Customers Testimonials
We love our customers, thank you!
With so many positive responses coming in from Google, Yelp and Social Media we can only display a limited amount on our website… why don’t you join us at Kool Beanz for a meal and let us know what you think! Go to our Google Link, Yelp Page, or Facebook to comment about your experience.
Kool Beanz is very eclectic; the walls are a colorful backdrop for local artists to hang their work. It’s almost always crowded, and people always seem to be having a great time. They have a small but serviceable wine list that is printed as a label on an empty wine bottle, and their beer selections are listed the same way on an an empty beer bottle. The menu changes daily to take advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients. If you want to watch your food being made, you can take a seat at the small bar right next to the kitchen. Sometimes, the restaurant is so crowded, sitting at the bar might be your only option. The restaurant is small, so come prepared to wait a while if you visit during high-traffic time periods. I dropped in at 1:00pm on a Friday afternoon, and I didn’t have to wait at all for a table.
I started off with a salad with heirloom tomatoes, eggs, and a lemon-feta vinaigrette. The dressing was super tangy, and I loved the home-made croutons. My only complaint: I wish there were a few more heirloom tomatoes. Those that I did get were delicious, juicy, and ripe, but there were so few that they didn’t even begin to satisfy. My entrée was a panéed chicken breast with fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and a stewed tomato jam.
The combination of flavors was interesting; at first I thought the stewed tomato jam was a bit too sweet, but the more I ate, the more I liked it. In fact, everything on the plate tasted better smothered in the jam. I only wished that they had sprinkled the fried eggplant with a little salt when it came out of the pan.
For dessert, I had key lime pie with orange liquer marinated strawberries. It was a beautifully presented, individual tart. The filling was super smooth and creamy, and the strawberries were a nice accompaniment. Light and refreshing; a great way to end a great meal.
Final Impressions: Delicious food, and impeccable service in a casual atmosphere. Oh yeah, and spring the extra dollar for the bread and butter basket. It’s addictive. I wouldn’t go to Kool Beanz Cafe for a romantic date night only because it’s small, crowded, and can get a bit loud. But, if you’re hanging out with a few friends and looking for good food and a good time, it’s a great place to go.
Kool Beanz is just the best. From brunch to dessert there is absolutely something to enjoy here. While the menu changes, there are some recurring favorites like the steak and mashed potatoes (or onion rings at lunch) and the mojo chicken- both are always delicious. Don’t let the right bar scare you, it’s a super fun spot to sit and watch the crew work in the open kitchen!
Kool Beanz is def a Tallahassee fave. If you’re looking for nice food and a laid back atmosphere you found it. The menu changes daily but is always great. Save room for dessert because, you don’t want to miss their tasty sweets!
This place is one of the best restaurants in Tallahassee. I have been here on several occasions for lunch and dinner and have never had a bad meal. I love how the menu changes according to what’s fresh and in season. All of the side dishes are amazing as well.
Gourmet food without the pretentious attitude! Expensive, but worth it for special occasions or when you just want some actual fine dining in Tallahassee. The atmosphere is pretty casual. For dinner, make sure you get there early and put your name on the list, because this little restaurant is in high demand.
Since the menu changes daily, it is possible to return every day and manage to find something that sounds so good you just can’t resist. The food is a fusion of world influences that is often skewed towards Southern cuisine meets Caribbean, and although some of the ingredients may appear low-brow, the spectacular presentation proves there is nothing backwater about it. Examples from lunch include a linguini with crawdads, tasso ham, mushrooms, in a roasted garlic cream sauce with asiago cheese, and a jerk spiced chicken skewer with tropical fruit salsa, maduros, black bean sauce, and coconut rice.
As for dinner, trust me when I say the appetizer portion of the browned gnocchi with applewood bacon, caramelized onions,snd spinach, with sherried gorgonzola cream is sufficient on its own. However, choices like the lime-basil chicken with a veggie stir fry in Thai curry with peanuts, frizzled leeks, and shiitakes on a ginger risotto cake are hard to pass up. Other entrees include sesame crusted salmon in an orange-almond-hoisin sauce with asparagus, shiitakes,and sweet potato fries, and a Indian spiced shrimp with cashew “methi malai”, onion chutney, lentils n’ rice, and flat bread.
