nap. Toys, structures, etc are always clean. I've even seen staff continuously bring toys back to their rightful place so that you or your child aren't left wondering where the kitchen toys are in the kitchen. I like their cafe. Coffee is decent and their selection of food is not huge but good enough for this mommy. Parking lot can be full during peak times but I've never had too much trouble finding a spot. Can be very busy on the weekends, especially Sunday so I avoid going there on those days.
(4)Mike P.
Great place to come and grab some caffeine and watch your little monsters run around with other little monsters. The staff is great, extremely friendly. The proprietors really did there homework on what kids like. They've created a space in which kids can wreck harmless havoc and delightfully wear themselves out. There is also a dads' room. I didn't get to check it out on my first visit because they were holding a CPR class inside. It looks great. Lots of comfy chairs, a flat-screen, a PS3, I think. So if you're like me and your shorty has his birthday during the winter, Little Beans Cafe would be a great place for a party. They rent out to private parties as well.
(5)A W.
We live close to Little Beans, so thankfully are able to walk here and not deal with parking. My daughter absolutely loves this place. She can't get enough of all the little buildings, slides and cars. The room with the mini light show freaks her out a little bit, but she's starting to enjoy it more. A previous reviewer complained about how there should be updates on their website, but if you follow them on Facebook that problem is solved. They always update when they reach capacity or have special hours. Others complain about the service being unfriendly. I've been here a few times and have not experienced that. The only reason I'm removing a star is not by fault of the business really. It's some of the people in there. I agree with the comment someone else made about snobby/rude caregivers/parents not supervising their kids. I understand you don't need to hover and want to socialize with your friends, but geez. It seems this problem can be solved by not attending during peak times when it's really chaotic.
(4)