Briar & Bean

Came here with my pal Joel to work on a rainy day. We brought some lunch in and were going to order some coffee, but the manager immediately ordered us to eat our lunch outside. In the rain. We obliged and came back in to work on our computers… but then the wifi didn’t work. Except it had been working when we came in. We were the only patrons there. We asked the manager to check the router, but he refused, saying the wifi was fine. He was a complete jerk to us, so we folded up our computers, never to return again. Avoid this place at all costs… there are plenty of other good coffee places in Evansville.

A hipster’s home. Coffee and snazzy café on one side, cloves, pipe tobacco and cigars on the other side.
The staff is always kind and helpful. The coffee was always decent. Always people hanging out inside and out– despite the awkward location.

I was a bit put off when I drove up and saw that «briar» referred to a smoke shop. The entry way had a smoky odor and through the window I could see the smoke blurred outlines of some guys lounging in a circle of easy chairs, feet up on a central table, puffing away. I almost retreated, but then noticed that there was a separate door into the coffee shop half of the building. After entering there was only a slight hint of the smell of stale smoke.
I suppose I should be kinder to smokers, but I currently live near Seattle where, by law, smokers must huddle in the rain 20 ft from restaurant doors to pitifully suck on their cigarette.
Coffee was good, owner very nice and, while I didn’t stay, there were comfortable chairs and a big couch where a couple was doing a little discreet canoodling. Overall a pleasant atmosphere, though seemed a little dark to me, better for talk, backlighted book readers or, of course, canoodling.
Mugs and other name items on sale.
Corner location off of a busy throughfare, but an easy turn from the main street and plenty of parking.

This is my «go to» coffee house when I am back home in Indiana.
The quality and taste of their espresso is superior to «SB» down the street. I usually stick with the espresso, but once in awhile I do taste the coffee of the day… and I have to say, the Jamaican Me Crazy blend is outstanding.
They have a huge variety of whole beans for sale… most are in the $ 12−15/pound range, but also carry a Hawaiin Kona bean that sells for a premium price.
Those of us that have discovered Briar and Bean have become loyal customers and the staff is super friendly.
P. S. I am not a smoker, but there is a «smoke shop/​lounge» right next door that is run as a seperate busisness.
P. S.S. Want your coffee on the go, they do have a drive-​thru window.