Ben’s Cafe

As far as I can tell, this place is actually called Be Speciality own by barista Ben.
Great little café.
Seating– not much, can get really tight during morning break. There are some indoor seats and one out door area. Most people get their coffee to go. Don’t count on getting a seat unless you come early.
Coffee– roast their own stuff. Some single origin coffee. I tried to get them to do a pour over but they only offer Aeropress at the moment. Has all the other standard stuff.
Food– didn’t try.
Service– friendly, no complaints
My only complaint is no Wifi, and the amount of traffic they get. I guess it’s good for the business.

With my mum on an NZ adventure when suddenly it starts to pour and I’m wearing white. Luckily Ben’s was right next door so we decides to take cover. We’ve been on a flat white kick in NZ and found Ben’s to be excellent. I would recommend them highly on the CBD

I popped in here to grab a coffee while I waited to meet a friend. They have a pretty decent selection of food available, and I didn’t get a breakfast but it did look pretty decent.
The seating is a bit cafeteria like and the lighting is a bit too clinical, but that’s really all I’d say about it.
They had decent music on, pulled a decent cup of coffee and are in a pretty good location.
I will say there’s heaps of space in there, so if you were meeting a big group I recon they could accommodate you.

Welllll I’d hate to be the bearer of bad news but wifi is a make or break characteristic for a coffee shop. Ben unfortunately does not have it…
In addition the seating is a bit cramped
and the music is a little too loud to be able to read a book for a half hour. The coffee on the other hand was the one shining positive to Ben’s café experience. Def. a nice strong blend.
I had a nice time but won’t be back considering so many coffee shops in the area have more space, wifi, and just as good coffee.
Sorry Ben!

Let’s put it out there: I’m a coffee snob. I am your typical annoying Aucklander who goes on and ON about the state of coffee. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good frapp from Starbucks, but that isn’t coffee.
The thing that I love about Ben is that I can absolutely 100% rely that the coffee I will drink (every morning) will be amazing. It’s the right temperature, it’s never burnt, and it’s SO fast! Honestly, I don’t know how they do it — I used to work in a café many years ago, and I’m sure I could never get a coffee out that fast.
The food is also delicious — I don’t think it’s all made on premises, but then again, I’d have absolutely no idea. I highly recommend the pies (but if you’re getting takeaway, make sure you ask for the relish), the fruit loaf, the feta and spinach scones (heated with butter of course), and that chocolate slice… One word: decadent.
Tip: It’s always busy around 9am with those of us that get to work and then quickly go out for coffee; but remember that they’re super fast. You just might not be able to get an inside table.

One of the most down to earth places to have coffee, expect nutty and earthy flavours from the range of beans offered. Also a good selection of teas. Not much to choose from in terms of food but the coffee is what you come for!

Can’t believe I am the first person to review Ben. Ben is one of the best places in the CBD to have coffee. Barista Empire is the micro roaster for Ben and also Little b which is the other espresso bar owned by Barista Empire. Ben’s focus is coffee and this tiny little espresso bar offers a nice warm environment to really enjoy it. If available seat yourself in their leather sofa area by the window and watch the suits walk by while you enjoy your caffeine fix. There are a few tables outside too which are nice on a sunny day.
Ben is very popular with people who work in the area and early morning and lunch time there is a steady flow of people in and out of Ben. There is cabinet food, they make some nice salads and there a small range of pastries and cakes but no kitchen menu. If it is great coffee you are after, pay a visit to Ben on Fort Street.