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    The Complex Bean

    4.7 (64 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Order The Complex Bean Takeout or Delivery

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    THE COMPLEX BEAN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for working
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Fully customizable syrup, sauce and sugar options
    Theresa Z.

    In summary, this is the casual coffee spot to go to that's not that fitting that uptight stuffy cookie cutter metro model. If you are looking for that metro-chic location playing acoustic cover music or open mic night. This isn't it. It's truly about the coffee the comfort the friendships. The coffee was enjoyable. The only thing I'd say is I wish it was a little bit brighter inside :) LOCATION: Located in a plaza, on the corner. The Google ad said there was a drive thru but I didn't notice one or see a sign for it. Plenty of parking and the plans has a bunch of stores for vape cbd etc. I didn't find the area very (personally) appealing but it was easy to navigate too and GPS takes you to the exact location. It's tucked in the corner once you get there. ATMOSPHERE: very chill. Nothing fancy. Local artist pieces on the walls, Two bars with stools, two big couches facing each other. Very casual nothing fancy no music playing. Tighter space but it's rectangular. I didn't see bathrooms or anything but I did take notice of the equipment and it was a nice set up. I felt the inside was a bit more dark color than other places so I almost feel it's meant to have that vagabond vibe. They have a few seats out front too and being on the corner makes that easier to navigate. IT's definitely a busy coffee shop. SERVICE: It's a full-service coffee shop meaning they prep sweeten etc. I didn't notice a self service station for food etc or it's there just not easy to see (there is a lot visually going on). The owner is so very sweet. Very personable. I watched them serving others before me, felt attention was on me when up and heard the next ones. Great customer service. I loved that there's a story to it all. COFFEE: Procured from local beans, very good bold espresso. It was a good cup of coffee! I love that you can formulate your own flavors and they will give you some of their more popular options. You have a selection of the Torani, homegrown (using a simple syrup base), and sugar free options. Three coffee sauces. (See photo) The options are on their own little periodic table. They also have a selection of teas for those that prefer that. Non-dairy milk, and dairy options. OTHER OPTIONS: There are display cases with scones, cookies, pastries, a few options for bagels etc. A small fridge with other drinks like cola, water etc. The scones are fresh-baked by the owner who told me she was actually baking before going into the coffee business. I had the lemon lavender pistachio. It was good. It has a hint of the lemon and pistachio were really not just flavoring. I didn't really taste lavender. My son had the strawberry and it looked delicious so I tried a bite lol it was really good! Separately they sell merch and support local artists- I love that.

    Pumpkin white chocolate latte
    Kristen D.

    This place will forever be my favorite coffee shop in town. It can be a little bit of a wait but it's so worth it. The coffee is so good. And the baked goods are to die for. Everyone I've encountered there is so nice! I've even bought artwork off the walls. Give this place a try!

    Madison C.

    Love this coffee shop! The lattes are great, the employees are kind, and vibes are cozy!

    Mix berry smoothie
    April E.

    Small personally owned coffee business. Super cute environment. Recommend!! They have a drive thru which is super convenient and they're super quick which is great when on the way to work #localcofeee

    Strawberry white chocolate frappe
    Kenzie H.

    This coffee shop was recommended to my sister by a friend so we thought we would try it this morning! It has a drive through window as well as an inside section with seating and even games! They have lots of baked goods, ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies and of course coffee. We got the February special as a frappe and it was amazing! To my surprise it was also SUPER affordable. This

    Anthony S.

    An invite to this particular establishment had me glad that Google Maps is around as The Complex Bean is a bit off my normal paths through Wilmington and area. It is located in a strip mall on the West Side (direction, not the play) of 117 a bit North of Gordon Road. Great coffee in a relaxed, comfortable environment and the cookies are definitely munchable as well (my 'friend' the auto correct doesn't like the word munchable, but I'm still using it [picture me sticking my tongue out at my computer]). The coffee is kept in insulated urns (fairly common now; it keeps the coffee hot while preventing the change over to sludge common when coffee sits for a prolonged time on a burner (though I confess to enjoying a good, THICK cup of sludge when my motor is running slow. The staff is friendly and quick to serve customers as they come in; all-in-all, a place I will return to.