As interesting as each choice sounds, they taste even better, with every fish being tender and fresh, and the pasta served perfectly al dente. If at all possible, save room for dessert since these too are a far cry from your average key lime pie and chocolate cake selection. The last lunch I enjoyed almond lacy cookies with peach and white miso ice cream. Sweet and yummy juxtaposition in one generous portion, it was a phenomenal finish!
I’ve always had good service, and really enjoyed my experience. Definitely kreative and kool, I look forward to returning with regularity whenever I’m in town!
While visiting FSU this week we ate here two nights in a row. This place serves up some fantastic food. It has a cool vibe with some hipster chefs and a laid back attitude. Service is friendly and efficient and wine by the glass and beer are priced quite reasonable.
The food:
Over the two nights tried six different appetizers/salads. Everything is fresh and served with a creative flair. I understand the menu changes regularly but some of my favorites included the falafel, the pan browned gnocchi and the clams. Entrees were excellent highlighted by a mussel/scallops dish which was amazing, a great sliced duck and risotto and the seared tuna. Entree sizes are large and are good for sharing.
The best part! Desserts are off the charts. The coconut creme meringue cake was a repeat both nights. Not too sweet with incredible flavor and texture. And one piece is massive. Also tried a brownie and ice cream dish that was very good but the coconut cake was the star. Eat inside and watch the chefs work their magic or eat at the counter and watch up close. This place was the highlight of our trip.
I am giving them a 5 because the price quality service is great. This is like an LA mashup menu – everything is fresh and the flavor combinations are clever without being cute.
The menu changes often, too. This is my “first night” every time biz takes me to Tallahassee.
Trust me, this is good food. I’m not going to write a long review, because 1) they change the menu regularly, and 2) you’ll either take my word for it or not, because 3) long foodie reviews are about the writer, not the food. This place has great food. Looking forward to dinner up at the bar makes the 5 hour drive to Tallahassee one of anticipation.
This tops my favorite restaurants in Tallahassee. Why not 5-stars? Cos Kool Beanz is still not fantastic when compared to food outside Tallahassee. Anyway, you have got to give this place a try if you are in Tallahassee! Where else can u eat anyway? This is one of the best!
Really kicking myself for taking so long before trying this place out. The price is good, the food is creative and tastes really delicious!
We had such a hard time choosing our food both times we were there cos everything sounded delicious! They change their menus daily so u can be a regular and still be surprised which is what I like. I like my food journey to be varied, creative and surprising.
I am not going to make any recommendations since the menu changes so GO! You’ll have yummy food!
Kool Beanz Cafe was recommended to us by the locals, and I must say, it did not disappoint. I love that the chef inspired menu changes daily, and that the staff is more than willing to accommodate any substitutions. I highly recommend the crab cakes with the jalapeño tartar sauce. Amazing!
Talk about understated! The first thing you notice when arriving is the really small sign in front to a building that looks nothing like a first class restaurant.
The menu, which changes regularly, is eclectic – appetizers like fried bayou gator, panko fried calamari, tandoori spiced lamb patties and others too numerous to list.
Dinners like Coffee rubbed pork chop, Buttermilk-tabasco chicken and Mojo chicken are just part of an amazing selection.
Come prepared for a great meal and a bit of a wait (or so I’m told – we didn’t wait at all). Definitely worth a try when you are in Tallahassee.
Kool Beanz is just the best. From brunch to dessert there is absolutely something to enjoy here. While the menu changes, there are some recurring favorites like the steak and mashed potatoes (or onion rings at lunch) and the mojo chicken- both are always delicious. Don’t let the bar scare you, it’s a super fun spot to sit and watch the crew work in the open kitchen!
This highly talked about joint had been one of my bookmarks for awhile, and talked up by many folks in the area, so our expectations were pretty darn high going in.
We arrived just in time (probably around 6 pm on a Tuesday) so there wasn’t a wait just yet, but the place was packed by the time we left.
The place is decorated by art for sale, whimsical pieces that I couldn’t help but get out of my seat and check out. There is one particular painting of a dog in the hallway to the bathroom that I’m crossing my fingers will still be there by our next visit.
I don’t give a lot of 5 star ratings. One of the best meals I have had in recent memory has certainly earned that rating for Kool Beanz Cafe.
The menu (which I understand changes regularly) was fascinating, with a amazing choice of seafood, chicken, pasta, lamb and beef. I asked the server for recommendations, and I wasn’t disappointed. I started with a browned gnocchi for an appetizer, and it was wonderful. My entree was a duck breast with Brussels sprouts, sweet potato and black eyed peas. Very rustic, very hearty. The flavors blended and complimented one another perfectly. My server recommended a good cabernet, and it was an excellent match.
