The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

DOWN-TO-EARTH BARISTA! The cold brew was sold out on the day my Dad and I visited Little Tokyo’s Coffee Bean. We encountered a barista who was super accommodating and suggested the perfect alternative, a midnight mocha! OMG, it was just what I needed after driving around LA traffic haha. The mocha was high quality and the caffeine boost was just enough. I was surprised with how quiet this location was given its location inside the Little Tokyo Mall. The patrons were generally really mild and kept to themselves. Only one older Japanese guy was a little pervy and kept staring at me. Other than that, I had a great time! My only complaint would be the cushions, several are ripped. I tried sitting in the private booth towards the back and the seating was heavily damaged. Therefore, I opted for sitting at a table. It wasn’t bad, but I wanted some cushion lol.

I was disappointed with my first experience visiting the coffee bean and tea leaf on July 17,2025 at around 9 in the morning. The customer service was not welcoming in the slightest when it came to ordering my drinks. The cashier woman had the most miserable face like she did not want to be there. I asked if one of their drinks was good as I debated between another drink and she looked at me with a serious face and said sure. She was rude with her tone and didn’t even let me say my whole order without saying here’s your total when I still had 2 more things to order. The interaction was negative and pretty uncomfortable. It’s a shame because the drinks turned out really good. The atmosphere of the customer service I encountered with that cashier let me know that I will not be returning to this location :(

really nice man working there. He seemed really busy but was very helpful and quick. He remade me a drink today after I told him I spilled mine in the bathroom. The bathroom definitely needs maintenance

Waited for almost a half hour for two teas. When brought to the baristas attention he checked the screen and laughed, made the drinks and offered no apologies or compensation for our time. All of the tables were dirty. There was no napkins, straws or anything that we could access. Horrible service.

Nice and quiet coffee spot. We went in late morning and there were no lines and it wasn't crowded. Drinks were tasty and there were some variety for snacks. Great space to chill and have a coffee!

Horrible experience… I was next in line to place my order then a man walked in went in line behind me. The cashier guy with the pink hair didn’t take my order, he stopped and asked the man behind me; You’re ordering iced coffee right? The man behind me said yes. The cashier didn’t take my order and decided to make the mans iced coffee instead while I waited until the lady cashier came and took my order. Why I was waiting the guy with the pink beanies handed the iced coffee to the man and then asked if there’s anything else that he can get him. The man then said ice water. I felt ignored and got really upset. I wanted to tell the guy with the pink beanies that I was the next customer in line not the man behind me. That was very rude. The woman who took my order was nice enough to step in and took my order. I don’t think what this cashier did was ok at all. Lucky I don’t do my grocery shopping there often.

This was hands down the worst coffee I’ve ever had. It tasted like watered-down milk, no coffee flavor at all. If I wanted a cup of warm disappointment, I could’ve stayed home.

I have been a customer for a cool while and tell me why, I have noticed that their customer service is just going down the drain! There was an older gentleman who was so cool and nice but he hasn’t been there for a while. The youn gentleman with face piercings sometimes can be in a bad mood. I have wanted to redeem some app coupons but every other time I go they tell me the “system” is down but I can still use the app. Idk it’s just kinda sad that the place I loved going is kinda not my fav. place anymore.

This is a great place to meet for coffee in the Little Tokyo area. It's located on the ground floor of the Little Tokyo Galleria. If you walk in off the street, it's the first place you'll see on your left. It's very spacious. Formerly, it was where Tom 'n Tom's was located. There's plenty of seating. It's mostly group seating but there are also a few "two tops. " I wish they had a few more of those. Anyway, the staff is super cool, and they validate one hour of parking. I exceeded the hour so it was $4 to park for about 90 minutes. Not too bad, for the area, and way better than getting a parking ticket downtown! This is now, my "go-to" place to meet for coffee in Little Tokyo.

