Starbucks Coffee

Let's face it: Starbucks are like Walgreen's - one on just about every corner in town. For the coffee lover, that's a good thing because you know you are never far from a hot cup of java. The thing that sets this particular Starbucks apart is the congenial, helpful staff. Often I stop in not for coffee but because I'm having a bit of a down day and need a lift in spirit.

With very few exceptions, the baristas here always seem to enjoy helping their customers...and that's something you don't see every day! I know that no matter what the situation or time of day I can count on Shelly, Sandy, Emily, Heidy, Patrick and the rest of the staff to not only put a smile on my face and a tasty drink in my hand, but to make me feel valued as a customer and a friend.

My only complaints about this particular Starbucks are the size (it is one of the smaller ones and it tends to get rather crowded) and the volume of the music (often it is rather loud and annoying.) These are minor inconveniences though.

A tip: For value and the best tasting cup of coffee you can get at Starbucks, treat yourself to a French Press. To me, that is the only way to discover the true flavor of the many coffees available. Be sure and ask your barista about food pairings to go with your coffee too. It is amazing the flavors you can experience when food and coffee are properly matched. (They will be getting the new sandwiches in later this month so you’ll have even more choices of a nosh to go with your bevvy.)

*****UPDATE 4/4/09*********
My past couple of visits here I've noticed a disturbing trend: one of the managers (at least he acts like a manager...I can't be positive) has a bad habit of talking down to the rest of the staff and tends to be a bit of a tool. From some of the comments I've heard it seems like he may have some unresolved anger issues. (If he weren't of above-average stature, I'd say it was a Napoleon complex.) Not sure what his deal is but it makes me wonder about what kind of people skills Starbucks requires managerial candidates to have. While it hasn't been enough (yet) to make me not return, it's getting really close.