The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

A great place to chill.
Their pumpkin crunch tastes great. Two thumbs way up. They’re turkey Einstein bagel is way too salty though.
This place is a great place to study or spend time with friends and family. The main downfall though is that the air seems really filled with the coffee aroma; to the point of nausea. Way more than Starbucks.
The baristas seem nice and friendly but always seem to be hyped on coffee because they’re always talking fast. That’s not so bad though. They’re really friendly. The only bad incident though; one girl was in super-​rush-​talk-​obnoxious mode though there were hardly any customers. She might have been new and getting used to the super-​fast talk culture.
Other than that, this location seems like a pretty great location to spend time studying or with friends and family.

I feel like reviews of such a coffee places is really more of a personal preference vote, and for me, this is it. I have had repeated bad experiences at the OTHER popular coffee place — like REAL bad. It was from both the milk and the soy. In turn, the overall distinctive taste of the starbucks coffee has become associated with those bad experiences and now I really get no enjoyment out of the coffee.
Instead, I have come to love Coffee Bean. I do wish there were more locations but I love popping in for a simple lunch and coffee in Pearl City. Used to love Waipio’s location also, mostly because it was much more peaceful than Starbucks. I love the free wi-​fi and have even had study sessions at the Pearl City location.

I am updating this review because it seems like they got some new staff. And let me just tell you, the new staff isn’t doing well.
This morning I went to coffee bean drive thru and there was only one car ahead of me, I proceeded to order my drink. The car ahead of me got their drinks and left, I pulled up to an empty window with no one there? So I waited an additional 5 minutes and even honked my horn, and NO ONE CAME… So I waited 2 more minutes before I decided it was time to go otherwise I would have been late to work… So I left empty handed and angry because it’s Friday and that means double work at my job and I NEEDED my coffee to jump start my energy and my day… And I ended up waiting a total of 20 minutes in a drive thru for NO DRINKS!
So over all, I don’t think I will return here. I am a regular customer here and I still can’t get the service to really treat me right!!! It doesn’t make sense that there was no one by the window!!! Terrible service coffee bean terrible.

I regret not going to the location they used to have open in the Salt Lake Shopping Center, as often as I come to this one now! But BEST Plantation Iced Tea EVVVVERRRR! Also, their peanut butter banana bagel is winnahs too!

This coffee bean is the best! The employees are so awesome and they always make my coffee good. Always satisfied. & of course the drive thru is very convenient since the parking here kind of sucks.

