Starbucks

[asif3]

Hi,

How many of you are big starbucks fans? I was visiting the new Apple store location in Regents Street today and I noticed that there is a starbucks at the back of the building :D

I *love* starbucks, and I'm glad there's like 5 starbucks in the near proximity of the Apple store. Hot chocolate is normally what I have, but I havent experimented with the other itmes they have. Those little 'shots' look cool.

So people, Starbucks- do you love it or loathe it?

[blue&whiteman]

I'm glad there's like 5 starbucks in the near proximity of the Apple store.

thats the problem I have with them. they saturate the market far far too much.

[Capt Underpants]

I'm a starbucks fan. I hardly ever go in one, though, because we use one with a drive-thru. I usually get a frapuccino (is that how you spell it?).

[takao]

neither.. here starbucks is only available in vienna they just started last year AFAIK

i'll visit one of them next time i'll be there ... but when i look at their homepage it doesn't look very special to me...just like a normal café ...

[CmdrLaForge]

I love starbucks.

;)

[asif3]

thats the problem I have with them. they saturate the market far far too much.


Hmm..well, I dont know about in the states, but any starbucks in the oxford/regent street area is *always* packed.

I'm just saying I'm glad they came over. The American tourists love it!

[gwuMACaddict]

overrated, yuppie hangout

[vollspacken]

Starbucks sucks!

...so ze Gerrrmans disagree on that one ;)

vSpacken

[IrishGold]

overrated, yuppie hangout


What makes you say this? They have a hell of a selection. Its great, hehe.

[eyelikeart]

I'll hit a Starbucks in an airport while waiting for my flight, or if it's the only thing around while out of town. Normally I go for the local coffee place, CC's (Community Coffee). I would rather support the local biz, and not be surrounded by teens & soccer moms while sipping on my machiatto. ;)

[Aeolius]

I prefer coffee that tastes like coffee, so I avoid Starbucks. Gimme Folgers, no cream and no sugar, any day.

[King Cobra]

Their expresso brownies...if you haven't tried them already, then you're missing out on a highly enjoyable chocolate snack.

[IrishGold]

I prefer coffee that tastes like coffee, so I avoid Starbucks. Gimme Folgers, no cream and no sugar, any day.

Now this is kinda weird, hehe.

I hate coffee, but there are a few things at Starbucks that I will drink and enjoy.

[howard]

i used to have this thing about starbucks...i thought it was lame and ridiculous that there were a million of them and I picked up on the whole negetive vibe about them. Then i started liking coffee, the reason i didn't like it before was that i again had this thing about drinking coffee black...that if you didn't you were drinking wuss coffee or something. Then I realized that was stupid, you like what you like, and i ended up liking it with cream and lots of sugar. Then i started liking starbucks...etc.

the one thing i do like about starbucks is that they have kinda made other places get better coffee, to compete. go to your convenience stores or gas stations and they'll have pretty damn good coffee.

[mmmbop]

they saturate the market far far too much.

There's a great Simpsons scene where Bart wanders through a shopping mall and every store including the one he visits gets turned into a Starbucks.

Says it all, really.

[scem0]

caramel frappuccino's are the ****.

scem0

[Ajmbc]

When I go to Starbucks, I usually get a Cafe au Lait or a Latte. The espresso brownies are really good.

ajmbc

[acidrock]

I used to be a barista at Starbucks

[wdlove]

I love Starbucks. It seems that here in Boston there is always one near the Apple Store. :) Your making me thirsty scem0 a Mocha Frappachino would sound delicious right now!

[virividox]

There's a great Simpsons scene where Bart wanders through a shopping mall and every store including the one he visits gets turned into a Starbucks.

Says it all, really.

HAHA i saw that ep i nearly pissed myself when watching

[eyelikeart]

Their expresso brownies...if you haven't tried them already, then you're missing out on a highly enjoyable chocolate snack.

I've concocted a recipe for espresso brownies. They're not exactly the same thing as what u are talking about, but still pretty damned good. If u want, I'll give u the recipe sometime. ;)

[Mav451]

mMmm Chocolate Brownie Frappucino.

That's like basically all I get ever since I tried it once. Though the hot cocoa is nice...nothing like a frapp.

