Alfajores....oh my.... I came here because I read that they had alfajores and I'm glad I made the drive. I purchased a bunch of them (I will not tell you how many because it's embarrasing lol). I also had a chai tea which was very good. The guy at the register was super friendly. read more

It's a small place in busy streets of San Mateo. It's location is hard to get to since theres so much auto traffic if your planning to come in the rush hour. Theres a garage around the corner with cheap parking fee. It's convenient! If your lucky to find a spot. The interior Is pretty nice. If your planning on studying here the tables to the right have outlets that's enough to fit a many cords. The owner was pretty nice to me. I asked him what I should get and he recommended the latte. Which was pretty good. I was having a pretty bad day so it was nice that he decorated my drink with a nice smiley face. You must ask the front for the password for the internet. The owner will give u a small piece of paper. FREE INTERNET!! I didn't get to try anything else besides mY drink but I liked it a lot. I plan on coming back here when I'm in town to study while I wait for traffic to shimmer down. read more

Three Bees Coffee House - Yummm - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

Such a cute place! I was in need of some coffee in between going to CorePower and SoulCycle. I was walking over and found this place. I got a small cappuccino and a little pastry. The customer service was amazing and the treats were just as amazing. I will be back for another pick me up! read more

Went there around closing time to work with some friends and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The owner was helpful, and when I offered my card to pay for my drink, he told me that normally there was a $10 minimum for card purchases but he'd ignore it for me (even though I protested that I would buy a lemon bar as well!) My sugar-free vanilla latte was -delicious-, served in a pretty glass mug instead of a paper cup, which is always a treat. WiFi is free, even though there are not many tables where you can sit with a laptop and enjoy it. Will definitely be going again! read more

Three Bees Coffee House - Nonfat sugarfree vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

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I've tried some other diners and coffee shops in the area and this shop redeemed downtown for what I had thought had a lack of memorable chai lattes. They are roomy, chill, friendly, and have free wi-fi. If you're a student, this can be a great study spot. They do not take cards and if you need cash, there's an ATM there. ^_^ I'm happy to add a star to this review. They deserve it for becoming the go-to place for when the library closes - great study environment, wi-fi, and munchies; and now, another star. read more

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Absolutely love this little place. I can't stand coffee that's not fresh. Even worse, I can't stand paying $4 for a cup of coffee that isn't fresh and that's been my experience far too often at the evil mermaid. I stopped by Saturday morning in need of a fresh cup of Joe and that's what I enjoyed. It was not too strong but had enough strength to make me happy, it was fresh, cheap and the service was excellent. I'm a big fan of a friendly face. I love to smile and get a simple smile back and that's what you get here. Thanks for keepin' it real folks. read more

I would recommend using the 30% off deal when you check in, especially on bigger orders. I didn't try any coffee, so maybe that's what would've increased by rating on this place. I ended up ordering a chocolate chip pumpkin loaf. It wasn't as moist as I would've liked. I don't know where they got them because I'm pretty sure they don't bake them on the spot. It cost $4.50 for the slice, but with the coupon, it ended up costing a little less than $3. There was plenty of seating, but only a few outlets. It was nice that they had a TV, where I was able to watch the olympics. I was just curious to try this place because of reviews I read on Yelp. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to the hype for me. read more

I was already super caffeinated before coming here, but I just needed a place to work, and Yelp told me this was a good spot. Very quaint and feels like I walked into someone's home. I decided to order banana bread and a chocolate milk... the most randomly awesome combination of snack foods I could ask for. The cashier was super sweet, and one of the other workers brought me my homemade chocolate milk. Both were delicious. The banana bread is apparently a popular option (and recommended by the cashier) but definitely needs a beverage to wash it down. What better way than with chocolate milk? With free WiFi and plenty of outlets, Three Bees makes the perfect peaceful environment to get some work or relax time in your day. Simple is good. read more

Nice small cafe with excellent wifi! The seating can get very tight and uncomfortable, especially if there are a lot of customers but I love coming here on the weekends to study/work while enjoying some coffee. They also have a lot of different pastry options and snacks to try! read more

Great tasting coffee and the owner is a nice guy. They pay attention to what they make and take pride in it. Not like other big name stores with "baristas". Support the local guys. read more

I have to admit, I mostly just stopped by Three Bees needing a place to work for a little bit while waiting for a friend. But Three Bees is a nice spot away from the usual chains around. Gotta ask the cashier for the WiFi password but there were plentiful tables inside + outlets + free WiFi. I got the iced chai tea latte and it was all good. The service was super kind/friendly and it wasn't too busy around 2PM on a Friday afternoon. The interior is definitely cozy and easy on the eyes. They had other various coffee/tea options as well. It's definitely no frills and pretty straightforward all-around. read more

