The Bean is the only coffee house in the area that gets the syrup right in the lattes. Their drinks are consistent-no unwanted surprises. Most other places I try, I have to request "easy on the syrup" or I'm drinking a little coffee with my syrup and don't get to taste the coffee.
Usually I can find a place to sit. I frequent both places and usually don't have any trouble. Sometimes I will move to the counter to accommodate those who need to plug in their computers or have several in their party. Hopefully the favor will be returned in the future if needed.
Sometimes the place is too crowded to relax. That's great if you go to coffee shops for the social aspect, but if you're like me and you go to read, work or study, this isn't the place.
Oh, and good luck scoring a seat on one of the couches.