I honestly cannot say I have had a better meal in years.
The place was fairly crowded, even on a Monday night. Nevertheless, I was seated with almost no wait, even as a single, and the service speed was fine.
The decor is young person hipster, and it fits perfectly. I was surprised at the prices; for this quality of food, I would have expected higher prices.
My only regret is that I do not travel to Tallahassee on business more often. I will go back to the Kool Beanz Cafe the first chance I get.
Comfy, homey and not a bit pretentious environment.
Our server, Austin, was beyond excellent! Super nice, made solid recommendations, and anticipated our drink needs before we did. I read through a few reviews about slow service, and while there was a tad bit of a wait between courses, I actually prefer it that way. I thought the timing was perfect.
Anyway, we started with the duck confit, with lemon truffle sauce and frizzled leeks. This was outstanding. Crispy duck skin (OMG so good), moist meat and that sauce?!!! Lemony-deliciousness and we (ok, mainly it was just me, cause it was so good I had an issue with sharing) sopped up the rest with my bread.
For my entree, I was having an issue deciding between a few things, and Austin recommended the blackened scallops. I’m always a little weary of ordering scallops, because so many places overcook, but these were perfection. Perfect blackened sear, and cut with your fork buttery tender. The Bearnaise sauce was good, but was just a bit of an interesting combination with the red beans and rice. (But, I prefer my beans and rice a bit spicy, and Austin brought us out some of their house-made hot sauce… and watch out folks… it brings the heat! YUM!) The fried okra came out in whole pieces (love) so you could pick it up and eat it like french fries. Perfect for dipping in that hot sauce. Excellent.
I had a bite of Adam’s mojo chicken… and had a little bit a entree envy. I had a shrimp (huge, succulent, delicious) and some sausage (amazing) and the black beans and rice, to die for! The entire dish had melted cheese all over, and, I never thought I’d say this in my entire life, but it was a tad too much cheese…. and took away from the meats in the dish. Still excellent though. I’d order it again with a request to go lighter on the cheese.
I wish we would have saved room for dessert, as the pics look killer, but we had plans on more of a liquid dessert (beer) on our agenda.
All in all, I’m in love with the place. Don’t let that missing star deter you…. I’m super excited to come back (again, and again, and again) to check out the ever changing menu and bask in the chill vibe.
And thank you Austin, for fantastic service!!
We had heard so many great things and read such great reviews, so when we were in Tallahassee with our two girls (ages 11 and 15) we decided to stop and have dinner at Kool Beans. Great decision! Our waiter was Jordan and was SO nice, helpful and attentive. The pulled pork appetizer was very good, although I would ask for a little less dijon mustard on it next time. Came with awesome corn cakes, though! Probably could be a little bigger – barely enough for the 4 of us and two were kids – but definitely very good and worth it overall. For entrees, hubby and I ordered the mojo chicken with shrimp, chorizo and rice + beans. The shrimp were HUGE and the chorizo was to die for! SO good- best one we’ve had and comparable to chorizo from Spain. The chicken chunks were a bit bland, I thought, but together with the rest, it all worked very well. Also, only order this plate if you are VERY hungry or share with someone. It really is enough for 2 people, especially if you order any appetizer. One daughter ordered the rosemary chicken, which was pretty good, but not great. Best part is they were very flexible with the sides and allowed substitutions because this place is not very kid friendly with their eclectic menu and gourmet-style sides, but we substituted mac n cheese and she was good to go. For our other daughter, we ordered the flank steak (medium well), which was very tender and tasty. Better than the rosemary chicken, I thought. She had it with mashed potatoes and delicious homemade onion rings. It was a winner! Overall a great experience and a memorable one. Only complaint would be the food smell you leave with. We were sitting near the kitchen and we all had a REALLY strong smell of food as we got in the car. Had to open the windows even! But there is outside seating, so that may be a better choice. But smelling like food was a small price to pay for the experience! Will definitely come back if in Tally again.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this is one of the best places to eat in Tallahassee. I’ve been here several times for lunch and dinner. I can say with confidence that I haven’t been let down yet. It’s a bit smaller than a lot of restaurants and because it’s so awesome, it tends to get incredibly busy with long waits in the evenings and on weekends.
