Delicious s'mores latte! The espresso has so much flavor and the latte wasn't too sweet. Very flavorful! Staff was friendly and there were some places to sit. I took my order to go, but it seems like a wonderful spot to enjoy a cup of coffee! read more

What a wonderful coffee shop. We stopped in for coffee and sandwiches one morning and still talk about visiting again. The woman running the counter was super friendly and makes an excellent bacon egg and cheese! We love the space and it was a great spot for a morning date. read more

The Wise Bean - Coffee bar! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Great lattes and breakfast sandwiches with friendly service. In the warmer months, they have a couple tables out front for outdoor seating.

Small cute café in the area. Finally found a place that doesn't overly sweeten their matcha lattes! Very relaxing atmosphere. Dog friendly . Several outlets available for working on a laptop and comfortable seating. Very small area though, so you'd have to be lucky to get a spot when it gets busy. On a weekday morning, two other people here out of maybe 8 seats total. WiFi password is right by the door on a chalkboard. Good for hanging out with 2-3 people, but anything more would be too crowded. Very friendly and polite staff. For my vegan peeps, almond and oat available, no soy. Almond matcha didn't feel like there was any additional sweetener -- thank heavens! Definitely a local business worth supporting. Thanks Luke and Rose ! read more

Amazing little coffee shop. The food was fresh and delicious even though the selection is small. The coffee was really delicious. The owner was super polite and helpful. read more

This is such a great, local coffee shop in downtown Bethlehem. The baristas are so friendly, the coffee is great, and the vibes are awesome. Highly recommend stopping in! read more

The Wise Bean - a bagel, yogurt and coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Passing through town and decided to stop for a bite to eat and some coffee. Sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich on an English muffin was delicious. Coffee was just as tasteful! Chocolate and coconut on a cold winter morning has done me right. Will be back! read more

The Wise Bean - Sausage egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Great spot for a quick coffee. Staff are friendly and a great atmosphere. Wi-Fi is solid. Had an oat milk latte that hit the spot and read the local newspaper. Classic coffee shop. read more

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Very homey feel great customer service fast and tasty. Ordered sausage egg and cheese English muffin and a white chocolate mocha latte 10 out of 10 would recommend. Thanks Luke read more

Best coffee in Bethlehem and it's not even close. Also, have great bagel sandwiches. The owner is really nice and the ambience is great as well. It's my family's go to spot. read more

Coffee station did not seem clean, there was coffee grinds everywhere, the milk being used did not have a cover/cap. The coffee lacked flavor and tasted watered down. It was definitely over priced. Location is convenient the atmosphere was ok. read more

Great coffee and coffee flavor selection! Also, the place is cute and great for hanging out or working.

Love this place! Owner is super friendly and they always have fresh bakery items. I come here every weekend that I visit the area. Best place in town! :) read more

Cute coffee shop. The barista was very pleasant and answered my questions. My caramel latte was just how I requested it.

There truly is no better cup of coffee in Bethlehem. As soon as you step into The Wise Bean you are hugged by cozyness and warmth. The staff is consistently friendly and I always feel welcomed. The coffee and the treats are so delicious! read more

The Wise Bean - a living room decorated for christmas - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

100% would recommend. The owner is friendly and makes great drinks. This is my go to spot to hang out and get some work done between appointments. The atmosphere is warm and creative, and I always enjoy a stop here. read more

The owner is always very friendly and my coffee comes out perfect every time! They also have a large range of syrups.

