The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

I don’t visit Manoa Marketplace often, but a close friend of mine works in the area so I had a coffee date with her recently at this Coffee Bean. We had a pleasant time and there was ample seating, but since we were there during lunch time, we definitely noticed when there was a slight lunch rush.
I got there around 10:30 a.m. to meet my friend, and for a weekday, that seemed to be the perfect time. There were still a good amount of tables open, though there were already customers in the coffee shop. And, while there were people who came after us to order, we both didn’t feel rushed, since we were indecisive about both, our coffee flavors and desserts.
I try to get something different every time I visit a Coffee Bean, and I’m never disappointed with my selection. My friend and I ordered two different drinks and two different desserts to split, so it was a win-​win overall. Service was good (workers were pleasant) and prompt; it didn’t take long for our drinks to be ready and we had a great 1.5 hours of catching up and girl time.
I would definitely return to this Coffee Bean if I’m ever in the area. I’m glad it’s not as crowded as Starbucks; it presents a great venue to get some work done or catch up with friends.
Here’s what we ordered:
«Peanut Butter Brownie»: My friend and I love all things chocolate and peanut butter, so getting this brownie was a no-​brainer. It was seriously love at first bite. While the brownie was not as moist and decadent as it could have been, it was cakey and chocolaty, and that’s all that mattered at this point in time. I did like the peanut butter drizzle that was on top, but I probably would have enjoyed this brownie more if there was more peanut butter included in it. I did like the melted chocolate chips interspersed throughout, though (we had the brownie warmed up). Great choice for any chocoholic out there.
«Chocolate Cupcake»: This selection really surprised me, and I ended up liking it even more than the brownie. I tend to be picky about my cupcakes because I worked at a bakery in L.A. and was spoiled by fresh, rich cupcakes that set my standard for cupcakes pretty high. But, this dark chocolate cupcake from Coffee Bean was actually really good … in that, I would have no hesitations about ordering it again. It features a fudgy cake that’s not dry and it’s topped with a chocolate buttercream (at least, it tasted like chocolate buttercream). I loved the chocolate-​on-​chocolate combo and the cake was moist enough for me (sometimes chocolate cakes can be really dry). I was surprised by how much I loved this cupcake and am happy to have found a decent one on this island to indulge in from time to time.
«Hazelnut Latte»: My friend said she always gets this drink so she opted for something different, but I never got this hazelnut option before and decided to try it. I wasn’t disappointed — this was like Nutella in a cup. I was able to get soy, and I ordered the smaller size of this drink since I got it hot. I actually prefer iced drinks, but I end up finishing them so quickly! But, what I like about Coffee Bean is that the hot drinks aren’t scalding hot when you get them, so you don’t have to worry about burning your lips or tongue. It’s at the perfect temperature for sipping every time.

I love this coffee bean because the Starbucks across the street is always so crowded. There’s a lot more seating available here (and the coffee is better anyway). Staff is nice too. My fav treat is the apple tart… light and sweet.

The WORST coffee bean I have ever gone to ! I prefer coffee bean over Starbucks so when I dropped my brother off at midpac, I stopped by this location for convenience. First off, I’m lactose intolerant and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way coffee bean makes their caramel frap (I usually go to ala moana or the kapiolani one).
Today, I went and ordered my usual. The lady then stated that there is no «soymilk» available in ice blended drinks. Say what ?! I’ve literally only ever ordered this one drink with soymilk for the past 5 years and now you tell me it’s not available? Idk if she was new, or just lazy. I’ve ordered my drink here before with no issues. Safe to assume based in this incident that they no longer have any options for dairy-​free drinks so don’t bother coming here. Thanks for the shitty service and giving me the worst coffee bean experience of my life.

This is one of my favorite CBTL locations on the island! I can usually find a table to study on, there’s choke parking in the Manoa Marketplace parking lot, and the cashiers are always friendly. This place is usually bumping on the weekends when you get an eclectic crowd of UH-​Manoa/​college students, parents toting their young children, young professionals, and people coming in from yoga, hiking, or whatever exercise activity. It’s unfortunate that CBTLs are few and far in-​between on this island. In town, I know there’s this one, Market City and the Ala Moana location.

