The Mean Bean Bistro and Brew in Bremen is one of those places that refuses to be pigeon-holed. It’s a cozy coffee shop, brewing up all your favorite hot and cold beverages — and not just of the java variety. It’s a breakfast spot, serving a variety of classic and trendy must-tries. (Is that an Avocado Toast calling my name?) And, for the lunch bunch, Mean Bean has perfected the three midday menu “S’s”: sandwiches, soups and salads.
Indiana Sen. Ryan Mishler, a Bremen native, is a regular at the bistro which joined Bremen’s restaurant scene in April 2015. Through the years, owner Kim Wilcox’s menu has delighted both local diners and those traveling through the quaint northern Indiana town.
Everyone from the hungriest eaters to those who crave just a light bite should start their day at Mean Bean. Favorites include the Big Daddy Biscuits (homemade biscuit, hash brown casserole, bacon, ham, sausage gravy and two over easy eggs), pancakes (three special varieties as well as classic style), and a breakfast croissant sandwich with egg, cheddar cheese and choice of protein (a veggie version is also available). A variety of pastries is available as well as a la carte items like fruit, yogurt and granola, and baked oatmeal.
Sandwiches are served in half and whole sized portions. Meat lovers shouldn’t miss the Panino Italiano, a tasty combo of ham, pepperoni, salami, tomato, onion, pepperoncini, and provolone. The Chicken Salad Croissant and Chicken Classic sandwich are other favorites. Mean Bean also serves seasonal salads and a variety of soups.
When it comes to “brews,” choose between a variety of popular coffee styles and flavors, including plain drip coffee and a cup of strong Red Eye coffee. Chai, iced and hot tea, hot cocoa, Italian soda, smoothies, lemonades and other soft drinks are on the menu as well. Frozen hot chocolate, a not-to-be-missed treat, is another a Mean Bean specialty.
If you go …
The Mean Bean Bistro and Brew
110 W. Plymouth St., Bremen
574-546-2500
About State Sen. Ryan Mishler:
Sen. Ryan Mishler has represented District 9, which includes Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph counties, in the Indiana Senate since 2004. He chairs the Appropriations Committee and also serves on the Health and Provider Services, the Tax and Fiscal Policy and the State Budget committees. Mishler is president of both Mishler Funeral Homes and Bremen Monument Company. He serves on the Bremen and Kosciusko County chambers of commerce and is a member of the American Legion Post 191, the Masonic Lodge 414, the Scottish Rite of South Bend, and the United Methodist Church.
