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The Complex Bean

4.7 (64 reviews)
Closed 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

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The Complex Bean Photos

THE COMPLEX BEAN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Good for working
Dogs allowed
Good for kids
Outdoor seating

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Fully customizable syrup, sauce and sugar options
Theresa Z.

In summary, this is the casual coffee spot to go to that's not that fitting that uptight stuffy cookie cutter metro model. If you are looking for that metro-chic location playing acoustic cover music or open mic night. This isn't it. It's truly about the coffee the comfort the friendships. The coffee was enjoyable. The only thing I'd say is I wish it was a little bit brighter inside :) LOCATION: Located in a plaza, on the corner. The Google ad said there was a drive thru but I didn't notice one or see a sign for it. Plenty of parking and the plans has a bunch of stores for vape cbd etc. I didn't find the area very (personally) appealing but it was easy to navigate too and GPS takes you to the exact location. It's tucked in the corner once you get there. ATMOSPHERE: very chill. Nothing fancy. Local artist pieces on the walls, Two bars with stools, two big couches facing each other. Very casual nothing fancy no music playing. Tighter space but it's rectangular. I didn't see bathrooms or anything but I did take notice of the equipment and it was a nice set up. I felt the inside was a bit more dark color than other places so I almost feel it's meant to have that vagabond vibe. They have a few seats out front too and being on the corner makes that easier to navigate. IT's definitely a busy coffee shop. SERVICE: It's a full-service coffee shop meaning they prep sweeten etc. I didn't notice a self service station for food etc or it's there just not easy to see (there is a lot visually going on). The owner is so very sweet. Very personable. I watched them serving others before me, felt attention was on me when up and heard the next ones. Great customer service. I loved that there's a story to it all. COFFEE: Procured from local beans, very good bold espresso. It was a good cup of coffee! I love that you can formulate your own flavors and they will give you some of their more popular options. You have a selection of the Torani, homegrown (using a simple syrup base), and sugar free options. Three coffee sauces. (See photo) The options are on their own little periodic table. They also have a selection of teas for those that prefer that. Non-dairy milk, and dairy options. OTHER OPTIONS: There are display cases with scones, cookies, pastries, a few options for bagels etc. A small fridge with other drinks like cola, water etc. The scones are fresh-baked by the owner who told me she was actually baking before going into the coffee business. I had the lemon lavender pistachio. It was good. It has a hint of the lemon and pistachio were really not just flavoring. I didn't really taste lavender. My son had the strawberry and it looked delicious so I tried a bite lol it was really good! Separately they sell merch and support local artists- I love that.

Pumpkin white chocolate latte
Kristen D.

This place will forever be my favorite coffee shop in town. It can be a little bit of a wait but it's so worth it. The coffee is so good. And the baked goods are to die for. Everyone I've encountered there is so nice! I've even bought artwork off the walls. Give this place a try!

Madison C.

Love this coffee shop! The lattes are great, the employees are kind, and vibes are cozy!

Mix berry smoothie
April E.

Small personally owned coffee business. Super cute environment. Recommend!! They have a drive thru which is super convenient and they're super quick which is great when on the way to work #localcofeee

Strawberry white chocolate frappe
Kenzie H.

This coffee shop was recommended to my sister by a friend so we thought we would try it this morning! It has a drive through window as well as an inside section with seating and even games! They have lots of baked goods, ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies and of course coffee. We got the February special as a frappe and it was amazing! To my surprise it was also SUPER affordable. This

Anthony S.

An invite to this particular establishment had me glad that Google Maps is around as The Complex Bean is a bit off my normal paths through Wilmington and area. It is located in a strip mall on the West Side (direction, not the play) of 117 a bit North of Gordon Road. Great coffee in a relaxed, comfortable environment and the cookies are definitely munchable as well (my 'friend' the auto correct doesn't like the word munchable, but I'm still using it [picture me sticking my tongue out at my computer]). The coffee is kept in insulated urns (fairly common now; it keeps the coffee hot while preventing the change over to sludge common when coffee sits for a prolonged time on a burner (though I confess to enjoying a good, THICK cup of sludge when my motor is running slow. The staff is friendly and quick to serve customers as they come in; all-in-all, a place I will return to.

