I've lived around the corner from The Mad Bean for over two years and have popped in maybe once a month. I've never had bad experience. It feels very comfortable, always good background music, incredibly nice staff, decent selection of treats and (most importantly) reeeally nice coffee.
The only down side would be that they aren't open late... but then again, I'm rarely in the mood for a coffee late at night anyway. Most coffee shops promote themselves as having the best (insert beverage name) in the city. In The Mad Bean's case, the best Americano... and to be honest, I dig it! I recommend everyone give it a try. Don't set expectations too high because, after all, it is just a cup of coffee. But man... that's a good cup of coffee!