Nestled in the perfect location on North and New Streets in downtown Bethlehem, The Wise Bean offers numerous delicious mochas, phenomenal art work, scrumptious baked goods, & chilltastic boho vibes!! Be sure to come by soon and grab yourself a delicious North side bLend and a yummy pastry!! read more

The Wise Bean - Get comfy, get artsy! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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Local coffee joint on N New St, adjacent to downtown Bethlehem. Fast, friendly service with a variety of offerings. I wish they didn't add water to their cold brew coffee. I asked for it without and just ice but water was still added. I like my coffee strong and this was disappointing. I'll try hot coffee or a latte next time. Not handicap accessible (had my daughter in the stroller and struggled to get in and out). read more

What a charming coffee shop with friendly, efficient service! I had a caramel macchiato and it was hot and tasty. They had breakfast sandwiches this morning - not sure if that's typical - and I got mine on a bagel. It was delicious! This is a must stop for tasty coffee and a quick bite at a great price! read more

Loved my coffee here! Cute seating area perfect for working in a quiet environment. The barista was friendly and nice, and the chairs were really beautifully made. Wish I'd had time to try a smoothie! read more

Stopped by for some coffee one morning when I was back up in the valley. The barista was very friendly and more importantly, the latte/espresso was pretty good. Definitely a keeper for espresso in Bethlehem. read more

The Wise Bean - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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I went here to get my morning coffee a few times while temporarily working in the area, the ambiance is marvelous and the owner super nice, I will definitely go back and recommend this cute cafe. read more

Best coffee in the Lehigh Valley. Staff are friendly and helpful. Free WiFi. Good food.

super nice & informative staff, other customers seem to very much enjoy this cafe', too!

The best coffee and delicious treats in Bethlehem! Always makes my drink perfectly!! It's beautiful atmosphere, and cozy. They have WiFi and great spot to catch up with a friend, have a quick meeting or just chill. I love the matcha green tea and the macchiato is to die for with caramel or vanilla. Sometimes I get the protein shake instead...quick fill me up and I feel more energized! Must try spot! read more

I always make a point to check out the local coffee scene when I am on the road, and Bethlehem would be no exception. I picked the Wise Bean based on Yelp stats. We were headed out of town when we stopped by, so I just ran in to grab two coffees while my partner waited in the car. As far as the interior goes, one person's cozy is another claustrophobic's nightmare. If I were a regular here, I would not be able to sit inside--too much seating in too little space. These types of places are common in Philly, where space is truly at a premium. But other reviewers clearly find it endearing. I ordered two drinks: a black drip coffee and a black iced americano. I asked for a triple shot in my americano, but the woman who waited on me (possibly the owner?) either forgot or didn't hear me. I didn't feel like belaboring the point, so I didn't bring it up again. She asked me three times if I wanted room for cream (no) and then mentioned, "I am sorry--I keep asking you to repeat things you already told me." The drip coffee was in an airpot, which I always find disappointing. When you see airpots, it is often an indication that large volumes of coffee are brewed earlier in the morning and then left to sit all day. I didn't think to check the temperature, but when my partner went to take his first sip in the car, he was disappointed that it was nearly cold. Having worked in the coffee business and being a bit of a coffee geek, I asked if they roasted their own (which I doubted, but I was trying to be open minded) and if not, where they sourced their beans from. The hostess said, "That's top secret. We don't tell anyone." To me, this says one of two things: 1) They are embarrassed about who roasts their beans or can't tell folks because it would compromise the roaster's brand in some way or 2) They think this is a wise business decision that will force people to come to their shop and their shop only for this mysterious magical coffee. I found this irritating. My americano was pretty decent, but with all of the other details of my visit, I would definitely forgo the Wise (Mysterious) Bean in the future and search on for something more my style. read more

Keep driving, it's not worth the effort to park the car. Cute, trendy inside. Poor customer service, worse coffee. Go back to whatever you were watching Barista, Candy Crush is obviously more important than customer service. Bummer. read more

The Wise Bean - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

The Wise Bean is a pleasant, youthful coffee shop. The family-owned business has a penchant for producing quality coffees. Their varietals and blends are all "medium" roasts (a bit lighter and way fresher than the standard cup of Starbucks). They stick to a one varietal or blend per day, it's listed on the chalkboard on the wall behind the register. The Papua New Guinea varietal is a great roast, and is available (along with their other roasts) to be purchased as whole bean (they can grind too). Their espresso drinks are made with a darker espresso blend, which results in a cocoa/chicory flavored shot, great for lattes and cappuccinos, but also quite good for a straight shot. Baked goods are provided by local bakers, and everything is fresh. There's also cereal and bananas. I've never tried the cereal, but I usually grab a banana if I stop by for breakfast. The shop has a lot of regulars, and the baristas generally know them by name. The morning crowd tends to be a tad older, and vice versa with the evening crowd. Outdoor seating is limited, and the inside can get somewhat cramped when it's very busy... however I think the smaller size of the shop promotes discussion. It's a great place to start out if you're new in town. read more

Ok, so... Wow. It's been four years since my first review. I'd faithfully gone here for coffee every time I visit my parents in PA ever since. I don't know what's happened and I am really really bummed to say this but Wise Bean seems to have been steadily sliding down hill. After my last visit, I decided I'd not be going back again. (I'll head out to Baked, in Emmaus, for a single French Press, instead.) I don't know what it is - I used to love their coffee. But last time, I wound up taking a few sips and tossing it. I was really put off by the atmosphere, too - the girl working behind the counter seemed distracted and a annoyed to have to take time away from hanging out with & talking to her gaggle of friends hanging out. It could have been a one off, but things have seemed progressively worse each time, so... read more

Not only is the coffee delicious, I'm pretty sure it should be illegal. I'm not going to tell you that it'll make you stronger, faster or better at your job, but people can detect if I've had my morning dose from the bean by the way I carry myself when I hit the office. It might not be just the turbo charged java, it could also have something to do with the owners who pass more than coffee to you over the counter. It doesn't matter what sort of mood I'm in when I get there, Bill, Joan and Sam are always genuinely happy to get my morning going right. I've been starting my day with these folks for over a year and a half now. It's where I go. read more

ANOTHER STOP ON OUR JOURNEY: We then wandered over to the Wise Bean. I was hoping to see Bill and Joan a second time, as I had treated myself that morning, but their daughter was working when we got there. We all got dirty chai espressos.... heaven in a cup. The Wise Bean has the best chai in town - spicy and flavorful. The family really knows how to brew a good cup of Joe and their espresso is chock full of caffeine, unlike other joints in town. I enjoy the morning when I stop in because I almost always find another native New Yorker and the coffee immediately perks me up. Joe could not stop raving about the pumpkin coffee and pumpkin bread that he had that morning, too. For more, please see: thelvthymes.blogspot.com read more

They know their coffee at this comfortable family-run shop. Why, just this morning a guy was in line behind me and he said, "Where is Sumatra anyway? Is it like near Indonesia or what?" And Joan nicely said, "Yes, it's in Indonesia." The guy said, "Cool. I thought so." See? They know their stuff. Seriously though, everything here is delish. Love the modest selection of fresh baked goods. Sweetener options include Sugar-in-the-Raw and simple syrup (if you want your sugar to be dissolved in iced drinks.) I must have good sugar. All the coffees I've tried are really good, but my favorite afternoon treat is their Black & White Latte. With funky coffeeshop colors on the walls, a big sparkly chandelier, a small but comfortable seating area, great music and a friendly professional staff, this is perfect for a quick respite or intimate "I'll meet you for coffee!" meetings. read more

We usually bring coffee along with us when we have to visit my family, either from the West Coast or from a really great coffee truck in Philly. But this trip we didn't have time, so we decided to try Wise Bean based on its glowing reviews. Pros: We tried the New Street Blend. The coffee is reasonably priced, and it's a solid blend. The barista was friendly, and it tasted like the iced coffee was cold-brewed, not drip brewed and cooled down like most places. The beans are oily and fresh, and made great cups both with the French Press and our little travel Melitta pour over. Cons: While the blend is good, it could be better balanced, and I was a little disappointed that the coffee isn't roasted in house. We asked the barista where the coffee is roasted and she told us the owners keep it a secret. Coming from a place where artisan roasting is all the rage and a coffee shop is largely judged by the roaster who supplies its beans, this seems really silly. That said, this is the best coffee I've had in the Lehigh Valley in terms of beans to buy and brew at home. I would love to try it in my Chemex at home, because I think it would take some more of the acidity out of the darker beans in the roast. read more