I use to work for the company years ago so this is a honest not bias review at all. First thing if you hate your job that much leave the company being a barista is about customer service leave your anger at home. I never was mean or showed aggression. I did a pick up order I know I can't add the quarter cup charge for my ice cup water with my drink so I wrote a note, clearly I'm in a rush if I'm picking it up they gave me a hassle about the cup I explained I couldn't charge it on the app i understand I can pay with my card I had no cash a guy I'm assuming is the lead said it's okay I told him I worked with the company years ago i understand the water cup deal. he said it's okay the young lady on the register still proceeds to stop me as I'm leaving to charge me despite hearing what her lead said honestly I was so upset by her hostile tone and energy I left the cup not because of price etc but the principal. What happened to coffee bean and the culture ? Such a poor experience really ruined the ambiance of the place I love the products of the company but this location needs to do something about their rude customer service and I will say there is a few who work here who have been kind but this young lady really was on a power trip over a quarter water cup like I couldn't afford it or something. Was horrible and my coffee was also poorly made I asked for extra ice I got more water in my cup than ice

I recently ordered a mocha iced coffee and a caramel iced coffee both with easy ice for me and my cousin. The employee making the drinks diluted the drinks with water at the very end of making the drinks. The drinks tasted diluted and we were not able to taste any mocha or caramel flavors. I asked nicely if she can remake the drinks since it tasted diluted. She said that because I wanted easy iced, that was how she was going to make it and that iced coffees are supposed to be diluted with water. I believe she should not had added any water at all and she should had left room at the top instead of adding any water. She said that she will not remake them unless I pay regular price for a new drink. The employee seemed annoyed that I asked and didn't seem to be happy to try to assist. I did not like the service provided and might not visit this location as often as I did in the past.

They were super busy today. So I ordered through the app for convenience. My latte was great! I have yet to try their food. They do have TOKIDOKI drinks and boba! I'm going to try the strawberry milk!

Nestled inside the lively Little Tokyo Galleria this Coffee Bean has that nostalgic roasted bean scent wafting around. Colorful Coffee bags are displayed on a shelf next to the long line starting at the door to the register. Delicate pastries, cookies, pink and white cake pops are behind a glass case to temp you as you wait. The menu advertises various lattes, teas, Coffees and other blended drinks. I got myself and my neice a refreshing hibiscus cooler and got myself a sweet strawberry cake pop to calm my sweet tooth. The inside is very bright and spacious. That day was Harajuku Day on a Saturday so every single chair was occupied. The service was quick but not very personal able, I think they were overwhelmed by the crowds and hectic energy that day. Overall I enjoy Coffee Bean!

I came here to try and score the Chrissy Tiegen Ultimate Banana Bread. It was on display but they ran out! Waaaa!!! Besides that, the staff was nice, the shop itself is huge with plenty of seating, they even have semi-private booths you can sit in. They validate for one hour, so bring your parking ticket for them to stamp.

I would never return here. We walked in and they never acknowledged us. We stood there for a long time, and I had to say HELLO! And, the employees were right in front of us! I would have walked out, but the person I was with wanted a drink. I refused to purchase anything.

I have been preferring coffee bean over starbucks for the past few months. I was not able to catch his name, but the barista working this Friday (01/05) around 5PM evening was so friendly and efficient! I have been craving their cookies and cream ice blended drinks & it just hit the spot before a grueling shift.

This team is always friendly and gives great service but today something stood out. While I was making my order, I heard Gopal talking to one of his coworker and mentioning that they had a certain tea back in stock and customer X would not be disappointed next time they came in. That shows a level of care we just don't see enough in the service industry these days. Later as I was looking in my bag I couldn't find the Madeleine cookies I had purchased. I called the store to ask if I had left them behind and he had them. Thanks Gopal for making my afternoon sweet!!

This place is the worst. Prepare to stand in NO line and wait 5min for one of the hipsters to finally get you a simple coffee. The place has been going down hill for years but it is a new rock bottom. Employees are the worst. Getting a simple black coffee is a task when the place is empty!

I was really hoping for some coffee Apple Maps and on yelp say that they close at 7 PM but when I got there, I guess they close at 6:30 which is bullshit. Please update your hours waste of time.

Friendly staff with prompt services. Drinks were made to our liking. Place was very spacious. Nice place for desert drink after meal or just chat :)

Just here to see if anyone else on 9/17/24 experienced severe stomach upset after consuming a drink at this location. I purchased a strawberry frap and about 1 1/2 hours later had the worst upset stomach. I know it was the drink because I hadn't eaten breakfast yet and food poisoning takes 8 hrs. I'm wondering if one of the employees put something in one of the ingredients (maybe a pissed off employee) because everything else seemed normal...no rudeness or anything to remark. Also, I don't think it was spoiled milk because I didn't have vomiting or nausea, just the other end. It would have been almost comical except for it was extremely painful and I almost went to urgent care for fear of being poisoned.