[Benjamin]

starbucks has been better in the past however i still love it, tho generally i get an extra shot in mine.. Anyway they opened a new starbucks right next to my housing at portland state, the funny thing is that there is also one in the cafeteria (half a block away), one 2 blocks away and then another 1 block in the other direction.

[macka]

We have Starbucks, but Gloria Jean's is more popular I think. They are just like Starbucks, just without the Americanisms... :p

[MattG]

I love Starbucks.

My previous job was located literally right next to a Starbucks. I used to visit it daily, sometimes more than once a day!

Now the closest one is up the road, and I go maybe once a week, twice sometimes. Good stuff :)

[g30ffr3y]

i like starbucks... my drink of choice is a single venti mocha frapuccino with extra mocha... mmmmmmmmmm... i think i go there too much though... last time i was there... they had my drink waiting when i walked in...

must've seen me in the parking lot i guess...

but theres no reason to complain when a hot starbucks worker remembers your drink... : )

[Mav451]

i like starbucks... my drink of choice is a single venti mocha frapuccino with extra mocha... mmmmmmmmmm... i think i go there too much though... last time i was there... they had my drink waiting when i walked in...

must've seen me in the parking lot i guess...

but theres no reason to complain when a hot starbucks worker remembers your drink... : )

You can ask fer extra mocha? I never knew that 0_0. And they had your drink waiting for you? I don't know how many times I'd have to go for them to be preparing my drink in advance :)

[MongoTheGeek]

Starbucks is good coffee for people who don't know what good coffee is.

[Ajmbc]

Haha- I just got back from Target with my iTunes card and my Cafe au Lait... :rolleyes:

ajmbc

[Xero]

the only good thing about starbucks, IMO, is that theyre consistant. when you go there you can pretty much bet on the same drink having the same mix of milk, espresso, vanilla, etc. every time.

other than that, the place annoys me. there are way to many other GOOD, locally owned coffee shops around here for me to be able to settle on Starbucks. And the only people i usually see there are all the spoiled air-headed plastic east-coast kids. Boo! [If you lived in a college campus dominated city, you may understand] :rolleyes:

EDIT: oh yeah i forgot to mention that Starbucks' espresso is SUPER weak too. And MongoTheGeek, although your remark is sort of elitist sounding, its exactly right. ;)

[Xero]

i like starbucks... my drink of choice is a single venti mocha frapuccino with extra mocha...

ummm... you mean extra chocolate? :o :rolleyes:

[themadchemist]

Ah, coffee houses are supposed to be the very symbols of the Bohemian, anti-establishment gathering place...And yet has there ever been a gathering place labeled more part of the establishment and the capitalist culture than Starbucks?

It's just kind of odd. Perhaps the placement of cutthroat capitalism within the constructs of the Bohemian paradise only serves to augment the disgust that the rebels and "free thinkers" feel for the mainstream social and financial structure, especially as epitomized by Starbucks.

Or maybe they just don't like the coffee.

[IrishGold]

Whoa.....I will never look at another Starbucks the same way.... :eek:

[themadchemist]

Whoa.....I will never look at another Starbucks the same way.... :eek:

why's that?

[IrishGold]

why's that?

Just your post man...whew...lol

[themadchemist]

Just your post man...whew...lol

lol...Yeah, it was a bit much...But hey, I honestly think that's why so many people hate Starbucks. Well, that and their questionable treatment of workers overseas.

But for the record, I bought myself one of those iced frappaccinos in a bottle today. Bohemia or no, those things are good.

[rainman::|:|]

i used to hate them, because they're like the wal-mart of coffeehouses... they move in, even where the market won't support them, and run local small coffeehouses out of business. I'm definitely the kind of person that prefers the locally-owned places, finding which drinks are best at which place, getting to know the crowd there. But when traveling, or in a part of the city far away from a good coffeehouse, starbucks is a reliable place to go for decent coffee, so it's handy. As long as there is a balance, i think they're OK. There are enough people like me, that i don't think the independent coffeehouses will run out of business...

paul

[King Cobra]

Well since we're talking about looking at an industry differently, read Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser, then tell me that you'll go out for a hamburger at McDonalds.

Ah, yes, eye. Send over (or post) the receipe for all of us.

