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Lula Bean
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
797 Grand St(between Humboldt St & Bushwick Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Neighborhood: East Williamsburg
(718) 599-5852
- Nearest Transit:
-
Grand St (L)
Graham Av (L)
Montrose Av (L)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
43 reviews for Lula Bean
Review Highlights
43 reviews in English
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Review from katie s.
Brooklyn, NY
11/6/2011
Don't order a granita, you are gonna get so fat because that drink is amazing.
I really like their iced coffee and while the hot coffee isn't exactly to my taste it sure is strong and cheap. Friendly staff and management. They seem to expedite really well; lots of people will be standing around for sandwiches and stuff but they keep the coffee line going fast! -
Review from Nico S.
Brooklyn, NY
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Just moved to the area, my new roomie told me it's her favorite coffee spot. Now it's mine, too! The coffee is super tasty, and the baristas are very friendly. There's a perfect amount of space, they don't blast the heat, and they play good music. A+!
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Review from Cord N.
Redwood City, CA
11/16/2011
The thing I hate about this place and lots of similar places in New York is I want to pour my own Cream into my coffee. They offer to put milk into it for you. 3 times I visited this shop I asked for barley a splash of Milk and each time my coffee ended up looking a really light and hazy color ... Don't over Milk me man! Here is a tip offer Cream, Half and Half or Milk -- have each in a small labeled pitcher in a small bath of ice on the counter. Tasty food in a pleasant atmosphere - 3.5 Stars.
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Review from Amey Y.
Brooklyn, NY
Cafes aren't exactly rare in Williamsburg. In fact you can probably spit and hit one on any street. And they multiply like rabbits every day. There's really a lot of good places in the neighborhood to get a good cup of coffee and usually a decent though slightly overpriced bite to eat. To the point where all the cafes kind of blur into one big indistinguishable blob.
Don't get me wrong, I love cafes. I travel for work throughout the five boroughs and I love having a cafe to sit down, grab a drink, and a bite to eat. So I've been to nearly all the places around the neighborhood at one time or another.
Lula Bean, upon first impression, struck me as just another Williamsburg cafe. Typical cafe storefront, counter, baked goods, even the list of drinks. However past that this place really is a gem.
The girl behind the counter was incredibly sweet. I wanted an ice tea and chose the Hibiscus one. She asked if I wanted to try it mixed with lemonade since many people like it like that. I did.. and the drink was amazing (my picture of it is up). Perfect mix of sour and sweet and minty. Refreshing.
For food I got #5 bagel. It is a bagel with Tuna and Avocado (I got an everything bagel though they have a few options). A lot of their options seem to have avocado, which made me happy since I love it.They have some choices I've not seen elsewhere. My bagel was really -really- good. Fresh and the tuna and avocado went really well together. I enjoyed it so much that this cafe made it to my bookmarks and I plan to return.
So a review is born!
PS.. a large lemonade and bagel came out to exactly $10. Not cheap but also not as pricey as some other places. And they do not accept credit cards. -
Review from Sophie U.
5/7/2011
[ Part 7 of Sophie's April Weekend in New York series ]
Three of us walked around Williamsburg after brunch and, truthfully, I was getting bored. We pretty much wandered into this area by chance and Boyfriend suggested we find a cafe for an afternoon snack.
So we found Lula Bean. It's a very small place with things I didn't feel like eating at the moment, but I did spot a few chocolate croissants. Boyfriend and my friend got some of their mint iced tea, which had fresh mint, and I of course got a chocolate croissant.
The mint tea was very tasty and refreshing. The chocolate croissant, on the other hand, was largely underwhelming except for the chocolate -- man, that was good chocolate. I could have done without the bland puff pastry, though.
Mmm, three stars because the puff pastry sucked and there's no restroom. It's silly to not have a restroom when you provide food and tables for customers. -
Review from Tim W.
3/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
My review is based on my disdain for Italian espresso beans. AND that its WAY overpriced for what it is....I think its less coffee shop more "snack" shop. But the business has to do what it has to do to make the almighty $$.
So my judgment is handed down as this: they use Segafredo which I dislike even MORE than Lavazza, so judge for yourself. If you want smooth stumptown or gorilla this is not the place...granted i drink macchiattos and not milk gorged lattes and cappuccinos, so maybe those were more smooth, but next time i'd head around the corner to Variety Cafe...they are 100% coffee jerks lol! -
Review from Daniel V.
