I stopped by The Missing Bean yesterday for some coffee and a donut. This cozy, tucked-away café in central Oxford is such a gem--great vibes, friendly staff, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee as soon as you walk in. I ordered a latte and one of their donuts (which looked too good to resist). Their donuts have inventive flavors that they rotate every other week. There is some seating if you want to chill, but it's also a great grab-and-go spot if you're wandering around the city. If you're in Oxford and in need of a caffeine fix or just a little treat, this place is worth the stop. Will definitely be back! read more

The Missing Bean - Outside seating area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oxford, OXF

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I stop here every week on Thursday to have a doughnut and a latte. They never disappoint! The staff is always hella friendly. There is indoor and outdoor sitting. The music is chill and the overall vibe of the place is excellent. One of my favorite coffee shops in town! read more

The Missing Bean - This week's doughnut ( themed) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oxford, OXF

The drinks here are really really good and I would definitely recommend the chai latte however O will say that they are pretty small so I recommend getting it bigger for 40p. The person who is always behind the counter is so nice and I always feel like everyone's in a good mood when I enter. I also got to say that I love the croissants. It was so crispy and soft at the same time, my favorite food to get there ;). I have tried what feels like a million Oxford coffee shops and I feel that this is the best one. read more

The Missing Bean - Americano - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oxford, OXF

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I have been into the missing bean multiple times over the past two weeks or so and I have had nothing but good experiences. The staff is incredibly friendly, talkative and sweet. I'm from the United States and they asked how my travels were going and things like that. Every pasty I've had is divine. The coffee is absolutely perfect. There is no bitterness in their lattes but I still get the coffee flavor. It's not watery at all. The space itself is cozy and inviting, albeit a little small. I've had to throw my bag down to claim a seat once or twice before ordering my drink! But it's obvious why the place is so full all the time, it is the best coffee in Oxford. read more

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No toaster oven, no toilet. They serve your food cold when you dine in. If you order the quiche, expect to eat it cold from the display fridge! Would have been nice to know before we paid. Coffee was basic. read more

Unsure why this place has 3.5 stars as far as I could tell searching on yelp this is one of the few 'specialty' coffee shops in oxford. Got 2 coffees (see pics) and both were excellent. Bread also looks very good. read more

The Missing Bean - Mocha in the forefront - so good I drank it in under 3 mins and a cappuccino on the right. Great coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oxford, OXF

Getting a seat at this place can be elusive, but it's worth it. The environment is awesome for doing work. My chai latte was the best I've had pretty much anywhere (though I am not the world's leading chai latte drinker). As I heard from someone else, depending on the season, the hot apple cider here is also great. read more

The Missing Bean - chai latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oxford, OXF

This place gives so many clues it's going to be great. Cozy atmosphere, happy chatty customers, a Mayan Hot Chocolate on the menu, even a sign saying "Oxford's Best Coffee". Mayan Hot Chocolate sounded great, but I was feigning for coffee. Ordered an americano, and got an espresso drink with about 8 oz of water. The coffee was so burnt it must have been over roasted and scorched at the espresso machine. I couldn't drink even half of it. Brought it home and the husband wouldn't drink it after tasting. Too bad, looks like this place has a lot of potential. read more

The Missing Bean - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oxford, OXF

"Go to The Missing Bean" said my friends in Oxford, the chorus of well-meaning advice becoming repetitive. "It serves artisan Antipodean style coffee" one chimed, while another--a connoisseur of caffeine from Down Under--stirred himself into the mix with quite atypical Kiwi directness: "when you get sick of choking back that bitter stuff they call coffee in the UK, this is the place to go." But it was my host in Oxford who first started writing this whole-hearted endorsement of The Missing Bean, for as a new comer to Yelp, he literally choked on his brewed to perfection flat white at the sight of several negative reviews. "Best coffee in Oxford, bar none. Great staff, great location, check it out, you would be mad to buy your coffee anywhere else" he said, and as a daily customer of The Missing Bean, he is anything but mad. read more

The Missing Bean - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oxford, OXF

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I went to the Bean for my very first flat white, after hearing several Antipodeans spreading the gospel. The Missing Bean claims itself to be Oxford's best coffee (as do many residents of the city)...and, truly, I believe it was the best cuppa joe I've had in the 'Shire. It's a popular little place, and was completely packed during my visit, so I had to get coffee to-go. There was not a spare seat to be found. That being said, the queue moved rather quickly and the staff were friendly enough. Unusually for a coffee shop or cafe, they have no wifi. Which meant instead of people staring blankly at a computer screen, all the folks at the bean where happily chatting, reading, or just enjoying their coffees. Not even a smartphone in sight! It was actually the first thing I noticed when I walked in. "Nobody on a laptop!". People looked like they were actually enjoying the ambiance of the cafe itself, which, if I'm honest, I don't notice very often. I'd definitely come back here. My only wish is that it was a bit of a bigger place with more tables, as it is a bit cramped. read more

The Missing Bean - Oxford's best coffee. Not a lie. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oxford, OXF

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Nice spot on a smaller street in the town. They serve up your typical independent coffee shop fare and their latte was fantastic. Well priced, creamy and delicious. I sat in the cafe to read for about an hour and there was perpetually a line up to order which gives one an idea of how popular they are! I'd definitely recommend if you're around! read more

The Missing Bean - Large latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oxford, OXF

Based on the 'edgy' things I had heard about this place, I was expecting a ton of raas sitting around with laptops and 'frappelattes' trying to look busy. Though it is nestled between a leather shop and a gorgeous jewellery shop, it is not as pretentious as it could be. Though I had been told to avoid this place like fire and I am glad I didn't. The Missing Bean has been unfairly dubbed as snobbish and full of those wanting to make full use of the big glass windows to see and be seen. Actually, I understand why people come here. The coffee is objectively good, and quite possibly the best in little Oxfordshire center. The service, I found, was fine. Though the lack of toilet is absurd, especially if people are bringing laptops and planning on staying. However, I don't find the establishment very work-place friendly. The tables are small and much better suited for a catch up with friends. The lack of restroom facilities doesn't exactly scream 'stay as long as you want' and the small size of the shop does not lend itself to loitering as it is quite a busy Turl street business. More of a place to perch than settle down. However, my Americano and Cappaccino were perfectly blended, rich, with quite a flavorful aftertaste. Though I would come again, it's a bit crowded for my taste at all times of day! read more

The Missing Bean - A well decorated cappuccino. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oxford, OXF

Regarding the previous review: I've never actually had a bad experience with the wait staff in this joint, and I truly hope that the waitress described below was fired. I've had my share of bad service in Britain (which I have learned is the norm...what a culture shock for an American), so I can relate. Actually, I think there is a spanish guy (or I am guessing he is from a Mediterranean country) who is the barrista, and he rocks. He is NICE, attentive (even though he's not the one taking your order---he corrected the guy who was taking our order!), and knows how to make the foam on a cappuccino properly. Plus, this place has thick Italian hot chocolate---sooooo yummy. The best coffee place in Oxford. read more

The Missing Bean is the cutest little cafe, and I absolutely love it. All the drinks I've had here are well crafted. I'd definitely say that this cafe is one of the few where you can be sure they're serving quality coffee, and that they're not just in it to make large profits (just look at their prices!). I would really love to sit here to study throughout the day, but it's such a tiny place that it's always packed and can be super difficult to find a table if you come at the peak hours. BUT, just know that you can always find great coffee here! (An additional discount if you're bringing your own mug.) read more

Despite reasonable espresso, and previously regular customer, had a completely off-putting experience. Waitress incredulously rude while waiting for a friend for lunch -- after ordering coffee and bagel, she repeatedly pushed that I continue ordering until friend arrived. Extremely rude as I walk out the door to eat elsewhere. In short: coffee ok, but very, very poorly mannered staff (even for British standards). read more

V good quality espresso, ordered iced mocha- probably not suitable if you like sugary Starbucks drinks

