The Savvy Bean, nestled at 218 E 4th St in Waterloo, IA, has quickly captured the hearts of coffee lovers. This charming local coffee shop offers an inviting ambiance that encourages patrons to linger, whether they're working, studying, or simply enjoying a moment of respite with a warm cup of coffee. Customers rave about the friendly service, with baristas who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant experience. The aesthetically pleasing menu features a thoughtful selection of beverages, including personalized drinks like the vibrant Ube latte and the expertly balanced Toffee Marshmallow specialty. Patrons find the prices refreshingly reasonable, especially compared to large chains, and appreciate the local touch provided by a young entrepreneur. The Savvy Bean doesn’t stop at coffee. It boasts a diverse menu that includes delicious rice bowls, like the Chipotle Avocado Bowl, and delightful breakfast options like the spicy jalapeño biscuit. Many reviews highlight the shop's commitment to accommodating various dietary needs, making it a go-to spot for everyone. The mixture of quality drinks, delightful food, and a cozy atmosphere makes The Savvy Bean a must-visit in Cedar Valley. It's more than just a coffee shop; it’s a community hub where locals can share in good food and warmth. Don't miss the chance to support this gem!
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves organic dishes
Sells prepared foods
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Popular with university students
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Photos
Reviews For The Savvy Bean
Sierra McFarlane
May 14,2025
Was my first time stopping in this morning and the barista was so helpful and kind! It's easy to get overwhelmed when you go to a new coffee place with all the crazy terms and flavors, but the menu was (extremely) aesthetically pleasing and easy to understand. The shop was very clean and the food and drink I got were awesome. There were a lot of choices in case you have dietary restrictions too. Between my sandwich, drink, and acai bowl, I thought my total would be a lot more - it ended up being less than when I get two specialty drinks at Starbucks...and here you are supporting locally owned business (by a 21 year old?!), not a huge corporation. Definitely give it a try! Ube latte- Instagram worthy and tastes great. Acai bowl- I got the #1- Strawberries, banana, kiwi, & coconut on top. I've honestly never tried acai but it was great and a refreshing choice for breakfast. I also got the breakfast sandwich on the jalapeno biscuit. The batista said it has a kick if you like spicy food. It definitely has a kick and tasted amazing. A great addition to the Cedar Valley, and dangerous being right by my work
Hailee Canfield
May 12,2025
My boyfriend and I tried this cute little place today!! Service was amazing. Employees were super sweet. Boyfriends coffee tasted amazing. He also said that his jalapeno, biscuit was really good. My infusion drink was phenomenal! Adorable little coffee shop! Had tables and couches for reading\working. We will definitely be going back!!
Samantha Lensing
May 11,2025
Lovely coffee and very friendly staff. Great place to cozy up to a cup of coffee on a rainy day. I tried the Toffee Marshmallow specialty drink and I was a bit hesitant to order it in fear of it being too sweet but I decided to give it a shot and I’m so glad I did! It was perfectly balanced and not a syrupy mess like you might get from the coffee chains in our area! I will definitely be returning here to try out some of the other specialty drinks on the menu
Hanna Jackson (Hanna jackson)
Mar 25,2025
Staff was nice thank us for coming in.I got an iced vanilla latte the best one I have had in a while. Perfect study spot for early morning/mid day. 10/10
Nicole Bolthouse
Mar 2,2025
Lovely time! The place was busy, but service was timely and staff were very friendly! Flights available Sunday ONLY!
Makenzie Hansen
Feb 26,2025
A great addition to downtown Waterloo! They have great drinks & quite a few fun flavors! I tried both the chocolate chip cookie dough and red velvet cheesecake iced and they were both delicious, red velvet cheesecake is definitely my favorite though! Their acai bowls are also very tasty, I’ve had the #3 twice now and it’s so good! The owner & staff are very friendly and welcoming! Definitely worth the try!
Katelyn Laird
Feb 25,2025
I the savvy bean!! Not only was the staff very friendly, the offered great recommendations for first time visitors. My coffee tasted excellent! Will definitely be coming back
Erica Mast
Feb 17,2025
I haven’t got the chance to stop in yet but I’ve ordered off DoorDash & it’s always been delicious. My go to is the #1 acai bowl & a Carmel macchiato. Fruit is fresh and bowls are always put together with care. Coffee is my new favorite in town. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should :)
Reviews For The Savvy Bean