The Artistic Bean — Restaurant in Fort Smith

The coffee shop itself is very nice and the ambiance is great. I love to support local businesses whenever I can, but my biggest complaint is how rude the barista was when I requested to use my own cup (in order to avoid the wasteful single use cups that they offer for all of their drinks). The barista was rude exclaiming that they do not allow outside food or drink in the shop (Keep in mind that I had an EMPTY cup in my hands that would save them the cost of one of their single use cups). She then proceeded to ask if my cup was affiliated with any other coffee shops, and I said no. I literally had a brand-less reusable tumbler with me. I completely understand if they do not care enough about the environment enough to offer a discount for bringing your own cup, but to be that rude to me for a simple accommodation was very unwelcoming. In the end she finally let me use my cup after I had to prove to her that my cup wasn't from Starbucks. She was giving me a hard time, because apparently too many people have been bringing their own cups from Starbucks. And that my friends, is how you lose customers to Starbucks. I'm just gonna keep my business with the Fort Smith Coffee Company, because clearly the Artistic Bean has some issues they need to work out. I have never had a problem bringing my own cup to the Fort Smith Coffee Company. They even offer a discount for ANY BRANDED cup. GO TO FORT SMITH COFFEE COMPANY INSTEAD (the coffee tastes better too, and there's free parking)!

What's funny is they offer a 10% discount for bringing in their branded reusable cups. So health regulations don't apply to the cups if it has their brand on it,...

Good espresso and cozy/quaint atmosphere.

I sipped the crema right off the top of the espresso and it blew my mind.

I wasn’t sure what to except from a Fort Smith Cafe, but the Artistic Bean delivered. I ordered a double shot and my wife had a traditional cappuccino. Both were good. The espresso is made on a Victoria Arduino manual espresso machine. It’s a gorgeous machine and it made a gorgeous crema on their fresh in-house roasted beans.

Lots of local artists selling things on stands and shelves. Much of the merchandise was faith based, making me think it’s a Christian owner.

It’s not a traditional specialty coffee shop space, but my visit was good!

The place has a lot of tables and some cozy looking lounge space in the back. Had a good chat with the barista and really enjoyed the vibe. I’ll definitely be going back....

I hate to be "that" person. To give a new coffee place a low star review. The location is slightly odd. They set up about a block from another coffee shop. The street parking can be a bit difficult to navigate. The employees were incredibly kind and the decor was unique and refreshing. Why the low review? I wanted a hot chocolate instead of coffee this morning. I ordered it with no whip. It came with whip. Oh well I bet it still tastes delicious!!!?? Nope. It tastes like they warmed milk and put one bar of chocolate in it perhaps. Or maybe its a powder mix that they added half milk half water? :[ I know they're probably trying to be known for their coffee but everything else should taste like just as much effort went into making it. Or maybe they should just...