We're going to stay with the Belize theme that my latest edition of Sunday Suites set up for us, where I talked about Casa Placencia, which is where I stayed for the first half of my 2018 trip (see that here). I also just read that Ice N Beans Cafe was awarded Tripadvisor's certificate of excellence for 2019, nice job guys! They are super popular in Belize, with lines often out the door, which is proven by all the great reviews they have. The people who run it are lovely, and they make sure you don't go hungry in that line either- when I was there I received a free sample of their coffee along with their mini doughnuts,which were fabulous. At the time I wasn't a coffee drinker, so I can't offer my opinion on that sample however.
First of all, this shop is right on the water! The views are gorgeous, the water framed by palm trees and hammocks, the latter of which are free to sit in to enjoy your meal or drinks. Unless you want to sit on a palm tree? Be my guest. There are also picnic tables for larger parties, or if you dislike the thought of juggling your food and drinks while trying to get in, get comfy, and then get out of a hammock. Next door there is this frozen drink shop, that doesn't open until later in the day. On their back porch are these cute little swings that line up along a bar for you to sit and sip or eat. I of course chose this option! It was so different and I loved it.
They have a wide selection of drinks that can certainly cure whatever craving you're having. Whether you're a coffee drinker, a non-coffee drinker (like myself), want something cold, or if you prefer your beverages hot they have you covered there too. They have everything from Belize coffee, smoothies, protein shakes, chai, tea, lemonade, frappes and everything in between! For me, it was the Passion Green Tea Lemonade that was calling my name. Something about that drink was perfect for Belize. It tasted fresh and bright, with a sweetness that didn't overpower anything. I could still taste all the components that made it up, but they came together in such a delicious harmony in this drink, that I couldn't stop sipping! What a treat.
Food-wise Ice N Beans is breakfast centered, serving waffles, bagels, bagels topped with goodies, sandwiches, mini doughnuts, rum balls and bubbles waffles. Oh, I'm sorry, you've never heard of bubble waffles? They are super fun looking. Instead of having the indents, these waffles are puffed up...think of it like the bubble wrap with the jumbo bubbles in it...only these are made of waffle batter and topped with things like fresh fruits, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and/or whatever other toppings and combos you prefer. I had never heard of these until we went to Caye Caulker and my hype for them was real. I was, however, let down, due to my own eagerness. I definitely picked toppings that made it too sweet and I didn't enjoy it. I did however savor every single pineapple chunk that I received. In fact they went to the side so I could enjoy them separately. You could absolutely tell they were fresh; they were sweet and lit up my taste buds with the little tang at the end of them.
The next time I went I opted for a rum ball, which was heavenly, while I waited for my Apple Bee's bagel concoction to come out. This Apple Bees was the bees knees, let me tell you. It's a blueberry bagel topped with a generous portion of cream cheese, with thin-sliced apples set delicately atop that, and the final piece is the drizzle of honey. Oh. My. Goodness. I liked it so much that I was very tempted to go right back in and order another one, but it probably wouldn't have lasted long in the heat and I wasn't actually hungry enough for a second one. But now that I'm thinking about it, my mouth is watering! I think I know what I'm having for breakfast tomorrow!
One last thing I want to mention, that I don't actually remember seeing because it was crowded in the shop when I went, and I just wanted to duck out fast after I ordered. As I was looking into anything new or updated with them, I spotted lupkimmy's picture on Tripadvisor of a note that hangs in their building. Its refers to something Ice N Beans does called, "suspended coffee." What this does is provides a coffee, food item, or other drink to someone who is in need of it. You buy one item for yourself and another to be held as suspended. Then, when someone comes in and asks if there are any suspended coffees that day, they can receive one of the donated items. I think this is amazing, and hope this is still being practiced, as her review was from 2016. The note also states, "when you donate a suspended item, you're not only satisfying a person's immediate need, you may also be helping to restore their dignity." Another segment reads, "It helps remind us that no matter how alone you may feel there is always someone somewhere that cares." Worried that your donation might not be used? Don't fret, Ice N Beans has that covered too if they have more donations than they need, they simply donate the cash value to a local charity. How sweet and a way to play a big part in the community.
Please check these guys out on instagram with the handle @iceandbeans as well as their tripadvisor and facebook pages linked below:
Or better yet, check them out in person! Just keep walking down the main street on Caye Caulker, closest to the water. You'll see it soon after the large Caye Caulker statue/sign
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