Leaf and Bean Newnan Review

Leaf and Bean

Address: 22 W Ct Square Suite A, Newnan, GA 30263

Hours: 

Monday 7 AM–7 PM

Tuesday 7 AM–7 PM

Wednesday 7 AM–7 PM

Thursday 7 AM–7 PM

Friday 7 AM–11 PM

Saturday 7 AM–11 PM

Sunday 8 AM–6 PM

Phone: (770) 683-7290

Reviewing Leaf & Bean has been challenging. This cozy, welcoming, and prime-located coffee shop, nestled in the heart of Downtown Newnan, offers unique features that should make it a top choice, even with 100 other options. From its charming decor to its friendly staff, Leaf & Bean has a lot to offer. However, Leaf & Bean seems to be struggling with a significant issue: the taste of its coffee.

This review will be broken up into three reviewers:

A first-time coffee drinker (Harriet)

A semi-regular coffee drinker (Harold)

A coffee addict (Lauren)

Surely, with three varying customers, Leaf & Bean stands a chance to find a repeat base and get a glowing review. The potential is there, and we hope Leaf & Bean can overcome its current challenges and become a beautiful swan.

Each reviewer will provide insight into The Atmosphere, Service, and Product and give a final grade.

Harold: The Atmosphere is one area where Leaf & Bean shines so bright that you can’t even open your Starbucks app on your phone—Leaf & Bean is intentionally gorgeous and purposefully comfortable. The attention to detail in the layout, the cleanliness, the “lounge” in the back, the decor, and the open prep counter are all what you imagine in a coffee shop from a cute, independent movie. Leaf & Bean is what I picture if someone says, “I opened a coffee shop, and it’s doing amazing business.” 

I admit that it can get very tight in places when the crowd sets in, but that is a rare occurrence after my 12+ visits in the last few years. Even then, people can find crevices to rest in while waiting for their names to be called out. I have recently started to bring my Nintendo Switch with me anywhere I go, and the backroom of Leaf and Bean has become my favorite spot to settle some feuds in Super Mario Party or crush some dreams in Mario Kart 8. Especially when compared to the corporate in-and-out designs of Starbucks, Leaf and Bean offers an incredible atmosphere.

I have heard from a handful of people that they’ve had bad experiences with the service at Leaf and Bean, so maybe it’s because I am a handsome, white man with a gorgeous mustache, but I have had only positive interactions. Are there times when an employee seems new and a bit slower? Of course. Do they seem sleepy sometimes? Sure thing! But Leaf and Bean has an evident team effort that makes for quick and efficient service. I don’t know the manager leading the charge, and I know the employee turnover needs to be fixed. Still, the ship is being sailed with employees offering respect and appreciation. Kudos to the Captain! 

You do have to ask yourself, “Why is there a new bundle of employees every time I visit?” I do not know the answer to that question. Is it pay? Hours? Management? I’d love to hear from someone who worked there. Oh, wait, I know someone who did! Let me message them. I will update you later.

But the product is the biggest problem with Leaf and Bean. Why can’t I find anything that tastes great? I have had a few coffees that taste “OK” or “pretty good,” but the menu seems void of that knock-your-socks-off choice that every local coffee shop should have. Are you trying to make something special or are you just trying to own a coffee shop? Is your product something you’re passionate about or is it just something that pays the bills? And I don’t say that after tasting A coffee. I say that after having half the menu over the years. 

Why the heck would I keep going back then?! I keep returning because Downtown Newnan hasn’t had other options for a cozy coffee sip AND the atmosphere is genuinely excellent.

I want to like Leaf and Bean so much. I want it to become my “regular” spot, sit all snugged up in a big chair, and write Harold jokes. But I can’t. The menu desperately needs some life shot into its butt cheek. 

Harriet: As a first time coffee drinker, I didn’t know what to expect from Leaf n Bean. I’ve never been a huge fan of things like soda, and the smell of coffee always makes me imagine a mug full of gasoline with some milk mixed in, but on July 4th, I was summoned by Harold to try not one but TWO different brews. And here are my thoughts on not only those, but Leaf n Bean as a whole. 

