While it’s not every day I get excited about the success of a coffee place, but today is one of those days. If you haven’t been there for lunch yet, I’d like to introduce to you Little Bean Coffee Bar. It’s one block south/east from Victoria St on King St W, kitty corner from the new McCabe’s. The street signage leaves something to be desired, so look for Ziggy’s Cycle first :) If nothing else, look for trendy people working on laptops in the comfortable space, complete with stage and sound equipment for their evening events.

Daily Dose of Greatness

I’ve been going there for lunch for a few months now, and with the exception of one time where I forgot my wallet, I always get the same thing: the “daily special” for $9.85. It’s perhaps the most well-rounded lunch special in the `hood, with a hearty sandwich, soup or salad, veggie snack, and some chips, as well as a mug for coffee or tea. All of the coffee is fair trade, there are many organic options, and as of my last visit they carry Stone Hammer beer. Stone Hammer is brewed by F&M in Guelph, so it’s nice to see the local connection there!

The sandwich is always a little different, from turkey and roasted red peppers to pastrami and sauerkraut. Check out the details of the special on their menu, which doubles as a take-out order sheet (genius). There are different daily gluten-free soup as well! The variety here is excellent.

daily special with soup, sandwich, coffee, carrots!

Generous, fresh, and tasty.

I’ve heard great things about the breakfast sandwich, but not having tried it myself I don’t feel right commenting (it’s probably just as fresh and satisfying as the rest of the menu, and yet another reason to go visit).

Ordering Made Easy, Please

If you’re not ordering the special, or the breakfast sandwich, the ordering process is a bit arduous. Kind of like Vincenzo’s when you’re in a hurry. I’d love to see more pre-packaged lunch or breakfast combos, so I can just say “number two with beef on rye”, rather than itemize each feature one by one (I often don’t care and would rather have the food wizards in the back office decide on some recommendations). When the serving staff was new, I’d find myself in an awkward silence contest followed by “and then?” … so I just stick to the special now.

As I hope you will too.