[themadchemist]

i used to hate them, because they're like the wal-mart of coffeehouses... they move in, even where the market won't support them, and run local small coffeehouses out of business. I'm definitely the kind of person that prefers the locally-owned places, finding which drinks are best at which place, getting to know the crowd there. But when traveling, or in a part of the city far away from a good coffeehouse, starbucks is a reliable place to go for decent coffee, so it's handy. As long as there is a balance, i think they're OK. There are enough people like me, that i don't think the independent coffeehouses will run out of business...

paul

I agree. We have a number of coffeehouses and cafes in our Chicago suburb/college-town and I don't think that Starbucks is threatening the popular, locally-owned establishments or that it is even dominating the market.

[zamyatin]

yes, the coffee is good. and the scent, as you walk by, is as strong as the effect of the Sirens' song on Odysseus... but it's not cheap, and I am generally a cheapskate.

now, on the other hand, there's my old standby, Dunkin' Donuts. the lack of Dunkin' Donuts in California is a major issue this state needs to rectify if it wants to be competitive in the future!

[MongoTheGeek]

There are 2 ways to beat Starbucks (if any of you are budding capitalists and wish to give it a shot)

1) Out McDonalds them. Do drive throughs and super sizes and sell meat pies at breakfast and cinnamon rolls.

2) Find a niche. The topless coffee shop is a good one. There is an idea that I had been noodling with of a coffee shop called "Dusk til Dawn" which is open at night. You get a bohemian night culture and then towards the end you pick up working people heading out.

[rainman::|:|]

yes, the coffee is good. and the scent, as you walk by, is as strong as the effect of the Sirens' song on Odysseus... but it's not cheap, and I am generally a cheapskate.

now, on the other hand, there's my old standby, Dunkin' Donuts. the lack of Dunkin' Donuts in California is a major issue this state needs to rectify if it wants to be competitive in the future!

I've heard Dunkin Donuts has it's own coffee-cult, to the point that they're selling packaged coffee now. The only Dunkin's i've ever been in were very nasty, dirty places that obviously hadn't seen a coat of paint since 1980 and probably a mop since 1995. I've never had a good impression of them, which is why i've never been objective enough to like the coffee. I do hope to encounter a nice one someday, to see what people are buzzing about...

You know, why don't Krispy Kreme and Starbucks ever share restaraunts? Does anyone know of such places? It'd go to starbucks a lot more often in the morning if i could get a glazed KK with my latte... of course, i'd gain 50 pounds, so that's not good. But i mean, both places obviously put heroin in their products, they could save money in bulk...

paul

[themadchemist]

I've heard Dunkin Donuts has it's own coffee-cult

Yeah, my parents are nuts about Dunkin Donuts coffee.

[hsilver]

It's too expensive, the lattes and the like taste like coffee flavored milk drinks. They've driven out all too many other good places and it's really sad to see all the people in there with their laptops -especially late at night. I live in New York and Starbucks is mall coffee.

[Abstract]

In Canada, a place called Tim Hortons totally dominates, although Starbucks is still super-popular and forced down our throats. And about bohemia, the only reason I dislike Starbucks is that it actually tries to portray itself as a place that people gather and discuss ideas, where people can sit and read the newspaper, discussing world issues and such. That was the "design philosophy" used to decorate every Starbucks -- they were trying to simulate the essence of a cultural crossroad and meeting ground within their cafe that wasn't real, and yet people started to believe in it anyway. If it actually started off as an establishment that filled these qualities, and yet made a kickass cup of coffee, I wouldn't be such a non-fan of Starbucks.

Plus, they'll open 3 Starbucks on the same block, run each business at a financial loss, force 1 small coffee shop out of business since they now have to compete with 3 other coffee shops (all Starbucks), and then close down 2 of the Starbucks so that they basically own the street. They can afford to operate at a loss if it guarantees that they're the last one standing at the end..... :rolleyes:

[wwidgirl]

I like Starbucks but its much too expensive. However, my sister works at Starbucks so I usually get drinks for free, or at a discount. If not for her, I would go to Tim Hortons all the time. MMMMMMM TIM HORTONS! They have soup! MMMMMMMMMMM SOUP.

[codycartoon]

Wow, a lot of starbucks drinkers here....

hmmm... It just seems to me whenever I walk in one or walk past everything feels just soooo.... pseudo.

It just seems that starbucks is caught up in mass producing a single image of what they think a coffee house is, and everyone that buys and supports it tries to fit in with that image of some popular coffee house deep in the heart of Seattle or some gray city, with the smell of espresso in the air, and in the style of mocha art deco.

