Bean and Leaf

by Chris W.

This is one of my favorite places to hang out in Royal Oak!  I take many of my friends here for grab some tea (not really a coffee drinker).  The internet is FREE, which is great.  I gladly pay a bit more for something good to eat and drink for a quiet, clean, and friendly place to sit to read, work or just think about nothing.Another great thing about Bean and Leaf is the artwork on the walls!  I love it, and if I had the money I would buy numerous pieces from their walls and put them on mine.Finally the baristas actually know what they are doing, and don't mind giving you their opinion, which I enjoy.  They actually know how to use the machines in the cafe and I think they take pride in what they do, and I support that anywhere.

by Heath R.

Best Mocha I've had in a long time. Free WiFi and plenty of in and out seating.

by Jamee S.

i've been here 3 times and so far, it's been an overall great experience.  it gets better and better.  the atmosphere reminds me of a coffee shop that you'd find at a college campus but with a bit of upscale-ness to it; it's inviting and cozy. the first two times i came were random and unexpected.  my first beverage was a ginger jasmine hot tea- delicious and warm and good for those days when you're feeling drab.  and now as i write this (this visit was planned), i am actually in said place and enjoying an arnold palmer (that's 50/50 lemonade and tea), perfect for those warm summer days that are just around the corner.  i just had a taste of a friend's yogurt parfait and it's delicious, not to mention healthy.  the staff is friendly, knowledgable and will help you choose a delicious beverage.  there's plenty of seating and free wi-fi to help the studious student or casual surfers.  i'll definitely be coming back again and again.  i just wish this place had longer hours, or at least till midnight.

by Sara A.

With coffeeshops popping up like weeds, it gets difficult at times to have a discerning eye, or taste buds, but Royal Oak's Bean and Leaf offers something unique and special to locals.At first, I was a bit heartbroken when I had seen that Sweetwater Cafe was morphing into the Bean and Leaf, but after my first visit I became a fan. The Bean and Leaf Cafe prides itself in providing its customers with not only the best selection of free trade coffees, but an expansive medley of fragrant loose teas. It's funny,because as horribly addicted as I am to a cup or twelve of Joe, I always find myself coming in for a spot of tea. The Jasmine Lemon is like a citrusy sweet bouquet of flowers in your mouth, the pomegranate black tea is a hearty and clean tasting. The choices are endless and always scrumptious.The Bean and Leaf Cafe also offers goodies to nosh on while you're using their free WI-FI. The vegan chili and cookies are deceptively amazing, and the cakes and cookies always leave me smiling. As sad as I was to see Sweetwater Cafe fade away,I'm just as happy to see the Bean and Leaf blooming, especially in a garden being attack with corporate coffeehouses.

by Matthew D.

it's as good as spot as any in royal oak to come and read, study or work on a computer.  the free internet access is a plus... last time i went to caribou, it cost $4, but that was awhile ago and i don't know if it's still the same.the passion fruit iced tea is really good, and i think i had 3 or 4 of them last time i was there.  they also support the local art community and have shows, and display local artists, with the opportunity to purchase.everything is free trade, and a lot of it is organic, and they recycle.

by Sarah W.

When I asked around as to what was the most recommended coffee shop in Royal Oak I got the Bean and Leaf. So of course I had to check it out, recommendations aren't just for nothing!I was surprised to see it looked just like Sweetwaters inside, but not so surprised when I heard it used to be. I expected good coffee cause of that fact though. And the coffee is good, I had a soy latte. Tasty, I forgot to ask what brand of soy milk they use.Good selection of pastries and desserts like Sweetwaters. And a good place for studying, working, small talk. If you have been to Sweetwaters in Ann Arbor you know what to expect. I just expected something that I was not familiar to, hence the let down.

by roe l.

this place is dope:cheap coffee, fair trade, organic, open till 11pm, free wifiwhat sucks about it is:no real food, just dumb premade sandwiches.  i got a basil pesto mozarella sandwich..and it was in a fucking bagel.  for real?  enough of that "fusion food."  i don't think any italian, hacidic jews are going to be entering the doors anytime soon.  but then again, neither are rabbits and they do have a good vegan carrot muffin.no ambiance or character.  any good coffee shop has to have some music, a dark leather couch and dim lighting.  i mean, bright enough to read but not bright enough to put your crotch on display should you decide to rest your feet on a chair.  (i call mine the glorious)the artwork on the wall sucks.  nothing but a wall full of mediocre, flickr photographers.  in all honesty, i'd rather see a giant mural of a cher (i said "a cher" because it doesn't even have to be her).  and i can't stand the bitch.other than that, this place gives me a boner.  i attribute it to the (high crotch visibility)

by Michael C.

Scooted into this place today for a chat and a cup. I wasn't disappointed.I like the fact that there are at least a few places in Royal Oak that are quiet and have free WiFi. The idea of Starbucks charging for their WiFi just disgusts me. Then again, so does Starbucks in general.The WEP password for the WiFi cracks me up. I hope they turn it into a schtick every week that they change it. Next worker to make "cheese fish" the password will certainly get a tip!I've heard that this place can get a little rowdy, but I saw no evidence of that. It's certainly quieter than Caribou. In fact, it seemed like we were the only people talking in the place. When I'm in town and need to study or want to read, this would be an awesome place for it.I actually liked their coffee. I agree, theirs is a bit more expensive than I'm used to, but we're talking pocket change. A large steamer flavored for $3.25. House coffee is what, $2? I'll pay that for peace and quiet WITHOUT coffee.There were at least 10 people on Mac laptops (not including myself), which struck me as odd. It's that sort of place.No smoking, no hookahs. Lots of Kashi. Mostly high-backed wooden chairs, and possibly one couch. Keep that in mind. My second-favorite coffee house in Royal Oak.

by Toni C.

I like this place. As someone else mentioned the high tables are nice. I usually sit at one when I go. With all the other chain coffee shops around it's nice there is a local option and it's better than the other places. They have the best soy latte I've ever had. It must be the soy milk they use or something, whatever it is it's good. The free Wi-Fi is nice and the passwords they come up with are cool.

by Parisa K.

When this place changed it's name, I wasn't too happy because I liked the name Sweetwaters more than Bean and Leaf.  For the most part, though, not much else has changed.  They still have really good drinks and some desserts.  Now I was always a HUGE fan of the apricot rugalah (sp?), which Sweetwaters regularly had but Bean and Leaf does not carry.  They do have some other good looking sweets, but I still miss my favorite.My one gripe with this place is they don't offer free refills.  Going there to study for several hours on end day after day, free refills definitely are important.  They do have free internet (that isn't annoying to deal with), so it's sort of a trade off.  But if you are just going to relax and have something to drink or two, then you'll find this place quaint and enjoyable, no gripes attached.