Astra Bean

Themed restaurants haven’t been much of a thing since the early 2000s, when Medieval Times, Rainforest Cafe, and their ilk enjoyed their last gasps of popularity before descending into obscurity. Outside of theme parks – notably the Star Wars-themed Oga’s Cantina at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge – we haven’t seen a worthwhile themed cafe in a long time, and until Astra Bean’s July 2025 arrival, we didn’t mind. A nice sci-fi design and very good drinks enable this new Vietnamese coffee and tea shop to stand out in its Westminster plaza, which is already home to La Ka Viet, Quan Vy Da, and Unu Cafe (and infamous for its cramped parking lot).

As of our visit in mid-August 2025, Astra’s menu consists of roughly 30 drinks, roughly 1/3 coffees, half teas, and the rest sweetened milks with fruit and/or candy flavors. Phin-style Vietnamese drip coffees come with egg, durian egg, or salted cheese foam toppings, as well as coconut, banana, and smoked vanilla flavors, plus more conventional black, brown, and white milked versions. Matcha, jasmine, oolong, and barley teas star in milked or milkless drinks, while fruits (peach, dragon fruit, mandarin, tamarind), vegetables (avocado, corn), and sweets (oreos, caramel brulee, bubblegum) either star or play supporting roles in others. Boba, jellies, and chewies are available for 75 cents each.

While all of these drinks and customizations are available to order through two tablets, Astra Bean also sells nicely designed hats, shirts, and mugs through its human-operated cash register. Special drinks not listed on the tablet can also be requested at the register.