Great Bear Coffee Roasting

Their drinks are very good and have been going here for ages. However since they are using paper straws rather than another alternative compostable, I will have to give them 4/5 stars. Paper straws ruins a good drink.

Please fix the straw issue and you’ll get 5/5 stars.

It is a shame with terrible county/state laws rather than market shifts that cause unwanted things like this where the consumer becomes the victim.

Came on a weekend after lunch, good steady flow of customers and a fast-paced service, wait time was minimal. Ordered a couple lattes and the honey latte. Couple unique coffee/tea options but nothing special but great spot for the locals.

Los Gatos Coffee House: Classic Small Town Gem

At 31 years of age, the Great Bear has been around as long as I can remember. Even as businesses naturally grow and evolve (or phase out) naturally and as a direct result of the growth of Silicon Valley this coffee house remains and holds its own as a Los Gatos gem and historic coffee house. They have a bean machine in the back of the house that customers can watch and select various blends from. Beans can be purchased as is or ground (available upon request). Impeccable quality at fair pricing.

Local artists showcase their paintings, photography, and art on a large brick wall that can be enjoyed as you sip your coffee, tea, juice, kombucha , or nibble on your snack (art also available for purchase). A nice way to support local artists and business, while also providing an artsy and community oriented aesthetic and vibe . I personally really love businesses that provide such a feel of sustainable, ethical , and balanced sense of community and business.

At the counter area, there is a deli that hosts a variety of fresh quiches, breakfast burritos, carrot cake, cheesecake, bakery items, and calzones can be selected from. Next to the deli there is a cold case stocked with fresh pressed juices and kombucha. Above the deli case are chips, gluten free snacks, vegan snacks , and allergy friendly snacks (such as Heart Healthy Nut Free Dairy Free Oat Protein Cakes in various flavors ) so there is a little something for everyone. The location is in the heart of downtown Los Gatos so there is also a multitude of restaurants and cafes to choose from after your Great Bear session.

The CCC (chocolate, coffee, and cream) is a blended milkshake-like caffeine decadent treat that myself and my friends loved when we were growing up (before I developed my food allergies) - a local treat I highly recommend for those without dairy allergies or chocolate allergies- however always ask the cashier as they may offer a dairy free allergy friendly version now (many coffee houses are offering oat milk, hemp milk, and coconut milk in addition to soy and almond now). Never hurts to ask for a classic to be customized to your modern medical diet . A yummy and delightful surprise, surely.

Free parking in the lot in the back or street parking- just make sure to read the signs as some are hour time limits, some are 3 hour time limits, and others unlimited.

Really cool cafe at the heart of Los Gatos. The coffee is great, pastries are also nice. Good place to unwind with a book or just watch people go by(get a window seat if you can!) while sipping carefully brewed coffee ☕️

They actually have some very reasonably priced goodies and yes, like many people mention in their comments, the CCC can definitely drive in a lot of customers! Quite a treat that is perfect after a week’s hard work! Pretty cozy, rustic atmosphere.

3.28.21 Sunday afternoon - Baristas are highschool kids working the register and making drinks. Long line of people and didn't move for about 10 mins .. only to discover the hold up was a friend in line chatting w workers . One lady left the line . Aggravated and yelled "incompetent" in the store and sidewalk as she left. After the friend left, the line went surprisingly fast.. mostly because all the annoyed customers made quick orders to be courteous to people who had been waiting in line with them. We finally got our drinks and realized none of them were mixed. All the syrup globbed into the bottom.(see photo). I really want to support local business , however Great Bear's actions suggest they doesn't really care about its customers. If you read the reviews you'll get puzzled by the 5 stars next to the 2 stars. This is because they have a lack of consistency with coffee, people and service..it's an ongoing problem they have had with their business for the last 5 yrs. If you don't want to gamble on your coffee, go to Los Gatos Coffee Roasters ( 2 min walk) ..better service and proper baristas without attitudes and most importantly no chatty teenagers ! - good luck !

Coffee was not good at all. And they charged for each pump of hazelnut and one coffee came out to be like $8

Their Triple C (chocolate coffee cream) is must have!! Really nice place to chill or work with wide selection of coffee/tea and pastries!

Great vibe, kind staff :)

Cold brew with cold brew 🧊 #genius

This place is the most critically racist and Marxist-loving coffee shop in town. If you aren't LGBTQ or Black, don't bother. They hate all people but their mask-loving cult members. This is where people go who want to destroy the human family and America. I would suggest Dolce Spacio for a more freedom-loving place. The atmosphere is very nice!