The Beerded Bean - Salinas

At first glance you could mistake this as a speakeasy from the prohibition era. It certainly has the quiet murmur coursing through it like nobody is supposed to know it is here. The coffee is plenty strong, the staff is plenty attentive, and the lighting is plenty dim. They are both a cafe and beer tap, so best of both worlds. Props for knowing what a red-eye is. : They have live music too! Happy noshing, thanks!

I had asked the employee working yesterday what was her favorite drink. She had a custom drink that for sure should be added to the menu. So so good!

My son loves their Nutella Frappe. We get it without the coffee. It's a once in a while treat, and they do a fabulous job. Service: Take out Meal type: Other Price per person: $1–10 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Nutella Frappe, Iced Caramel Macchiato Recommendation for vegetarians Highly recommend Vegetarian offerings Vegetarian menu or section

Not sure if this operates as a bar at night and coffee shop during the day, but I came on a Sunday morning, and in the first thing I smelled was bathroom cleaner, like the smell of a college bar the morning after. That being said, the place was not clean, floors and tables were very grimy, old spills apparent on the floors and seats. I ordered a simple latte, and it took them at least 15 minutes to make, because staff was just slow and chatting to themselves. I also think they forgot my drink at first, because I had to remind them. I was driving through town and wanted to stop somewhere local, rather than one of the dozens of other chains in the area. I thought I'd give this place a chance, but unfortunately thoroughly disappointed.

Awesome staff and equipment. It's a shame they are using dark roast as their espresso bean. That machinery is too nice to waste on a dark roasted bean! Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4