Growing up in Pearl City, I knew this Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf existed for a long time … I just never went. Because back then, I didn’t drink coffee.
How times have changed, though this Coffee Bean remains the same (except it’s now cleaner, a little more upscale and has a drive-​thru). I met a friend here recently and truly enjoyed my experience. The café wasn’t crowded during a weekday morning, and there are a good amount of seats both inside and outside. This seems like it would be a pleasant place to study/​get work done, without the chaos or crowdedness that often seems to accompany a typical Starbucks location. I expected this Pearl City location to be busy because I don’t see many Coffee Beans (in general), but this location proved me wrong. I already can’t wait for my next visit.
I didn’t have to wait in a line to order and my order was done within a minute … or less. My friend had never been to this location before, either, and she was equally impressed. Here’s what we got:
«Red Velvet»: Though it’s considered a holiday flavor, red velvet was still available during the time of my visit in early February, along with other seasonal flavors like «Pumpkin» and «Peppermint.» It was available in ice blended or latte form. The barista asked me what I preferred, and seeing that I was uncertain, recommended the latte form, saying that’s what many customers got. I usually get iced/​blended drinks, but I thought the red velvet flavor may actually taste better in hot form, so I agreed. I also got a regular instead of a small … and hoped that the red velvet flavor would be good. I was not disappointed and wish that this flavor was available all year long. It did feature a subtle red velvet taste, and I was just glad they had soy milk available. Most of all, I loved how this latte was just hot enough when I got it, but it wasn’t scalding so that I burned my mouth as soon as I started drinking. What a great Christmas flavor! I was glad I tried this for my first drink from this Coffee Bean.
«Dark Chocolate Scone»: I initially wasn’t thinking of getting anything from the bakery case – just a coffee – but once I looked at the assortment of treats, I felt my self-​control going downhill. There’s a more extensive and better-​looking selection than you can find at any Starbucks. While the cupcakes and individually packaged cookies looked good, I settled on the dark chocolate scone because that looked different. I thought there were sea salt crystals on top, but I think, in actuality, they were just sugar crystals. Most scones tend to be dry – which I don’t mind, because I actually like dry breads and whatnot – but this scone was moist and flavorful, like it was freshly baked. The pieces crumbled effortlessly as I broke the scone in half. The chocolate taste was mild and there was just enough sweetness for the scone to pair perfectly with my latte. I know it’ll be hard to deviate from this choice during my next Coffee Bean visit.
«Blueberry Scone»: My friend ordered this pastry because she loves blueberries, and she relished every single bite. She said the scone was flaky and soft – definitely not dry, as some scones can be – and that it was aptly studded with blueberries. She liked her scone just as much as I did, saying that she would order it again.
«Cookies and Cream»: This ice blended drink was the one I was set on ordering, until I saw that the red velvet flavor was still available. But, I definitely look forward to trying this offering during a future visit. Cookies and Cream is one of my favorite flavors – whether it’s cookies, ice cream or any type of dessert – so I’m sure it will taste good in this blended ice drink as well.
«Dark Chocolate»: This ice-​blended drink features a dark chocolate flavor, and while I do like milk chocolate, I love dark chocolate equally. This was one of the other options I contemplated getting (before seeing the red velvet flavor), so I anticipate trying it in the future.
«The Original Ice Blended»: I never ordered the original ice blended drink from Coffee Bean before, but most of the photos on Unilocal of this establishment are of this signature drink. I usually prefer some chocolate flavor if I’m getting a blended drink, but I do look forward to taking a break from my norm and trying this renowned option someday.
«Red Velvet Cake»: The cake slices were individually packaged in containers, and I’m guessing this was seasonal for the Valentine’s occasion as well (I spotted red velvet cupcakes and red velvet donuts in the display case). I didn’t order one of these red velvet cakes – I’m pretty picky when it comes to red velvet desserts – but they looked promising. As long as there’s cream cheese on top, I’m sure it would be delicious.

I’m a frequent Starbucks customer just because it’s cheaper and there’s a lot more locations available around the island. However, now and then I do like to treat myself to a little Coffee Bean & Tea. In general, the taste is better, even though it costs me around $ 5+ for a regular size. I always end up getting a drink with Hazelnut in it. It’s irresistible! Hot hazelnut latte. mm my favorite. I once bought their hazelnut powder (silver package) and used it as a creamer for my homemade coffees. The flavor is so strong that you don’t have to add a lot of sugar. In the past I’ve had bad luck with the milk that they use. I know others who’ve felt the same, but it could also be the fact that my stomach cannot handle their milk. So, I opted to use soy instead. Usually you can taste the difference between the soy and milk, but I could hardly taste the difference. Thank God for soy.

I enjoy going to this location of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. The staff is very friendly and some even know me by name. It is a good place to study or «hang out» and talk story.
Today I tried the Double Chocolate Peppermint Latte, wish it had a stronger coffee flavor but very good nonetheless.

I come here for their ice blended drinks, loose leaf teas, and lemonade!!! I love coffee but for some reason I have never ordered a coffee from here! They have a variety of great food options, from sandwiches to scones, your typical coffee shop foods… However. They have a display case always stocked with food that always looks appealing. The staff here are amazing at wait they do! There are many tables for gathering., to study, or to catch up with friends. The main reason I come here is for grace groups, the atmosphere here is great, me and my brothers pray here and we see many other grace groups here as well. So you have to expect this pace to be well anointed with Gods presence! Overall this coffee shoo deserves 5 stars. I have yet to be disappointed with anything. From drinks, to finding parking, and to finding an open chair to sit. And the plus is that they have a drive thru!