There are a few pros to coming to The Missing Bean-- waitstaff are lovely and the coffee is good. However, the food is just straight up bad lolol and there isn't a restroom or WiFi directly in the cafe. I've had a bagel here that was quite dry; the pumpkin loaf was decent with a crunchy sugar topping; the vegan brownie wasn't palatable at all. But lattes are good and it's right in town center! read more

I came here at the recommendation of a friend who studied at Oxford and although it is not on one of the main paths, it is worth seeking out. There were a number of people chatting with friends, reading or enjoying a slice of afternoon cake, so it seemed like a good place to spend the afternoon. I tried the chai latte, which reminded me of the chai lattes my university use to make, which I know can from a boxed mix. I'm not sure if this was the case here, but the "mix" or spices separated easily from the milk and made for a grainy drink. read more

How does a coffee shop not have a toilet?!?! Cute place though, right across from Exeter College. Pretty decent coffee and cakes. I had a chai tea latte that was fine. Not much more to report, I'm afraid. I've seen better spots for studying, though people seemed to be trying. It can get quite cramped. read more

great coffee, hot chocolates and everything you'd expect from an oxford coffee house. If you are lucky to get a seat well done! This place is packed - I really do wish them the best in regards to their business - so they can upgrade to a better location. Its nice and cosy - but a little too cosy at busy times if you ask me... The staff are friendly and quick which is important to me as i'm usually always either in a rush, or not in the mood for a long wait. There is only one problem (Hence the 4 Star Review). No TOILET. [Avoid if you want a toilet break.] Although the coffee and cakes really do make up for this. read more

By far the most original and authentic coffee house in Oxford. Don't be put off by the crowd, it is proof of the quality. With the regular array of coffee and teas, they also offer muffins, bagels and cakes for a light breakfast which are not to be missed. Their lunch sandwiches are also popular, but I haven't had them yet. I heard good things about the salmon sandwich. Cash only. read more

This place is pleasant! The food menu is pretty limited but the bagels are fresh and delicious. The coffee was a surprise because it didn't look like it should, but it tasted really good! So I'll ignore the blondeness because it was nice! I was really glad to find this place in Oxford while there for work - a good coffee and simple, tasty breakfast is the only way to start a work day! read more

We were looking for a quick bite before Bodleian Library on a Sunday morning and it did the trick. Cozy little place with limited seating, but we found a spot fine. Iced mocha and regular mocha were good, one of the few spots we've seen bagels with cream cheese! read more

Good points: 1) The coffee here is excellent, really worth writing home about; 2) The price is right; 3) The ambience is nice. Bad points: 1) It does not have a toilet; 2) The windows get covered with dripping condensation during winter; 3) It can be very difficult to get a seat. read more

There is one guy here who makes the best mocha I've ever had. Seriously, I'd drink one every day. Sadly, there are several others who can't make a drink worth a damn. Their iced coffees are terrible. Worst of all, they close whenever they feel like. Twice this week I've gone in with 30 minutes or more to spare, and people have been sitting inside the cafe drinking coffee, only to be told "we decided to close early, sorry" I don't need sorry. I need coffee. read more