Alert Alert Horrible service !!!!!! Don't waste your time or your money I work down the street so I frequently go in to have a coffee and a sandwich but I had to stop going because there's this heavyset girl with blue hair that's extremely lazy and extremely rude I asked your A question about the coffee and she looked at me confused and upset because I was asking her about the coffee aside from that Her customer service is extremely rude and she's very lazy. I used to go in A few times a week but now I don't even bother especially if I see her. I just head to the next coffee shop because she is extremely rude and lazy plus she also always on her phone so un professional I don't know how she even got her position.(side note she in the food industry and her hygiene is very poor) don't recommend at all and if the and if the owner can reach out I would greatly appreciate appreciate it please Karla ...

I used a restaurant and a coffee shop at this mall, and the restaurant took a two-hour parking stamp. But the coffee shop refused to stamp me because I had a two-hour parking. This mall with maximum access for three hours, but he refused to stamp it because I received a parking stamp for two hours at the restaurant. He even screamed and refused to take a stamp. So I asked at the parking place and they said I could get a stamp from the coffee shop. Two hours is maximum if you use Market and Daiso, but three hours are available if you use other restaurants and coffee shops, but this person shouted at me and refused to stamp me. At the end, he reluctantly took a stamp and shouted. It was very unpleasant. He was mistaken about the rules and reluctantly took a stamp, screaming at me.

I remember getting great service when there was only one employee here and today got rude and non-existent service, not a single employee would acknowledge you until you say something. just plain weird customer service

Great tasting coffee. Friendly service. Comfortable seats and indoor. Inside little Tokyo galleria so can do some shopping too :)

I had no idea they had vietnamese cold brew here! Not sure what they put in it here but it was super delicious! Love how much seating they have in this location. A good place to take a break and sit for a minute. Took a couple minutes to be helped but the drink came quickly.

Had the best customer service experience I've had at any coffee bean, barista was being very helpful with everyone in front of me and even told the people that left to have a great night. I had to ask for the barista name. Carlos!! thank you for the positive vibes and stellar service! My order was delicious.

I always receive excellent service here. And although you'd presume parking would be an issue, somehow the parking Gods are always in my favor. It's covid times so of course no indoor seating. But I noticed this location has booths in the back that would be perfect for little business meetings or study group sessions.

The person taking the order was not friendly whatsoever. I asked if a drink was sweetened and he spoke so low and gesture "yes". The Vietnamese coffee is not the normal flavor. It was just a regular coffee.

Walking through downtown LA, I stumbled upon The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and needed a pick me up. I had the iced coffee and it was so good and creamy. Nice ambiance inside. I wish we had them on the East Coast.

My favorite coffee bean location. Friendly staff, best coffee, great customer service ! and quick service! Thank you

The drink was good but my cup was like 4/5ths ice and THEN the tea was added. But the tea was pretty good.

Killing time while my date was at a store in the mall, I needed my cappuccino fix, and the guy at the counter was quick and had my drink in no time. Plenty of space to sit and enjoy your drink, A/C on full blast!

I don't usually review chains, but I was compelled when i noticed that they removed most of the outlets and seating. They also served a pretty awful Chai Tea latte that was missing chai flavor. I asked them to add more chai and they returned a luke warm cup of milk. Surprised to say it - I miss the TomNToms. Back then, you could stay all day and work. There was more seating; in general, better use of the space. This pace feels empty, awkward, cold and will probably shut down in a few months.

Rude Barista!!!! I get it, its 7 AM and you rather be bed.... guess what? .... so does everyone grabbing coffee. Unfortunately I didn't get her name but female barista with side shave head and ponytail. She was extremely rude. Decided to cancel my order. Spoke to "manager" ... seemed somewhat interested in what I was saying. I'm hoping the owner realizes that coffee shops in downtown LA are a dime a dozen... so get new employees.... Currently enjoying a Peppermint Mocha at STARBUCKS.

If you don't like your job then just say that.. green haired barista give a stink eye right off the bat soon as I came in. Waiting to place an order and the cashier just for her to give attitude as well. The drink was horrible too. If you're going to be rude, at least know what you're doing.

