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Ze Mean Bean Cafe Reviews List
Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Come dine at the most unique restaurant in Baltimore. Ze Mean Bean Café is an eclectic Eastern European restaurant and wine bar. We serve everything from pierogis and holupkis to upscale fare with a Slavic twist. Everything is made from scratch and our extensive wine list has something for everyone.
As our name suggests, we opened our doors in July of 1995 as a unique Eastern European Coffeehouse and Café. Ahh… yes, that’s where the “Bean” in Ze Mean Bean comes from! And the “Ze”? That denotes our “European” roots. The original concept was simple: owner Yvonne Dornic is of Eastern European decent. Her father is from Czechoslovakia, and her mother’s background is Polish and Ukrainian. Yvonne wanted to create an environment much like the coffeehouses of Eastern Europe, which served as social gathering places and outlets for local musicians and artists. Ze Mean Bean Café definitely exudes old world charm!
See more Ze Mean Bean Cafe details
As our name suggests, we opened our doors in July of 1995 as a unique Eastern European Coffeehouse and Café. Ahh… yes, that’s where the “Bean” in Ze Mean Bean comes from! And the “Ze”? That denotes our “European” roots. The original concept was simple: owner Yvonne Dornic is of Eastern European decent. Her father is from Czechoslovakia, and her mother’s background is Polish and Ukrainian. Yvonne wanted to create an environment much like the coffeehouses of Eastern Europe, which served as social gathering places and outlets for local musicians and artists. Ze Mean Bean Café definitely exudes old world charm!
30 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 30 reviews
5 stars
(11)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(18)
- neighborhood gem(18)
- special occasion(11)
- romantic(10)
- great for brunch(5)
- notable wine list(4)
Ze Mean Bean Cafe Reviews List
Review 1 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"this was our first time dining at this restaurant and we absolutely loved it, from the warm/cozy décor to the best service to the most delicious food. we look forward to dining there again, hopefully sooner than later."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Tried the brunch. Not a great
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Tried the brunch. Not a great value for the food you get although the Slavic Bloody Mary was flavorful. Too bad it couldn't overcome the rest. The music was good but loud for such a small room. Service was attentive but not overbearing but not overly helpful either. No reason to try it again."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
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Review 3 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent! Don't miss Ze Mean Bean
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food selection (Polish, American) as well as a very good wine selection in a cozy, comfortable environment. What made Ze Mean Bean that much more special was the wonderful service by Michael, our server. His knowledge of the food and wine made us feel truly special. The night was topped off with desserts home made by "Grandmom", that were out of this world delicious! We so enjoyed our first visit that 2 nights later we returned for a repeat excellent experience."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 4 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Even better than our last
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Even better than our last visit -- wonderful Slavic specialties in an intimate setting"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 5 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Made reservations for two
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Made reservations for two of my girlfriends for their birthdays. We had a fabulous waiter who catered to our every need and even made a "cake" with candles out of cocktails since we didn't order dessert! Will definitely go again!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
wonderful food - just sorry
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"wonderful food - just sorry they were out of 2 of the things we wanted to order"
Dined on 02/24/2013
2007
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Review 7 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Pierogis were fabulous! Desserts
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pierogis were fabulous! Desserts excellent, portions way too big."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 8 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I had a party of 11 celebrating
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had a party of 11 celebrating my bday and we had a lovely time. The food was delicious and came quickly. The waiter was super nice and got all of our complicated orders right :) It was totally worth the one hour drive from DC. I'm definitely coming back for more pierogi and for the amazing apple pie!!!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was outstanding.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was outstanding. There were four of us who all ordered something different, and everybody loved everything. Unusual menu, not for everyone, but there is plenty to choose from. I gave a noise level moderate as they had a jazz band playing."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 10 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
cozy and charming ambiance
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"cozy and charming ambiance with mellow jazz. signature bloody mary with Old Bay seasoning around the rim of the glass - yum!"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The restaurant is absolutely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant is absolutely charming and everything we tasted was delicious. I will definitely come here every time I visit Baltimore."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Cozy place on a cold night.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Cozy place on a cold night. The live music was a nice extra"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
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Review 13 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was very flavorful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was very flavorful and just the right portion. We went on a Saturday night and the band playing was lively and fun."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We did not partake in any
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We did not partake in any wine selections, but I appreciate the varied and eclectic beer selection. The food and dining experience has always been great!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 15 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, great service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food, great service. Nice atmosphere. No complaints whatsoever."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Atmosphere Tops Food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We loved the atmosphere, with live, easy listening, light jazz and romantic decor. The service was very nice and timely. Our table had a little wobble, we mentioned it to the waitress and it was immediately taken care of. The food has a bit to be desired, not much flavor or spice. The best part was our appetizer, the perogies."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Ze Mean Bean Cafe
Based on the average of (14) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate