Green Bean
| Address: | 341 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA |
| Phone: | +1 336-691-9990 |
| Site: | gsobean.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–10PM 8AM–10PM 9AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 6
SP
Spotts Wood
I had a most terrible experience here today. I ordered a "Reeds Jamaican Ginger Beer" from their chalk board menu and I got a "Reeds Ginger Ale," which is entirely different drink for the uninformed. I reluctantly and humbly asserted that this is not the same thing that I ordered. The cashier said she could not, not charge me and that they did not have ginger beer. Suddenly a rude woman (only later identifying herself as the owner) from the bar entered the conversation to inform me that the words "beer" and "ale" were synonymous. Also, she added that she had been to Jamaica, and was therefore an expert on Ginger Beer. Does visiting Detroit make me an expert in auto mechanics? I think not. I cannot remember being treated so poorly by someone who values repeat & loyal customers. I have driven from Eden, NC to GSO many Saturday nights over the past few years to relax with a cup of coffee. I cannot believe how horrendously I was treated by the owner today at my beloved "The Green Bean," I think not anymore. Reeds actually makes Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale, Ginger Beer is cloudy and has a highly spiced taste and is a different drink. Dont take my word for it ask Google. I was made to feel very uncomfortable and unwelcome by the owner of this very nice coffee house shame on you, because the customer should be treated at the very least with civility & respect even if she is wrong. However, in this case the owner was equally disrespectful, rude, arrogant and uninformed despite her fact finding endeavors to Jamaica. The coffee is too strong also (and I like strong coffee). I feel like the owner did not want my business or me there for that matter. 06.14.2013
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A Private User
My wife and I moved to Johnson City, TN last December and found ourselves in a place where espresso was an art yet to be discovered by this region. Now that we live closer to family, we make the occasional trip to Greensboro, NC where my wifes cousin (and her husband) live. Greensboro is also a place where espresso is not just some foreign word. It is the home of "The Green Bean," a place that seems to know and understand what truly good espresso taste like. Let me just stop here for a moment...... In todays society there are many social injustices; we all proudly carry our sign in the face of the tyrant in hopes of creating a better world. But when something comes along that we may enjoy, (The Green Bean) and they are found out to be complete frauds who are disrespectful and lacking in character to say the least; we avert our eyes so we can sip our latte in enjoyment and pretend that Katie Southard (owner and nazi/gestapo of the green bean) is somehow a good person. The social injustice is around us, right here at home. Think about your community and the kind of people you want leading it when you are about to go for some "good coffee" at The Green Bean in downtown Greensboro. For now, I think I will stick with my gas station coffee when I pass through Greensboro, NC. They might have decent coffee, but Im going to hold on to my sign and wave it in the face of Katie Southardand as I stand for the American dream and sip Folgers from my brown styrofoam cup.
BL
Blair Gentry
Green Bean has the smoothest espresso of any of the shops I have been to around Greensboro. There is always ample seating with outlets, friendly baristas, and a nice mix of business and casual meetings and solitary people working hard, usually on laptops. I have yet to go when I could not find a seat with a nearby outlet. Also, the quality of their espresso has been extremely consistent. They let you choose between to go cups or real mugs, which is awesome. I like to use mugs as much as possible to feel less wasteful. Tall ceilings and well spaced tables makes this place feel less claustrophobic than many other coffee shops. I recommend the 2 shot espresso macchiato if you like the taste of rich and smooth espresso with a creamy texture. It is my favorite so far, though I have had only a few other items from the espresso bar (i.e. chai soy latte, SF hazelnut soy latte, and a regular latte). I thoroughly enjoyed everything I have ordered and now this is my go-to place to get work done. Also, there is free 3-hour parking in a lot across the street that usually has spaces before the busy lunch or dinner times.
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A Private User
the poor reviews below were written by the friends and family of an employee who was recently let go by The Green Bean. please ignore the pettiness of others if youre looking for an honest review. I have been a customer of the green bean for five years running, and in addition to having great coffee and (for the most part) wonderful employees, The Green Bean does a lot for the local community through sharing a portion of profits with a different charity every month. It also serves as a meeting place for people of all walks of life in Greensboro. I have never had a bad experience at The Green Bean and it is one of a lot of peoples favorite businesses. as for the "bar" atmosphere at night? there are no televisions, the music is at a reasonable volume and there is still enough light to see the people you came with. the owner might be a tad unfriendly, but she puts a lot of effort into making "the bean" the great place that it is. it is sad to see that people can be so petty as to try and ruin the reputation of a local business with good intentions because things didnt work out for them.
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A Private User
Boots64, I have also always had a fairly positive experience at the Green Bean. No major complaints, but nothing to write home about. But its fair to say that one bad experience can poison anyones relationship with a place of business. Amy seems to be saying that she had one bad experience that was so bad shell never go back. Im not sure that you can say that what she is describing didnt happen, because you werent there. And having been in retail management for the better part of 20 years, I can say we ALL have a bad customer service day now and then. She has a right to her opinion, as you have a right to yours, but youre effectively calling her a liar, which, as an outsider, completely invalidates what could have been a very lucid point on your part. Are you an owner?
TO
Tom D
What an incredibly Ridiculous policy it is to run a coffee shop and have your minimum credit card purchase be more than the cost of a cup of coffee. I am not sure if the coffee is good, because when I was told that I was 36 cents short of the minimum and asked if I wanted to purchase a refill...so I could drink my first cup...I walked out. The barista seemed like a nice enough guy. Perhaps this was a good place, but my first (and last) visit was a bad experience...and they wouldnt let me buy coffee! I understand that on small transactions shops dont make as much because of processing fees...but having a policy which doesnt allow a potential customer to buy what is presumably your number one seller?!? Silly. Go elsewhere is my advice.
