The Vanilla Bean — Restaurant in Alva

Honestly surprised with how horrible this visit was today. There were four of us there to eat brunch, and it took two hours to get our food. We got seated after about five minutes of waiting. The waitress came and got our drink orders and food orders not long after we were seated. After she got our food order, we never saw her, or any other service member, until the cook brought our food out. One of us had to find a server to get drink refills, we had to grab our own silverware, and we had to find someone to get to go boxes. The food was okay, but it was cold and our orders got messed up. They did give us beverages for free, but after two hours of waiting on food, we should have gotten the whole meal free, that was the only way to make up for the crap show that was happening today. Servers were gossiping to one another where the customers could hear if seated near the coffee bar. There either needs to be more servers, new server training, more cooks, or all of the above. I have never been so disappointed when visiting a restaurant...

Great pastries and coffee. Decent breakfast, with way more options and range than normal in Alva. Including crepes, avocado toast, Eggs Benedict, wide range of coffee options. Really cool atmosphere with stucco walls, arches, cute alcoves, shabby-chic exposed brick. Friendly service. The blueberry turnover pastry was delicious with a sugary bed to hold the jam. The latte I got was great. I've heard the eggs Benedict may be too lemony on the Hollandaise. My avocado toast was pretty good, but I would have preferred 1 or 2 small toasted pieces of bread to the big fluffy Texas toast slice it was served on. My companions found the crepe to be ok, and the breakfast platter with biscuits and gravy was a...

Passing through Alva on our way to a state park for camping, and stopped at Vanilla Bean for coffee. Was pleasantly surprised to see how well they are able to utilize their small space & staff. Cozy space and atmosphere. We were greeted with a full kitchen, bakery, and bar. Our party had the monte christo sandwich with house made mac & cheese that was to die for, tomato basil soup with bacon avocado grilled cheese, and a club wrap. We also got one of their giant, fresh made cinnamon rolls to go. Definitely recommend for a pit stop or a tasty...