Love how they can customize your drink. Great kids working there. Just want to remind people that there is absolutely no reason to be rude to them like throwing your money at them or saying «I get the same thing every time». What? Are they mind readers? I’ve seen many rude and sassy customers. I want to slap them upside their head! Hey! You are adults! Act like one! They provide a service but come on folks have some manners!

I’m a little upset to find out today that the stamp cards don’t expire. My card only had a few spots left at the end of last year which the stamp card showed as the expiration date. So I threw it away. Today I find out that the cards never expire.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is one of my favorite places to grab a pick me up and a bite to eat. The Manoa Marketplace location is so close to my house and a great stop before getting my day started. I buy the gift cards from Costco because they usually come at a discounted price and always make sure I have my stamp card with me! I usually order an iced hazelnut Americano (hazelnut is an added .99, but completely worth it!). The staff here is really friendly and even when there’s a long line, they still get through the orders quickly while still being accurate about all the bells and whistles of your order.

I have been patronizing this CB&TL for years. Service is always on point. Naturally there are different faces behind the counter but it seems they have an endless supply of young, friendly and personable team members; for most businesses this is in very short supply these days. I don’t use the word team lightly — it’s great how the staff actually works together. Excellent management and training — more words tossed around but rarely made a reality. This CB&TL is doing a great job and it keeps me coming back.
Truth be told, I prefer the beverages at Starbucks. But see my review on the Starbucks here in Manoa. CB&TL is the clear winner in this neighborhood and example of how things should be done.

Well, now! We ended up in here by default, and this circumstance has led this to become our default coffee place. We were in Manoa when my wife really wanted a Starbucks coffee. So, we parked in Starbucks’ tiny parking lot (across from Manoa Marketplace), went inside Starbucks, and it was ridiculously crowded with a bunch of petulant people slowly nursing their coffees while they wrote their dissertations, Pulitzer prize-​winning novels, and other tomes on their ubiquitous laptops. There was no place to sit! We both did an immediate about-​face, got back in our car, released some more carbon into the already compromised atmosphere, and drove across the street to the Manoa Marketplace (lots of parking!)
We wandered in here, found it pleasantly populated, but un-​crowded, with a decidedly more down-​to-​earth and friendly vibe than the place we came from. The folks behind the counter were friendly and low-​key, and there was just one woman with a tablet (not a computer), who occasionally looked at it. The iced dessert coffee I ordered was just right, and my wife, who is much more the coffee connoisseur than I, was quite happy with her beverage. It just goes to show, sometimes those «accidents» in life are just meant to be!

Great place to get a good cup of coffee or ice blended drinks. They have free wifi and good seating inside. The staff are great and they prepare the drinks just the way you order it. Will definitely be back to try more items on the menu.

lots of seating. I often come here when Starbucks is crowded. I ordered the bread pudding; it was pretty good. I wish they had a rewards system comparable to Starbucks. If they did, I’d frequent more often.

Today was my second time at CBTL in Manoa. I ordered my drink and then sat and enjoyed the environment. Friendly service, cool ambient atmosphere with a nice music selection. There is a great variety of seating; from bar chairs by the window, two tops, four tops and there is a couch with a coffee table for the more relaxed seating option. There is also outside seating which is always a plus in my opinion.
The coffee is delicious and the price is very reasonable. I had just a simple coffee of the day yesterday which was their Light Costa Rica blend, and today I went after lunch and tried their affogato. It was delicious! The espresso was rich and flavourful making for a fantastic afternoon splurge.
I also am a lover of Bubbies Mochi Ice Cream and since CBTL sells them, I grabbed a few for the road!
This cute cozy café has me intrigued and I will certainly be back to explore their coffee, tea and food selections.

I like this location. They’re all so friendly and they’re pretty fast.

We had a little date nite at this location and was just so impressed by Cody. Great heart and great service. Keep up the good work!

I heart this CBTL! Service is always top notch, and they always seem to have a good selection of food stuffs on hand. They also some fun coffee and tea paraphernalia, most with the CBTL logo, of course. My fave drinks are a breve latte, an iced Americano with half and half, or an earl grey with sweetener and half and half. My favorite thing to eat is the almond croissant or the quattro bruschetta. They also have some seasonal stuff, and in the summer my daughter just LOVES the melon mint tea iced blended. This CBTL also has some outdoor seating in a shaded area, and is often occupied by students, stay-​at-​homers, and slackers like me. :)

This coffee bean is in a great location and almost always has space to study! There’s a lot of outlets which is nice. They provide samples all the time, and the people serving are happy and nice. They also have some food selection along with products you can buy. There’s outdoor seating in the shade which is nice also.
The music isn’t too loud which is great background noise but isn’t over powering. I’m not sure if there’s a bathroom on sight or not. Overall this a great place to study, hangout, or just relax.

I’m a long time fan of…
THE
COFFEE
BEAN
&
TEA
LEAF!
The first time was well over a decade ago on busy Market St. in busier San Francisco. I’ve always preferred it over «the other coffee chain», but I’m still more inclined to go to independent coffee shops — If I do have a choice! However, having said all that… I love this…
THE
COFFEE
BEAN
&
TEA
LEAF!
This specific location more than the others. For one, it’s in my ‘hood of the rolling hills of Manoa and it just seems more of a warm and fuzzy feeling at this location. The staff always nice, samples always to be had, and service is generally efficient. I do avoid peak hours if I intend to plant my a** in a seat. On a typical day I will usually get House Coffee or Iced Green Tea. Once in a blue moon I’ll get a fancy drink if I can scrounge a coupon or it’s a house special! Once in awhile my friends will 411 me on .99 cents fancy drink specials, but it’s rare, maybe once or twice a year. I actually came in yesterday to prepare my taxes and listen to some Paul McCartney & Enya. I mean «The Sex Pistols» aren’t exactly suited for thinking! Of course, like Groundhog Day I sipped a Iced Green Tea.
So yes, I recommend…
THE
COFFEE
BEAN
&
TEA
LEAF!
It’s a good chain alternative to «the other guys». I’ve never ventured on the sandwiches or eats, but maybe I did over a decade ago, pre-​Yelp and pre-​wannabe clueless foodies on every corner. The drinks are delicious and the samples, too. Heck, the next time I’m here I will definitely step-​it-​up and get something to eat, too. I’ll be back, maybe in another two months or so… remember I’m a big independent dude, but I’ll be back. Especially the one in the rolling hills of Manoa!
OVERALL GRADE: 4.0-STARS! (SOLID!)
LIVE ALOHA…
Unilocal REVIEW #415

CBTL @ Manoa has been the best coffee place for me so far. I have been coming to this place since they started. The staff members are exceptionally good and friendly. If you are a regular customer, they call you by name! I love their coffee and penne pesto pasta. A GREAT place to relax in the valley! Highly recommended to visit early morning over the weekend and sit outside to feel the nature in the valley.

Yay! I’m a fan. I think The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Manoa Marketplace is the only coffee shop in the world that has the upper hand against Starbucks, since Starbucks is not even in the hustle and bustle of Manoa, but across the street. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has the prime location next to Manoa’s huge Safeway and the Marketplace’s sprinkled Asian eateries.
In high school, I used to come here all the time because it was so close to Punahou, a virtual 30 second drive from campus. A typical day would include lunch and a coffee. The other day I spent a lot of time here writing reviews and doing other work, the coffee shop has a large interior with many tables and chairs for outdoor seating. It is a nice place to do work and people watch, it’s rather peaceful. And the amazing part of it all is their free wifi, I mean, you have to confirm connection every 30 minutes, but the connection is much better than other places. Plus the connectivity radius is rather superb, I was sitting quite a ways away from the entrance, but had sound internet efficiency.
I usually order their Hazelnut Latte or any type of Frappuccinos, they are sweet, but taste different from their Starbucks competitor. I’ve noticed their blended drinks are more icy, they don’t melt as fast I don’t know, it could all be in my head! I like their blended Chai, I love Chai. Love it. Theirs is good.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Manoa Marketplace is a prime location for lounging and doing work, grocery shopping, and eating because it is a quieter neighborhood, but there is still local hustle and bustle. Definitely a nice place to kick back and relax.

This place is located next to Safeway at the Manoa marketplace across McDonalds, next to a ramen place etc… I ordered a green tea latte. The one star is for friendly service and the military discount. I paid $ 4.51 for a regular size (total ripoff!!!). Here’s another ripoff: my cup was practically half filled! Extremely disappointed! This was my first time to come here and the very last! I should’ve stuck with my guts and went to Barnes & Noble!