Vanilla Bean Eats

THIS PLACE HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL!!!
Here’s whats wrong with this place:
Pastry display is ALWAYS empty.
Staff don’t take their jobs seriously and are always socializing and not being attentive to there costumers.
There always seems to be something getting in the way from making ice blended drinks.
Refill water when its empty and restock cups. (you guys are idiots for not caring about this)
Make sure you don’t run out of ingredients for making the dishes you serve. (ie, chicken)
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This place does have good food but they are very VERY unprofessional. If they do not start caring about costumer service they WILL go out of business very soon.
Check out Native Foods, or The Counter. Don’t waste your time going here.

Pleasant seating and fine iced coffee, but they didn’t have any food – the case was empty, and they said they didn’t have any food. By nice seating, and lots of parking around, so I’d go back to check it out again to see if they have tags together a little better. The staff was nice, and they didn’t seem to charge more for soy milk or other milk options.

Epic fail.
Went there today before 4pm and the sign said they close at 3pm now on Saturdays! What kind of business doesn’t have correct operating hours on their web site (none listed) and wrong hours on Unilocal

Went because I had a Living Social voucher for 2 breakfast entrees and 2 drinks.
Not terrible, I mean, there were no bugs or hair in our food but eh.
Showed up at 2:00 in the afternoon when they were supposed to be open until 3 but they didn’t have the open light on. After we came in and one other customer, the shopkeeper locked the door. Guess she didn’t want any more customers even though it was still well before closing time. Kind of felt like we inconvenienced them.
I will just echo some sentiments already shared.
My husband had the meat burrito. He described it as a big meaty oily mess. Very filling, but not very interesting after the first bite. I had the caramel banana pancakes. Not enough caramel or banana for the 3 pancakes, although the pancakes themselves were fine. I could have moistened them up with regular maple syrup, but wasn’t really looking for just plain old maple syrup and pancakes so I would have liked more of the salted caramel and banana. Each of the dishes sounded great on the menu though, just the execution was lacking.
We also saw the display case, completely empty, but with the writings on it of what delicious things may have at some point inhabited it.
We won’t bother to go back.

Vanilla Bean Eats was «it»!
Due to a cancellation, not wanting to be a creature of habit, hence another update as opposed to a new review, I ventured in with a healthy appetite, high hopes for breakfast at a resto where it’s served all day long. Extensive offerings include specialties, omelets, light fare, griddles plus yummies like fried sugar donuts, homemade muffins, and choco hazelnut croissants.
BUT if ever a day for Unilocal to be in the house, this was not it.
9:30 AM: one other customer finishing up plus me, an empty pastry case, I was informed it was cash only, a tech glitch. OK by me because if I can’t pay cash, I don’t spend!
Counter guy, seemed stressed, frazzled but nice asked if I could give him a moment, of course, as I wasn’t sure what to order, in need of a moment too.
Settled on the Holy Hash with two eggs any style. Imagining runny yolks spreading over savory corned beef, I seemed to have stumped the kitchen when I asked for poached, but was assured they could do em my way. Plated with rustic, rosemary potatoes didn’t seem redundant until my meal arrived
.
How could I have forgotten corned beef hash is loaded with tiny, diced taters? This might have been better paired with greens.
Hash was incredibly good, reminiscent of the Dinty Moore’s® Mom served up, perhaps it was indeed from that old, familiar can. I have NO problem with kitchen shortcuts! But the eggs, I suspect were lowered into rapidly boiling water, instead of a simmer, and left there longer than requisite 3.5-minute max thus did not provide the «gravy» the hash demanded. Disappointing but edible…
A few bites of the additional potatoes were enough for me, who hates to waste food, to leave them for compost. Rosemary was barely on my palate but the oil remained there in not a good way. Was it reused, perhaps from the deep fryer? I don’t know.
While I finished my espresso, I took advantage of the free wifi to check in on Unilocal to read a few reviews on this resto. But, as in evaluating film and theater, if I’d read Vanilla Bean Eats’ posts prior, I still would have eaten here to see for myself.
Adorable digs. Creative menu. Potential to be THE go-​to on the corner of Ocean Park & 30TH without a Gordon Ramsay intervention! 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 thus worth another try.

