Cheap Eats: Cool Beans Cafe & Arts

(Credit: Danielle Hope Hier)

Photos:

Werner Beck purposefully makes the rounds at the Cool Beans Cafe', passing out carnations to the ladies along with a complimentary glass of champagne and a homemade chocolate truffle dusted with cocoa powder.

"What did I do to get so spoiled today?" a woman at a near bye table asks him.

"It's Valentine's Day" He pronounces calmly, with a mild German accent. "Every lady gets a flower on Valentine's Day."

"Plus," I chimed in, playfully. "It may be the only day he gets to flirt with all the ladies, without his wife slapping him."

"You know?" He answers, changing the subject (as his wife, Uschi, was helping in the back). "I had a man ask me, 'Why don't I get a flower?' and I said, 'Okay, you can have one too'!"

That's the kind of experience that's missing in a number of restaurants today, but oh so apparent at Cool Beans Cafe' and Arts.  It's the kind of place where the co-owner passes out Valentine's Day treats without advertising beforehand that he will be doing so.  It's the kind of place where the servers stop to show you their art portfolio and ask patrons in they'd mine if "that nice lady sitting in the window" [That would be me] would include them in a photo for the internet.

They didn't know I was coming for a review. In fact, I didn't even know it until about an hour before I arrived.  So, there was no pretense in their behavior, just friendly people with adoring loyal customers.

The Locale:  It's that place you drive by on Manatee Avenue, but aren't quite sure how to stop or where to park.  You see the sign in the window, and wonder if popping in for a cup of coffee is even worth the trouble (with your busy schedule and all), and it's only once you're inside that you realize why you came, that's it's easier than it looks, and definitely worth the trip.

A full service restaurant and catering company, Cool Beans also offers a collection of paintings, fine china, hand painted German crafts, and ornate jewelry and figurines. An eclectic mix of art mediums from around the globe, it's a unique collection for humble coffee shop, all available for appreciation or purchase. Some featured artists include Carrol Klingensmith, Katherin Longhurst and Jeanne Walker.

Insider Tip:  Manatee Avenue East, 6th Avenue and SR-64E are all referring to the same road (Bradenton people really like you, and want ot confuse you so you won't leave in hurry).  Parking is around back, while the restaurant is located on the corner of 9th St. E. and Manatee Avenue.

For the directionally challenged, the easiest route from Manatee Avenue is to turn onto 1st Street heading South (which is also 301 and US 41...Yes, 3 names for each coordinate street can prove confusing to tourists), and make an immediate left onto 6th Ave.  The cafe' parking lot is on the left at 9th Street. 1st Street and 6th Avenue are large intersections that are difficult to miss.  After that turn, the streets are numbered, so if you hit 10th Street, you know you've gone too far.

The Experience: There's bottomless gourmet coffee on one side (Joffrey's flavored and unflavored blends), and specialty teas on the other (and you can choose the cup that most inspires you).  At both ends of the cafe' are comfy couches where you can settle in for conversation, or even break out the laptop and enjoy free WiFi.  Cafe' tables and stools at the counter are available for dining in, with a spread of homemade breads and pastries tempting you from behind the glass case.

The Food: Breakfast is served all day (with pancakes, Nutella croissants, and bagels with Nova Lox), as well as lunch specials that include turkey and brie sandwiches, lobster bisque soup international dishes like Swedish meatballs and goulash.  When I was there, myself and others were given samples of the flavorful curry chicken with cranberries, included with a salad as part of an $8.50 lunch special (most range from $7-$9).

I ordered the "Cass" named after a local singer who ordered a very specific meal with every visit:  1 omelete loaded with fresh sauteed spinach and provolone and served with a side of 2 slices of 7 grain bread (on which the second piece should be topped with peanut butter).  This was $5.40.  Add on bacon for $1.60 and you've got a full breakfast for $7. 

Cool Beans also offers catering and take out options.

The Drinks:  Vitamin packed fruit smoothies are served, as are five daily coffee varieties, imported teas and an assortment of espresso and coffee drinks like the Breva or Caramel Latte.

Overall:  Wonderful service, great food and interesting art makes Cool Beans Cafe' & Arts worth being your first stop in the morning.

****

Cool Beans Cafe' & Arts is located at 904 Manatee Ave. E.  Phone:  (941) 748-3878.  Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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