And is it just me or are smiles really rare in starbucks? Everyone just pretends to be to important.

I don't know... I am kind of meandering...

I just love independent coffee houses, my work is always so much better in them for some reason, much more relaxing and happy.

-cody

[MongoTheGeek]

My favorite coffee shop is the Beehive in Pittsburgh. I went to the one in Oakland all the time (it was also a great movie theater) but I would go for the coffee as well. Then there was the one on the south side that I only went to a couple of times. I still remember the toaster hanging from the ceiling. :)

The coffee was far better than $tarbuck$ and the atmosphere was incredible.

[Mr. Anderson]

Starbuck's may have started a coffee house rebirth, but they're coffee isn't the best - as a matte of fact, I really don't like it. I'm lucky enough to have a good alternative in Old Town, even though there are 2 on the main street (King Street) within 9 blocks of each other - sad.....

D

[wordmunger]

Starbucks is just about the only place you can get decent coffee in North Carolina. We do have a nice little independent coffee shop here in Davidson, but it's too small-town for me. Do I have to get roped into a conversation about how the schools are going downhill *every* time I get a cup of coffee?

My dad is an absolute coffee fanatic. He lives in Seattle, and his one-sentence pan of Starbucks goes like this: "Starbucks is coffee for people who like milk."

I go to Starbucks quite often when I need a change of venue for writing (technically it's the Barnes and Noble Cafe, but they mostly serve Starbucks products). I don't go for the double-iced-caramel-mint-decaf-skim-mochaccinos--just regular coffee for me--but I think I'm becoming addicted to espresso brownies.

[rt_brained]

I opened my garage the other day and found that a Starbucks had moved in there too. Mother F'ers, where the hell am I supposed to park my car?

[Moxiemike]

I've concocted a recipe for espresso brownies. They're not exactly the same thing as what u are talking about, but still pretty damned good. If u want, I'll give u the recipe sometime. ;)

you need to email me that recipe. :)

m

[ToddW]

Starbucks coffee is pretty good, I was hitting a starbucks on the way to work every single day. Then I realized how much I was spending per month and went out and got an awesome coffee pot, this thing makes whatever you can think of, a coffee grinder and some whole beans. I get a fresh cup of coffee or espresso anytime I want, and I have saved bundles of cash to. And I don't have to put up with any private school kids think they are cool by saying, "I'll take a venti non-fat double mocha tee hee hee" The soccer moms look pretty hot though!

[Lyle]

But i mean, both places obviously put heroin in their products, they could save money in bulk...Don't forget about the crack cocaine in those bottled Frappuccinos that Starbucks sells in grocery stores. That is really the only logical explanation for my addiction to those things; I don't even like coffee!

[g30ffr3y]

ummm... you mean extra chocolate? :o :rolleyes:


well yeah... mocha=chocolate... i also get an extra expresso shot to jack it up... plus the whip cream... its so good... i want one now...

[jxyama]

neither.. here starbucks is only available in vienna they just started last year AFAIK

i'll visit one of them next time i'll be there ... but when i look at their homepage it doesn't look very special to me...just like a normal café ...

funny, i was in vienna last week and happened to notice it. there was one near the state opera house... second one i've seen in continental europe, the other one being in zürich. (this was back in 2001, i'm sure there are more.) i didn't bother visiting because i like european coffee better and since i don't get to go to europe that often any more, i like to have the "good" coffee instead of starbucks.

but as far as american style coffee is concerned, starbucks is fine with me... i also like their chai if i'm in the mood for something sweeter.

there's one inside the forbidden city in beijing. i thought that was awesome in some weird, convoluted way. :D

i prefer dunkin donuts' coffee - but they are rare in Michigan/mid-west. another strong incentive for me to move to boston - amazing how there was a dunkin donut on every street corner!

[Westside guy]

I used to like Starbucks more, back in the "old days" when whole-bean coffee was their main business. You would walk in the store and there'd be a whole wall of glass/plexiglass bins filled to the top with beans. We still buy our coffee there most of the time, but it's lost some atmosphere now that the beans are all pre-packaged in one pound aluminum bags and the stores are pretty much giant latte stands.