2.5 stars. I didn’t try any food, and I’d give them another chance, so I’ll round up.
Starbucks was too crowded for some laptop work, so I started walking to Coffee Bean (which does charge for parking, but I can leave my car across the street, shhhh). I happened to pass by this place and decided to give it a try. Compared to Starbucks, it was completely empty.
Super cute décor with hanging lights and a hand-​painted wall. It’s very casual and comfortable. The floor was super filthy-​looking, though. I waited in an extremely slow-​moving line of just a few people. At first, I thought maybe the register was broken.
I asked for a vanilla bean frappé when it was my turn. «Our blender is broken,» the cashier told me.
I nodded. «What about the Nutella latte? Can I order that iced?»
«Sure,» he said.
I looked over at the bakery case. Vanilla Bean bills itself as a bakery, and both the refrigerated and regular cases were completely empty, yet had names of delicious-​sounding baked goods written all over them. «Will you have bakery items later, or just not today?»
«We don’t have a refrigerator,» he said. That did not answer any of my questions. Does he mean refrigerated display CASE? Why was EVERYTHING empty then? I gave up.
A while later, he brought my latte. The side was sloppily splattered with milk, which promptly got all over my hand as I took it from him. As I started to wipe it off, the milk spots looked like they had thick, solid white specks in them, like milk that’s gone bad. I decided to taste it anyway; maybe it just looked strange or was from the latte. I have a stomach of steel, anyway!
The latte didn’t taste like Nutella. It didn’t even taste like coffee. It tasted like sweet milk. It wasn’t good. didn’t drink very much at all, and bought a $ 2.50 bottled soda just to have something to sip on.
It’s a nice, quiet spot to work; I just wish the food and drinks were better. Maybe they had an off-​day? I’ll go back because they are so close to my apartment (and hopefully will have a refrigerator, a blender, fresh milk, and staff who care) and give them another chance.

Ive eaten at this place 3 times, and will definitely NOT be back. The menu appears good, but there is absolutely no flavor is all 3 dishes I ordered. The quality of ingredients used were very poor. Each time I was there I wanted a coconut milk coffee (on their menu), and they never had the correct ingredients.
Worst of all was the service. Mid order the clerk took a 2 minute phone order. Would make any substitutions, and kept checking his cell phone like he was bored. I felt like I was such an inconvenience to ask for water or salsa with my breakfast. (None of this was offered, and I wasn’t asked if I needed anything els once. When I finally got the salsa it was the size of a quarter squirt.crazy.
We were eating, and two customers came in– were never created. One lady waited over 5 minutes to order after being ignored, and finally left. The employee didn’t even notice or care. Really bad service! I didnt bother asking for a doggie bag, and will never go back.

I came here with a coupon and it was much better than expected. The menu has a lot of choices, including substitutions like almond and coconut milk. My boyfriend got the corned beef hash and said it was the best he’s had on the west coast! I had a breakfast burrito with egg whites that was delish. And the potatoes that come with breakfast are perfectly roasted with rosemary.
The service was great. Of course, we were the only ones in there, so it couldn’t have been too hard, but she was super nice and friendly. We were sad that we were the only customers, as it is a great place, just seems to be a lame location.
Overall, great experience.

