Anyone who’s scrolled through Instagram looking for a new coffee spot has probably seen a photo of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s signature drink, a chain founded in 1963 in Brentwood, California, now with over 1,000 locations worldwide. This guide combines real customer photos, menu highlights, and dress code expectations to help you make the most of your visit.

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Founded: 1963 · Global Locations: Over 1,000 · Original Store: Brentwood, California · Signature Brew: Original Ice Blended® · Tea Varieties: Over 30

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Loyalty program offers a free birthday drink that expires within three days in the U.S. (PR Newswire)
  • Silver Tier: 2,500 points per year, four free drinks plus birthday reward (PR Newswire) (PR Newswire)
  • Gold Tier: 5,000 points per year, one free drink per month plus birthday reward (PR Newswire) (PR Newswire)
2What’s unclear
  • Birthday reward value and validity period vary by region – some sources say up to $5, others say only on the day (The Kitchen Know How)
  • Singapore app claims a free sliced cake on birthday month – unconfirmed for other markets (Lemon8)
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Refreshed loyalty program with expanded reward options is rolling out nationwide (PR Newswire) (EatDrinkDeals)
  • Seasonal drinks like Cookie Butter Latte and Peppermint Mocha are available in limited periods (EatDrinkDeals)

Five key facts that define the brand’s identity:

Label Value Source
Year Founded 1963 The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Philippines)
Headquarters Los Angeles, California The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Philippines)
Parent Company International Coffee & Tea, LLC The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Philippines)
Signature Drink Original Ice Blended The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Philippines)
Tea Varieties Offered Over 30 The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Philippines)

What to order in coffee bean and tea leaf?

Top 5 coffee orders at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

  • Original Ice Blended – The chain’s signature cold drink, a blended coffee base that’s been a menu staple since 1996 (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Philippines).
  • Cookie Butter Latte – Available hot, iced, or as an Ice Blended, this seasonal favorite returns each year (EatDrinkDeals).
  • Peppermint Mocha Latte – A holiday classic that combines espresso, steamed milk, and peppermint syrup (EatDrinkDeals).
  • Winter Dream Tea Latte – A spiced chai-inspired tea latte served during the colder months (EatDrinkDeals).
  • Cold Brew Coffee – Smooth and less acidic, available year-round as a ready-to-drink option.

Fruit Infused Tea options

  • Strawberry Infused Tea – A sweet, fruity iced tea that’s a popular non-coffee choice.
  • Mango Infused Tea – Tropical flavor using real mango pieces.
  • Peach Infused Tea – Light and refreshing, often requested in summer.

Signature drinks menu

The menu at a typical U.S. location lists around 91 items, including pastries, baked goods, and holiday specials (Menuweb PDF). The Valencia, California outlet shows muffins, donuts, rolls, and cakes alongside the beverage lineup.

The upshot

First-time visitors should start with the Original Ice Blended – it’s the drink that defines the brand. For a lighter option, the Fruit Infused Teas offer real fruit flavor without the caffeine jolt.

What is the dress code for coffee bean?

Dress code for customers vs employees

  • Customers: Casual dress with no restrictions – jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are all fine (Dress Code Finder).
  • Employees: Uniform required – branded polo shirt, closed-toe shoes, and neat appearance. No official dress code document is publicly available, but multiple location-specific posts confirm the policy.

Are jeans okay for a coffee date?

Yes. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is a casual environment. A clean pair of jeans with a nice top is perfectly acceptable. The brand’s Singapore location is listed as “Casual Dress” with no restrictions (Dress Code Finder).

What are the 4 dress codes?

The four general dress code categories are: casual, smart casual, business casual, and formal. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf falls under casual for customers and uniform for employees.

The catch

If you’re visiting for a job interview, dress one level above the employee uniform – smart casual shows initiative without being overdressed.

Does coffee bean give you a free birthday drink?

How to sign up for Coffee Bean Rewards

  1. Download the app or sign up in-store.
  2. Earn points with every purchase (75 points for a Free Drink Modifier, 200 for a Free Baked Good, 275 for a Free Brewed Coffee or Tea) (PR Newswire).
  3. Reach Silver (2,500 points/year) or Gold (5,000 points/year) tier for birthday rewards.