They are in a bit of a no-win situation, though, when it comes to mindshare. If a drink from Starbucks tastes the same whether purchased in London or in Seattle, then they're a "big soul-less corporate entity". If the drinks vary from location to location, then they're "so big they can't maintain quality control." :D (I've heard both complaints from different people)

[takao]

funny, i was in vienna last week and happened to notice it. there was one near the state opera house... second one i've seen in continental europe, the other one being in zürich. (this was back in 2001, i'm sure there are more.) i didn't bother visiting because i like european coffee better and since i don't get to go to europe that often any more, i like to have the "good" coffee instead of starbucks.

i actually give them 5 years for their austrian business...

perhaps they can achive a co-existance but a danger to the 250+ year old vienna coffee house tradition ? not gonna happen... pizza hut died a silent death after 7 years with lousy 3 restaurants...

[jxyama]

i actually give them 5 years for their austrian business...

perhaps they can achive a co-existance but a danger to the 250+ year old vienna coffee house tradition ? not gonna happen... pizza hut died a silent death after 7 years with lousy 3 restaurants...

ha ha, yeah. i remember pizza hut in geneva. very pricey and i saw absolutely no appeal of paying so much to eat american fast food. i doubt many europeans do either.

the only time i had "american" food while in europe was on 4th of july in 2001 - i had a bottle of sam adams and slices of domino's pizza - it cost a lot, like $25, but i guess it was an appropriate occasion. :o

[RBMaraman]

Starbucks is good coffee for people who don't know what good coffee is.

Nice try at an argument, but you can't say that. Everyone has different tastes. You think Starbucks is bad coffee. I think Starbucks is great coffee. We simply have different tastes.

After reading this thread, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the fact that Starbucks usually has WIFI access. I love Starbucks coffee, and I love that I can take my laptop and get some work done while I'm sitting there. In Louisville, KY there are a TON of independent coffee shops, and some are excellent. BUT, none have WIFI.

Starbucks is the coffee shop for the business professional. Independent coffee shops are the shops for struggling musicians and anti-corporate America people.

[asif3]

.

but as far as american style coffee is concerned, starbucks is fine with me... i also like their chai if i'm in the mood for something sweeter.

I was looking at that 'chai' thing the other day but I was in a rush. What exactly is it?

Starbucks is great for when you want to get an essay or something done and you've lost all your inspiration at home. I actually find it quite relaxing...

[TEG]

Starbucks makes the worst coffee on the Earth. I'm not much of a Coffee man anyway, but I'll drink Seattle's Best Coffee any day.

TEG

[jxyama]

I was looking at that 'chai' thing the other day but I was in a rush. What exactly is it?

chai is originally indian, i believe... it's spiced hot tea, sweetened with honey and milk. i personally find its sweetness very comforting, but some think it's too sweet while others don't like the spices in the tea...

try a small size first... it might be called "chai latte" or something.

[MattG]

I was looking at that 'chai' thing the other day but I was in a rush. What exactly is it?

Starbucks is great for when you want to get an essay or something done and you've lost all your inspiration at home. I actually find it quite relaxing...I agree. Sometimes at home I find it hard to concentrate...too quiet...I know it's weird but I do better with some background noise. Starbucks is always nice because it's not too bright, not too dark, they always have good music playing in the background...I find it very relaxing :)

[Westside guy]

I was looking at that 'chai' thing the other day but I was in a rush. What exactly is it?

Chai is a black tea with some spices added. Quite good, especially with cream or milk - and no, it wasn't invented by Starbucks. :D

Edit: Oops, didn't see jxyama's post; sorry for the dupe.

[sethwerkheiser]

There's a Starbucks a door down from the Apple Store in the King of Prussia mall. I remember when we bought our first Mac we hit Starbucks first, just to have something to do while they set up our iBook / installed the Airport card / etc.

My wifes gets Starbucks once a week, on her way into the city for class. And we might buy from there if we're at the King of Prussia mall and want coffee. Otherwise we always hit our local coffee shop. They know our name, our choices, and they actually GIVE us coffee around Christmas time, cuz I think we hit there a few times a week. Heh...