This review is regarding a Postmates order I placed and an extremely rude employee I spoke to over the phone. I order two drinks and two sandwiches and my orginal driver never showed. Postmates then reassigned a new driver to pick up the order. Instead of remaking the order, the employee decided to get snippy and tried to fight with me, saying it's "free labor" despite not understanding THAT I ALREADY PAID FOR IT. I asked if they had a tablet so they could cancel it on their end (otherwise I would've been charged by postmates for canceling) and he said no, it was my responsibility to cancel and replace the order. I understand that working with third party delivery services can be fustrating, but fight with those companies when things go haywire and not with customers. Honestly, with the service I recieved, it's no wonder why Coffee Bean is going out of buisness all across L.A.

Been coming here since it opened last month. Newly remodeled, new location, and so far service has been GREAT! I get americanos to brewed coffee to teas to cold brew and iced coffee. It has been a very good experience so far. Hope they keep it that way. 8/21 - Grand opening: 10:30am - 2pm : free specialty tumbler, 50% off regular or large specialty beverage, and free tote bag for first 30 guests. As a Starbucks/Groundworks coffee drinker, I prefer this Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf since it is closer to me plus it is just as consistent as Starbucks when they make their drinks. App orders also is pretty cool...a lot of rewards--although they dont have games like Starbucks. Lol As far as vibe, service, drinks, I definitely recommend this place. Their cold brew is bitter and strong for me but try this place out! Peace.

Coffee taste like water and the sandwiches came with the package. I did request for oven toasted but I got this soggy bread in the bag ewww wtf!!!

Hey Yelpers, This Coffee Bean is life. It's very comfortable. This Coffee Bean location has their own little private booths. This location was much needed. I was tired of seeing Starbucks everywhere. If you read this before 8/21/18 ... then Coffee Bean is having a grand opening event on Tuesday 8/21. First 30 people will get a tote bag.

I've been coming to this Coffee Bean often and I have to comment on the consistency of the good drinks put out here. I've been to other Coffee Beans in the area bc I live out here and now this is my go to spot bc the others just get it wrong. The location is always clean, almost never busy, and the guys are great. I'm so thankful they've been open through COVID. It may look daunting that it's in a mall but you're quick in and out if you use the app and park at the meters since it's right next to the main entrance.

my favorite coffee restaurant!!!! highly recommend you try iced matcha latte. everything is amazing better than starbucks

I'm a big coffee drinker and when i want to save a few bucks I head to this Coffee Bean at the Little Tokyo Galleria. Even though their prices are much higher compared to other CB I still come here to get my caffeine fix. The employees are always friendly and the speed and accuracy of the drinks are amazing. One time I had wait a bit for my drink because they only had one person manning the store, I believe the other worker was on break, he kept the store flowing while reassuring me he didn't forget my order. He even gave me a free upgrade for waiting, what a nice gesture! It also helps to not be a dick.

This place is awesome! The customer service is great. Jesse and Julio gave me the best customer service! Sorry starbucks you suck!

A group of 10 people including myself came here to order some drinks and play board games. We knew there are people studying and since it's a public place, we decided to play quietly. Despite our effort, the worker with glasses and a black gauge kept telling us we can't play games. I didn't see any policies nor did they provide any acceptable reasons but "you can't." Also, we knew that this place closes at 8:30pm, but the same worker did not notify everyone but us around 8:00pm that they are closing down soon, clearly discriminating us when he should have notified every customers fairly. While drinking some teas and playing a board game, we did not cause any disturbance and nobody complained. The worker with glasses and a black gauge should not be discriminating customers with such prejudice. We were quite disturbed by this worker's biased attitude.

The people that work in this store all need to look into working in fields that aren't customer service. We placed an order through postmates for delivery. Almost an hour after placing the order we got a call from our postmate because the store was refusing to give him the order. They claim someone else had already picked up our order. They refused to make the order for the postmate because why would they give someone something for free. Yelled at us to place another order or else they couldn't make it. This was incredibly rude and completely uncalled for. Obviously, if there is a postmate there to pick up our order we haven't received it. If you had an issue with someone stealing the order thats between the company and postmates. Yelling at the customer is never the answer.

