Category: Shop Tours / Coffee Shop
It has been about three years since my last physical visit to Bean & Bean in Fort Lee. While I’ve actually purchased their beans from their website recently and had great experiences brewing them at home, there is something different about being back in the shop. My palate has shifted entirely toward the nuances of single-origin pour-overs these days, so I was eager to see how their in-house brewing measured up to the beans I’ve enjoyed at home.
The Vibe: Open, Airy, and Community-Focused
Stepping back inside, I was reminded why this location is such a gem. The shop is incredibly wide and spacious, featuring two full walls of glass that flood the space with natural light. It creates an open, airy atmosphere that is perfect for chilling and watching the world go by.
The trendy, industrial-themed design—think exposed elements and clean lines—is softened by that abundance of light and a layout that encourages you to stay. With a mix of cozy small chairs and large communal tables, it remains a fantastic spot for a mid-afternoon break.
It is also worth noting that the shop is in a prime location in Fort Lee. Surrounded by other local shops and with great access to the community, it feels like a true neighborhood hub rather than just a quick caffeine stop.
The Selection: A High-Stakes Pour-Over Lineup
Bean & Bean is clearly leaning into some heavy hitters for their pour-over menu. Their current lineup features:
- Peru COE #2 Gesha Bourbon (Washed)
- Bolivia Caranavi Gesha Washed Mosto
- El Salvador COE #1 (Honey)
- Costa Rica COE #3 (Experimental)
I had my heart set on the Bolivia Caranavi Gesha. There was a brief moment of suspense when the staff had to double-check with a coworker to see if they still had it in stock—luckily, they had just enough left for one more order.
Pro Tip: If you see a bean you like here, don’t wait. I checked their website later to grab more info, and it was already sold out. As their Google Maps thumbnail says: “Try our first ultra-light pour-over with dazzling complexity and fruity vibrance before it sells out.” I’m glad I caught it just in time.
The Experience: Bolivia Caranavi Gesha Washed Mosto
The presentation at Bean & Bean is exactly what I look for in a specialty review. They serve the pour-over on a small tray accompanied by an information label. For the fellow coffee nerds, the label includes a QR code that links directly to the detailed auction lot data (Bolivia 2025 Auction Lot Caranavi Gesha Washed Los Rodriguez).
Tasting Notes: The coffee itself was the highlight of my afternoon. As an “ultra-light” roast, it delivered a clean, tea-like body that allowed the dazzling complexity of the Gesha variety to shine.
- Aroma: Floral and vibrantly sweet.
- Flavor: A beautiful “Mosto” processing influence—expect a refined, fruity vibrance that isn’t overwhelmed by fermentation funk, but rather enhanced by a sparkling acidity.
- Finish: Exceptionally clean and lingering.
Final Thoughts
Returning to Bean & Bean felt like meeting an old friend who has seriously leveled up. Between the high-quality beans I’ve known from their online store and the fantastic atmosphere of the glass-walled shop, this visit was a win. If you are in Fort Lee and looking for a sophisticated pour-over experience in a space that actually has room for you to sit and enjoy it, this is a must-visit.
Bean & Bean 189 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Very detailed experience, thanks for sharing!