[ColoJohnBoy]

I don't like Starbucks one bit. Starbucks purposely roasts their beans too long (they burn them, essentially) so that you can go to any location in the world, and a cup of coffee is going to taste exactly the same. It would be impossible for them to coordinate all the different roasters they use to get the same flavors otherwise. Because of that, their coffee always has a bitter taste to it. Aside from that, I don't like the homogeny of it all. But of course, if I wanted to explore that one further this thread would have to be moved to the political forums where we could have a kick-ass discussion on the merits and detriments of globalization. :p

If you want coffee in Denver, go to Stella's, Saxby's, or St. Mark's. :)

[Mav451]

I don't like Starbucks one bit. Starbucks purposely roasts their beans too long (they burn them, essentially) so that you can go to any location in the world, and a cup of coffee is going to taste exactly the same. It would be impossible for them to coordinate all the different roasters they use to get the same flavors otherwise. Because of that, their coffee always has a bitter taste to it. Aside from that, I don't like the homogeny of it all. But of course, if I wanted to explore that one further this thread would have to be moved to the political forums where we could have a kick-ass discussion on the merits and detriments of globalization. :p

If you want coffee in Denver, go to Stella's, Saxby's, or St. Mark's. :)

While we are talking bout alternatives...is there any one company (I'm in Maryland though *_*) that makes frappucino's that are "better" than Starbucks? Anybody can answer this one (especially East Coast residents).

[&RU]

They definitely burn their beans. I drink my coffee black and love it, but not there. If I go to Starbucks I usually order an Americano, but they are hit and miss depending on the "Barrista". I do not like the way they do things there either. I once heard a comedian say, "I go to Starbucks when I want to see what it would have been like if the Germans had won the war... ". :D

[wordmunger]

One thing I REFUSE to do when I go to Starbucks is use their silly drink sizes: Tall, Grande, Venti.

I always just say "small," "medium," or "large."

[&RU]

I second that motion. Where the heck did they get those sizes from anyway?

[MattG]

One thing I REFUSE to do when I go to Starbucks is use their silly drink sizes: Tall, Grande, Venti.

I always just say "small," "medium," or "large."Yeah, and wouldn't you think "Tall" would be the biggest size?

[rt_brained]

One thing I REFUSE to do when I go to Starbucks is use their silly drink sizes: Tall, Grande, Venti.

I always just say "small," "medium," or "large."
That's illegal.

[rt_brained]

I don't like Starbucks one bit. Starbucks purposely roasts their beans too long (they burn them, essentially) so that you can go to any location in the world, and a cup of coffee is going to taste exactly the same. It would be impossible for them to coordinate all the different roasters they use to get the same flavors otherwise. Because of that, their coffee always has a bitter taste to it. Aside from that, I don't like the homogeny of it all. But of course, if I wanted to explore that one further this thread would have to be moved to the political forums where we could have a kick-ass discussion on the merits and detriments of globalization. :p

If you want coffee in Denver, go to Stella's, Saxby's, or St. Mark's. :)
...or (hellooo) Starbucks.

[rt_brained]

While we are talking bout alternatives...is there any one company (I'm in Maryland though *_*) that makes frappucino's that are "better" than Starbucks? Anybody can answer this one (especially East Coast residents).
The problem with most independent shops is that they use standard Hersheys Cocoa mix, rather than a dark chocolate derivative. As such, a lot of mochas and blendeds come out way too sweet for my taste. I think the bittersweet chocolate works better with coffee/espresso drinks...If small shops would stop making their blended drinks taste like chocolate shakes, I'd buy 'em.

[rt_brained]

chai is originally indian, i believe... it's spiced hot tea, sweetened with honey and milk. i personally find its sweetness very comforting, but some think it's too sweet while others don't like the spices in the tea...

try a small size first... it might be called "chai latte" or something.
The "spice" in Chai is often a mix of clove, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper (I may have left one or two out). Chai Fraps at Starbucks are tamed quite a bit with a vanilla shake base (I think) and probably contain very little ginger or black pepper.

Traditional Chai drinks, while flavorful, often are a somewhat spicy due to the amount of ginger and black pepper brewed in them. Not a popular mix for most.

[acidrock]

The "spice" in Chai is often a mix of clove, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper (I may have left one or two out). Chai Fraps at Starbucks are tamed quite a bit with a vanilla shake base (I think) and probably contain very little ginger or black pepper.

Traditional Chai drinks, while flavorful, often are a somewhat spicy due to the amount of ginger and black pepper brewed in them. Not a popular mix for most.

