We were looking for lunch but after an early morning doctor appointment, it was TOO early for lunch. Decided to head downtown Topeka (we are an hour away from Topeka) to try some of the hometown cafes. Those are my favorite anyway. Had heard the name of the Classic Bean, but never been through the door. What a TREAT! Love the local artwork on the walls. I wish I had noted the young man's name who kindly and patiently waited on us to decide what we wanted from a very tempting, good-sized menu. My sis had the breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese and turkey in a folded flatbread. Great size portion and she said it was delicious. (It looked delicious!) I had the Leonard Bernstein sandwich. Bacon, actual GREEN leaf lettuce, tomato and a shmear of cream cheese (just the right amount) on a lightly toasted (thank you, didn't have to ask) wheat bread. (I normally don't like toasted bread for a sandwich however it was lightly and perfectly done to where the bread still had a tiny bit of chew to it. It was SO good. He also recommended their version of my request for a not to sweet 'café mocha' and it was exactly what I wanted. Thank you guys! We will be back :) read more

The staff was friendly, and I didn't end up waiting long for my drink. The house blend coffee tasted burnt. I asked what a certain drink tasted like, and the barista mentioned quickly that he didn't know and doesn't drink coffee -- he had to ask someone else in the back who was helpful and answered my question. I suppose it is possible that a non-coffee drinker can make a technically perfect espresso drink, but I thought it was a little strange. read more

Since my last review was taken down because the person who reported is also stalking my SM accounts and is friends with employees. I will provide an OBJECTIVE REVIEW AS STATED IN THE YELP COMMUNITY SERVICES. Atmosphere: unsure, I was not able to stay very long because of a customer who was rude towards me and my group. Beverages: I asked for an extra hot latte and it was not very warm. I did not get to address this because of the rude customer who was being very disruptive. Service: slow and not very attentive. Cleanliness: the couch we sat on had crumbs and the table was sticky. Overall I do not like the daytime crew but Friday nights seem a bit more pleasant. read more

I enjoy the ability to sit comfortably in my own space there when visiting with friends. I love the coffee and the atmosphere on most days. Bands are fun to listen to. I'm glad Classic Bean has been around for years. It's one of my favorite places to chill. read more

This will be the last time I come to this place. I have written 2 reviews prior to this one and this is the lowest score. I used to come here pretty regularly and the guys that worked here were so friendly. Nothing nicer than getting some coffee and having a person make your morning. Today, I came in and the minute I saw who was behind the counter, I already knew how the interaction would go. The shorter lady that always makes the coffee in the morning is so nice and so pleasant. I love seeing her and wish I could give her 5 stars separately. The lady that runs the back and register; not so much. Never smiles and her overall demeanor is never a happy one. I even have a stamp card that is almost full and I don't even care about using it. It's a shame because I actually like this place and what they offer and the owner is a super nice man, but lousy customer service cannot be ignored. The whole success of a business cannot solely be based on products but more so the employees. When I come to a place I want to feel happy to be there, not made to fee unwelcome. My 2 star review isn't from just one experience with this lady; I actually have waited for months to see if she would get better, that maybe she just had an off day that one time but nope, this is her every time. read more

Very great spot to hangout and study! The bakery goods were delicious and so are the beverages! It does take a little time for them to take your order because most of the time there is no one at the counter. Overall this places is great! read more

Great service, but was not a huge fan of the espresso. However, my friend got a chai and said that it was pretty good. They have lots of pastry and lunch options. It looks like the building used to be a Mexican restaurant? Overall, lots of seating and plenty of food and drink options. read more

Classic Bean - Inside - Cafes Near Me - Topeka, Kansas

See all

Each time we head west from Kansas City, we are usually in need of coffee by the time we hit Lawrence, but hate to have to deal with the toll booth an extra time and Mass Street is so far off the turnpike that we always press on to Topeka. This trip we found a new coffee shop that seems to be the closest to I-70 that we have found. Located downtown maybe just 4 blocks from the interstate and we had no issues finding a parking spot on a weekday morning right in front. I had a good cappuccino and my wife had a hot tea that was recommended from the barista. She also bought an art print from one of the featured artist's that they were showcasing.. A handy stop for refueling if driving thru Topeka. read more

Ordered a simple vanilla latte and it was poorly made. The taste was very off. Pretty disappointed for the price I paid for it.