Came here to check out the artwork, since a friend of mine had her artwork displayed in there. For that they get props!!! local businesses supporting local artist! yell ya! The coffee: I ordered a decaf single mocha. It was really good too! not overly strong, delish and gave me a little buzz. I will totally choose this place over a starbucks or peets anyday-but primarily because I'm ot typically a fan of the chain coffee. It's lacking that whole heart of coffee that 3 bees has! If I lived in the area I would come more often. Yay! They have a huge selection of treats to sample too, so I will have to try them one day! read more

cute. good food :) guy working the counter is always super nice. like it a lot !!! i always come here after class.

It blows my mind how a coffee establishment can possibly serve burnt coffee, but alas, to my dismay, that's what we got here. How hard is it to temp control your hot water when making coffee??? 210 degrees is too hot, you can't just pour boiling water on coffee grounds expecting it to taste good. It's gonna burn your coffee and you'll end up with a cup that tastes like the bottom of an ashtray instead of coffee. This is what i assume police station coffee tastes like. You can buy a water temperature regulated kettle on Amazon for like $30 and never burn your coffee again. I have a feeling though people are just used to burnt coffee that they think this is what coffee is supposed to taste like!!!! No! Make your coffee with 175-185 degree heated water. It will change your life. I want to support local businesses so i did not give this place a 1 star review. But i would not recommend this place for coffee. read more

Omg this place is amazing! The environment is really nice where I can do your work or even have a nice date here. They have bathroom that is clean and have a fresh feeling unlike other coffee shops I have been too. Their baked good are to die for and of course the coffee. Shout out to Edson that works there, always smiling and super nice. He will try his best to make your experience here great. Highly recommend this place and check it out ! Don't let a small shop fool you ! read more

Three Bees Coffee House - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

Coffee and pastry served in real cups and saucer. Friendly people. Good coffee to boot. read more

Three Bees Coffee House - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

A serendipitous encounter between me and Three Bees as I was waiting for my hub to get done with his haircut. I knew this place was legit after my first sip of latte. Perfectly done...not piping hot, but not lukewarm, had the correct ratio of espresso to milk, and the quality of beans used was very good. It's small inside with small tables. I would find it difficult to do work on these tables if you have to manage a laptop, mouse, and papers Their brown sugar coffee bread was a very nice compliment to my well-done latte. read more

Three Bees Coffee House - Deliciousness. Brown sugar coffee cake cake cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

I've been a regular here for 7 years. This is an old-school, cozy, friendly, neighborhood cafe, and it always makes me feel happy. The owner, Rafat, makes this place special--he and his wife know all of their customers and treat everyone like family. Over the years, I've also gotten to know other regulars as well, and it's fun to come in for a coffee and chat with other customers. I particularly love their white mochas, whole wheat and asiago bagels, and pastries. Three Bees is the place to go for great coffee, bagels, atmosphere, and service. read more

Excellent atmosphere and tasty snacks, with a wide variety of flavored syrups, and baked goods that would make you swoon (seriously, I seldom clutch my pearls!) Try them out. Our first visit has been great :) read more

Typical coffee shop with some seating inside and a couple spots outside. Service was friendly. They serve some breakfast food and pastries too. I got the coffee cake which was delicious. read more

Love 3Bees Coffee. Best family spot in San Mateo. Raffat is the owner or manager here and he's so polite and nice. Makes a cute smiley face on my cappuccino everytime I order it. I go here almost everyday. Beats Starbucks and Peet's coffee hands down. Thanks for the morning wake up. read more

Had a good cup of cappuccino here, and the staff was very accomodating to me and my 8 month old daughter. She helped me warm up my baby bottle and gave me a nice seat near the window so my daughter can enjoy the view of the outside. The cappuccino quality was great and was a generous portion for the cost. Also if you check in you get 20% off purchase of $5 or more, so took that and bought a cookie too. Win-win!! read more

Three Bees Coffee House - Nice cozy little coffee spot to enjoy a cappuccino with my baby girl...staff was so accomodating and overall kid friendly! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

This is an awesome little local, hole in the wall coffee shop in downtown San Mateo. I've always ordered a cappuccino and each time it's had the perfect amount of foam without being too heavy on milk. Just great. They also have a good selection of breakfast options (premade burritos, sandwiches, bagels, pastries and a couple grab and go items), plus a variety of bottled juices and drinks to choose from. The prices are a little steep compared to the likes of Starbucks, etc. but that's to be expected for a mom and pop. Support your local coffee shop, friends! read more