I really love Chai, but i try not to drink cafieen or milk, so have limitations. But I also believe that some companies make different kinds, like a spice or vanilla chai. One company that is really good is I think, Pacific Chai. I highly recommend them, though if ordering on the net you have to buy quite a large quantity, unfortunatly. oh to be able to drink milk -n

[----Bowie----]

I hate Starbucks. Tim Hortons is the best! :D

[cddonline]

Living in Seattle, I believe I am required by law to despise Starbucks. In fact, the only time I've ever heard anyone in Seattle publicly say something nice about Starbucks is when people were worried the latte tax might pass and that they'd be driven into poverty by having to pay an extra dime for a cup of coffee. Luckily for us, mom and pop coffee shops like Starbucks weren't afraid to 'stick it to the man.' :rolleyes:

In all seriousness, however, I do enjoy Starbucks hot chocolate as an occasional treat. :D

[acidrock]

Living in Seattle, I believe I am required by law to despise Starbucks. In fact, the only time I've ever heard anyone in Seattle publicly say something nice about Starbucks is when people were worried the latte tax might pass and that they'd be driven into poverty by having to pay an extra dime for a cup of coffee. Luckily for us, mom and pop coffee shops like Starbucks weren't afraid to 'stick it to the man.' :rolleyes:

In all seriousness, however, I do enjoy Starbucks hot chocolate as an occasional treat. :D

you make the reputation of Starbucks in Seattle sound worse than the reputation of Evergreen in Wasington! lol (inside joke residents of wash will get it)

[jxyama]

I hate Starbucks. Tim Hortons is the best! :D

yeah, being near canada, tim hortons is the best alternative to dunkin donuts. good coffee and donuts...

speaking about the cup sizes at starbucks... i remember when a local tim hortons changed the naming scheme of their cups from "small/medium/large/extra large" to "extra small/small/medium/large" to "better match customer perceptions." i thought it was hilarious because the cups were still the same size. :D

[Westside guy]

you make the reputation of Starbucks in Seattle sound worse than the reputation of Evergreen in Wasington! lol (inside joke residents of wash will get it)

Like, for example, we might notice that students there can't spell the state's name correctly? :D

(couldn't resist, sorry)

[kiwi_the_iwik]

Gawd - you REALLY know your town's on the map when a Starbucks opens on the High Street. One just opened in my neighbourhood of Twickenham last month - I blinked, and THERE it was!!

For any of you who get to walk around the trading area of London city (near the Bank of England and St. Pauls), I challenge you to NOT find a Starbucks - there's virtually one on EVERY corner! It's HILARIOUS!

What do they do?!? Sell drinks to EACH OTHER to turn a profit?!?

:rolleyes: :p

[mmmbop]

For any of you who get to walk around the trading area of London city (near the Bank of England and St. Pauls), I challenge you to NOT find a Starbucks - there's virtually one on EVERY corner! It's HILARIOUS!

They serve Starbucks coffee at the canteen in my workplace. That's the first I've ever seen (or heard of) that.

You can't get away from them!

[MongoTheGeek]

Gawd - you REALLY know your town's on the map when a Starbucks opens on the High Street. One just opened in my neighbourhood of Twickenham last month - I blinked, and THERE it was!!


What exactly is a "high street". In my town High Street is this narrow little thing that climbs straight up the mountain.

[kiwi_the_iwik]

"High Street" = MAIN street.

If you look at the index of an A-Z mapbook of London, for example (but virtually ANYWHERE in the UK it's a regular occurance), you'll notice a LARGE quantity of "High Street"s gracing the pages. So, it's also become a bit of a colloquialism in reference to ANY main street of ANY town in the UK.

Sorry that it might have been a little confusing for you...

;)

[toaster_oven]

coffee in a paper cup? even when you are staying in? blasphomy!

"uh, yeah, i'll have a venti decaf mocha frappadappadinaccino latte with skim milk."

"you want fries with that?"

-T O

[g30ffr3y]

"you want fries with that?"

-T O


no... at starchucks it would be...
"would you like a deluxe marshmellow crisp rice block for only $2.75"

its a friggin rice crispy treat for crying out loud...

[King Cobra]

Would you like an apple pie with that? (http://load.pquinn.com/binaries/fries/)

[applebum]

While we are talking bout alternatives...is there any one company (I'm in Maryland though *_*) that makes frappucino's that are "better" than Starbucks? Anybody can answer this one (especially East Coast residents).