This is my first Yelp review, something I'd put off out of 1. Laziness 2. Being really busy. But the more I come to the Missing Bean, the more grateful I am that it exists, and a few examples from just my past two visits (May 2016) propelled me to take time out of essay-writing to post this. Going to tackle in categories & do some myth-busting because I find it insane that this place has only three stars. 1. The coffee / other drinks -- It is no secret that Missing Bean is the best coffee in town. It's also the best value for money: a large hot drink (mugs are generously large) is £2.60, which, having been to nearly every other comparable café in the city centre, is a good deal. I always order a large cappuccino and am never disappointed with the quality: always hot, flavourful espresso, just the right amount of creamy milk froth, attractive latte art (no, seriously: hearts, double hearts, lattices, flowers, even a *smiley face within a heart* one time--the coffee is just damn attractive.) It's clear the baristas have a high standard in all respects. I've been to too many ~artsy~ and ~edgy~ cafes where the coffee was either ridiculously expensive, wildly inconsistent in flavour/quality, or both. Missing Bean is stability incarnate; nothing could be more comforting. 2. The food -- Again, it's hard to go wrong here; everything is good and most of it is quite a good value for money. Toasted bagels with cream cheese/nutella/vegemite run just over two pounds; delicious muffins (lemon poppyseed and raspberry white chocolate are my personal favourites) run just under two pounds. On the more expensive side are cakes and sandwiches; the latter are £4 to have in (only the Covered Market is more expensive!), and the cakes run over three pounds usually. I know that's a standard price for cake, but the cakes are often left without a cover during opening hours, so unless you're having one of the first slices of cake, it can be a bit stale. Overall, though, this has never really bothered or deterred me: the muffins, pastries, and bagels are more than enough to get through a coffee catchup or study session. 3. Amenities -- A lot of people complain about two things here: the lack of a bathroom and lack of space. The first is a bit of a silly complaint: it's a 1 minute walk to the public restrooms in the Covered Market (between Turl and Cornmarket St) and a 30 second walk to Lincoln College, which, for Bod-Card holders, has a bathroom right in the porter's lodge. I get it's a bit inconvenient but it's hardly the end of the world. The cafe's proximity to Cornmarket shops, the Covered Market, and the Bodleian (for students looking for someplace to work) is really great and outweighs that drawback heavily. Second the small size. I think it makes for a quaint, intimate atmosphere; the tables are different sizes (square ones in the back bigger; round ones a bit smaller) and there's plenty of space at the window; I've had some of my most pleasant Saturday mornings sitting at the window because there were no tables available (which can be nervewracking because everyone passing looks at you!) but it's great for people-watching and letting the sunshine in. As everything around the cafe is owned Oxford colleges, it's not like they can expand. This cafe is so often crowded because it's so good; while I've had a few visits where I felt smothered and bothered by the sheer number of people around me, they've been rare. Likewise, it's very easy to show up in the middle of the day (esp on a weekend) and there be no seating available, but turnover is fairly quick (10 minutes tops in my experience.) Walk around and come back, it's not a big deal. 4. Service -- the Bean has an excellent staff who know what they're doing. Some have been taking my order nearly every day for almost two years (coffee addiction...) and it's always relentlessly efficient and pleasant; I'm often asked how I'm doing and given a smile (which for an American in the UK is rare & appreciated) and sometimes I'll even get another loyalty card with a few stamps on it, just randomly (which I've seen happen with other customers too). Once or twice, in the madness of heavy business, my drink order has been forgotten; I was absolutely floored yesterday (May 9, 2016) when this happened (literally 10 minutes had gone by) and the barista stamped a full loyalty card for me so the next would be free. Totally unnecessary but shows how good and classy they are, really. Today (May 10, 2016) there was an electrical outage just as I walked in, which meant they couldn't make coffee or toast bagels or even open the register. But they kept serving, letting people sit down or stay, a couple even without ordering (!) while waiting for the electrician. I got a bagel and sat down only for one of the baristas to insist I take some of my money back because it couldn't be toasted, when I would've gladly paid in full. Just great. This is a novel so I'll wrap it up: but seriously, just go. read more

I'll admit that this place makes good coffee (pricey), but some baristas had such awful attitudes! Given the lackluster service, I felt as if I was in the freakin' Lower East Side or Brooklyn... though this was just Oxford. The lack of available tables also irked me throughout the year, as many "customers" would just pay for one coffee and sit there for hours. I understand that this place appeals to working students and such, but let's be reasonable here. There are plenty of other options around the city centre... perhaps not as artisanal, but good enough for someone looking for his/her daily dose of caffeine. read more

Yes, the coffee is good. But the service is s**t any way you look at it. The guy kept the door open even though it was -4 outside, claiming he was "hot behind the machine." Practically kicked me out. Food service completely unreliable; whether you'll get a bagel depends on the server's mood. Oh and don't bother complaining if you are told that your sandwich will arrive in 15 minutes... the waiter just came and dumped it on my table, annoying both myself and my date. So: good for takeaway, nothing else read more

