Smokey’s Bean

I can’t review the food or coffee because the staff put us off before we could order. We found Smokey’s because it was the starting point for the walking tour of Old Louisville we signed up to take. At the time, I commented to my wife that it was a smart idea for the establishment to open itself as a meeting place and endpoint so that tour participants could get refreshments before or after their activities. As it was, we already had coffee from our hotel, but at the end of our tour, thought we’d look over the lunch offerings. So, while my wife found us a spot to sit — she took the couch near the entrance — I walked up to the counter to see what looked good. I believe there was a hummus sandwich that caught my eye, but before I reported back to my wife, I start to move toward the washroom. I was quickly intercepted by an over zealous staff member, probably the manager, who asked if she could help. At the time, I didn’t realize she didn’t want me in her shop, so I just said «Oh, I’m heading to the bathroom.» She replied, «Did you buy anything?» I said, «Well, no, we just finished the walking tour and…» At that point she scowled, began shaking her head no, and waved her hands in a way that indicated that I was not allowed to proceed. Taken aback, I said, «Okay, then I guess we’ll go without ordering lunch.» Her demeanor did not change. The message was clear that we were not wanted. Now, there were a number of rough characters in the neighborhood, so I can understand wanting to limit facilities to customers. However, my wife and I were part of a paid tour that advertised as meeting at Smokey’s. In addition, we are visitors from Chicago, decently dressed, professional, and have more than enough means to buy anything we want from Smokey’s. Not sure why Smokey’s owner /​manager does not want new customers. Bad service and really bad business sense.

A bit of an odd setup, but it works to hang out for a bit to kill time waiting for a flight.

I’m a creature of habit so it was hard to break out of my routine to try a new spot even though this one is so convenient. I’m so glad I did because after my second visit this morning I am pleased to claim this little gem as my new go-​to for coffee & espresso. Great location, great service. The young man that helped me this morning was delightful. It’s nice to start the day w a happy person who seems happy to do their job. And if that happy person gives me a delicious Americano — even better. I like the space but haven’t spent any time there just hanging out. Overall, I’m glad to have a nice, convenient coffee shop in Old Louisville, with great coffee & reasonable prices.

Let me start out by saying, I am a coffee addict, and Louisville is a coffee lover’s paradise. And Smokey’s bean could be the crème de la crème of coffee shops in town. This place has it all, hemp milk lattes, cortados, etc., the baristas know how to make every specialty coffee drink in the book. Even if something is not on the menu they are happy to create whatever you fancy. The baristas are great conversationalists and the service here is fast and courteous. They are very conscious about using healthy ingredients and they even make their own caramel syrup which is unbelievably delicious!

LOVE this place! Great lattes, and they even started carrying organic milk because I asked for it so often! Family owned by a great family, and often has fresh made soups and sandwiches! I am SO happy there’s an awesome local coffee shop in the neighborhood.

A huge improvement from the initial opening. The new location has shed some of the odd décor and no longer looks like somebody’s grandma decorated it. No more hookah or other nonsense.
Decent coffee and reasonable prices. SInce they opened they now have food but I have yet to try it out. Overall a big win for old louisville.

I have been waiting patiently for a nice little coffee shop to pop up in my neck of the woods since moving to Old Louisville last fall. The day has finally come! Yay!
Smokey’s Bean, which used to be on 1^st Street closer to U of L’s campus, just re-​opened over at 4^th and Oak. :)
I have walked past several times with my pooch (who is more than welcome to come in with me) and not had my wallet on me. Finally today posed the perfect opportunity to pop in for a coffee and a snack.
I ordered the boldest option I saw on the menu as far as caffeine content goes… an iced coffee stacked with 2 shots of espresso! Yes, please! I was also pleased to see they offer freshly made sandwiches, bagels, chips and a menagerie of sweet treats. I went with a white bean hummus and roasted veggie wrap! I made it a quick and easy lunch by adding a bag of chips and a homemade chocolate chip cookie. They had a lunch special that allowed you to add a coffee drink for $ 2 more. What a bargain!
I am really glad to have this little spot so close to my home and work commute. The baristas are super friendly and I love that you can bring your dogs in with you.
Hurry up and go check out Old Louisville’s new coffee shop. You may even get to meet Smokey himself! :)