Restaurant Reivew
Campus Coffee Bean
Campus Coffee Bean is the go-to caffeinated beverage stop for students of Northern Arizona University. The coffeehouse is open late, offers free Wi-fi, serves a large menu of both coffee and tea drinks, and frequently hosts live events.
Basically it has everything that a college student desires. Non college students may also want to stop by for a relaxing drink and a surprisingly delicious meal.
Food
Campus Coffee Bean offers a full espresso and tea menu. The entire back wall is stacked with every tea variety imaginable; it looks like the Whole Foods tea section times 5.
In terms of food, both breakfast and lunch entrees are served. Sandwiches, salads, and breakfast plates comprise the majority of the menu. The food here is surprisingly good.
The hummus plate, which the staff was nice enough to modify to be gluten-free, was an excellent filling appetizer. The salads and sandwiches are loaded with fresh ingredients and delicious veggies, and as a bonus, gluten-free bread is available.
Although the menu is limited, the staff does the best they can to accommodate allergies by providing substitutions.
Service
Campus Coffee Bean excels in the service department. Staff does not rush you, nor are they inconvenienced by any questions you ask regarding ingredients and/or substitutions.
The staff was friendly and able to suggest modifications to make dishes gluten-free and vegan. They even went as far as to make separate gluten-free corn chips in place of the gluten base pita bread for the hummus plate. Now that's great service!
Atmosphere
The setting is bright and clean, however, a few cozy couches would enhance the coffeehouse atmosphere. I prefer to relax with my drink rather than sit at a stiff table. Also, the decor is a bit too chain-like for my taste, and could be spruced up with some individual artwork.
Outdoor seating is available as well, although non-smokers be aware!
Final Remarks
Overall, Campus Coffee Bean is a great local choice for college students and anyone else looking for a laid-back place to catch up with friends over a light lunch and a hot drink. The great service and food make up for the bland atmosphere.
