Steaming Bean — Restaurant in Pismo Beach

First time I came here it was late November 2023. The time was 2:55 pm and waited on barista to take my order as he was making drinks. Only 3 people waiting for drinks and food as person in kitchen was busy. At 3:05 or so barista finished drinks and took my drink order I looked at food menu and I ordered a burrito. The staff in kitchen then stated that kitchen was closed at 3:00pm. Ok I guess, as there were no posted signs on the menu stating that food was only served until a set time. The drink took average time to prepare and it was good.

Second visit today, late December 2023, time was 2:45pm. Ordered a burrito and again kitchen was just closed or decided to stop serving as barista also looked at his watch to see why. At this point I walked out.

Customer service means that you work to make money. So when as an employee you decide to not clearly define hours of operation making whimsical decisions to close a key component of the services provided then you are not serving the owner. With margins being tight as they are in this business, not making a sale is just unjustifiable. I like the atmosphere but service is just hit or miss. Given the wait times on the coffee I’d rather patronize another...

I’d had a rough day today and decided to go for a walk when I passed steaming bean. It looked very cute from the outside and the door was propped wide open so I walked in and up to the counter. The girl working, a younger brunette girl with lighter eyes (and I think a piercing?) was sweeping behind the counter. She looked directly at me and I smiled and said hello. She glowered at me for a moment, didn’t say a word, looked up at the clock on the wall (it was 3:51pm) and then turned her back to me and continued sweeping. I was confused so I stood there for almost a full minute waiting for her to turn back around or say anything to me. I wondered if they must be closed already and looked for their hours on the window, which were until 4pm today. I stood there for another while longer and she continued to sweep silently with her back to me. We were the only two people in there. She never acknowledged me and I eventually just walked out. It was a real bummer of an interaction, especially after a hard day when I was excited to try this cute place as a treat at the end of it. Won’t be trying again, they’re much kinder at the Starbucks...

This place was recommended to us while we were in town and we weren't ready for what we were walking into. First off, it's got that desired, hidden gem kind of feel to it when you first come upon it, like it's either going to be a magical experience or leave you wondering how it stays in business. Y'all, it was magical. Service was super pleasant, not off-putting, in your face customer service, felt like authentic human beings trying enjoy themselves and the customer. Then, I don't know how you could do anything but enjoy the food and drinks 🤤 not kidding, my favorite coffee order, so completely fulfilled everything I want in a drink, and I got a breakfast sandwich that was 1, tasty and filling, and 2, didn't feel like a gut bomb I'd have to walk off for the next half hour. I think if we were locals, I would be at the Steaming Bean way too often. Makes me jealous of locals having this gem just waiting...