Great coffee ... Bee Bee Bee ... =D My friend was supposed arriving at 3:10pm yesterday, and I was still in fremont eating with my friend until 2:30pm, so I didn't have enough time to check the status of the flight. I just recognized it delated to 6:10pm in the SF int'l airport. So I spent almost 3 hrs in Three Bees Coffee watching the animation - "one piece", my favorite one recently. I tried their mocha, it was so good. the shop is bigger than Beans Coffee, they also have free wifi, but not crowd. good for study, reading or watching movie/animation. Three Bees would be my first choice when I come again for coffee in San Mateo ... Bee Bee Bee ... haha !! read more

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My co-worker and I drove to the downtown San Mateo area for our coffee breaks in the morning and later afternoon. For coffee shops, there are the usual Peet's, and Starbucks among one of many chained coffee shops. But I support local businesses and decided to try someplace that is not corporate. It is within feasible walking distance from the CalTrain station. (Don't know which one) At 10 am, we each had a 16 oz. cup of house-coffee. They use Torrefazione Coffee Company for everybody's coffee. A coffee company you don't find much in San Francisco. The hot and fresh coffee was so good in the cold morning, and exactly what the doctor ordered. At 3pm, the same two enjoy this coffee shop so much that we came back and bought another booster-fuel for the home-stretch. I ordered the Caffe Latte with Vanilla. The $3.50 drink was very smooth and aromatic with the Vanilla syrup. I offered my co-worker something and he did accepted and ordered a drink normally ordered by a woman. He ordered in a feminine tone: "Can I have a small Chai-Latte, please?" I looked at him and said "What the F?" His Chai Latte was also $3.50 and according to him, he loves the "silky" taste. Well, I guess he loves his drink, and do I and this small coffee shop. We will be back tomorrow! read more

I used to adore this place. MUCH emphasis on "USED TO." My writing buddy and I came often to plunk out articles on a somewhat regular basis. The free HIT-and-MISS wifi WAS a sorta-kinda perk. The caffeine decent, though NOT great. I think my buddy loved it because it was uber-sweetened. The location is quite cramped. Which brings me to WHY it is I no longer am a patron. One uber-early weekday morning, I chose to sit at one of the teeny-tiny tables against the wall. My scalding hot, steaming mocha within reach next to my precious MacBookPro. Where it should be. BAM! Another patron chooses to squeeze past me in a space way too small for her well-endowed hips AND knocks my mocha ALL over my computer and my clothes. The owner had a deer-caught-in-headlights look, didn't even offer to refund me the drink OR replace it. The woman fumbled around saying "I SAID I'M SORRY!!!" which just further infuriated me in my steely silence. What topped it all off, was a sweet little elderly couple that actually got down on rheumatoid-ridden and arthritic-affected hands and knees to help me salvage my clothes AND computer. Luckily, I had bought a flimsy keyboard cover, which kept any fluids from infiltrating my hardware. NOT so much for my outfit. I don't know what pissed me OFF more --- the woman who kept justifying WHY I should forgive her for knocking over a burning hot mocha ALL over my outfit AND computer without offering to pay for the cleanup ***OR*** the weenie of an owner that just stood there gaping without lending a hand. SO disappointing folks. Especially in this economy when SERVICE does make a difference in where I opt for my daily cuppa joe. NOTE: I still have NOT been able to get the coffee stains out of my favorite grey jacket. The dry cleaning for my dress cost almost as much as what I paid for the dress. Did the woman OR the owner of the shop offer to help me out in any way? NOPE. Not at all. BEAN STREET folks. It's a few steps away, and the folks there have your back. read more

Some people smoke, tan in a coffin sized warm and oh so friendly machine,freebase meth,get plastic surgery. I choose to drink coffee....well and tan but that's a different story. This addiction is seriously getting out of control or maybe not. I dunno, all I know is that when you're sititng in an ugly grey cubicle and have nothing but coffee to resort to for a nice long break well then I'll take it. There is no cubicle here, there is just boredom and pangs in my gut that scream for the boiling hot caffeinated drink. I was in San Mateo for an interview (*crosses fingers*) and just as the rain hit so did the craving. Where to go? McStarbucks was out of the question since I've started a "how long can I go without Starbucks" campaign (which is lasting about 6 hours so far) I stumbled across Three Bees. I walked in and there was a couple talking to the man working, at first I didn't want to interrupt their conversation but the guy asked what I was drinking. I ordered an Americano which was a flat $2, I had no idea what I would get since there wasn't a tall, grande, venti option. He was very pleasant and started making the drink straight away while continuing back into his conversation. A man talking to his customers, such a nice treat. There's lots of sweeties and Baklava. Baklava in a coffee shop, sweet jesus I have died and gone to heaven. Lots of tables, and by lots meaning there's a few this is a small shop now. My coffee was up and I walked out with a tall sized coffee which was just perfect. I love coffee shops that are closet sized mom n' pop types where the people who work there create their own service and in this case it was really good. You feel like you're in the kitchen of someone's house having coffee made for you. It is a trek to make it back here but if I am in the area I'd definitely cruise by. read more