ATMOSPHERE: It was a very crowded time when I and Harold arrived. The parade had just ended, and that meant it was time for everyone and their newborn baby fireworks to go and get a drink and pastry from Leaf n Bean. I couldn’t help but get a little overwhelmed by the combined sounds of a dozen different conversations, loud coffee machinery working overtime, and pop songs playing into my ear. 

I have visited on far slower days though, (for poster hanging and pastry buying!) and can say it is far nicer on an average day. There is less noise, more studiers with headphones, and less machines and employees working at once.

The chairs were cozy! The table didn’t wobble, and I enjoyed the charming little paintings on the brick walls. I’ve always loved the simplistic wooden designs and relaxing lighting they provide. 

They have a variety of seating options, including stools, booths, and even a few padded chairs in the back, and a large window in the front lets plenty of natural light bathe the shop in a cozy glow and provides a nice view of the square. (Great place to people watch and start collecting that private detective money.)

I’d say for decoration and cozy factor, it gets some bonus points. But on a busy holiday, it’s hard to appreciate that with a million noises overloading your senses! That’s on us for going at that time though and not an excuse for if Leaf and Bean let us down.

One downside is some of the space layout, the line and tables are so close it’s hard to move around without bumping into people, and the place where you wait for your drinks is right by the door and street view. It is so close you will have trouble not blocking the entrance. That would be my only complaint! 

B+

SERVICE: Even on a hectic day, the employees were nice and helpful! I don’t think I’ve ever been without great service there. They are great with recommendations, quick to help, and pleasant to talk with. They keep up that cozy factor! And seem like a very efficient team. 

And, they get my name close to right every time. That is RARE. 

A+

PRODUCT: I ordered a caramel frap, and tried some of Harold’s sugar free peppermint americano iced. Here are my thoughts as a first time coffee drinker: 

Caramel Frap: Very tasty! It was like a milkshake. I like the slight crunch of ice in every sip, the bitter aftertaste took a moment to get used to but grew on me, but all in all it was a very pleasant drink. I was expecting to force myself to drink all of this coffee in the name of THOROUGH REVIEW, but found myself enjoying it enough to drink it all willingly. I would order it again! 

Sugar Free Peppermint Americano Iced: I believe the first words I uttered to Harold were, “this tastes like gasoline from a gasoline tree.” I stand by that.

It had an extremely bitter and almost sour taste that reminded me why coffee is a drink I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to, with no hint of peppermint in a three mile radius. The bitterness almost had a tree nut type taste, and was the only other flavor I could discern besides “OH GOD THIS IS THE WORST THING I’VE EVER HAD…Flavor.”

I have had the pastries in the past, and can confirm the apple fritter, muffins, and cookies are all very good. One of my favorite things to go there for!

A- For pastries! C+ For drinks. (Curse you, peppermint americano.)

Overall, the atmosphere is mostly lovely, the service is excellent, and (most) of the products are great!

Lauren: When you approach the storefront of Leaf and Bean in downtown Newnan, you are met with your first trial in this choose your own adventure book that we call life: 

Option 1) Do you choose door A to your left, leading to a small business bursting with breswksies?

Option 2) Do you follow your nose through Door B to the right and enter the realm of espresso slinging baristas? 

If you chose option 1: A grizzly bear sized man has mistaken Ace Beer Growlers for Black Bear Axe Throwing, he releases a ferocious GROWL from the depths of his sternum and pelts an axe at your head. 

Go back and choose again. 

If you chose option 2: Congratulations: You have entered the realm of Leaf and Bean. You are greeted by a large window filled with seating facing outward. You won’t see much of anything else until you turn the corner of the ginormous bar that takes up the majority of the space. Before you turn the corner you notice a small refrigerator housing…wait…is that beer? Did you enter the wrong door after all? Do not fret my little chipmunks, you are indeed in the correct location. 