    Complex Bean logo that appears when art work is illuminated
    Kimmie G.

    The Complex Bean has been my go-to spot for catching up with friends and business meetings over coffee and baked goods. The monthly specialty drinks are creative and delicious and the pastries taste like "home". The inside decor and aesthetic is enchanting and I never get tired of staring at it when I visit.

    Audrey K.

    This is my go-to coffee shop for an afternoon caffeine fix. The space nestled in a plaza and has a surprising amount of seating given how small the storefront is. There are three high tops tables, two cozy couches and a couple seats at the window. There are usually a couple people posted up working but I have never had an issue finding a place to sit. They are always stocked with the latest issues of Encore magazine and a couple games (shut the box and jenga) making this the perfect spot to take a break. The walls are covered with eclectic art by local artists that is for sale. There is a good selection of coffee and tea (including chai!) that is served hot or cold, as well as kombucha on tap. The baked goods are also delicious - yesterday I had the sausage, egg and cheese biscuit. The biscuit was buttery and tender - so good! The breakfast sandwiches are made ahead and warmed up when ordered but they are homemade and taste very fresh. Definitely a great spot to check out if you need a snack and a drink!

    Strawberry muffin... They do exist!

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    2 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Great people, the best coffee I've ever tasted. The pastries are made in house. Mini-quiches to die for.

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    7 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Delicious coffee. The lavender scone is to die for! I wish I bought more for later. The coffee shop is so cute inside.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Favorite coffee in Wilmington! Staff and pasties are always delicious too and the ambiance is warm and welcoming!

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Delicious coffee and friendly staff. Comfy seating inside and outdoor if needed. Clean.

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Hidden gem and only place I've found in ILM that makes a decent cortado. Sweet batistas and delicious baked goods too.

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    7 years ago

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    Far From France Bakery and Bistro - High Tea tier for 2 people

    Far From France Bakery and Bistro

    4.0(136 reviews)
    7.8 mi
    $$

    I searched high and low for a tea party spot and this one came up no where online searching. It was…read morerecommended by another place in Wilmington that wasn't going to be open. I cannot recommend high tea service at Far From France in Wilmington anymore highly. Beautiful, dainty, tasty and perfect surroundings. Delicious food, beautiful set up, we will be talking about this experience for years to come. Will come back every trip to Wilmington

    This was my first visit to this bakery after going to a Saturday morning event by the movie…read moretheater. I was interested in seeing the bakery after reading other reviews. This review, however, is just for the bakery, as we did not dine in. The bakery case was full of beautiful pastries and French goodies that I just did not know what to get. We settled on an Apple turnover, chocolate croissant, and 3 small raspberry filled donuts. The clerk boxed up our items and rang us up, but the change drawer was a little sparse, so she had difficulty making change for us. They had just opened, but the drawer was not full for the day. Just odd, but not that much of an issue. There are no photos here of the cases because of the signs posted inside not allowing photos or videos to be taken. You have to come in to get a look yourself, I guess, but you won't be disappointed. I'd like to try lunch or dinner, or maybe the high tea, because the menu has some wonderful items listed. The pastries were delicious and buttery, and not sweet. Just a great mouth feel when you take a bite. I will definitely be back for something else.

    Photos
    Far From France Bakery and Bistro - Dining room

    Dining room

    Far From France Bakery and Bistro - Wonderful assortment, favorites there was enough for everyone. So fun trying all the things

    Wonderful assortment, favorites there was enough for everyone. So fun trying all the things

    Far From France Bakery and Bistro - Lobster soup

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    Lobster soup

    The Complex Bean - coffee - Updated May 2026

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