I love going to 3Bs! I have gotten to know Rafat and his wife and two darling daughters (our kids are close in age) over the years and they are such good people. We love their coffee (and they make mine with soy- even when I ask for the hot chocolate for the kids, they make it with soy and make sure it's not too hot.) They also carry kombucha, which I love, as well as teas, bottled juices, and a wide variety of pastries. I like that they stock things that are vegan, too! A sweet story to highlight the great service from 3Bs: while going to get in our car with our drinks this morning, my daughter accidentally dropped her hot (warm) chocolate in the street and began to cry. By the time I had comforted her, put down the drinks I was carrying, picked up the cup/lid/straw off the ground and came back to the store, Rafat was waiting at the door with another drink all ready made for her. He had seen the whole thing happen and gave her another one for free! Local places are great and this place is such a gem! read more

This place is not that bad. I decided to attend my bff's church with her last sunday and before venturing out, we decided to get a little coffee fix and treat before landing to our destination. I am not familiar with San Mateo at all, however, driving down 3rd st, we had an inkling we would find a coffee shop. There was some local chains, however, being the unique individuals we are : ) we wanted to go to a unique little place. That's when Three Bees caught our attention. We managed to get parking just a few steps away from the shop. The place has a somewhat of a dark, sultry color scheme throughout. They have a vast majority of pastries and treats to choose from however, come to find out they don't bake them there, they get them from a variety of different bakeries. I was a little disappointed with that at first however, I ended up being extremely impressed with the treats I chose.They also have a really good selection of cafe drinks to choose from as well. I ended up opting out on coffee being I had my fix earlier though, my friend ended up getting a latte. I got a honey oatmeal jack which was some sort of round sweet oatmeal tart. I am not sure what all the ingredients consisted of though, it was absolutely delicious!!! I also had a bite of my friend berry oatmeal bar which was pretty good. My friends latte was foamed to perfection and adorned with a smiley face! So cute! My girlfriend thought it tasted fantac!!Wish I got a coffee : ( I also got a pumpkin sweet pocket like treat that I had the next day that was just cute and delicious! Overall, the ambiance was low key with not being anything super impressive but comfortable and nice. They have a really good selection of drinks and treats to choose from with all of them being quite reasonable. The service was also decent. I hope to be back : ) read more

Great local shop with a lot of character. Eclectic clientele, art, and menu. I think I saw burritoes, paninis, and samosas in the fridge next to the counter. Pretty tasty iced chai tea. Seems like a lot of people doing the wifi working thing. If you're the artsy type this seems more suitable than the Peet's across the street :) read more

Yum with my mini me. And a little pick of her recent rings. The collection is growing. read more

Three Bees Coffee House - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

I'm now a regular of 3 bees. I love this place - the staff is always genuinely super friendly, the owner is such a sweet guy - and I am addicted to their lattes. It's a perfect roast - not burned or overwhelming. Also, they have a baker who makes fresh pastries and delicious breakfast burritos. A latte and a toasted breakfast burrito= perfection. Support your local coffee shop! read more

I know most Yelpers like to support the independent business vs the large chain. But this is one instance where the independent business just plain sucks. -1 star for the consistently rude service. I've been here several times and the staff never says hello, or "can I take your order", or anything. They just kind of stare at you sullenly. -1 star for the depressing interior. There's a loud shaking air conditioner in the corner, and the place is still humid and uncomfortable. -1 star for lattes that are no better, and in fact worse than Starbucks or Peet's. Considering there is a Peet's literally across the street, that's not good enough. -1 star for no credit cards / debit cards for small transactions. Sorry, I don't carry around, nor have any desire to carry around a bunch of bills and small change for companies that can't afford the cost of doing business. Electronic transactions are more convenient for customers tracking expenses, or who simply want to carry less stuff. If you can't handle the transaction fees, then raise your prices to compensate. Most other coffee shops manage somehow. There's really no reason to come here with a dozen other coffee shops in downtown San Mateo. I'd rather have 3 bees sting my balls then come here again. read more

Three bees is the perfect place to pick up a drink while strolling in San Mateo. They have a variety of beverages: coffee, juice, kombucha.... and also some snacks. Tangerine Italian soda +Soy latte =$6 read more

