Clare’s Coffee Review- DeBeen Espresso

By: Clare Buchanan

DeBeen Espresso is a quaint, quirky coffee shop located next to Bailey Park. DeBeen is so quaint, I think you’d probably miss it if you drove by too fast. But what it lacks in exterior, it certainly makes up for in character inside.

DeBeen is a decent walk from Salem’s campus, about 2 miles there and back. I have gone ahead and scouted the quickest and safest trek to DeBeen in case the readers would like to go check out this spot for themselves. The journey starts on S Church Street. Walk down Church St. until you reach God’s Acre. Then, proceed down the cypress shaded pathway. Take a moment to take in the archways leading into the cemetery that have cryptically haunting verses on them. My personal favorite is, “Blessed Are The Dead Which Die In The Lord (Rev. 14:13).” Keep walking past the cemetery until Church St. picks up again at the WSSU flats. Then, take Church St. down, over I-421, past the Marriott hotel. Continue until you reach the intersection of Church St. and 3rd St. Then, turn right and head towards the train tracks. This is where it gets a little sketchy, but stay with me here. Follow the train tracks until 4th St. turns into Chestnut. Obviously, walk alongside the tracks and watch out for trains? I’m not sure if the train tracks are still operating, but still, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings. Lastly, walk down Chestnut until you reach 5th St. and then turn right once more. DeBeen Espresso is the third door down on 5th street!

Here’s my review of DeBeen Espresso:

DeBeen Espresso

• Walkability: 1.0 mile from campus. 26 minute walk. 32 minutes if you get distracted by the birds and trees like I do. 
• Order: Hot vanilla latte with 2% milk.
• Price: $4.92 (we’re nearing five dollars…) 4/5 squirrels
• Taste: The taste of this bean is hard to read. My first impression was that the latte was very sweet. I have no problem with sweet coffee, but I thought the sweetness of the vanilla was a little bit overpowering. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable and I can’t complain. I’m still looking for that bean that is going to wow me. 4/5 squirrels
• Ambiance: As soon as I walked in, I was taken aback by everything that was happening to me visually. DeBeen is definitely for the art-sy crowd, and I can respect that. I didn’t quite know what to do with the giant paintings of Yoda and Darth Vader on the walls, or the pond that seemed to be randomly and awkwardly placed in the middle of the cafe, but it seemed to fit their vibe. I think that DeBeen would blend in well on Alberta Street in Portland. I believe the hipsters would enjoy DeBeen’s overall vibe and find excitement in the vegan baked goods selection. However, I was at DeBeen to strictly assess the quality of the bean, so I didn’t try any of their vegan muffins, kombucha “on tap” (good lord…), or their gelato. In my opinion, it is clear that DeBeen has diversified their menu to the point of exhaustion. When I come to a coffee shop, I want to be able to take a seat, order a simple cup of coffee, enjoy some good intellectual conversation, and lock in for some much needed rejuvenation and reflection. Reflection was near impossible at DeBeen because there was a little bit too much going on- between the Yoda painting and the indoor pond and the gelato- I couldn’t focus on what truly mattered- the taste of the bean. One thing is clear- Ray Ploshansky from GIRLS on HBO would have hated this place. This is all to say, I appreciated the quirkiness of DeBeen. I think DeBeen is a great place to catch up with friends and people watch. If you’re trying to cram for a final or write a last minute essay, maybe not the place to go. 3/5 squirrels
• Customer Service: The baristas were nice! 4/5 squirrels

DeBeen Espresso would have been Ray Ploshansky’s worst nightmare. Which is really all the more reason to go! (Also please go watch GIRLS on HBO if you haven’t yet.) Photo Credit: IMDb

Pay DeBeen Espresso a visit if you’re looking for a bright and eclectic place that hasn’t been redecorated since 2014. (I say this as an appreciator of millennial culture. This is a compliment.) Grab a cup of coffee and perhaps even a vegan scone, or maybe a sesame hummus and pretzel cup? Perhaps you’re in the mood for some kombucha. Or what about a cup of gelato-because why not? DeBeen has it all!

Next on my list is the infamous Krankies. I have been to Krankies before and I am aware of the cult following this particular coffee shop has. We will see what they have to offer.