Complex Bean logo that appears when art work is illuminated
Kimmie G.

The Complex Bean has been my go-to spot for catching up with friends and business meetings over coffee and baked goods. The monthly specialty drinks are creative and delicious and the pastries taste like "home". The inside decor and aesthetic is enchanting and I never get tired of staring at it when I visit.

Audrey K.

This is my go-to coffee shop for an afternoon caffeine fix. The space nestled in a plaza and has a surprising amount of seating given how small the storefront is. There are three high tops tables, two cozy couches and a couple seats at the window. There are usually a couple people posted up working but I have never had an issue finding a place to sit. They are always stocked with the latest issues of Encore magazine and a couple games (shut the box and jenga) making this the perfect spot to take a break. The walls are covered with eclectic art by local artists that is for sale. There is a good selection of coffee and tea (including chai!) that is served hot or cold, as well as kombucha on tap. The baked goods are also delicious - yesterday I had the sausage, egg and cheese biscuit. The biscuit was buttery and tender - so good! The breakfast sandwiches are made ahead and warmed up when ordered but they are homemade and taste very fresh. Definitely a great spot to check out if you need a snack and a drink!

Strawberry muffin... They do exist!

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30 days ago

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4 months ago

Great people, the best coffee I've ever tasted. The pastries are made in house. Mini-quiches to die for.

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6 months ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

Delicious coffee. The lavender scone is to die for! I wish I bought more for later. The coffee shop is so cute inside.

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

Favorite coffee in Wilmington! Staff and pasties are always delicious too and the ambiance is warm and welcoming!

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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5 years ago

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7 years ago

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4 years ago

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8 years ago

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4 years ago

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7 years ago

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7 years ago

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8 years ago

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4 years ago

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6 years ago

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8 years ago

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6 years ago

Delicious coffee and friendly staff. Comfy seating inside and outdoor if needed. Clean.

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7 years ago

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6 years ago

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7 years ago

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10 years ago

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9 years ago

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10 years ago

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7 years ago

Hidden gem and only place I've found in ILM that makes a decent cortado. Sweet batistas and delicious baked goods too.

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7 years ago

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Scooter's Coffee - Bacon burrito

Scooter's Coffee

(20 reviews)

Omgosh Have y'all's tried this their Coffee?…read moreTried their app? Must sign up for them. Their coffee is mild tasting No bitterness affects aftertaste or afterwards. I have heartburn very easily & often by coffee drinks and this coffee is amazing. You are able to order from the app and 'scoot' right through the line with easy and convenient access to the drive through. Great service And great customer service from the team and if your drink isn't right they make ya another asap right then and there. The atmosphere is nice and friendly and very clean and rain or shine or hot or cold they are always there to hand you your special drink you ordered. From Red Bull cold drinks to matcha hot or cold to any espresso to just black coffee! Check them out ! Scoot scoot on over to one of the two Scooters!

Ever since Port City Java at the Arboretum closed, this has become my primary Coffee stop in the…read moremorning. Primarily due to location, not quality. Most of the time the service is quick and professional. But they have one employee who has an attitude issue and every time she takes my order, I get the wrong thing. I just got a cappuccino and a mocha. I asked for foam on top of the mocha. She said that the mochas don't come with foam or whipped cream. I know this, I make my own cappuccinos and mochas at home. I was asking for vanilla foam on top of the mocha. Maybe I didn't word it correctly, but the attitude from this young woman can be felt from 50 feet away from her. Everyone else who works there is super friendly. I just wish they would move the angry employee's shift towards later in the day because it's not very fun getting unnecessary attitude from someone, most likely based on my physical appearance, first thing in the morning. The coffee is OK, the selection is limited, and most of the drinks are way too sugary for my tastes. But the basics are decent. I highly recommend ordering your drink at 50% sweetness unless you really love sugar more than coffee. I would rate the quality of their coffee at about 2 1/2 to 3 stars, and I would give their menu 1.5 stars. Typically, service is about 3 1/2 to 4 stars, but today it was just one star. I don't usually leave negative reviews on yelp, but actions have consequences. If you don't like customers, please don't work in customer service. And if you don't like the way people look, maybe work in a different area. Or maybe recognize your prejudice and work on that.

The Complex Bean - coffee - Updated May 2026

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