I am an avid coffee drinker and have lived in Bethlehem for 6 years now and The Wise Bean is my favorite place to go. Not only for coffee but for the people. I am very passionate about supporting local business, farms and mom and pop shops and The Wise bean is on the top of my list. Their coffee is great and their passion for their business and how they serve it up is even better. They keep soy milk and almond milk in stock because of customer requests and recently added smoothies which are awesome and dairy free! I am pretty plain when it comes to my coffee being served, I like good, strong, coffee. My boyfriend however is a fan of the lattes and during the autumn months the Barista made me a tasty-custom pumpkin spice espresso shot drink. I will admit having frequented The Bean I have become a regular but it is only because of how pleasant my experience has always been there. It is quaint and perfect. There is a tiny bar with some stools you can sit at if you are a computer/ coffee shop goer and a nice little sitting area with a couch and some chairs where I have gotten the chance to meet many awesome people, travelers passing through, regulars and first timers. It is everything that is great about a little city like Bethlehem, good music, good conversation, good people, and good coffee. read more

Adorable little coffee shop! I purchased a house down the street, and before my goods (read: coffee machine!) had arrived on the moving truck, I found myself here every morning. The shop is cute, with ample seating for its space - I haven't ever stayed longer than it took to get a coffee or latte, but I notice people lounging around all of the time. And the owners / employees DO seem to know many people by name. The coffee is delicious - I'm no connoisseur, but I know what I like, and I like their coffee (and lattes... and espresso...). They also have DELICIOUS pastries to go with it (this is unconfirmed, but I have a very strong hunch that some or all of their pastries come from the Granola Factory down the street --- there can't be THAT many shops in the Bethlehem that just happen to be selling lemon lavender pound cake or mango apricot pastries on the same day). I just love that this small business is (potentially) supporting another local small business, and so I feel like I'm doing two good deeds at once by going here. And if not, well, it's still delicious! read more

3.5 stars. Before heading home, I needed an afternoon caffeine fix for the road. I found The Wise Bean on my app and walked down to the little shop near the center of town. First impression: if Bethlehem has any hipster element to the community, this is probably one of their home bases. I didn't care because I was there for the "Black & White," which didn't disappoint with plenty of flavor. With all of the typical coffeehouse requirements of today, including free WiFi, local baked goods and stylish and artistic decor, The Wise Bean was a good choice for a Winter day warm-up. read more

I am a huge coffee fan, I can drink my weight in it a day! I've tried alot of places chains and mom/pop and nothing comes close to the quality of bean at this place. I used to live upstairs from this establishment, then moved acrossed town and thought I wouldn't be by as often. I was wrong. There is no substitute for the cup of joe and friendly, genuine service at this phenomenal family run cafe. I am unable to start my day without a cup of their coffee in hand. I feel that they are fairly priced, with a passion for great quality coffee. I will say that this is not a place for those who like their coffee on the weak side....a robust cup is what you'll get! Also, the bagels are the best in town. What can I say? I love The Wise Bean!!!! read more

I was randomly in the area and checked Yelp for a good coffee place. We found the Wise Bean and fell in love. The place is so cute and the drinks were perfect. The service was great. The woman working poured my boyfriend a cup of coffee and then admitted to us that there were a few grounds in his cup (we didn't even notice) and she offered him a new cup and made it free of charge. We insisted on paying but I really appreciated the honesty and great customer service. read more

A cozy & family-run shop. Excellent latte and more. It's not cheap, but the quality is very good. You'll often find a tasty but small selection of muffins, pastries, etc. too. The folks that run it couldn't be any nicer. Plus, the walls are donned with posters of Dylan, Miles and the Ramones, and they often play really cool tunes. Definitely a friendly place where folks often feel comfortable lounging out for a while to enjoy the laid back feel. read more