The horrible quality of food, plus horrible quality of service that I had to deal with my last visit has permanently marked this restaurant off my list. I work up the street, and have placed orders with them before, but my last visit has completely changed how I feel.
I ordered the drunken fish sandwich, and the caprese sandwich, both with fries. They said to give it 20 minutes, and I picked it up accordingly. I got it back to the salon, and my first bite of fries told me they were half-​raw and barely fried, with none of the usual seasoning. My co-​worker opened hers and found the same, and also saw that the drunken fish sandwich was served on a baguette and not a bun, which isn’t normally a big deal, but the bun is what makes the sandwich. I was told nothing when I placed the order.
My co-​worker called to say the fries were raw, and they tried to say it was because the boxes were ‘sitting out a long time’ while they waited for me to get there. Total BS. The boxes weren’t remotely soggy from steam, but the excuses continued. Finally they agreed to make us another batch free of charge ready to pick up in 5 minutes… sorted.
We got to the café, and my coworker showed her sandwich and her fries to the staff, asking if that was acceptable. We got ‘looks fine’ and ‘I told you on the phone we were out of bread’ (the latter immediately answered with ‘that was a different order’ by staff, ugh) before they told us that the fries weren’t made, because now the cook apparently said he refused to cook the fries until we GOT there… what? We are also working people, and they know that based on the fact that we’re ordering for a business.
The worst part? Zero apologies. They had 2 tables of people eating there, and they tried to excuse their poor preparation by saying they were ‘busy’. OK, I work I the service industry, in a busy salon. When things are tight, do we only give people half of a haircut and say ‘next!’?? A bunch of immature kids who are going to run this café into the ground work there, and it’s unacceptable.
Go to OP café instead… their food is actually great and always comes cooked to order.

Firstly, I would give this 2.5 stars, but that’s not an option, so going for «Meh». We bought the LivingSocial deal, which was advertised as I pay $ 15 and get $ 30 worth of food. Once it’s paid for, turns out the deal is $ 15 for two breakfast entrees and two beverages. ‘OK’, I think ‘The dishes must be yummy and pricey’ Nope.
We went at 9:00 am on a Saturday morning. We were the only ones in the place for a good 20 minutes. Another couple came in with their coupon. Other than that. Empty, which is not a good sign.
So the breakfast entrees are priced between $ 7-​$ 9, so two entrees aren’t going to reach $ 30 even with beverages, so already feels like a bait and switch rip-​off.
I asked for an orange juice, they were out. OK, it’s a breakfast place that is out of OJ at 9 am on a Saturday with an empty restaurant. Kinda weird.
We split the Denver Bird omelet and the Banana Caramel Pancakes.
The omelet was lacking any flavor. I liked the thinly sliced turkey and their choice of Swiss cheese, but it needed flavor or something with texture, like tomatoes or salsa or something. That came with potatoes and toast. The potatoes were ok, nothing special. The toast was whole grain, but came unbuttered and there was no butter or jam on the table or offered by the server. Weird.
The pancakes were mediocre. They were basically dry pancakes (not buttered and no butter offered) and this banana caramel sauce was on top. There wasn’t enough sauce for the 3 stack of pancakes, so I just ate the top one. The bottom two were really dry, what without butter or syrup.
The food seemed half-​assed, with no butter, jam, syrup or thought to flavor.
So we won’t be going back. There are too many choices around and the food isn’t worth making this place a destination eatery. As for the Living Social deal, it seems a smarter play would have given the consumer the $ 30 option, then we would have ordered two omlettes and the pancakes, thereby owing you a couple extra bucks.

Slow service, grouchy staff. Food is whatev. Nothing special. And forget going here if you have gluten and dairy allergies. I got a cup of soup… nothing special and no flavor… I drowned it with black pepper. The only thing that was cool is the option of various dairy free milks for my latte.
If I am craving a good dairy free latte I would stop here… but leave asap.