Wonderful cortado and amazing blueberry and banana shake. I also tried their croissant and it was very flaky and delicious, and their salmon bagel sandwich was good too. Def worth checking out while on your walking tour of Oxford. read more

This place is always packed, which attests to its reputation, but does make it hard to find a spot to stand while awaiting your order. I do think Brew makes a better latte, but the mocha at The Missing Bean is nice. The sandwiches are great also, highly recommended. Takeaway, however, because staying is near-impossible. read more

As a bit of a coffee fiend, I was yet to come across The Missing Bean until per chance came out the wrong way of The Covered Market and noticed a queue of people outside this coffee shop when it was freezing outside. Being one to join such queues out of curiosity, I stood there for fifteen minutes waiting to get inside. I ordered an Americano and waited with everyone else for my coffee. The coffee was incredibly good. It wasn't bitter nor was it weak. The staff use a labour intensive method to ensure each coffee is served exactly the way you would want it. I was told the owner took three months to find the right blend and each staff is trained in their 20 or so step to making each coffee. I have to agree that the staff whilst I wouldn't say rude are very busy and look completely rushed off their feet. The shop itself is very small and I think it gets very hot in there. I would say take a coffee to go and you won't regret it! read more

I love coffee, I was told the missing bean was the place to get it. I asked the guy serving what he would recommend, flat white was his instant response, boy it was good, very very good. It was busy and I had to share a table which wasn't a bad thing as I ended up learning about the euro zone crisis (only in Oxford?) from the guy already sitting there. Pretty staff & the Rolling Stones being played only added to my experience. Am amazed though that people will queue out of the door for a fix, but, it is very very good fix, the best I've had in Oxford by a country mile. read more

Went here on a rainy day and got a dirty chai and it's possibly the best dirty chai I've ever had I have no clue why there's only 3.5 stars because this place is definitely a 5/5. Great coffee shop to chill at. read more

This place is great. We are from Los Angeles and used to very snobby coffee. This place is not at all snobby in comparison. The coffee and baked goods were both very high quality. Also a nice environment for chatting but not ideal for working. Highly recommend. read more

I really don't get the hype about this place. The tables are tiny and there is never anywhere to sit because it's overflowing with hipsters eager to get their daily instagram latte photo within the steamy confines of the missing bean. They sit crouched on the tiny stools next to the completely fogged over windows nibbling their overpriced bagels. Also should either fix their ventilation or rebrand as a coffee shop & sauna. That being said their coffee is actually good and I appreciate their presence at balls. Best to just run in fetch your coffee and run out. You'll probably get crushed in the corner while waiting for them to make your coffee though, because there is always an eager line and no where to stand. read more

this place is awesome!! not a lot of seating but such a comfy little coffee shop and get the dirty chai tea latte it's amazing

You might have to fight for a seat, but that's the price you have to pay for the best coffee in Oxford. It's good enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. read more

Sweet latte, perfect foam, fantastic lemon-poppyseed muffin, friendly atmosphere, pleasant space, no pretentiousness, and super-friendly.

Ok, here is the best advice of 2013: Exit Missing Bean. Walk about 5-7 minutes to Zappi's http://zappisbikecafe.com for WAY better coffee and less braindead and rude baristas. It is remarkable how the Missing Bean manages to find these people. I mean, it's one thing to make a mistake, mess up someone's order, overcharge them by accident but to do all this and serve it with an unapologetic side of that unnecessary chip on your shoulder is another thing. I will never return, which is a shame because it is a great location and a cute spot! read more

My daily indulgence when I'm in Europe is a flat white, and they have the best one I've tried yet. The Missing Bean roasts their own coffee, and seems to know what they're about in the art of coffee-making. It can get warm (no AC), and difficult to get a table, but they do let you work on your laptop (unlike some other cafes in the area that don't permit computers during peak hours). I will probably be a daily visitor while I'm in Oxford for research this summer. read more