Cool Beanz Coffee - Rock Island, Illinois

Joe K.

I remember the space Cool Beanz occupied at the top of the hill going up 30th street. They had a fireplace, a mix of comfy chairs and tables, and board games! I remember coming there with friends to catch any manner of live music. When I moved back to the area a few years ago, I remember being almost crestfallen that they appeared to be closed.

Finding out Cool Beanz had reopened next to Bent River in Rock Island was, of course, a delightful discovery. I thus decided to visit on a day off work after the New Year.

The new space is a little cozier than I remember their last one. It definitely retains many of the features of the shop on 30th - there's a fireplace in one of the corners, plenty of tables and chairs, and a collection of board games in another corner. The overall decoration and trappings of this shop make it just a little darker and more intimate than the former, however. The two largest walls in the space are a mix of red masonry brick and white painted concrete blocks with small accent lights spaced throughout. Blending well with the red brick is the concrete slab floor, which has been painted a dark red and partially covered with several large area rugs. Though some of the ceiling is exposed with conduit and cable running to lighting, outlets, and other terminations, the center also has a black drop ceiling suspended, which covers most of the HVAC ductwork and also provides additional ceiling fans and additional incandescent lighting in a modern looking centerpiece. The whole of the decoration and design combine to result in a cozy, yet eclectic atmosphere.

The only thing that detracted from the atmosphere, and at that only slightly, was the choice of music during the visit. The entirety of the time I was in the space, Cool Beanz had an 80s/90s/00s mix of pop music playing. On the whole, this was fine - it's not offensive in its content and it was played at a noise level that was condusive to quiet conversation or individual study/work. I also fully acknowledge I don't know what Cool Beanz is playing most of the time for music. I guess this paragraph is more about me and my preferences than it is a out Cool Beanz...I prefer a mix of light classical, Indie pop/rock, or something more eclectic with my hot beverages. But it was quiet and not overwhelming during my visit, and as such I can't really complain.

I opted on this trip for what is a common choice for other visits to coffee shops - a tea and a pastry. Specifically, I got a jasmine green tea and a chocolate chip cookie. The tea, while definitely green tea, lacked what I would expect from a jasmine green - smooth, slightly sweet, and a little floral. A solid green tea it was, nonetheless. I was far happier with the cookie. It was dense, almost more biscuit-like in texture and crumbly than soft and cakey. I definitely prefer this crumblier, denser style pastry when I'm having a hot tea.

I'm definitely happy that Cool Beanz is open and thriving again in Rock Island. I look forward to returning to sit by the fireplace again with a tea in the future. See you next time!

Via Y.

This place is so cute and cozy! My oatmeal was delicious; it comes with your choice of three toppings. My Fireside Spice latte was enjoyed by the fire and it was lovely. I got it half sweet which was perfect for me, but if you prefer your lattes sweet I don’t get the impression that even the full sweet latte would be saccharine.

Nicole H.

First time getting coffee here and the barista at the drive thru location was absolutely amazing! Food, drinks, and conversation were all equally exceptional!

Landen L.

Very nice small coffee place with AMAZING breakfast burritos. I would recommend coming here just for the burrito to be honest.

I'm not a big coffee guy but I still enjoyed their drinks. They also slap some latte art on top of the foam.

(Also you get a whole burrito but I ate half of the one in the picture 😁)

Merriel

New location on 24th Street next to Bent River Brewing. Same great coffee and excellent new location. It's my new favorite place in Rock Island and my regular morning stop. Enjoyed their previous location, but this new place is just as good.

Katherine F.

There big breakfast burrito is my favorite...it's so cheesy and has bacon and beans with the Salsa sooo goood....

The L. F.

Definitely a new Life Flip favorite! Thank you to Katherine for crafting a custom delicious drink for me that’s dairy-free.

Oatmeal Cookie, sub chocolate for vanilla.

♥️ Delish!

Emilie L.

I used to enjoy coming to the cool beans cafe when it was in the former location near Augie, but since then I have never had a great experience getting coffee or food there. Today for example, I ordered online and it told me 25 min till ready - okay, totally fine. However, I wanted my latte extra hot since cafes never make em hot enough, but there is nowhere in the ordering app to put special notes. So, I try calling their number and it' doesn't work. Mailbox is not setup.. ok. So I figured I'll try and get there early and tell them in person. I get there and the window worker is talking to someone who has walked up to the window for a solid 5+ minutes. I wait till the person walks away and I drive up. Turns out, they didn't see my order. So, they have to start making it right then. I ask for my latte extra hot. Oh and they don't have Rockstar for the energy drink I ordered online, just Monster which my husband doesnt like but I accept it anyway. I wait and now I'm late to my appt. And my latte is the typical "warm enough" but not real hot and have to slam it to be able to enjoy while still warm. I've had similar not so great experiences with cool beans (including Milan loc) and with so many other cafe options, I don't think I'll be back. They need to improve to stay in business.