A unique menu of caffeinated drinks and hearty lunch options. Definitely my favorite coffee shop in Topeka. read more

Classic Bean - smoked salmon and capers on a bagel - Cafes Near Me - Topeka, Kansas

Haven't been in here since COVID with teleworking and all... but oh, so happy to stop back in! The coffee was divine! I usually get a 20oz soy latte, but this time I added in peppermint and vanilla (I couldn't decide). I grabbed a muffin, too. I chose a pumpkin muffin from several I could choose from. I definitely need to come in more often! read more

Classic Bean - 20 oz Peppermint and Vanilla Latte and a yummy pumpkin muffin - Cafes Near Me - Topeka, Kansas

If you're driving along 70 in any direction and come upon Topeka, this is a great alternative to stopping at Starbucks. It's also a great pit stop, because there is a gas station within a 1 minute drive of the coffee shop. This is a locally owned coffee shop, along with almost every other store on the street. You won't see a lot of the typical "captains of industry" chains along this downtown business corridor - which I liked. Also, the bathrooms are super clean, which is important for those much needed rest stops on a road trip. The food was good we ordered a chocolate muffin and a croissant breakfast Sandwhich and everything taste just as good as Starbucks if not better. The staff were friendly and attentive. The coolest part of this place was the artwork on the walls - which were also for sale. Super affordable is what caught my eye. I'm assuming these are local artists but definitely some really interesting pieces. Well if you are looking for a pit stop, try to get out of your comfort zone and check out this local spot that checks off all your needs: good fast food, tasty beverages, clean bathrooms, near I 70 and close to a gas station. On a quick note the shop is situated right next to a chocaltier, called Hazel Hill. OMG, chocolate and Carmel covered apples looked delicious. You can get a two-fer in with this stop!! Enjoy! read more

See all

It took me 30mins to get a bagel. Once I was rung up, and people after me were served, staff never checked in or apologized for any delay. read more

We were just in town for a few hours and decided to try a local coffee shop. Nice seating and good music. Coffee is lacking and taste burnt. Way over priced. read more

I feel like such a snob saying this, but the Bean is good coffee...for Topeka. However, their chili is one of my lunchtime staples, and their French Dip ("The Maestro") is yummy as well. Plus the baristas/cooks are absolutely the best--funny, quirky, good taste in eighties music.... Overall, you could do much worse! read more

The husbeast and I stopped in for breakfast at 8:30am on a Friday. He ordered the caramel Brevé and skillet omelet and I ordered the soy caramel chai and blintzes. The overall experience was great. The food was very tasty. (Do not expect IHOP portions) the coffee/chai was mediocre. The atmosphere was lovely and the employees were very friendly. The art from local artists was impressive. read more

I go to Classic Bean downtown every day Monday-Friday before going to work have been for six months. I am greeted by Donovan with a smile as well with a comment how are you today". Same way with Doug( not the owner). It didn't take them long to get to know my drink Choc Polar Ice Cap. I am amazed at how these 2 guys are so personable with so many customers and me of course. It's nice to walk in and be addressed by your name and a smile. Zoey is a young girl also behind the counter so cheerful and bubbly. I have gone to alot of coffee shops and restaurants here in Topeka and never have I felt this welcome. Keep it up you 3 and thank you for giving me a positive attitude towards life each day. Denise K. Beaty read more

A neat atmosphere with friendly folks. However, the coffee drinks are sloppily made and are not what lattes and the rest should taste like. They used to have a 2 for 1 happy hour, but it was just not worth it. Lunch is homemade sandwiches and macaroni salad. Different, but a little too pricey. Typically slow service. If you want good coffee made by well trained baristas, try PT's, Caras Cup, or Juli's around the corner. These types of drinks are more $, don't waste it at the Bean. Coffee here is just plain awful. read more

A perfectly acceptable downtown lunch counter with lots of room to sit and overhear state policy being discussed.

We made a stop here after purchasing film at the camera store across the street, and this is where I purchased a delicious iced mocha and chai latte so that we could have something while we took seats and waited for my brother to return with the road trip van that needed repairs at the dealership. What a great place to stop and have a good coffee drink. The cookies and pastries were also yummy. The place is nicely kept and we received great friendly customer service from baristas Donovan and Jules. All of us three were able to get much accomplished on our tablets and laptops thanks to their WiFi. I would certainly make another stop here the next time that we should visit Topeka. read more

This is my favorite place to study or do homework. They have so many different options for coffee and non-coffee drinkers. I have never tried their food, but it looks great as well! I will continue to go back here! read more