I was craving a Chai Tea, cause I was missing family that makes it in the morning when I’m in L.A. So, I decided to go get one here because it’s right around the corner from me. It was excellent!!! It was sweetened to perfection!
Ever since that day I’ve wanted to stop and get one before work to curb my habit of having a Red Bull before heading to work. Since I haven’t been able to do that, my only other option was getting one at Starbucks since there is one inside where I work. The Chai Tea Latte from CBTL is hands down WAY better than Starbucks! Starbucks is way too frothy, not as sweet, and always seems like they’re being skimpy with the amount. CBTL has the taste of the homemade version I get from family. That warms my heart! Love it!

This place is like my second home, the staff is so nice and since I go almost everyday, they know my name and they also know my order. The coffee is very good, very flavorful and strong. They blended drinks are a special treat and are very tasty as well. The seasonal drinks are always worth a try as well. The pastries, desserts, and sandwiches are delicious, the entrees are yummy too, I especially like the pesto pasta. The salads are pretty decent.
I do enjoy studying there as well, if you like study with background noise. It is good to some early, it gets pretty full when school gets out. On the weekends it is packed as well.
I highly recommend this place!

I tried Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for the first time on Saturday and I’m in love. It’s way better and Starbucks and is now my new coffee spot. The staff is friendly and you even get a punch card for every dollar you spend. The best part about this location is that they have a drive thru!!! I had to grab a coffee before work last night to get my fix. It’s so convenient to use the drive thru instead of getting out of my truck and getting drenched by the rain. I love this place and the coffee.

Went through the drive through. Friendly staff, great coffee and the drive through is just perfect on the way to work. :)
No wonder Brittney Spears is addicted ;)

I came to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf because I received a gift card that I wanted to make use of.
I found easy and convenient parking out in the front. The actual shop was not crowded at all on a Friday afternoon. Only two other people were in there drinking coffee and studying on their laptops. It had a very quiet atmosphere which I really liked compared to other coffee joints.
I was greeted by the girl at the register and she was very helpful. Since it was my first time, I had a lot of questions such as the size of the cups and how sweet their iced teas are. I got all the answers I wanted and decided to go with the summer special iced teas.
I ordered an XL Passionfruit Iced Tea and an XL Pear Berry Iced Tea. The girl was even kind enough to offer me a stamp card, even when I was using a gift card. It only cost me just over $ 8 for two huge iced teas!
I sampled both iced teas although I had to wait till I got home to drink one whole cup. After all, I wanted to let my mom choose which she preferred and I’d drink the other. I ended up with the passionfruit tea for myself.
Both iced teas were decent. The passionfruit iced tea wasn’t sweetened enough and only had a hint of passionfruit. It was good but I think I’d like it if it had a bit more passionfruit taste. On the other hand, the pear berry iced tea was too sweet. My mom liked that sweet taste but it was too overpowering in my opinion.
Overall, I liked the friendly service and short wait time. However, the iced tea left something to be desired. Neither one was perfect so I’ll just have to return and try out another flavor or even try their lemonade instead. For now, I’ll stick to Starbucks for their passion tea with lemonade. That one beats the iced tea here hands down.