Having seen a couple episodes of Portlandia, every time I walk into the place I can’t help thinking, «Put a bird on it!»
But while there may be one wall decked out in birds, let’s focus on what truly matters: The food is fresh and tasty.
I’ve yet to try their baked sweets but I’ve come to realize that they certainly know how to cook an egg. The bacon and mushroom quiche I had this morning was fluffy with subtle bursts of flavor and a light flaky crust. The fresh fruit on the side was a perfect compliment. Their breakfast panini is also delicious with eggs, ham, cheese, fresh slices of tomato, some sort of herb mayo, and to-​die-​for rosemary bread. The breakfast potatoes are a little plain, but nothing some ketchup can’t fix!
To boot, their regular coffee is a perfectly simple cup of joy. Yes, joy. This is probably due, in part, to the fact that they drip the coffee manually. (It’s made with love, not mechanics.) And as for their Vanilla Bean Latte, it’s way tastier than a comparable latte at Starbucks or Coffee Bean — You know, the ones you can’t finish because they’re too thick and sweet? I drank my Vanilla Bean Latte down to the very last drop!
And what makes VBB even better? The quality and quantity of food they serve is offered at a price that’s just right.
…Even better??? The hospitality and warmth I’ve consistently received from the staff. They greet me when I walk in, strike up friendly conversation, help me choose what to order, ask me how my food is and if I need anything while I’m eating, and even take the suggestions I’ve given with enthusiasm and thanks.
So while the good background music, the inspired menu, and the thoughtful prices could easily translate into some pretentious schmancy hipster café, in truth, the Vanilla Bean Bakery is in no way similar. The vibe is warm and inviting and I always leave feeling good about my day. What started off, for me, as a run to the nearest coffee shop turned into a discovery of my new favorite place to have breakfast.

Now that I’ve spent more time at the Vanilla Bean Bakery, I truly do love the place. The people who work here recognize the regulars and are quick to conversation, making it feel like a small-​town eatery. In that way, VBB fits right in with the Ocean Park vibe, laid back and very un-​Angeleno.
I will agree that the service can sometimes take WAY too long, but there are only a few people working here and during the lunch rush, I’m sure they’re hating life. That said, they never let any disgruntled feelings show, despite a packed house and people clamoring for refills.
The food is delicious, if a bit limited. I love the sandwiches, salads, and french fries, though I always have to request extra mayo, mustard, or pesto (depending on my sammie choice) or I get a dollop and have to eat a dry sandwich. Still haven’t tried the breakfast food here, but I’ll get there!

Ordered a dozen cupcakes to go. It took an inordinate amount of time for the person to box them (hmmm…maybe something to Sean C’s comments).
I’ve definitely had better cupcakes and faster service.

Benefit of the doubt extended? Nah, they’ve burned too many bridges. Four girls behind the counter don’t amount to a light bulb. What is this, a featherbrained Monday night CBS comedy? Which is a shame, because I enjoyed all the breakfast food and drip coffee that I bought.
We had to wait for ten minutes between each of our breakfast plates, my woman and I. And if my breakfast entrée comes with a side of biscuits but they were out of them, you would think I would have been told within sixty seconds of ordering and not twenty minutes later. Or at least, come on, within five minutes they could have told me. You’d think at this point they’d hustle to make up for the initial gaps in service. I went up to the counter later for two separate issues and both times, err, BOTH TIMES (all caps to accentuate the point), they told me to «wait a second,» and turned their backs. One of those times was merely to do inventory check and give a lecture to the newest girl employee. You stonewall me for that?
I know there are other customers to deal with. But you’ve majorly screwed up with me and you continue to make me a backseat priority. Here’s a message to management: When me and my girl are obviously on our phones and we’re «yelping» to make plans for our future afternoon (you can’t be that imperceptive, can you?) and we say the word « Unilocal,» you obviously shouldn’t continue making a bad impression on us. We obviously don’t look, act or sound like common out-​of-​touch-​with-​the-​times schmoes.
Did you have any idea that I was already mentally working a persuasive positive review in my head and constructing superlative adjectives on your behalf before we even walked in? (I had done a first visit just for your terrific drip coffee.) Do you understand all that gets negated when you have a team equivalent of a low wattage light bulb working the front? If there is a manager reading this, you should be kissing my a** for the next year just to convince me to come back for a retrospect review — perhaps I’d kiss the cooks and bakers with not lips but with my vocabulary. I actually will come back one day — I’m a local — but maybe after a year and after I’ve witnessed a turnover in favor of smarter staff employees. How about you hire a sharp college kid working his way through school? Think about it, Owner.