Brooklyn, NY
2/11/2011
Living in New York, you have a thousand coffee options. I've been to Porto Rico, Gimme, Mud, Blue Bottle, FIKA... all of the places that are supposed to be The Best. Still, for some reason, I've never had a latte as good as Lula Bean's. It's strong, flavorful, thick, and strangely earthy in a way I really love.
It's entirely possible that the cozy ambiance is fooling my brain into thinking the lattes are tastier than they really are - It's a small, cozy, warm space that's remote enough to cut down on the number of cool-kids-with-macbooks that literally clog every other coffee shop in Williamsburg. But does that matter?
All of the sandwiches I've tried here have been hearty and tasty - usually served on a fresh bagel. You really can't go wrong! -
Review from Rosie M.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
12/20/2010
If this cafe had a line like Trader Joe's..... I'd wait all damn day!
The cafe is small, but it is very cozy and has beautiful mosaic tables you can sit and enjoy yourself.
The coffee is cheap, strong and delicious.. I always go for the Chai tea, cold soy milk, honey and a cinnamon stick - got the exact same thing @ Starbucks and it was horrible. Maybe it's the TLC they put into their cafe that makes it so damn good?
The food is phenomenal too! They have a delicious selection of bagels, paninis, muffins, quiches, croissants. I've had the Mediterranean bagel, which is hummus, egg, tomato and onion, with your choice of bagel. Chow that baby down in about a minute and a half.
I've also had the #5 Panini, which is turkey, mozzarella, sauteed red peppers, pesto, and garlic mayo... they toast it in the Panini presser.... I inhaled it! The mozzarella was melted to perfection and the pesto garlic mayo mixture is just a party for your tastebuds.
I've also had their granola (which has almonds in it) mixed with yogurt and a little bit of honey, grab a tea and run! Great for on-the-go quick snack. The food tastes good and it's healthy !!
Yeah...... can you tell I've become a regular?
Everyone who works there are absolute dolls, they always greet you with a smile on their faces and totally remember you when you come in. It's a very welcoming environment, you can see that they really do want to satisfy not only your pallet but to also offer you the best experience in their cafe.
I HIGHLY recommend Lula Bean, for your AM coffee breakfast run, a pick-me-up, and lunch. TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME GOOD FOOD and delicious coffee ! -
Review from Zach W.
1/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Great spot for coffee/sandwiches. It's a bit out of place with the rest of the block, but in a great way. The coffee is awesome, nice and strong. They always have good music playing, decor is pretty cool, and the staff is really friendly. Definately check out their sandwiches, theres lots of interesting stuff on the menu, namely the bagel sandwiches. Don't expect fast food'esqe turnaround though cause they carefully craft your delicious sandwich which takes time (get it pressed!)
Busy in the morning and very few tablesListed in: Coffee
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Review from Jeffrey o.
Brooklyn, NY
9/15/2011
Bad Iced Coffe... COME ON. It's SO easy to make good coffee. What the hell is wrong with you!
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Review from Miriah H.
Brooklyn, NY
1/6/2011
Awesome Iced Mint Tea and delicious Panini Sandwiches. They use a nice crusty bread, pesto and good tomatoes (which are hard to find). Their soup is always good too.
Definitely recommend the sandwiches above all else. We always swing by on our way to the city. It takes time to heat them up so I call up in advance. -
Review from Diane M.
Brooklyn, NY
12/17/2010 9 Check-ins Here
I love the bagel sandwiches. And the coffee. And if you like sugar (I don't admit it in public - but I do!!) I recommend the Moroccan mint tea. It's fresh mint and sugar and hot water. Yum!
UPDATE
If you like the sound of a special - order it. It changes every day, and you may never be able to get it again.
Also, I agree with many reviewers that their coffee is not the best. It just isn't. Lula is a fabulous lunch spot however, and when looking at it in that light it totally deserves five stars. -
Review from Julia W.
Brooklyn, NY
7/23/2008
I feel amazingly lucky to have just moved across the street from this place. One thing I was not expecting from this neighborhood is great coffee.
They have excellent espresso; I've been drinking americanos from this place every morning before work. They have really delicious looking sandwiches, but so far the only food I've tried was the ham & cheese croissant and the leek quiche. Whoa, the leek quiche is great! Nearly habit forming. -
Review from Rob L.