On my most recent visit, a friend and I came in for lunch. My friend ordered the Mojo Spiced Chicken (which is a crowd favorite and always on the menu) while I ordered the Grilled Salmon. The Mojo Chicken is a sizable portion that has a look similar to jambalaya. Along with the chicken, it has shrimp, chorizo, black beans & rice and all covered with jalapeno jack cheese. My perfectly cooked grilled salmon came with well seasoned green beans alongside perfectly fried slices of eggplant and all of that with a liberal dollop of red pepper feta sauce.
I don’t normally order dessert because I don’t really have a sweet tooth, but ended up getting a slice of the Coconut Cream Layer Cake by recommendation of 2 different people that work there. I have to say… it was the best Coconut Cream Cake I’ve ever had. It was light, wasn’t too sweet, and didn’t have an overwhelming coconut flavor. PERFECTION.
The service was excellent (as it usually is) and the food here is truly art on a plate… which is appropriate as there is art from local artists all over the walls that can be purchased to support the local community. The artsy indoor decor, great patio dining area, and open kitchen makes this place great for any occasion. I can’t say enough about how Kool this place is.
I loved every single thing about this place! The decor is adorable with all the animal paintings, and the place is cozy. I was only a party of one, but I still had to wait about 20 minutes on a Thursday night… But that was fine because the hostess brought me a great glass of wine. After being seated, the server brought me delicious warm bread. I ordered the browned gnocchi, applewood bacon, caramelized onions and Gorgonzola cheese appetizer, which was phenomenal!! For my entree I got the sesame tuna, which was also amazing! I wished I had room for dessert, but I didn’t. If I lived in Tallahassee I would definitely go to Kool Beans all the time! I haven’t had a meal this good in many years!
The best meal I’ve ever had in Tallahassee. Also, my second favorite restaurant in Tallahassee. If you value fresh ingredients, novelty, and variety, then you’ll probably like Kool Beans. – Nick Byrd
AMAZING crispy chicken and peanut stew! Wonderful, complex flavors! What a terrific menu! Very impressed. – Robb Fessler
Great food! Their food is sourced locally so the menu changes often. Went with a group of four, and everything that we had was absolutely fantastic. – Wade Kissam
Love Kool Beanz. Consistently great food, I’m a regular and each meal is awesome, unique and fresh. Make plans to get anywhere in midtown early, and don’t be in a rush – it will ruin any experience anywhere, Love that I can walk across the street – my customers love it! Take your time and savor everything here. Great portions, great wine and craft beer. You’ll love it. – Debbie Kirkland
Went to Kool Beanz for the first time and I was very happy. The place is a bit pricey, but the food was fantastic! The flank steak was cooked perfectly, the portions were large, the service was good, and the decor was colorful and fun. My husband had the lamb and it was also delicious! I would definitely eat at this place again. – Tarha Selvidge
Excellent and diverse menu with a great number of options that are both healthy and very creative. A great stop in July at the beginning of the book tour! – Loren Weisman
Best fish in Tallahassee – Allison Murray
It looks so unassuming from the outside, but the food is fantastic. I went with a party of 8 and all tried each other’s dishes and everything was wonderful. – Kelly Burton
Swordfish prepared perfectly! Okra an avid Okra-hater can love! Come on… Recognize the skills and don’t hesitate to darken the door of this Grade-A establishment! – David Brewer
The linguini is awesome! We can’t wait to try other things from this place. The atmosphere is always loud but more fun. I like how nice the staff is. Me and my friends are definitely going back for more. – Carole Arrow
The food here is always good, with interesting combinations. Atmosphere is loud, but fun. We often get a few appetizers instead of entrees just because it is interesting to try more things. – Cathy Kendall
I stopped by for lunch while in town for a conference. I went on the recommendation of a friend and my friend was right to recommend it. The menu is amazing – it’s a selection of unique dishes that you’re very unlikely to find anywhere else. All of the options sounded great, making it hard to decide what I wanted. I went with a breaded chicken dish on a bed of fried yucca and refried beans with a zesty avocado sauce. It was delectable and the serving was huge. The person I was with also really liked her entree. I’d go back in a heartbeat just to try some of the other fun stuff on the menu.
Oh, and the interior is very cool. It’s tastefully decorated and you can watch the cooks make your food as the kitchen is pretty much open and right next to where you’re eating. We showed up at 11:00 am on a Thursday and by 11:30 it was completely full. If busyness is an indicator of quality, I’d suggest this place is top notch.
I strongly recommend it! – Ryan Cragun