The Dream Bean is an independent coffeehouse in Princeton where coffee, art, music and community come together. The shop opened on August 14, 2024, at 860 Mercer Street, replacing the former Wild Roots Coffee House. It was developed through the RiffRaff Arts Collective, led by Lori McKinney, as part of the organization's ongoing efforts to revitalize Princeton's downtown arts district. McKinney partnered with John Pounds of Appalachian Coffee House in Mount Nebo to help establish the business. Unlike a traditional grab-and-go coffee shop, The Dream Bean was designed as a neighborhood gathering place. Its interior features comfortable couches, local artwork, books and board games, while its programming includes live music, open mic nights, poetry readings and creative workshops. The menu includes espresso drinks, brewed coffee, teas, fruit smoothies, hot chocolate, sandwiches and baked goods. Early favorites included white chocolate mochas and strawberry-banana smoothies. The shop has also carried locally produced mushroom coffee and hot chocolate from Mercer County's E.B. Fungi. I ordered a peach-mango refresher (I'm on a kick with this flavor everywhere). Light, refreshing and slightly sweet - perfect for a summer day. I snuck around to see the back room area, which is super artsy and seems like the perfect space for an event. Grade: A