Hello dear
Welcome To The Lean Bean
At The Lean Bean, health meets flavor in a vibrant drive-thru setting located in Santee, CA. Specializing in acai bowls and a variety of hearty, nutritious dishes, this charming eatery has quickly become a local favorite. Customers rave about the fresh ingredients and friendly service, making each visit an enjoyable experience. The menu also features an inviting selection of coffees and teas, perfect for a morning boost or afternoon pick-me-up. With outdoor seating and a pet-friendly atmosphere, The Lean Bean is not just a meal destination but a community hub. Come discover why everyone’s raving about this delightful spot!
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
Fresh Brewed Coffee
Black Forest Latte
Pitaya
Fresh Fruit
Veggie
Acai Bowl
Peanut Butter Acai Bowl
Pitaya Bowl
Pb Frost
About
The Lean Bean
Welcome to The Lean Bean, a delightful gem nestled in Santee, California. Located at 9181 Mission Gorge Rd, this drive-thru haven is dedicated to serving up delicious, health-conscious dishes and specialty drinks that keep patrons coming back for more. Whether you're a speedy breakfast seeker or a lunch enthusiast, The Lean Bean offers a delightful array of options to indulge your cravings.
The menu shines with an assortment of blended drinks, from the dreamy Java Frost to the refreshing Fresh Fruit and invigorating Veggie choices. For those with a penchant for something richer, the Mocha Frost and Pb Frost are absolute must-tries. To round out your experience, don’t skip the enticing Chai – a perfect fit for cozy mornings or afternoons.
- Highlight on Acai Bowls: The reviews sing praises for their acai bowls, with Vanessa N. proclaiming hers to be “soooo good!” It’s clear that these bowls are crafted with care, striking the perfect balance of fresh flavors and vibrant colors.
- Community and Service: Regulars like Talmadge W. appreciate the warm, friendly service that greets them upon each visit. It's a comforting experience to be recognized and welcomed with a smile, making every trip feel special.
- Affordability & Variety: Nathalie H. highlights the affordability of The Lean Bean's offerings. It’s refreshing to find a place that allows you to indulge without feeling overcharged, and the variety means every visit can be a new adventure.
- Healthy Addictions: Gwyn C. touched upon the addictive nature of their protein bowls, a sentiment echoed by many. These bowls not only provide a good dose of nutrients but also leave you wanting more.
- Busy Yet Rewarding: Eleana S. notes that while service can slow down during peak hours, the delicious food makes it all worthwhile. This speaks to the popularity of The Lean Bean, illustrating its status as a go-to destination for health-conscious eaters.
As you pull up to The Lean Bean's drive-thru, you can expect a quick yet delightful encounter with a smile, refreshing food, and plenty of options to savor. It's a spot where the community vibe meets deliciousness, and each dish is a testament to the passion for healthy eating. Come discover why so many are enamored with this charming cafe—your taste buds will thank you!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ My acai bowl was soooo good! Quick and easy service from the ladies working. Will definitely return! ”
“ Been going here for years. Always greeted wjth a smile and the açaí bowls are the best in southern CA. Our pups love the treats too! ”
“ Very cute drive up coffee and bowl location. Greeted with a big smile by a friendly person despite being 1/2 hour before closing. Really enjoyed my protein bowl - see where it can be addictive! Will try another coffee option next time as this one wasn't quite right for me. Overall enjoyed the experience and frankly just find them adorable. ”
“ I wish I had known about this place sooner! I got the pb açaí bowl and it was delicious! They have so many amazing coffee options that I can't wait to try and finally a place that doesn't completely gauge you. Totally affordable "splurge" ”
“ Morning boost with a colorful acai bowl, protein bowl, and a veggie shake! So refreshing and healthy. Just a heads-up: it's a drive-thru spot, and it can get pretty busy during breakfast or lunch. Would be great if they had an extra person to help with orders during peak times, it took a while for us, but the food was worth the wait. ”
“ The Lean Bean off Mission Gorge holds a special place in my heart. It's more than just a coffee shop--it's a cozy little sanctuary where the baristas greet you with a warm smile, remembering your name and your usual order. The coffee is consistently fantastic, made with care, but it's the welcoming atmosphere that truly sets it apart. Whether you're grabbing a quick pick-me-up or sitting down to enjoy a quiet moment, you feel like part of the family. Their smoothies and snacks are always fresh and delicious, adding that perfect touch to your day. The Lean Bean has a way of making you feel at home, and that's something you just can't find everywhere. ”
“ You guys don't understand how gutted I am that there isn't a reason for me to drive and stop by this place to get my fix because Santee is now out of the way for me and not a part of my work commute. I looooove this place. LOL this was the highlight to my day for the time I was able to drive and get my coffee fix first thing in the morning before I started my day for work and it does get quite busy over here! The Lean Bean is a small little spot, in the corner of a parking lot, with two entrances/exits depending which way you're coming from and the efficiency is UNMATCHED. I kid you not, sometimes its only one of the girls working, sometimes there's only two - and even then, with three cars waiting on either side, I am never here more than 30 minutes. EVER. Other corporate coffee spots take a whole hour sometimes and there is an entire crew in a huge brick-and-mortar! But that's why this place kept getting my repeat business. The girls are all so, so, so kind and are quick to give options or throw out their suggestions or help you decide because as extensive as the menu already is, they can make more and they can make something even better. I used to love coming to this spot too because the owner would make these DELICIOUS limited time monthly menu specials for drinks and I would literally get a new one each time and if there was ever one from the previous month that I couldn't get my mind off, she wouldn't hesitate to just make it again! They also have delectable acai bowls that were literally perfect - texture wise, portion wise, and adding peanut butter always made them extra good. They offer protein bowls that I quite literally got obsessed with, that I needed to just start making them at home because I would violently crave one every day. But it was a bowl with hard boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, Everything Bagel seasoning, sriracha, balsamic, and freaking feta cheese. It was simple, but it is everything. LOL I feel like there was extra magic in there because making it at home with the exact same ingredients just never hit the same. This place may look unassuming at first, but I'm telling you - if you see it, and its packed, there is absolutely a reason. Its sooo good, and I can't wait til I have a reason to come back. ”
“ I will come here every day that I am in town for their açaí bowls. Still exceptional service and prices. ”