Brooklyn, NY
1/11/2010
Two words: Liquid Crack
Word of caution, even a normal (heh, or excessive) coffee drinker will suffer the jitters after the small. This is what coffee is supposed to be like - to get you to WAKE UP!!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Melissa B.
Brooklyn, NY
4/10/2008
It's gorgeous outside and I decided to forgo my usual Americano with an Ice Coffee. I'm impressed. I'm never impressed with ice coffee. The flavor is usually zapped by the ice immediately or the coffee is too bitter. Something is usually off with ice coffee. Not this one though. It was refreshing, tasty goodness.
Stars for:
-A Nice Staff. The barista offered to fix my drink after a little spillage and drop of a lid by moi. Umm. . .I never got that sort of genuine kindness back in SF. All with a smile. That's 2 stars for ya!
-Cute, cozy space, fresh looking breads, reasonably priced menu and for carrying Crystal Geyser Water (it's been awhile since I've seen that).
-The tasty ice coffee that gave me a zing within a block walk. I thought I was already awake but I was proven wrong.
I wish Lula had that come hither aroma that permeates as you enter like at Gimme (might have been let out b/c of the open door) but the coffee here, mmm. . .it's delicioso.
Lula you had me at ice coffee. I didn't think it could be that easy but you've got me and I can't wait for your Americano.
Updating to say: I got the Americano and it's kick ass too. Thanks Lula! You're my favorite bean! -
Review from Lexy M.
9/26/2008
Lexy is Luloo Luloo for Lula Bean!.....
I adore this tiny coffee spot on Grand St. right off the L train! I stopped by here while I was in the neighborhood visiting a friend & I now make a point to come more often when i'm in the area! I usually get my Joe or Ice-Joe in a to-go cup but this laid back Coffee Cafe has a nice setting for relaxing over a cup of warm coffee & tea or parking your tush & laptop. They serve GOOD coffee & it's surprisingly cheap! I would have assumed for this popular hipster area they would jack up the price a little, but not at all.
I am pleased with Lula's Beans & I am a fan of her Coffee! ;o) -
Review from Ting S.
10/31/2009
THE BEST $1 cup of coffee. don't let the small size and rich taste mask the rocket fuel functionality!
top off this coffee perfection with a vegan muffin or cupcake, baked by a friend of the owner's, for a heavenly afternoon pit stop. -
Review from Dan C.
New Orleans, LA
1/2/2010
BOYCOTTT
EVIL
THIEVES
Ok, this place does have good co---never mind, screw any attempts at niceness.
I buy an 8 oz au lait for $1.50. The counter girl asks me for $1.50. So far so good. I give her two dollars. She takes them, gets 50 cents change, and THROWS IT INTO THE TIP JAR. um, wtf x100?!!?!?
I don't want to do the guilt by association thing and drag the whole operation down because one employee was on her cycle. But seriously, that's wrong. That's basically theft.
AGAIN REPEAT - BEWARE OF FEMALE HIPSTER BARISTA IN BANDANA (like that narrows it down).
OWNERS IF YOU SEE THIS BE AWARE THAT SOMEBODY DID THIS. -
Review from Kasey lee C.
Beverly Hills, CA
6/15/2011
My two visits to this cafe have both been splendid...
The barista's know how to extract a damn good coffee, and I will continue go back for this coffee again & again. Their latte does not disappoint.
The tuna & avocado bagel was equally amazing! The avocado delight bagel was also good but took 2nd fiddle to the fresh tuna mix.
Go for the coffee...the tasty bagels are a bonus! -
Review from Natalie R.
San Francisco, CA
8/27/2010
This is the first cafe I visited on my recent hiatus to New York and I'm so glad I did. It is very small and quaint without being crowded, which I guess in a sense, is all nothing at all like New York, so it perpetuates the gem-like quality of this cafe.
The coffee is very good and though my first visit was brief,I went in again the next day and sat down to write for a bit. I was looking out the window trying to draw inspiration from the neighborhood, but I can't say it's the most awe-inspiring view. It's right near the L though which makes it pretty convenient. The baristas that I encountered on the second day were not as welcoming as on the first, but..I suppose you can't win 'em all. -
Review from stacy g.
Brooklyn, NY
6/10/2008
Amazing place. Who knew that in the middle of nondescript Grand Street in E. Williamsburgh is probably the best coffee I've had in NYC so far. The fella who works there actually teaches coffee-making to future baristas in New York -- that's how seriously he takes it. And it shows. The soy lattes are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Incredibly rich, smooth -- and only $3'n change!! for a 12 oz.
