The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf — Restaurant in Thousand Oaks

Yesterday I tried Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for the first time in probably 17 years. My go-to has always been Starbucks. But there was a coupon so that’s why I went with CB&TL. I got the Iced Espresso Cookie Butter Latte (with almond milk), and oh my gosh!! This is GOOD coffee. I didn’t need to modify the flavor (something I always need to do at other coffee establishments). I also ordered the cheese danish and cheese jalapeño bagel. So good!! But let me tell you, the cheese danish alone is enough to make me choose here over Starbucks. Their danish is good, but it’s not amazing like Coffee Bean. So if you’ve been wondering, now you know 😆

I did order thru DoorDash yesterday and today. And I will say I’m disappointed that the coupon for a free White Chocolate Latte didn’t work—both times. Kind of think I should still get one since it was the reason I ordered to begin with. Especially since the first danish was broken and dropped on the floor 😆 so only got half a danish, but 🤷🏼‍♀️

Today I also got an Iced Espresso Vanilla Latte (with oat milk), absolutely delicious!! Oh, and the cookie butter one had more of the cookie butter flavor today. Which was wonderful. I shared this with Natalie there, she’s a great barista. Then the manager, China, as well. Appreciated she took the time today to explain more about their products.

Will definitely be having more coffee and danish’s from here!! Oh, and can we just take a moment to appreciate the ice here—yasss!!! Loveeee...

I had been a customer of this location since 2005. But ever since the general manager name changed on the front door, the service has gone from exemplary to the worst experience I've ever received from any establishment of any kind in Ventura County. And the quality of the product has fallen due to poor preparation. Cold toasted bagel before it's on the counter available to be picked up (and they give you rock hard butter to try to spread). My regular drink was made so consistently different I thought they had changed the recipe until I went to another location and received the same drink with the previously familiar flavor that was the reason it became my regular drink of choice. Never a smile. The staff always looks like they would rather be somewhere else. But I don't believe this to be the fault of the kids working the store. This type of constant poor performance always comes as a result of poor leadership. Too many poor experiences to itemize here, but each time I visit it seems to be worse. Both service and quality. Do yourself a favor and give your money to one of the other three locations you can get coffee products at in the same shopping center. I'm sure they would be happy for the chance to win...

Jules was warm, friendly and helpful—this is the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf standard. She was also a sweetheart, because she’s clearly a special person.

Then there was Kyle. I asked myself how many years this veteran had been with CBTL, and how much he was getting paid. Kyle moved like a PRO—he loved what he was doing and he was locked in. He was moving like a ninja barista.

When he had a second, I asked him how many years he had been with CBTL, because he was moving like a veteran. He said he had only been with CBTL for about a year, and he clarified that he was only 18 years old.

Everything he said surprised me, because his full facial hair maje him look older at first glance, but upon closer review Kyle had a very young face. So how is it possible that he handed me a perfect Americano? It was perfect.

CBTL really knows how to hire. They all have the best staff. This location was no different.

Plenty of parking, but it’s a busy shopping center so you might have to look around for a spot.

Clean location—immaculate, the CBTL standard.

Indoor and outdoor seating.

5 stars—the CBTL standard.

From,

“Bernie” (my CBTL...