The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Today my fiancé Josh and I went to our neighborhood coffee bean. We usually go there every other day, and sometimes 4 or 5 days in a row. Today surprisingly, the service was pretty slow. We waited outside in line with about 5 other customers. Once people would get to the register the next person would wait inside the lobby and stand right inside the door. When the person in front of me approached the register I stepped into the lobby with my fiancee' as everyone before us had done.

We were immediately met with a terrible attitude from someone named Cliff I believe (greenish/yellowish died hair). It was my first time ever seeing him. It seemed that he was a new manager at this location. He yelled in a rude/condescending tone "WAIT OUTSIDE!! WE WILL WAVE YOU IN". Afterwards, Josh explained that we were just following what everyone else was doing, Cliff reacted again in a very condescending manner. We stepped out and waited. Were the first and only customers that I witnessed that had to wait outside until there was no one checking out at the register. A few mins later we were waved in by a young lady at the register.

As we walked in, the person waiting in line behind came in as well. Josh and I waited for the backlash he might receive, but nothing was said to him. He was allowed to wait inside and order directly after us. Not only that, but the lady in line behind him, also decided to walk inside. Once again, no response from Cliff. I am a black woman, and the only person of color at the store. My fiancé and I felt attacked, singled out, and belittled. In this current climate, it became pretty obvious what was happening. Not only to Josh and I, but from others in the store.

Finally Josh confronted Cliff about his aggression toward us. He said to Cliff, "I don't appreciate your tone that you are giving us." And then he asked Cliff, "Why don't your rules apply to anyone else walking in the door?" Cliff simply responded "If you don't like it, go to another Coffee Bean."

We have over 2500 points on our CBTL app, combined together. a fair amount of them spent at this location. Id like for the general manager and franchisee to know what type of person is representing their store. I always felt like I was so proud of my coffee shop that I visit almost daily. Now I cannot say that I feel that way anymore. I would hate to see Coffee bean face the same negative coverage that Starbucks faced because of a racist manager. I will not "go to a different Coffee Bean" as he insisted. But I will document every visit with my camera until he is replaced with a...

My favorite CBTL because of the EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE! Juan, Esme, Santiago, Blat, and their Manager, Miguel are all hardworking, friendly and patient. Juan in particular, always goes above and beyond ensuring quality drinks and service every time. Not only warm, friendly and patient but diligent in his work. My Hazelnut lattes are consistently YUMMY every time Juan makes it (Esme too). While the atmosphere has dwindled from the times I used to practically live there studying on spacious tables w/available electrical outlets, to tiny sparingly tables w/out access to outlets, it is the STAFF that makes this CBTL the BEST!! If you appreciate great customer service this is bar none the place to get your brew (coffee, tea) and yummy pastries...

I really like this place (especially coming from the East Coast where it was all Starbucks and Dunkin) but I do have 3 issues.

Most of the flavors are mixed with a cream base. It is interesting but for those that can't handle much in the way of dairy, it is an obstacle. The only flavor that is safe is the vanilla.

I really love their sandwiches but instead of using something like a Turbo chef, they use a microwave which leaves the sandwiches not tasting as good as they could.

I always see an inconsistency in their drinks no matter what location I go.

I will say that I really enjoy the ambience and they have the best pumpkin flavoring I've had from a cafe...