Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Lean Bean

    4.5 (288 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

    The Lean Bean Photos

    Business Info

    THE LEAN BEAN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like The Lean Bean

    Recommended Reviews - The Lean Bean

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Menú
    Angelina C.

    Ok, I've been wanting to try this place for years, but I'm never in Santee in the early morning. I had a day off yesterday and finally took a morning drive over to the Lean Bean, and I'm glad I did! They welcomed me right away when I arrived, and they were cool about me taking some extra time to look at the menu. I decided on the "little dirty" iced 24oz drink- it's a dirty chai with two shots of espresso, oat milk, and a little bit of lavender. Let me tell you... I was enjoying that drink all day. (I'm a really slow drinker... lol). Their chai is spiced and the latte was really flavorful. It was $6.50 for the 24oz. My only constructive feedback was that they didn't mix the powdered chai drink base well with the espresso, so my first sip had some dry chunks of powder in it.

    All the Mexican mocha mix puddled on the bottom

    Unfortunately this place just didn't do it for me in terms of a coffee. The service was fine, quick enough, the woman who helped me seemed nice enough. I personally am not too picky about atmosphere or service, although a nice added touch. I care more about if what I'm purchasing is worth it. The coffee is not worth it. Not really sure what oatmilk is used but my latte was very watery, more like an americano. I got the Mexican mocha which included 3 shots of espresso and hazelnut. All of the Mexican mocha mix sunk to the bottom. It wasn't dissolved at all. I had to go home scoop out the ice pour the drink in a bowl, scoop the mix out of the cup and use my immersion blender. I'll insert a picture. If I'm going to spend money on a latte I will definitely go somewhere else.

    Real fruit, delicious and everyone that works there are super friendly and nice.
    Karina B.

    I wish this place had another location where you can sit and enjoy your food. Everything is fresh and tasty great prices.

    Protien bowl
    Gwyn C.

    Very cute drive up coffee and bowl location. Greeted with a big smile by a friendly person despite being 1/2 hour before closing. Really enjoyed my protein bowl - see where it can be addictive! Will try another coffee option next time as this one wasn't quite right for me. Overall enjoyed the experience and frankly just find them adorable.

    The nutty professor
    Jennifer L.

    Not the best coffee I've had. I ordered the nutty professor, it was overly sweet and grainy. I didn't like the grainy stuff. I think stuff like that should be fully dissolved. Then I had like no ice in it. I assume they pour the shots over the ice. I didn't even finish my coffee it went to waste. I'll probably come back and try the açaí bowl but not get any coffee again.

    Menu
    Alondra R.

    I passed this place a couple times and finally got to try it, it is a cute small drive thru coffee place that sell more than just coffee. I got the January drink churro latte it was pretty good and not as sweet as I thought which is perfect! I also tried the pitaya bowl with peanut butter it's really fresh and was good. The cashier was really nice and overall I enjoyed it!

    PB Açaí Bowl
    Nathalie H.

    I wish I had known about this place sooner! I got the pb açaí bowl and it was delicious! They have so many amazing coffee options that I can't wait to try and finally a place that doesn't completely gauge you. Totally affordable "splurge"

    See all

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    As their hours are not posted on Yelp, just wanted to add they are open until 3:00 PM everyday.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of .. ..
    0
    28
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Luna C.
    139
    35
    14

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of elizabeth w.
    18
    149
    214

    12 years ago

    I am obsessed and addicted to the Acai bowl! I will be a loyal customer as long as they keep up the good work!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Katiee M.
    744
    55
    13

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tawnia S.
    113
    223
    30

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Susie M.
    14
    273
    124

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Heather S.
    177
    64
    37

    13 years ago

    The Lean Bean has my favorite Acai Bowls and Acai smoothies! The staff is great.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Albert G.
    380
    15
    2

    10 years ago

    There acai bowl with peanut butter is on point!!! So happy my wife told me about this place!!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Oopey O.
    10
    90
    10

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Tried the peanut butter acai bowl... Amazing!!! So good. Service was super friendly too!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tara W.
    4
    25
    66

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of H G.
    4
    46
    74

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    A-MAZING acai bowls. Great customer service.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of May V.
    1
    45
    8

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 6 of 8

    Ask the Community - The Lean Bean

    Review Highlights - The Lean Bean

    first of all this was my first time going here, gotta say the peanut butter acai bowl was phenomenal.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Frutylicious Santee - Chamango