Here in Augusta Georgia, our Starbucks is in the Barnes and Noble and its competition would be Borders and Books-A-Million (BAM). There are a couple of local coffee houses, but these are where most people go. My favorite used to be the Mocha Cocanut Frappacino (Starbucks), but they have discontinued it. Lately I have been going to BAM to get their Mocha Frappe. Same consistency as a frappacino, and man is it good. I get it in the mudslide flavor with Kahlua chocolate syrup....mmmm it has become my favorite. I also get this flavor hot as well. They use Joe Muggs coffee, so if you see that somewhere, try it.

[acidrock]

Like, for example, we might notice that students there can't spell the state's name correctly? :D

(couldn't resist, sorry)

it's called a typo, maybe that's a new word in your english? j/k (couldn't resist, sorry) LOL!!!

[wrc fan]

you make the reputation of Starbucks in Seattle sound worse than the reputation of Evergreen in Wasington! lol (inside joke residents of wash will get it)

When I was living in Seattle, everyone I knew would go to local coffee shops first, then Tully's second if there were no local shops on that corner. If I recall correctly there are more Tully's and Seattle's Best in Seattle than there are Starbucks, at least in the Queen Anne, Capital Hill and Downtown areas.

[arkmedia]

Attention Starbucks afficionados! I am looking for any Starbucks related posters, videos, or paraphenalia. Please e-mail me at idolfilms@yahoo.com.

[jywv8]

Don't forget about the crack cocaine in those bottled Frappuccinos that Starbucks sells in grocery stores. That is really the only logical explanation for my addiction to those things; I don't even like coffee!

Eh, I just came home with a four pack. Those damn little Frappuccinos...

[yosoyjay]

Because I live in Seattle, I'm able to get much better coffee than what is offered at Starbucks. However, whenever I am traveling I tend to visit them because they can dependably serve up a soy latte which I've found to be a problem in lots o' cities.

[Dr. Dastardly]

Because I live in Seattle, I'm able to get much better coffee than what is offered at Starbucks. However, whenever I am traveling I tend to visit them because they can dependably serve up a soy latte which I've found to be a problem in lots o' cities.

This seems to be true with most of the people I know in Seattle that Starbucks is synonyms with fast food. They only hit it if the need to.
Otherwise its one of the more intimate cafes.

[blackfox]

you make the reputation of Starbucks in Seattle sound worse than the reputation of Evergreen in Wasington! lol (inside joke residents of wash will get it)
Ahhh..my alma mater...I wonder what it is like these days? (It has been seven years). As far as the "reputation", it didn't stop us having droves of families come on Graduation Day...at the time, it was the largest one-day festival in all of Wash. Maybe it is different now...Another thing is I am sure the Highway Partrol was gunning for all cars w/ ESC stickers/parking permits...could just be paranoia...

As far as Starbucks goes, now that I am back in the NW (Portland), there are sooo many. While I do think that their coffee is sub-par, much has to do with the skill of the individual barista...I have had anything from "damn-good" to "undrinkable"...I do admire that they take pretty good care of their employees for such a large corporation, and offer Health care if you work over 25 hours a week...not too shabby.

[hana]

Eh, I just came home with a four pack. Those damn little Frappuccinos...

I guess I shouldn't tell you that they sell them by the case at Costco, eh? :D

Also, there's an actual Starbucks Drive Through in the Redondo Beach/South of LAX area. I wouldn't want to be near the place during morning rush hour.... :eek:

[Dr. Dastardly]

I guess I shouldn't tell you that they sell them by the case at Costco, eh? :D

Also, there's an actual Starbucks Drive Through in the Redondo Beach/South of LAX area. I wouldn't want to be near the place during morning rush hour.... :eek:
Practically all of the stand alone Starbucks here in Washington are drive through. So much so that if one is not some get mad. :rolleyes:

[mmmbop]

Have just got back from seeing Shrek 2. Loved the Starbucks gag (which I won't spoil here). Suffice to say it's done really well.

Damn the Starducks we have at my workplace. I am slowing putting on the pounds with the amount of lattes I consume daily.

[Dr. Dastardly]

Have just got back from seeing Shrek 2. Loved the Starbucks gag (which I won't spoil here). Suffice to say it's done really well.

Damn the Starducks we have at my workplace. I am slowing putting on the pounds with the amount of lattes I consume daily.
Yeah its pretty subtle if your not paying attention. But I was cracking up when I saw it.