While I won't say I'm an everyday customer of The Human Bean, a now 2-location coffee drive-thru joint in Indy with spots on North Keystone and Pendleton Pike, I will say I'm a fan of their product variety, timely service, and friendly folks.
I will admit I give a slight nod to the Keystone location, though having now tried this spot a couple times I'm definitely not a naysayer here.
The Human Bean started in 1998 in Oregon. They've now got hundreds of spots either open or in development across the United States. While that other behemoth coffee organization isn't one I hate on, the truth is whereas that company's "human" element feels manufactured it feels a little more honest here. It's difficult to develop a real human connection at a drive-thru, however, pretty consistently these folks tend to do it.
What works here? I like the drive-thru design better than Keystone. It's simple at both spots (I believe both locations are former Rally's locations). This location seems to use the space better and it's just more appealing. I love the building design - it's warm, welcoming, and spirited. I love the touch with getting a "bean" on top of your drink. It's corny but in a good way.
The menu, I believe, is pretty consistent. They have coffees/teas, energy drink options, frozen favorites, and other items. For food items, there are the usual breakfast sandwiches, muffins, bagels, egg bites, and cake pops along with some other items. Everything gets served up pretty timely.
I do wish the menu better displayed pricing (this is true at both locations - I tend to take longer because I almost always have questions). I love the energy drink options.
The Human Bean has a terrific app that seems to reward pretty regularly (plus birthdays). My only issue with the app is it tends to sign you out pretty regularly. I'm all into safety, but it's amazing how often I've gone there to get a reward or use my app to find I've been signed out.
The employees I've had here are super friendly. I will give some deference to other reviews noting some inconsistency with taste. I don't know if that's a training issue, but i've noticed it. That said, it's not a huge issue for me - it is one reason I appreciate the more consistent Keystone location.
That said, I'm still a fan here and while I'm not on Pendleton Pike as often as I used to be this tends to be a place I visit when I am over here.
Fair pricing. Good and sometimes great drinks. Terrific employees. An often needed human connection for someone who lives alone and has no family. I love places that take seriously the idea of human connection and that's definitely true here.
I'll definitely be back. read more