I went to this American restaurant on a rainy bank holiday with my aunt and cousins that were visiting from London when we stubbled up on this little gem. The menu was on the small side with burgers being the main things to have my cousins had the Route 66 burger which they both said was excellent along with the potato salad my aunt had the grilled chicken burger which she also said was excellent. I had the huevos rancheros with sour cream this was delicious and I would have this again. I followed with the ice bean brownie Sunday this was a homemade brownie with home made coffee ice-cream and whipping cream this also was excellent. The manager/owner came and spoke to us and she was American and told us that all the things on the menu were made on site including the coffee ice-cream this I feel was great service and I would recommend this place to anyone. As with all my reviews I feel I would not be true to myself if I did not give the positives as well as the negatives so here goes. I was a little cold in the cafe as we were sat near the door I did try shutting the door but was stuck I think this was due to a lighting issue brighter lights are need especially as the autumn is on it's way so the sunshine is limited. I also feel a bit of fresh paint and re sanding and varnishing of the floors would make this cafe more desirable. All in all a great visit. read more

Bean EnCounter - The menu at Bean encounter - New American Near Me - Stafford, STS

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I was travelling in Stafforshire and was becoming desperate to have a good meal. I was so relieved and excited to find this Californian restaurant/cafe; this restaurant caught my eyes with their sign saying "We are doing a Californian Cuisine - artisan, healthy, uber fresh, locally sourced and fusion food." I am really glad I insisted on not eating at one of the old hotels. I guess it is run by an American family and they offer authentic American food, coffee and beer (including San Francisco's Anchor Steam Beer!!!). The menu was on a small side but the cooking was excellent. My Route 66 Burger (minus the pickled onion) in a paper bag was one of the best I'd tasted in the UK. The patty was an Angus Beef quarter-pounder, the special sauce was excellent but a tad too much, and the bun had a crisps baked in on the top. The only things I missed were lettuce and tomato. It also came with a small pot of their Potato Salad which was fine. I finished it off with the Home-Made Ice Bean - a crushed Chocolate-covered Espresso Beans and a Bourbon Caramel Ice Cream which was very refreshing but I didn't taste caramel or Bourbon; well I should have consciously looked for those flavoures. I tasted my friend's Brownie which was buttery and tasty. I saw several nice-looking, mouth-watering home-baked items at the counter and I would get a few of them next time I visit. The service was friendly and the place mellow. Thank Bean enCounter for saving me from starving in the unknown town and it was a miracle such lovely restaurant existed in the place where pub meals dominated. Truly an Oasis in the desert! read more

I had the Route 66 burger with onions and secret sauce. Fantastic! My friend tried Hueros Rancheros: scrambled egg with onions, peppers and cheddar, sour cream and jalapeno. She has just come back from Mexico and said it tasted very authentic. The grilled chicken burger was also good. For dessert, I had homemade ice cream sunday with espresso coffee beans, warmed chocolate brownie and whipped cream. Yummy! I highly recommend this Californian restaurant for its great food. A welcome addition to Stafford. read more

best food in all of Stafford! the Route 66 burger gets me every time. along with the Ruben and Caesar salad! truly authentic American food. I would eat here for every meal every day if I could! my favorite place in the UK! the staff is all so friendly and nice and the place feels so homey. if you haven't been, please go! read more