The space is tiny but cozy, well-lit. A perfect, little, air-conditioned respite on a hot summer day.
It would be great if they had a bathroom for customers so I could spend hours and hours there without worrying when nature calls. But hey, I only live a block away, so who's to complain, really. -
Review from Blake S.
Santa Ana, CA
11/9/2008
Very cute little place, and they make great cappuccino. Good music too.
My only suggestion is, they should get some local beans. Local, meaning from the US. Segafredo is good, but how fresh can it be. -
Review from Craig H.
Brooklyn, NY
2/19/2009
Had coffees/lattes/pastries a few times and thought they were nothing special.
Then today, I was drinking a latte purchased from Lula Bean and pulled a LONG hair out of my mouth/coffee cup. Gross. -
Review from Justin M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/10/2010
Great little place. Super friendly and attentive service. I think the coffee isn't anything special, but the friendly and inviting atmosphere more than makes up for it. I like to go and sip on an iced coffee, sit facing the street, and surf the Internet on my iPhone.
They have an assortment of pastries and small dishes that I have yet to try, but they look promising as well.
Def give this place a shot in you're local, or live in the neighborhood. -
Review from Preethi C.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2008
Great little coffee shop on Grand Street - so glad it's here because there are not many good coffee shops in the nearby vicinity.
They have delicious breads and pastries fromo Balthazar, bagel sandwiches, and really good coffee.
When I went, they did not have Wi-Fi, but I heard they have free Wi-Fi now. -
Review from Christine Z.
Brooklyn, NY
4/26/2011
Lula Bean has fantastic baristas that make rich, decadent coffee. I am totally willing to make the walk from the montrose L to the grand stop just for the coffee. The avocado delight is delicious with an abundant portion of fresh avocado and a drizzle of olive oil.
However, it is a bit over-priced. $3.50 for a doppio macchiato? Crazy. Oh well, the coffee is just that good.
The reason for the 3 stars and not 4 is due to the CRAZY owner-woman who barges in there without any sort of respect for her customers. She basically re-arranges the entire cafe (which is tiny) just so that she can plop her daughter down near an outlet or directly across from a paying customer (the tables are equally tiny), plugs in her little dvd player, and expects them to just be ok with it? I've already seen this happen twice. Unacceptable. -
Review from Scott B.
Brooklyn, NY
2/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
Two years ago when these guys opened it was a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The coffee is relatively cheap ($1 for a small cup) and really good - I'd assume the espresso drinks are as well, but I stick to coffee.
The service is almost always really great - everybody in their is super nice and knowledgeable about what they serve. The food is great - really awesome sandwiches both with meat and without. Great baked goods with some vegan options that I'm sure are good too.
My only problem with Lula Bean is that they continually raise their prices. I know that it's an expensive spot to rent out, and I know that you're not making much off of a $1 cup of coffee, but they have raised your prices at least 3 times in the last year and half, and they have also taken away their "frequent buyer" card. You keep raising your prices and you will start to lose business.
I hope they figure everything out and stay there. -
Review from liz s.
New York, NY
3/13/2010
the baristas vary on the niceness meter. i had two coffees the last time i was there and only left a $1 tip after hogging the place for 4 hours because there was a bit of snot in one attitude. like, who gives a shit that i'm not your type? i smile, you smile back.
HUMANS LOVE TO BE LOVED.
free wifi, cute place, interesting clientele, great location (nowheresville just down the street from a badass vintage clothing store) and good prices. no weird looks because i spend a lot of time drawing. -
Review from Ronald S.
Brooklyn, NY
1/8/2011
Great Lattes and the Mint Lemonade is excellent. I could drink Mint lemonade all day!
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Review from Helter L.
Brooklyn, NY
9/25/2010
My friend moved into the hood' and seeing that I crash there often, this has sort of become my local. I only wish I had one by my house because the food and coffee here are amazing!
As stated, the coffee is strong! They have healthy food options, like they're delicious granola and hummus sandwich. The barristas there seem to know what they're doing, taking care to make me my delicious mochas and lattes. Mmmmmm.
I think what I like best about this shop is how friendly all the workers are! I think because this is a neighborhood/local spot, they seem to know everyone and there are a lot of familiar faces. Instead of impatient, snobby attitudes I get from other coffee shops, the people here are generous and super fun to talk to. The owner dude himself is super nice. I always happen to walk in just when hes giving away free samples. And who doesnt love a free sample?
