Lil' Bean Cafe — Restaurant in Jacksonville

I have heard raving reviews of Lil’ Bean Café as a go-to spot in Jacksonville. I have been meaning to go over the past few weeks I finally stopped in today for a visit. Overall, the interior is cute. It runs a little warm inside which is partially out of their control and partially their air conditioning solution. There are many fans, which contribute a little to noise but as a cooling solution I understand it’s better than nothing.

When we arrived, we weren’t greeted by staff and actually were not engaged with until we eventually approached and waited at the counter. We ordered two lunch paninis and two coffees, totaling ~$43 after tip. Our order was to-go, and we waited and received our paninis first. After waiting an additional 10-15 minutes, I began to get confused as our drinks had yet to come out but I had seen them serve 8-10 customers out the drive-thru window. I began to stand when I saw the barista go over to the fridge behind the espresso bar, pull out our two drinks from said fridge, and then hand them to us.

I am confused as to why our drinks went in the fridge post production when we remained seated in the establishment during our entire wait. Whether or not it was supposed to come with the paninis, or for whatever other reason it led to an unsatisfactory experience in general having to wait an additional 10-15 minutes for something that was already prepared.

My biggest issue though, is after heading out to our vehicle to eat in the air conditioning, we began to eat our paninis. One of the paninis (the TSA one) had avocado that still had the stem on it within the sandwich. My panini (Kickin Chicken), after eating part of the first half I discovered a dyed red curly hair on the inside of it. It was integrated within the melted cheese. This immediately killed my appetite and I re-entered the establishment and apologized but told them I would not be able to finish it and explained that I found a hair within my food. The solution was to remake the panini, which I don’t believe was ideal, however I digress. I never even received an apology for that occurring. It felt more transactional than personal.

The second kickin chicken panini I received was cold, the cheese was not melted, the sauce was lukewarm at best and all of the peppers were still cold as if they were directly out of the fridge. I did not want to cause any additional scene or become problematic so I took my loss and left.

Unfortunately, I really wanted to enjoy this business that I heard so much about but I left extremely disappointed and...

The Baristas didn’t know how to make a “dry” cappuccino, so all you can taste is loads of milk and no sign of the double espresso shot.

Since I didn’t know who prepared the cappuccino, I approach the young lady at the counter, when I told her that I asked for a “dry” cappuccino, she looked very confused & clueless, so being a teacher and all, I kindly explained to her how to make a “dry” cappuccino, she said ok, I’ll have it ready in a minute.

A few minutes passed and the young girl manager approached our table with the cappuccino and I said yes, I can feel this is a dry cappuccino because the cup is not heavy with milk & she loudly, rudely and accusatorially said I would appreciate if you do not talk rudely to my barista. I was confused, I asked her how was I rude. She stated that I told the barista that she does not know what she’s doing. I said I did not say that to her, on the contrary. She rudely turned her back to us, and said just don’t talk to her, she’s just learning, scurried away.

This “young” manager needs to be retrained on customer service and how to deal with her co workers & patrons. I will not exposed my fellow teachers, family and friends to this type of uncalled rudeness & attack by the manager/staff, which makes this place an unsavory and unsafe place.

My sister tried to talk to the barista and young manager, and the manager was rude, didn’t want to hear anything and stated she was “confident in her management skills” At that point, all said was a waste of time and breath. Sad to say unprofessional, think they know it all employees will be the downfall of mom & pop businesses like this.

Good...

Absolutely terrible first time experience!! Tell me how i pull up to the drive thru with only 2 cars ahead of me. The line isn’t even moving and the place is dead inside. So there’s no excuse why the wait should be so long. All of us cars are waiting in park in the drive thru and i waited 30 minutes!! Mind you at this point only one car only got served and there was one car who was in front of me and i was second in line. Than waited another 10 mins before i pulled out and ofc when i pull out that’s when the line moves and the person behind me gets my spot. Mind you there’s a huge line at this point wrapped around. I called to place an order online they said 15 mins i go inside to have to wait like 6 people to pay. Before i pay i ask is my food ready they said it should be only to have my food COLD! I ordered a hot chocolate which wasn’t even hot it was cold and i should’ve spoken up but at that point i was ready to leave! Can’t believe i gave this place 17$ all for them to serve me cold food and wait there almost an hour! Never in my life have i done this for some stupid food but stuck it out. SMH… do better how you guys serving people inside before the drive thru who’s clearly been there for over 30 minutes?. It was ridiculous seeing people walk in while i was in the drive thru and getting out before me. Also crazy how there was like 6 people working and they couldn’t even manage. Perhaps Hire more ppl. Or don’t take calls online if you can’t handle the work load and have good hot food for your customers. or maybe have a seperate pick up line so people who order online...