Update: Looks like they finaly got some signage outside — looks so much better now! And they have some new vegan and gluten free desert items I’ve been eyeing — I’ll be back.

I finally took the time to check this place out thoroughly! I love that they have an artichoke salad because my liver is in need of love and support. Did you know artichokes are really good for you? This salad is so fresh and flavorful and I am appreciating it fully! They have several salad options that sound really tempting – guess that will be next time. They make lots of sandwiches and paninis as well.
They have some really healthy options here – lots of vegan baked goods and I must say, the vegan lemon bar is way better than the regular lemon bars anywhere else. They have all the regular type desserts as well. They also serve Intelligentsia coffee – french presses are always fun!
The Vanilla Bean has lots of really cool beverage choices, you really need to come and check it out. This is a casual environment and they have free Wi Fi. I recommend supporting these local business people. They took the chance and so should you! I am happy :)

I was in the mood for a hotdog and saw that they had them on the menu… $ 3.50 for a hotdog seemed like a lot, but I thought it would be a foot long (or something special). After waiting a bit longer than I expected, I got a dinky sized hotdog with nothing on it… Completely ripped off.
I expressed my concern and a woman talked to me (whom I assumed was the owner /​manager), made some remark about Air Time being worth $ 5, and was completely apathetic.
Sad part is, is that I work really close to this place, but the prices and the apathy are unacceptable.
Side note… The person whom took my order… nice enough kid but just didn’t seem to really care whether he was there or not.
If they don’t care about service… then I won’t care to go there.

Asked for a coffee, and guy at the front says «roja or peaberry.» I ask «what’s the difference?» He replies «I don’t know. I don’t drink this crap.» Uhm okaaay.
I ask what the desert is in the glass case with strawberries. He says «uuhh I guess it’s cheesecake. They don’t tell me anything. I just work here I don’t know what’s going on.»
I ask if they have wireless. He says «no, we steal it from next door.»
He then proceeds to turn on a cd with a comedic act on it at a million decibels.
I go back up to get my coffee. He says, «How are you doing?»
I say, «Fine»
He says «Well I’ve been awake since 6am. I know how you feel.»
Is there a reason he’s acting like his life is the hardest thing in the world to live? Would love to know the story with this place. It’s almost as if they don’t care if they have customers or not. I’d rather go to a lame chain like Starbucks than a place with employees that don’t give a crap about the job, service, or even speaking politely. At least they know what the hell they’re selling.
Not coming back.

The Vanilla Bakery is fairly new to Santa Monica. I work right next door to them, so I stop by every now and then. I have ordered the veggie panini, which is really good. it came with the choice of fries and a salad. Of course I ordered the fries, which were good. I have also ordered the Strawberry Salad. I like this salad, but prefer it without cheese. However, they prepare it before hand, so I have no choice but to get it with the goat cheese. The last time I went here, I did a Unilocal Check-​In and got a free Lemonade! I had the choice of Strawberry Watermelon and I believe Mint Lime. I had the Strawberry Watermelon, which was amazing! I saw on their special board today, that they have a Lavender Lemonade. I wonder how that taste, might have to stop by tomorrow.
Of course, you are probably thinking, what about their desserts. Actually, I am not sure. I have yet to try their baked goods. Im sure they are good, since after all they are a bakery. I did see that they even have a few vegan and gluten free pastries!
The customer service is great. I have seen 3 cashiers, and all 3 were friendly.
I guess I will be eating here for lunch tomorrow!