Bagels & Beans has been around in the Netherlands for quite a few years, and successfully so, with a lot of branches throughout the country and occasionally winning the ‘coffee test’ of Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad. Recently I found out they also opened up a branch across the border, in the German city of Aachen. As I frequently visit the city due to its location just across the border and magnificent city centre, it was only a matter of time before I’d end up trying the first German Bagels & Beans.
On this warm and sunny spring day, the time was right to give it a go, and I ventured down south. After a stroll through the city’s sunny streets, I ended up on the street-side terrace. Although, as said, the weather was nice, two things bothered me about the terrace: for one it’s right next to a busy intersection and secondly the terrace was underneath a sun screen, which kept away the sun. I had no problem connecting to their wireless network, however. Even outside, connectivity was brilliant.
The cappuccino was good enough, although latte art-capable microfoam was lacking, resulting in separation of liquids and foam, thus making it hard to enjoy both, without using a spoon. Other than that, it tasted good, though, which to me still is priority number one. The espresso was good, although the crema a bit thin and it could have used a fuller body. A glass of water was provided right away and all in all Bagels & Beans made for a pleasurable experience.