Cool Beanz- Rock Island

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!

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.

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

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 😁)

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.

One of my favorite cafes to sit down in. Like the live music when I can make it.

I have actually been there twice. Both times the staff was attentive, friendly and accommodating. The environment was inviting and not too loud or chaotic.Yesterday I was there for the second time. I was having a rough morning. The staff without knowing were cheerful and custom made my order. It was delicious. They checked up on me and genuinely cared that it was to my liking. One staff that had come in after I had ordered and was clearing some tables. I stopped her to tell her how much my visit made my day easier. She took a few minutes and sat down to talk with me. Now that's personal attention. I may have found a place here in this new to town...well actually I have. They care about what they do and the coffee and food is amazing!

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!

The new location of Cool Beanz suits this coffee shop much better than the last place. The atmosphere is way better where it is now. The staff here is always so friendly and they take the care to get to know their regulars too. My boyfriend absolutely loves this coffee shop and goes regularly, every time I tag along he's catching up with the baristas! The coffee itself has never disappointed and they always have a variety of tasty foods to choose from. Cool Beanz even makes energy brews now, fruity energy drink mixes that are sure to brighten your day! If you're unsure of what to get, my go to is The Quad Iced, but it's just as good hot! ☺☕💞

Free coffee this morning by your excellent crew. Would recommend this place 100%

This used to be a cool place for the college students but it seems like it's being closed most of the time and they have only drive-thru.

Excellent as always. The drinks are very well made and the food and pastries are delicious. The store inside looks dark and it's got a bunch of boxes everywhere it seems like they just moved even though it's been a while now since they've a new location. The staff is absolutely the best part about cool beanz.

OMG!!! THIS PLACE IS EVERYTHING! We were on a long road trip from Michigan to California and BY FAR this place had the BEST PEOPLE, BEST SERVICE and MOST AMAZING FOOD! I wish I lived closer, this would be my daily stop for coffee and a heavy dose of good vibes!!!!

We stoped and worked here for an hour and they were a DELIGHT! super sweet to our pup as well!! if I ever find myself in the area again you better believe you'll see me there again!

A very cozy establishment with generally top notch service and kindness. They offer light eats both for breakfast and lunch. The quality is great, but the expense matches. The coffee prices are very reasonable and they serve alcohol sparingly at this location as well. Seating is a bit sporadic so it can be difficult to find a cozy spot but the environment is very welcoming. During warmer months they offer a bit of outside seating, its a busier road but the option is still very nice.

The staff is always friendly and quick. I tried the drive thru for the first time today and it was easy and convenient! Tasty muffin and delicious latte. The online ordering is also easy to use. CB has made many changes lately to deal with pandemic procedures and it has only enhanced their customer service levels. Well done!

Best lattes I have ever had. The quality is consistent, the staff are beyond great. The owner is young and fresh and that's how the business is ran. Oh, and the cinnamon rolls will keep you coming in: warm, sweet and better than you can get anywhere else.

This place is pretty chill and awesome. Walked in the guy at the register talked very quietly and respectful. I loved the drink and the homemade honey protein bar that I got. Recommended!

Wonderful food and coffee. My absolute favorites from Cool Beanz are “The Quad” which is a sweet but not too sweet latte, and the grilled cheese which is by far the best grilled cheese i have EVER tasted, it’s a blend of crunchy and gooey and it comes with a side of very tasty kettle cooked chips, as well as a pickle. Overall, a very nice experience with wonderful atmosphere and is definitely worth the price!

It’s become quite a habit of mine to order a breakfast burrito in the mornings after my workouts! Great, kind customer service, top notch coffee, and a very reasonable wait time for some amazing, fresh food! It’s awesome having such an amazing locally-owned shop around the neighborhood!

May be biased because my in laws live just down the street, but we stop at Cool Beanz every time we visit the area. It's the best coffee shop around! It's got a cozy, hipster, welcoming feel, and they often feature great local live music. They have many refreshing drink selections including all of the coffee shop basics, and a selections of specialty espresso and tea drinks. They also have a full bar. Along with their drinks, I LOVE their fresh, homemade breakfast options! My favorites are their breakfast sandwich and breakfast burrito, which are both served with a cup of fresh fruit. I have never been here in the afternoon or for dinner, so I can't say how their other menu items are, but I'd imagine they would be delicious as well. Overall, Cool Beanz is a great place to grab a coffee with a friend, study with a fresh lunch, grab a drink and listen to music, and so much more. I highly recommend!