Caffè Bene

I typically don't get grumpy without a morning dose of caffeine, however my morning coffee provides me with a brief moment of calm bliss. Early Sunday morning I made a visit to the coffeehouse, Caffe Bene, for a cup of joe. It's located downtown on GreenStreet in a mixed-use development, so it's a bit hidden. Inside the coffee shop, there is modern interior and bookshelves filled with hardbound collections and classics. It looks similar to traditional European coffeehouses, but with a touch of Korean flair. Caffe Bene offers a variety of carefully crafted coffees, refreshing drinks, savory sandwiches and sweet treats. Because I have an obsession for Vietnamese coffee, I ordered a medium Cafe Saigon. Vietnamese coffee is typically a drip coffee that's very thick and the coffee bean they use is intentionally over-roasted for a bitter taste. The Cafe Saigon was the perfect cappuccino and the smooth, milky, velvety texture to it hit all the right spots. I did not get the chance to try their desserts because I already knew the service would be a bit slow since there was only one person taking orders and making drinks. Although, I would love to try the strawberry cream cheese honey bread the next time. If you happen to be downtown, I recommend you pay a visit to experience it for yourself.

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We came here on a Saturday afternoon with a group. There was only one person working, taking all the orders and then preparing it by himself. This meant that there would be a long wait and so it was. I noticed a few people stood in line and then left, because the wait was long.

There was hardly anyplace to sit. Maybe 2 or 3 tables. They had a lot more tables outside, but I'm not sure if that's owned by the Café or general seating for the public. Also, keep in mind that if its hot n humid, then it could get unbearable to sit outside.

They had a few of their desserts and drinks on display. We got the red velvet cheesecake, strawberry mojito, a few gelatos and some latte. These items were mediocre. Taste was off and I just didn't feel that they were sweet enough. I was also disappointed in their gelatos. For the prices they were advertised at, I expected better quality in their desserts.

This chapter comes to a close.

Located on Green Street of Downtown, we came here to grab some desserts after lunch at the Conservatory. It wasn't too long of a walk over to Bene. You already know how parking works in Downtown. Private lots around the area but most likely you have to pay.

Inside was small maybe two tables to sit at. They have a lot more tables outside. Perfect area to chill if the weather isn't humid. On a Saturday afternoon, there was only one employee. He didn't look too happy to see us. We were a big group. The line was long even though we were the only ones there.

They have a few of their desserts and drinks on display. Looks can be deceiving because I ordered the strawberry mojito (non-alcoholic since it's a dessert place). Looks nothing like the display and it's obvious they used strawberry syrup. The red velvet cheesecake was mediocre. Taste was too loose. For the prices they had, I expected better quality in their desserts.

I know where your restaurant is, but where has your Caffe Bene?

It's in the really swanky awesome new downtown Inner City Greenstreet outdoor mall. Worth checking out.

This location of the famous Korean bakery chain is not bad at all. I actually like it. I wouldn't say it's any of the best stuff I've ever had, but then neither was your sister. My girl liked it even more than I did. Most of the products are probably bordering on Five Star Quality if not hands down five, but the very high prices and the fact that it's an international chain mean that four is as high as I will go for it.

Came in with a large group of friends on a Saturday afternoon.

Only one person was working the counter. He was the one taking orders and also preparing the orders. You know what that means? A REALLY LONG WAIT.

While I was in line, I think two couples came in and waited in line for a little bit before finally leaving due to the long wait. I guess they don't usually get much business on a Saturday afternoon?

I ordered the Choco Raspberry Waffle Sundae and although I enjoyed it, not sure if I'd pay $9+ for it though. I also tried the Mango Passion Fruit Smoothie and the Red Velvet Cheesecake that my friends ordered and I thought they were just okay.

Probably wouldn't mind coming back if I'm in the area, but definitely wouldn't go out of my way to come here.

Yeah... no.

What's the big deal about this place? The way folks were going on and on... seemed like another chain establishment to me. It actually really reminded me of Einstein Brother's but with a lot of high sugar, over-sized pastries and less actual savory food options. The space, small, two small tables and a long bar that faced outside. I don't believe they own the small green area outside, but I asked if I could sit out there and he said as long as I returned my dining ware.

Selection: they have something called 'honey bread', basically a thick sliced of loaf white bread buttered and drizzled with caramel, chocolate and decorated with bananas, walnut strawberries or anything really. Seemed really... unhealthy and weird. I mean, we were pretty innovative kids and I think we called this "sugar bread." Yeah, we created something like this a long time ago as baby chefs. Needless to say I wasn't interested. I had a waffle and ice cream and sat down to stare at the guy behind the counter take orders and make food and drinks for the other customers. Literally that is your view. The venue is TINY. It was awkward. I finished my waffle and ice cream (cute, good, but nothing I would go out of my way for) and left. Not sure why I drove all the way out here.

Really, it wasn't my cup of tea. Maybe the Yelpers hyped it a little bit, who knows. But I was just kinda... underwhelmed.

Yeah!!! Finally made a trip to try out Caffe Bene. I saw the so many stars rating and I knew that I have to visit this place. So came here thinking of getting a waffle with ice cream. I saw the selections on ice cream and the hot weather. I then changed my mind just getting the hazelnut gelato icecream. One scoop. I was amazed how rich the flavor was.

I can taste the hazelnut chocolate in the ice cream a lot. The décor of the place is nice. Best of all there are seats outsides as well. I got a chance to enjoy the weather outside and my ice cream at the same time.

I highly recommend giving this place a try. Yum!

First the shop is very well decorated, but had absolutely no sitting area in the shop. The only sitting area is the common sitting area outside. We went with a fairly large group so there is long line. Oh yeah they have only one restroom for both boys and girls.

I try to order three items and two items they do not have in stock. I think the employee just do not know how to make them. How you left an employee untrained along to take care customer with no supervision? That is asking for complains from the customers. Big international chain like Caffe Bene should know better then cutting corners on customer service. Lousy customer service and expect customers to come back ?? Yeah right.

My strawberry on waffle with chocolate syrup and whip cream was ok. The waffle itself was done right not too sweet, and the strawberry was ordinary and whip cream is store bought not home made. Overall the dessert was mediocre at best. Is it worth the hassle of find places to sit after you ordered. Definitely not !!!

The strawberryanna smoothie is very good. Check out this vanilla gelato on a waffle with Carmel sauce. Very good.

I believe I may get to a point where I have tried every item. I am not mad about it either. I will just have to hit the gym a little more.

It is a really nice spot in Houston. First I was happy that we have one more international chain store here and then it's a really nice place.

I ordered a whole grain latte and it was yummy! I would love to come back to try to desert here.