OH MY GOSH.. Rafat must be rolling his eyes! Hershey's? Come on.. that is ghiradhelli ALL THE WAY. Anyhoo... before I venture a moment's time chit chatting about this lovely little community shop... which has some of the most offbeat, cultured, and interesting group of wonderful people... a veritable melting pot: World travelers next to young mom's next to bike messengers.... ... okay, I guess I will spend a moment talking about the shop first.... It is the type of place that gives you hope that the world can fall together in one place and have everyone get along. So many types of people from so many walks of life.... Sort of the cultural salad bowl, where the salad mixes... comingles.. comes together, retaining a bit of its own individual characteristics, but when they are all together - it becomes its own thing.... a unique blend of people and excitement for downtown San Mateo. If that analogy wasn't all over I don't know what was. And talking about blend (completely accidental, yet what a lovely segue), lets talk about the joint across the street..... Peets. Let's talk about Peets across the street, and how some friends make me go there, and I have consistently had the *worst* experiences *EVER* with coffee there. It is a fine chain, and great people work there... but the coffee beans are so devastatingly over-roasted, and the espresso is... like... undrinkable. Peet's makes an undrinkable espresso. It tastes like burnt rubber. So does their coffee. Anyhoo... Three Bees has some of the best coffee... straight ahead delicious, complex, aromatic, without being overbearing or poorly tended to. The espresso machine has got to be one of the greatest in the bay area, and I have never seen a more consistent, delicious, foamy treat than the espresso that is poured off those spigots. I was a bar manager, as well as a barista at a younger age... I have seen what good coffee is, and this is it. Fortuantely, beyond the fact that it is hands down the best coffee within 20 miles (I won't pick fights with the SF roasting crew), but the atmosphere, the owner... the people... all make it one of the most congenial, exciting, community oriented place that really has me looking forward to starting my work day, EVERY DAY. And ask Rafat to make a Latte foam face for you. He does lots.. and they are always so cute. By the way, the art direction is always fresh, skillful, and very interesting. Canvas in the city has the same vibe... hip, edgy art that never loses class or sophistication. THREE CHEERS FOR THREE BEES!!!!! read more

Good coffee and super friendly owner. Great spot in San Mateo to hang out, grab a treat, coffee/tea/whatever you fancy. I came here to wait for sushi Sam next door and had I know this place existed I would have come earlier! read more

Three Bees Coffee House - Simple and great - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

I came here today afternoon, for my very first visit to this coffee place. As others have also mentioned, the owner is very nice. He seems genuinely happy to do his job - or at least, presents a happy and positive attitude when helping customers. I didn't pay too much attention to the beverages section, though it looked pretty standard to me for a coffeehouse (various types of coffee, hot tea, hot cocoa, etc). I ordered a honey lemon ginseng green tea - it came in a tall glass and tasted great. I must confess that I stocked up on several of their alternative baking goodies (which happened to be vegan) but taste great - got the heart-shaped oat cakes w/chocolate chip, a peanut butter & chocolate chip cookie and an oatmeal raisin w/nuts cookie. What can I say, I suppose I should have "gotten milk" to go with these instead of green tea! In my defense, though, I shared the oat cakes with my friend and took the rest home for family. I'm still very much tempted to go back and get some more of their snacks! As for my friend, she got a latte and samosa, and she said they tasted great. Also, I managed to get lucky and purchased a $10 for $5 deal on yelp for myself and the friend I met up with here - meaning that we could get $20 worth of food for only paying $10. I did feel a bit greedy, but the deal was offered via Yelp. Now that I think about it, I should have put a dollar or two as tips, but I'll be sure to pay a visit to this place again and do that then! They definitely deserve it. read more

I'll dig most coffee shops that serve Torrefazione d'Italia coffee. Good stuff. Quaint little shop, nice staff - had a really good iced coffee here. Good selection of teas and a decent drink list. I enjoy Starbucks coffee but I'd rather sit down and have a conversation with someone in a more unique setting and this is that kind of nice little coffee shop. read more

Super fun and easy going coffee shop with excellent lattes. My experience here catching up with an old friend was great.

I was walking down E 3rd and decided to get a coffee on a late afternoon, you know, just a little kick to wake me up during the wait before dinner. I was about to walk into Peets when I realized there's no seats in there...so I looked around and saw Three Bees. I decided to go there instead, and boy, I was glad I did. The coffee shop is much smaller, and upon entering, I was greeted loudy with a friendly hello. I ordered a small house coffee for $1.65. Oh my gosh, they have pretty strong coffee here. Two sips and I was awake! read more