I have never had a quite an experience with any Coffee outlet/ Restaurant in my entire Life In the Outdoor area there was an empty table with no chairs. I kindly went inside and asked this guy If I could borrow couple of folded chairs We sat outside for 20-30 minutes. After we left , he came out YELLING CUSSING at us DEMANDING "you A____holes borrowed the chair you need to bring it inside. I am going to ban you from this store dont ever come back. " We were taken back , he made quite a scene. I will take it upon you and highly encourage you to get rid of this MAD Man , He is REAlly Bad for your reputation and Business I will NEVER EVER AGAIN STEP MY FOOT inside any coffee bean

I had tea and coffee two days ago. The taste of coffee was totally terrible So I called, but they closed.. so we brought coffee the next morning and went back to the same place So I asked the man, and he went out so faithfully that he wanted to come back and talk to the woman with the manager, so he said he didn't have a manager and he said he was the supervisor.If you want to drink, pay for it again......I never drink I never drink it even if it's free.It doesn't taste like coffee, but I think this store needs to know how to treat customers first.The coffee and the worst service were the worst coffee I've ever had in my life.I often go to Starbucks or Dutch Bro because my daughter likes coffee or tea, and the service is good and the taste is good. If there is a manager or general manager, please read it and think again for the business.

I'm giving 4 stars because the Barista here is mean I only come here because the one at 7th street downtown is close Just a piece of advice: Be thankful that despite of pandemic you have a job and customers that patronize this coffee shop Stay safe!

Price and taste is good for all kinds of tea. Please is very clean and spatial. I like wooden big tables and booths that are so helpful for group work or meeting. WiFi connections are generally good and simple step to connect. One really big minus point is... no restroom here ...sad... you need to go upstairs and walk for a few min to go to restrooms. It's really inconvenient to stay long.

The cold brew tea was okay but the coffee was terrible tasted like water. Were already home saved it to give it to them to try and get a refund or remake and they said that we had to calm yesterday, we tried explaining they were closed yesterday. This was also our first time, as we are visiting and always go to Dutch Bros. Will never be coming here again, and lets hope that the staff will one day learn to talk nicely when in customer service especially the supervisor.

To begin, there were two worker and quite a few customers, and only one was actually working.The other employee was doing nothing! My daughter ordered a pure chocolate.After we got our drinks, my daughter said she could taste coffee in her drink even though we asked for a non- caffeinated drink. I came in to tell them it had coffee and the made quickly said that by the color he could tell there was not coffee.so tasted it and there was coffee!so he made a new one but the whole time he was making the new one he was doing other stuff and doing it with a attitude.Bad service!!]

This is your normal, run of the mill Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I've never seen it overly crowded. It's easy to get in & out; or to work for a bit. Always has a selection of snacks when I've been. It's best in the mornings when the rush is low. Cleanliness is always hit or miss but I will say that it's more clean than not. This is a good spot to grab a cup of coffee if you want to quickly explore the arts district or the adjacent mall because they'll validate 2-hours of free parking.

I just had the worst experience at this coffee bean. I was asking for a mask being polite because due to my circumstances i was in a rush and did not have one at the moment. He told me "if you can understand, i dont have time to deal with you". I honestly didnt know what he was referring too and it definitely didnt seem like he was being hospitable. I came in at 6:30, so if any manager knows who this employee is and can try and re train him in hospitality, it would honestly would do their business wonders.

The employees here are nice and friendly, I will always come and visit, just as long as everything stays nice and quiet

Very disappointing. This coffee bean is in mall. There is a delicious Beard Papa's adjacent to the Bean. Now if you've ever had one with coffee then you know it's truly heavenly. However, as I'm in line at the bean to order my delicious coffee I'm asked to leave because no outside food is allowed. WHAT!!!! C'mon Coffee Bean. We can do better. I totally could understand if I walked in and took a table and started eating food from outside without ordering a drink but that wasn't the case here at all. Might want to rethink this policy in the future.

Went in for the promotional deal and was denied it because I didn't use the app... the guy working there said he was told by his supervisor that only upon using the app were they allowed to give the promotion. Went to 3 other coffee beans since then and they explained they don't need the app to run the promotion. That means the supervisor is telling his employees to do something out of corporate practice or the employee himself was set on not honoring his stores promotion. I didn't get a name but I did go in on 7-10-20 mid day