Bean Me Up Roastery & Cafe

Bean Me Up has alien-themed drink names, a UFO running through the decor, and a small mom-and-pop room next to Centennial Park in Munster. The Mothman is a sage and vanilla hot latte that earns its name. The Thunderbird is its own thing and worth the order on its own merits. The Bagare is banana with peanut butter cold foam, which sounds like a dare and works in the cup. The Abuelita latte is the warmer move when you do not want anything experimental. None of this would matter if the bagels were bad, but they are not: jalapeno cheddar and lox bagels, both made in house, both worth driving the extra ten minutes for.

The room is cozy and charming, with the theme committing all the way down to the chairs (one customer suggested captain's chairs would have closed the loop, and they have a point). Mobile ordering is available, which is the smart play if seating is tight or you are on the way somewhere. Syrups and pastries are in house. Donuts and croissants in the case. A signature lemonade with raspberry syrup for non-coffee orders and for the kids.

The honest notes are worth knowing. Some customers find the sandwiches overpriced and greasy, particularly when stacked against the bagels which are the actual strength of the kitchen. WiFi is not the selling point, and the dining area is small enough that this is not a laptop shop no matter what the signal looks like. The room is meant for a quick stop or a sit-down breakfast, not a four-hour stretch with a Macbook.

Come for the jalapeno cheddar bagel with bacon, egg, and cheese in the morning, which is the order that sells the room. Grab a Mothman and a donut on the way to the park if you have kids in tow. Order a Bagare once just to see what banana and peanut butter does in a cup. Save the laptop work for a different cafe with bigger tables. This room is built for what it is built for, and the family running it knows the answer.