As a Starbucks lover I wanted to see what whole commotion was when it came to this place. So many reviews, rather close to our house and seemed cheaper according to some Unilocalers. So we went in and it was pretty empty, I guess the morning rush was over (7am). We stepped to the side to view the menu and not a single person who worked there asked if we needed help and if we had any questions. They preferred to talk amongst themselves, because we are invisible right? I tried looking for the mud pie I had seen a fellow Unilocaler post here but I did not see it on the menu, so I went with an iced white mocha (my usual at Starbucks) I really wanted to taste the difference. My boyfriend got a hot chai tea latte. I also got the smoked salmon bagel, I was feeling rather adventurous (haha). My boyfriend got the sticky bun pastry. Then the lady in the front finally asked if I wanted the bagel heated up when she saw me holding it, I said yes. Then we ordered (10% discount for military HOOAH), total came out to $ 16 and change for 2 drinks, a bagel and a pastry. She also offered us a stamp card which we said «sure» since for every dollar you spend, you get a stamp. We sat down towards the back (place is pretty big and it was empty), then the lady brought us out our food, then our drinks were called. So here goes as far as the drinks and food (drum roll)…
Iced white mocha: super bitter, no whipped cream, and not creamy.
Chai latte: very bitter, my boyfriend had to put about 4 packets of sugar
Smoked salmon bagel: my boyfriend did really like it, I thought it was just ok. Had so much cream cheese I could’ve made two other bagels with it. It also had large chunks of salmon (ew).
Sticky bun: super super dry and barely sweet
Overall this place is just ok, the prices from Starbucks only differ a little and they do give military discount which is great. As far as us stopping Starbucks and going here? It’ll never happen and I’m not just saying this because I am a Starbucks lover, I did give this place a fair game. To some this will be the best coffee ever, but to me it was just not.

I like this location very much due to the fact that it has a drive thru. When I lived in Mililani, it was convenient to hit the waipio Starbucks drive thru, but since moving to Aiea, there is no drive thru nearby.
I come here when I am feeling super lazy. There is never a line, it’s fast, and my dog gets a car ride.
My favorite drink here is the white mocha. Sometimes the caramel mocha. I have tried some of their bakery and sandwich items and have never been disappointed.
I wish this place offered more than a stamp card that expires in a few months. I frequent Starbucks more due to their loyalty program.

The place is good; for a chain their coffee is fine. They also do good teas. The staff is friendly and helpful; Scott in particular is a fine barista.
Ever since the beard papa closed, Coffee Bean bought out the space and made their store bigger, which makes for more space to study or catch up with friends. I like the long study tables with wall outlets nearby – again, good place to study.

There’s nothing better than an iced cold Plantation Iced Tea from CB&TL… oh wait there is! A plantation iced tea ordered at the DRIVE THRU so you don’t need to get our of your car!
I love this location because of yes, the drive thru. When you have an infant in the back of your car you know how hard it is to take them out, order something and put them back in the car. Its too much of a long process! Which is why drive thrus are my saving grace!
I’ve been here a few times and every time has been pleasant. Never a long wait at the drive thru, always super friendly staff and nothing ever wrong with my order.
My fav CB&TL so far :)

Since I’m a «regular,» I figured I would just post a short update. I finally had my first «bad» experience here today. I ordered a coffee and oatmeal in the drive through, and my oatmeal was forgotten. I waited for a few minutes in the drive through, but nobody came back, presumably because there was nobody behind me.
I pulled around and parked and went inside, explaining to the girl what had happened. The first girl who had taken my order was nowhere in sight… not sure where she went or what happened. This new girl was very apologetic and quickly made my oatmeal up for me. They gave me my oatmeal for free due to the trouble and apologized again. Impeccable customer service… I can’t even be upset! My oatmeal and coffee were fantastic, as always. Just wanted to give yet another thumbs up to TCB&TL, even in a mishap. This is exactly the type of customer service that I expect in a situation such as this… the fact that they did it without thought or without me asking just further instills my faith in them as a business and proves that they’re awesome.

I went to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf today and had a nice experience. The staff was friendly and efficient. They have a stamp card program — one stamp per every dollar spent and then you get a free drink when the card is full. My favorite is the iced dark chocolate latte.
On other occasions though I haven’t been as lucky. It seems hit or miss depending on the staff there. The last time I went to order some powder and the two folks behind the counter acted as if it was a game weighing the powder and emptying a tiny bit at a time (they make sure it’s exactly one pound). It took at least 5 back and forth times while laughing to each other — it looked like a big joke and meanwhile I was just waiting for them to finish up. Afterwards I also realized that they didn’t stamp my card.
Overall, they have a nice selection of foods to choose from as well.