The store itself is tiny! Only four tables, but I like the cozy vibe. I just wish the place was bigger because there are not always open tables, but other than than, Lula Bean is the coffee shop I always wanted! I think I might head over there now for an iced soy latte. -
Review from Adam S.
Brooklyn, NY
5/22/2011
I saw the guy behind counter about to go for a double dip of the spoon to taste the tuna salad. He saw me watching, stopped mid scoop, and grabbed another spoon to do it. I'm glad he decided to get a clean spoon but I'm sure he would not have if I wasn't there. The coffee may be good but I would make sure the staff is not drinking directly out of the pot before I ordered one.
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Review from dailey c.
Brooklyn, NY
3/11/2008
finally, a great coffee shop only a block from my house. I've been here four times since last thursday. the coffee is great as well as the atmosphere, and you can't beat the prices. if you live in this area, or even if you don't please frequent lula bean. i need this place to stay open.
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Review from Stella K.
Brooklyn, NY
3/26/2011
Cute place, good coffee, I'd keep going back just based on the fact that they have genmaicha
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Review from William L.
Brooklyn, NY
6/18/2010
I just love this little cafe, even though, as noted, the baristas can be a bit moody (a smile sometimes helps). If you have lived in Israel, you can get used to it. But the coffee is terrific (and I love the cappuccino served in a small glass, again, Mediterranean style), and the range of pastries -- muffins, scones, croissants -- is absolutely unequaled in the nabe. As also noted, the coffee is STRONG! Interesting menu of sandwiches and snacks too, and very reasonable prices, again compared to other spots in this over-caffeinated (is that possible) nabe.
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Review from David N.
Brooklyn, NY
1/30/2010
Great little place around the corner from me. Usually get my coffee, latte's, hot choc or tea's. They make the best coffee in town...possibly all of NYC. The staff is great and friendly and many them cute too. I'm definitely hooked.
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Review from Per U.
Manhattan, NY
3/8/2011
Good coffee and good amount of space to spread out. Friendly barristas, but not to the point of being under obligation to be in a conversation when you're there (unlike Beaners).
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Review from Laura B.
Denver, CO
4/30/2008
I love the use of space in this tiny coffee shop. The exposed brick and wood counters give it a classy yet homey vibe and I admit, I am inclined to like a place when the work area for the baristas is spacious and pleasant.
So far every employee has been quite friendly, and the coffee is good. I haven't tried the food yet and I don't go for anything much fancier than cafe au lait, but I must say they have fun with artistic foam designs.
I'm so glad that Grand St. finally has a coffee shop! -
Review from Guy M.
Brooklyn, NY
10/31/2010
Great coffee in a cute little local shop. This place meets my coffee needs and then some. It's small which I like so it's not the kind of place you go to sit down and whittle away the hours but that said- they make a great latte for a generally acceptable price (3 or 350 for a large- i can't remember.) Also good are the baked goods and sandwiches, think chocolate croissants or simple brioche with egg, onion and tomato. Very solid little business. The staff is always friendly and seems to recognize my face based on twice a week patronage which is impressive.
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Review from Josh V.
Brooklyn, NY
9/25/2010
This is hands down the best coffee in the Montrose / Grand area. There are at least three other coffee shops closer to me, that I go to when I'm lazy, but this is the best. Hana foods is still the best sandwich, but if you're not up for the walk, this is a close second for a sandwich. The seating area is a little small and could probably use more room, but I've never not been able to sit.
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Review from Scott M.
New York, NY
2/22/2008 2 photos
This small cafe just opened last week and so far it's been awesome. We've been desperate for a good coffee place on Grand Street, and this seems to be our answer. They have espresso, tea, pastries, paninis, and soups. We had a sandwich with humus, avocado, pesto and roasted peppers on 7 grain bread and it was incredible. We also tried the tomato rice soup, which was also delicious. There are only three tables and about 4 stools along the window. The decor is simple but nice. The coffees are all reasonably priced... you can get a large (16oz) coffee for $1.50, or if you want something like a latte or mocha it will run you $3.25 - $3.75. There is breakfast special for $4.25 that will get you any coffee and pastry, which would make this a nice stop before you hop onto the L train in the morning (this is about two doors down). You can also get 1/2 panini and cup of soup for $7. Definitely check this out for a quick bite or to get your caffeine fix!!
Listed in: My Neighborhood