    Frutylicious Santee

    4.6(37 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    Apparently this place is open again under new management. I walked in while my kid was next door at…read morekarate. I was starving. Used to be a grilled cheese place which I never tried because I like meat in my sandwiches. Then the last owners I'm sad to say I didn't visit either but today I walked in and realized they have one of the best steak tortas I have had in the US. If you're from tj they are like the tortas at the "car wash" next to giussepis. If you know you know. Very nice sized bread, toasted on both sides with a chipotle sauce, fresh jalapeños, lots of avocado, the steak was fresh and delicious. Half a torta was enough to get me through for a while and now I have a great evening snack after Jiu Jitsu. Owner said the chicken torta was even better. Hard to believe but maybe I'll get one for the wife. They have Acai with champs like a Mangonada. It's a pretty cool spot that could become a staple if enough people find it.

    My first visit to Fruitylicious! I had the Birria grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough bread, and…read moreit was an incredible choice. Esmeralda, who made my order, was so friendly and welcoming, guiding me through the menu and letting me know that the Birria grilled cheese is a favorite. Now, about the sandwich--wow! It was buttery toasted and packed with an impressive amount of cheese and meat, truly a delightful indulgence. It also came with a side of consomé for dipping, along with a refreshing lime slice, which complemented the flavors perfectly. Fruitylicious offers a fantastic range of options since they've transitioned from being a cheese grill sandwich place to a full-service spot with both Mexican and American cuisine. Besides the grilled cheese, they also have ice cream, shakes, fruit juices, and specialty drinks that I can't wait to try on my next visit. If you're looking for a delicious meal and a warm atmosphere, I highly recommend stopping by. You won't regret it and bring the kids as they have Jenga and Connect for fun for the family.

    Photos
    Frutylicious Santee - Elote

    Elote

    Frutylicious Santee - Turkey sandwich

    Turkey sandwich

    Frutylicious Santee - Juices shaved ices and chamangos

    See all

    Juices shaved ices and chamangos

    Kung Fu Tea

    Kung Fu Tea

    4.4(373 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$
    Halal
    Kid friendly

    Many boba shops nowadays are hit or miss with their consistency, but every time I come to Kung Fu…read moreTea, it's always a hit. This location is in the Dobbs Center Shopping Center. The plaza can get busy depending on the time of day, so parking might take a minute, but it's usually manageable. When we walked in, we were greeted right away. The menu is displayed clearly on TV screens to the left of the register, which makes ordering easy. I ordered the Kung Fu Green Milk Tea with boba at 75% sweetness and my partner ordered the Oreo slush. The staff were friendly and the transaction was smooth. They also offer a rewards system linked to your phone number, which is always nice if you come often. Seating here is interesting. There are traditional tables and chairs, but they also have an elevated floor seating area with cushions. It's a pretty large space and I'm curious to see it when the store is busy because it's a unique setup for a boba shop. There is also games provided if you are looking to hang out here with some friends. They also provide free Wi-FI. The real standout here is the boba. It's never mushy or bland. It has that perfect bounce and a rich honey flavor that makes it different from other places. I've heard they produce their own boba, which might explain the consistency. The boba itself is sweet, I recommend lowering your sugar level if you don't like overly sweet drinks. The green milk tea was creamy with clear green tea notes that came through without being overpowering. The Oreo slush was exactly what you'd expect, a classic cookies and cream flavor that was smooth and sweet. That consistency is what keeps me coming back.

    Such a cute spot I honestly I don't know why I haven't come in yet till yesterday! So glad we…read morepopped in and tried them. Sadly no photos as we were hopping in and out on a mobile order to get to another place quickly. But I was pleasantly surprised that they have a non-dairy menu, so absolutely adore that they do this for lattes for people like me with milk allergies. Also I like that they have teas, coffee, slushies, and a few other things on their menu it is quite convenient when out with others that don't like coffee or teas as much. The establishment itself was well kept, clean, and typical tea house vibes, upbeat music, vibrant art, cozy seating spots. The staff were so sweet greeting us and asking how we were and they packaged everything proper and safely for transport. I'll be back again when I'm in the area. Thanks KFT fam!

    Photos
    Kung Fu Tea
    Kung Fu Tea
    Kung Fu Tea

    See all

    The Lean Bean - coffee - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...