Ah Starbucks. The not so chain coffee shop that began in 1971 in Seattle as a small coffee place. Today, Starbucks has 15,000 stores in 50 countries. I'm beginning here, because honestly, I'm not such a big frequenter of Starbucks anymore. I wrote essays in Starbucks this year. I wrote poetry. I cried over espresso chocolate truffles to friends who weren't really listening. I sat there for hours, ordering shorts, talls, grandes, and ventes. The music is a bit repetitive, but there's something comforting about Starbucks, because wherever you go around the world you'll find one, and you know what to expect.THE SERVICE A mix. You get your great baristas, and your so so ones. Chat up the baristas, befriend them, they'll give you free drinks here or use their partner numbers. The best barista to ever make my coffee is from Bethesda, MD. I ordered a coffee frappuccino, and as he was making it, he saw my down expression. "Bad day?" he asked me? It had been a bad day. I nodded. "Do you want a hug?" he asked. I nodded. He came around the counter and hugged me. "I'm Nick by the way." He winked.
I decided i wanted a shot of espresso mixed in with the drink. "Well it's too late, but I can just make it affagato", he told me. So he poured the hot shot over the blended coffee. It was delicious, and I didn't pay for the extra shot.
THE TASTE It varies. The drip coffee is very good. Stay away from some of the syrups, especially in excess. A tall drink has three pumps of syrup. One pump will do. Also, avoid some of the weird drinks such as chocolate cherry concoctions and don't try to invent your own drink, it could be a disaster. Keep it simple.
RECOMMENDED Tall iced coffee, sweetened. Very refreshing on a hot day, and very flavorful
BARISTA BIO: TJ works at Starbucks in NYC, walking distance from Central Park. His favorite part about the job is running into his customers all over the city. He recently invented the TJFrap, a blended mix of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate, with a hint of raspberry.
THE CUPS The hot cups change for each season and occasion, which I love. The cold cups stay the same. The "for here cups" are a nice change of pace, but do not come with a saucer.
THE PRICE Overpriced. Whereas I pay a buck for drip coffee somewhere else, at Starbucks it can be over two dollars.
THE ATMOSPHERE One thing I like about Starbucks is that ever location has some sort of special feature, whether it's upstairs seating or a bar.
NOW PLAYING Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg
ON THE WALLS all the art, at every location is the same, or very similiar. This invigorates me to no end. You might see something like this or like this. There is some variation, and although the art is decent, I tire of looking at it every time I enter a location.
WHO'S THERE Everyone. From the two year old with his mom, to the middle age man running from the gym, to the two 60 year old women meeting for coffee, to the college student. You can find anyone here.
FASHION ADVICE Anything goes. You'll see a lot of sweatpants/ pajama attire, but in the early morning rush, you'll see suits and business attire. Bottom line, it doesn't matter what you wear. You see it all here.
FUN STUFF "The Way I see It", on the back of each hot cup, is a series of inspirational quotes from such as one about global warming. They also have a great line of products: bottled coffee, instant coffee, and coffee accessories. Their mugs are great and worth the buy.
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