Cool Beans

Super convenient location, but sub-​par product.
A lot of people need to take Lakeway in order to get to the freeway from downtown or from a myriad of neighborhoods. Cool beans is located right on this route and as a result is very convenient and easy to hit up when heading out of town or heading to work. The gas station parking lot where it is located is fairly easy to navigate and there is rarely a line. They are fast and the staff is all very kind.
However, these positives do not outweigh the fact that Cool Beans as provided me with poor quality coffee 90% of the time I have been here. It has tasted burnt a huge number of times, more than any other coffee place I have ever been too. The coffee is either too strong or too weak. They have put in 1 shot when 2 were needed. They give either too little or way too much flavor when requested. To top it off, many mornings when I drive by to go to work the smell of horribly burnt coffee fills my car and makes me feel sick.
They roast their own coffee each day, but I suggest they do not. It results in a crazy inconsistent coffee experience and burnt beans which is a huge deterrent for me.
Overall, sure, if you are heading out of the downtown area there is no easier place to stop for coffee. But if you have the choice, I’d say avoid this coffee stand.

Love this coffee stand! All of their baristas are so sweet and fast. The coffee is great and roasted in house each morning. Prices are lower than just about every other stand in bellingham but that doesn’t mean their coffee lacks in quality.

I typically prefer my coffee from indoor-​café settings, but we didn’t have time for that on this particular drive, so I was grateful to find this coffee stand in a VERY convenient location, easy to get in and out from quickly. The barista was very kind despite the gloomy rain and I don’t think she could’ve filled our cups any fuller! And for the record, the latte was delicious. :)

Oh my f***. Consistently the best f***ing toddy I’ve ever had from any business. I’m a coffee addict and an espresso snob. If you enjoy toddy (iced *or* hot) get it at a Cool Beans stand. They also are a local company who exhibit ludicrous loyalty to their regulars and tend to hire super polite, friendly, respectful and patient staff. I’ve literally had dreams about Cool Beans’ toddy, occasionally I’ll catch the phantom of their toddy’s scent wafting on the wind on dreary mornings. I can’t blame a Bellinghamster for going someplace else for espresso but if you’re buying toddy from any establishment other than a Cool Beans stand you’re paying too much for it and you don’t know the texture and flavor notes on which you’re unfortunately missing out.

Maybe I’m crazy and I’m willing to accept that but… I find their policy on the drink special of the day insane and disappointing. I simply asked them to omit the flavor added in the latte and was told no, but I could pay full price (more) for the same thing with less. The logic of charging more for less eludes me. Is it that hard not to add a flavor, it’s not an assembly line. I won’t go back for a while and that’s just fine as there is a coffee stand just around the corner that is always cheaper with good coffee and accommodating customer service. I’m totally willing to change my review if my logic is proved faulty. Two stars because in previous experiences they have been accommodating to omitting sugar.

Not my favorite coffee stand, but I would definitely go here if I were in a rush. Most of the time the girls are pretty nice, but I have had not so good coffee. Burnt shots aren’t very yummy.

Try the toddy with cold beverages.

Love! Good tasting coffee and espresso drinks and the ladies are always super friendly.

I like this place on days when they have a discount such as Free Flavor. They also have a question of the day which, if you get it right, gets you 25 cents off your drink. They have a stamp card (buy 9 get the 10 free) and Tuesdays gets you double stamp.
So, this place can be a REALLY good deal on a great coffee.
However, if you can’t get the question right and there is no discount, the price is very close to Woods coffee, which I prefer the taste of anyways. So pay attention to the deal of the day if you want an inexpensive coffee!

I’m a fan of these guys. They roast their own beans right there in the building behind the barista, so you know your espresso always comes from a fresh roast.
Fair trade, organic and tasty. Not too sour, not too smokey, and no bitterness at all. The only thing missing is that dark chocolate flavor that comes from a truly perfect roast and shot; but they get it pretty close.
I always order a triple, 8oz Americano with cream. The temperature of my drink is occasionally too hot or too cold; but the staff is super nice and genuine and will make anything right if you ask.

My go-​to drive through coffee place in Bellingham. I always pick up a cup from Cool Beans when I’m on my way out of town. I pretty much only ever get drip or an Americano, which are both consistently tasty. Friendly staff, quick service, low prices – what more can you ask for?