As you make your way towards the cash register you notice a display cabinet filled with pastries that make your stomach rumble. You raise your gaze to read through a menu that lists not only various coffee drinks but also some light foods and…ice cream? Leaf and Bean, land of the three pillars of life: coffee, ice cream, and booze. A smiling employee asks for your order. You are overwhelmed by the vast selection and instead describe your favorite type of coffee beverage to the employee and seek a suggestion. She answers “I would recommend a small…or a large….or maybe a medium.” 

(authors note: this part is an actual thing that happened when I told the barista my preferences)

You are perplexed by the answer. This is not a reply you anticipated.  

This is your next trial. Do you…..

A) Assume she must not have heard you properly. You pull out a jar of play-doh and use it to make a cast of her ear that you then send off to serve as the foundation for the creation of a hearing aid. 

or

B) Stare back at her unsure of how to respond because, what kind of answer even was that?

If you chose option 1: A snot-nosed toddler jumps out from behind the counter and eats the play doh. Your efforts were futile. 

If you chose option 2 (which is the option I chose in real life): Luckily the employee goes into more detail to explain the odd reply relates to how many shots of espresso you get versus how much milk is in the drink. The shop is very busy but she still adorably stumbles through the reply and explains a lot about how they make their drinks. She then also offers two specific drink suggestions, including changing to oatmilk (which is an upcharge, so the bosses will be proud of her for that). Overall the experience with the employee is lovely. She is detailed, helpful, and kind. You order one of the drinks she suggested and patiently wait for your name to be called. 

You make your way to the back of the shop where you see a variety of cozy seating. Oh look, some local artwork is on display. That is a nice touch. 

You notice a man reading and wonder if he is actually being consumed by the story or if perhaps he is actually just spying on the people around him. You then ponder what his life is like. Good job man with book, you have these brain gears turning.

Just then….

“ORDER FOR ________!”

Ah, your drink is ready. You make the trek down the olympic sized bar and find your coffee waiting for you at the end. You take a sip and your first thought is an enthusiastic….”Eh. That’s fine”.

You decide to take the rest of your drink to go. 

Will you return to Leaf and Bean? Probably. On a day you are prancing around downtown Newnan, ping ponging between the rustic decor store, farmhouse decor store, and southern decor store (which all sell the same things) you will think “Golly. I sure could use a pick me up” and then return to the conveniently located L&B. Because it is perfectly adequate. It is totally sufficient. 

Are you going to tell your best friend, aunt Tammy, and grandma June about the incredible shop that crafts the best coffee drinks in this here U S of A? Doubtful. More than anything, Leaf and Bean is the perfect coffee shop for when you just happen to already be in downtown Newnan, really want coffee, and don’t want to deal with going out of your way to get that caffeination fix. 

Review Summary: There are positives and negatives to Leaf and Bean. The coffee tends to taste a bit too watery and like it is just missing something, but it isn’t BAD. The prices are reasonable for a local coffee shop. The staff are definitely a highlight of the experience. My most recent visit to Leaf and Bean was during the downtown Newnan Market Day. The place was completely overflowing with people, but the staff still smiled and had patience. The barista even took the time to talk to me about the differences in the sizes and espresso to milk balance. I did order an egg bowl during this visit and they let me know at the forefront that there would be a delay (about 20 minutes) to get the food. I don’t think it took that long and it was pretty good. As with the coffee, it wasn’t anything particularly notable, but it was fine! One of the other things I do like about Leaf and Bean is the variety of events they host. I recently went there for a wine tasting and it was super fun. They had a wide range of wines to choose from and a printout detailing the flavor profiles. I definitely prefer spending time there to spending time at a chain like Starbucks. The atmosphere at the back of the shop is cozy and you could easily spend a chunk of time there reading a book or, if you are like me and Harold, playing a game of Mario Party. 

Overall, I would give Leaf and Bean a C+

Not a place I will go out of my way to visit in my quest for coffee, but absolutely a place I would return to for special events and the occasional coffee when I am already roaming about downtown Newnan. 

VERDICT

Harold: C +

Harriet: B +

Lauren: C +

UPDATE: My good friend who worked there said he has “no bad stories about his manager or co-workers,” just “some weird stuff happened.” Cheers, Beans!