Birthday reward eligibility and exclusions

  • U.S. members: free drink that expires three days after the birthday (PR Newswire).
  • Some secondary sources claim the reward is limited to $5 and expires on the actual day (The Kitchen Know How).
  • Singapore members: free sliced cake on birthday month (Lemon8).
The trade-off

The U.S. program gives you a three-day window but requires tier membership. The Singapore offer is more generous (full month, no minimum spend) but is only available through the local app. Check your region’s policy before your birthday.

What kind of tea does coffee bean offer?

Fruit Infused Teas varieties

  • Strawberry, Mango, and Peach – three core fruit-infused options available in most locations.
  • These are made with real fruit pieces and can be served hot or iced.

Hot tea selection

  • Black, green, white, oolong, and herbal teas – over 30 varieties total (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Philippines).
  • Seasonal offerings like Winter Dream Tea Latte and Peppermint Tea.

Iced tea options

  • Iced versions of all fruit-infused teas plus traditional iced tea blends.
  • Tea lattes (like the Winter Dream) are also available cold.
Why this matters

With over 30 tea varieties, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf rivals dedicated tea shops. The fruit-infused line is a strong alternative for customers who want flavor without coffee.

What is the 15-15-15 rule for coffee?

Origin of the 15-15-15 rule

The “15-15-15 rule” is a home-brewing guideline: 15 grams of coffee per 250 ml water, brewed for 15 seconds (espresso) or 15 minutes (cold brew). It is not an official policy of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

How it affects brewing and ordering

  • Espresso: 15 seconds extraction time for a balanced shot.
  • Cold brew: 15 minutes steep time (some methods use 12-24 hours, but the 15-minute rule is a quick alternative).
  • Ratio: 15g coffee to 250ml water is a standard starting point for pour-over.

The rule is popular among home baristas but has no connection to the chain’s in-store recipes.

Pros and Cons of visiting The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Upsides

  • Over 30 tea varieties and fruit-infused options
  • Signature Original Ice Blended – a unique cold drink not found at most competitors
  • Loyalty program with birthday rewards and tiered perks
  • Casual dress code for customers, no pressure to dress up

Downsides

  • Birthday rewards have short expiry windows (3 days or less) depending on region
  • Seasonal menu items are limited-time, not always available
  • Not all locations have the full menu – a Valencia outlet listed 91 items, but smaller stores may have fewer
  • No official student discount

The mix of unique offerings and regional limitations shapes the overall experience.

What customers are saying

“The interior of the Dublin location is beautifully decorated – perfect for a quiet afternoon.”

— TripAdvisor reviewer (photo upload)

“Our customers love sharing their Ice Blended photos on Facebook – it’s become a visual signature of the brand.”

— Facebook brand page post

“The Singapore app birthday cake offer is a nice surprise – no minimum spend, just walk in and get a slice.”

— Lemon8 community post

Customer photos on social media have become a key part of the brand’s visual identity. The Instagram feed is filled with Ice Blended shots, tea latte art, and cozy store interiors.

Summary

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is more than a photo backdrop – it’s a brand that rewards loyalty with tiered perks and birthday treats, offers a genuinely broad tea selection, and keeps its dress code relaxed for both customers and employees. For first-time visitors in the U.S., the smart move is to sign up for the loyalty program at least a week before your birthday, order the Original Ice Blended as your first drink, and check the seasonal menu for limited-time flavors. For international visitors, the rewards vary by market, so always check the local app or website. The trade-off is clear: you get a casual, photo-friendly experience with a solid reward system, but you need to stay on top of regional policies to get the best value.

For a closer look at the brand’s visual identity, you can browse official images and menu from the same source.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf?

Hours vary by location. Most U.S. stores open around 6 AM and close between 8 PM and 10 PM. Check the store locator on the official website for exact times.

Does The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf have dairy-free milk options?

Yes, most locations offer almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk as alternatives. Availability may vary, so it’s best to ask at the counter.

Can I order online from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf?

Yes, the chain offers online ordering through its app and website for pickup. Some locations also partner with third-party delivery services.

Is there a student discount at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf?

As of now, there is no official student discount program. However, limited-time promotions and app-exclusive offers may provide savings.

What size options are available for drinks?

Standard sizes are Small (12 oz), Regular (16 oz), and Large (20 oz). Some specialty drinks may come in a single size.

Does The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offer catering?

Catering is available at select locations. Contact your local store or check the website for catering menus and ordering options.