Compassionate Beans Espresso & Smoothie Bar

Let me just start out by saying that I love this place. It's amazing. I started coming shortly after Bau opened it, anxiously awaiting the debut of the paninis (because I loved everything else so much). Since they've arrived, I haven't had lunch anywhere else! He's always got a variety of delicious, well made, inventive sandwiches! Served with a side or organic carrots, instead of chips, they're the perfect lunch to keep you energized, and your mouth happy! Not only is the food amazing, but the prices are low, and CB has a large variety of drinks to go with anything and everything. I also get to take advantage of the free computer during my lunch break to check my e-mail, which I can't do at work. I actually have nothing bad to say about CB, which is apparent by the fact that I eat here more than anywhere else. I hope you will stop on by and see for yourself why CB is the perfect breakfast/lunch/hangout place. Don't forget to try the chocolate cake. It's amazing. Truly. Pros: Amazing food, prices and service! Cons: I can't live here...>.> more

I always try and support local coffee shops/businesses. However, I often find it difficult to get a consistent product with mom and pop places. However, this is NOT the case with CB. I always receive a well made high quality product when I'm in there. I've never been disappointed. The service is amazing and fast. There is always a smile on their face and an inquiry after your well being. They offer great vegetarian options for breakfast and lunch. Everything is natural and organic which I appreciate. It is all very reasonably priced. It is really nice to have something close to work that is easy and convenient but isn't fast food. more

This is a fabulous local coffee shop/cafe! The food is delicious, nutritious, inventive (panini's with sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, spinach, pesto, meats and munster cheese, yum yum) and everything is quick. The drinks are prepared with care and are priced so well, I can get two latte's here for the price of one at the coffeeshop I used to go to! Great place, warm feel, and absolutely no snobbery or attitude found here. I'm so glad to have found it! (and as an added perk, it is across the street from the central market park so I can grab lunch and go sit in the park to enjoy it). The lox west bagels are amazing! So is the iced toddy! I never knew such tasty things existed until I had them here. Try this place, it rocks! Pros: Fair trade coffee, great prices Cons: Not open on weekends more

The first time I visited I fell in love with their panini's. The food is really quality - all made at the cafe using fresh ingredients. Since then I've been back several times and have loved it each time - it's perfect for running in and grabbing a brown bag lunch, a smoothie or a bagel. The owner is great and you can tell he really loves his cafe and believes in what he is doing, it's a great local spot, and I am not one to praise a place b/c it's where everyone else says you should go, but CB has proven themselves in my opinion! There is plenty of parking in the garage - I just hope there next location is a bit more visible for their sake and has more room to sprawl for our sake.... Pros: Quality of food and drinks - good outside area. Cons: Area is a bit cramped and there isn't a spot just to flop out and chill. more

I had heard about Compassionate Beans from a coworker but had never made it over until recently. What a great decision! For all you hippies out there (I kid) , The owner, Bau, only sells Fair Trade Coffee, hence the name. However, this does not translate to higher prices. You can get a 16 oz of pretty much anything for under $3 and it is thoughtfully and expertly made. They are only staffed by Bau himself, so he puts the extra effort into each cup and it shows. They also sell the normal assortment of morning pastries, muffins, and snacks and some other stuff including yerba mate. The location is small and in the corner of the building, but the seating is comfortable and there are several nice tables and chairs outside to sit and enjoy the day. He offers WiFi for free and even has a computer set up for guests to use. Please stop by and give Compassionate Beans and Bau Pham a warm hello and a shot at your coffee and tea business! more