Ate at the Classic Bean for the first time today. Maybe it was what my wife and I ordered but, we were not very impressed. I had a half sandwich of the Maestro which came with a small side of pasta salad. My sandwich was mostly bread with very little meat on it. The pasta salad was dry and subpar. My wife ordered the Alverez half sandwich with a bowl of chili. Same result with the sandwich. Mostly bread with little meat on it. The chili had a decent flavor but was mostly beans with hardly any hamburger in it. Seems this place is awful skimpy on the meat with their sandwiches and chili. I did like the decorations, layout, and overall comfort of the resteraunt. But, overall the meal was not worth the visit. read more

Classic Bean - Skimpy meat Maestro sandwich and dry pasta salad - Cafes Near Me - Topeka, Kansas

See all

Stopped in for a light lunch and was surprised by the expansive menu of sandwiches, salads and wraps! My Greek wrap was really tasty and well sauced--lots of flavor but not dripping all over the place. I paired it with a Kansas-made bottle of cream soda that was also really good. Lots of seating available and easy to get to on a Main Street. read more

Their Carmel polar ice caps are delish. Food is great but a little overpriced. I used to come here all the time when I worked downtown. The staff are friendly and would start making my drink before I even ordered it. :) read more

Went to this cafe down the road from the Kansas State Capitol. This place serves food including sandwiches and little pizzas, coffee, tea and alcohol. I ordered an vanilla Italian soda. It was good! Apparently this place also has live music. Check it out! read more

Delicious coffee. I asked the baristo for a sweet blended coffee and he made an amazing sinker doodle like drink. My husband ordered a coconut ice cap and has been raving about how good it is every time he takes a sip. read more

Great place to hang out with friends, usually plays really good music on Friday and Saturday nights. Their desserts are great and their food is wonderful and they make a great of coffee. I have a group of friends that hang out there a lot read more

The coffee here is the best!!! The polar ice caps keep you coming back!! But the food is gross. It's like frozen and they thaw it out. Just not good at all. The muffins are good. But that's as far as that goes. I would love to rate it higher but I've tried 3 different things on the menu and it's just not good. Maybe revamp your menu or just do coffee. read more

I liked the Classic Bean. They had my standard cafe au lait order on the menu (I have to explain what it is to Starbucks...) and it was cheap and good. They only accept cards on orders over $5 though, so be ready for that. They also have lots of tea options, which I appreciate. Overall, good. I'll keep going there anytime I have to be downtown. read more

Disappointing coffee drinks and salads that super pricey for what you get- very small portions for a "large"- not worth the money at all :-( I really want to like this place but it is a rip off. read more

Nice little coffee shop in the heart of downtown Topeka. They have a full coffee menu as well as sandwiches and other food. Popular spot for the downtown lunch crowd with an open area for seating, full of natural light and quiet conversation. read more

couldn't find Juli's so we settled for this. it was a hot day, so we got some icy coffees and didn't regret it a bit. solid joint.

First time visit today when I was doing some "capital stuff". The soy latte was delicious and the Greek appetizer amazing. I'll be back.

On Saturday, August 6, 2011 my sister, mother and I went into the Classic Bean on Fairlawn and had awful service. I was unaware of what the drink was called but asked for a "shake like" Choc Mint coffee... when I got the drink it was not the right thing nor did it taste like any flavoring was in said drink. I asked them to remake it. They said it was a polar ice and again it did not taste of any flavoring which I paid extra for. When I went to tell them what the problem was, they got argumentative and spiteful. I took one drink and said that it was awful and requested my money back. They said they never give refunds. I asked for the manager or owner, the "Steve" guy said he was the boss and no one was above him. My family and I used to frequent this establish - but no more - World Cup, Hot Java or another establishment will now get our business. read more

great people great service food is really good and on Friday and Saturday night they have some nice pants

ok this might be a long one... i have came here a handful of times and tried food and coffees. i was not impressed with ether but wanted to support (from what i know, i could be wrong) a local business. the people were always hipster jerks working behind the counter and rude, if i had questions about something on the menu, they would act like pricks. heres what really did it for me, one day i went to lunch at jersey mikes next door and got a sandwich ( thats WAY better than this dump). and i figured why not buy a coffee with my meal. so i did, sat down and ate my sandwich and waited for my coffee, when he brought it to me he said im not allowed to eat anyone's food in there but there own, but he would let me get away with it this time..... so i proceeded to finish my food and coffee, once again coffee tasted burnt and was jus not good. about 3 minuets into my sandwich the unclassic bean employee came back and said i had to leave. i was pissed and gave them a little on my mind. and have never returned and never will. screw this shat hole and there over priced trendy garbage. incompetent food! coffee! service! i could say a lot more but i will leave it at this, F#%* this place. read more