Starbucks Reserve Roastery — Restaurant in Chicago

Review of My Visit to Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Nestled within the vibrant landscape of Chicago, my recent visit to the world’s biggest Starbucks—the Reserve Roastery—was nothing short of an extraordinary experience. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by an atmosphere infused with rich aromas and a palpable sense of craft, evident in every corner of this remarkable establishment.

Food Quality

Let’s dive into the centerpiece of my visit—the food. The selection of pastries was simply superb, embodying a level of quality that is hard to come by in a traditional café setting. The ovens and ingredients are imported straight from Italy, which elevates their pastries to a realm of authentic indulgence. Each bite of the freshly baked treats danced on my taste buds, revealing layers of rich flavors and textures that spoke to the care and heritage behind them. Pairing these delightful pastries with the freshly roasted coffee—meticulously decarbonized over a week to extract all unwanted elements—resulted in a coffee experience that was unparalleled. The depth of flavor in each sip was truly astonishing; it’s a taste that no other Starbucks can replicate.

Service

Equally impressive was the service. The staff were not only knowledgeable but also genuinely enthusiastic about their offerings. Every interaction was warm and uplifting, exemplifying customer service at its finest. They were more than happy to recommend pairings or share insights about the coffee-making process, which added an enriching layer to my visit. Additionally, the cleanliness and upkeep of the space were commendable. Restrooms and common areas were meticulously maintained, reflecting the dedication of the staff who strive to provide a pristine environment for guests.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a feast for the senses. As I explored the various floors of this expansive space, I was mesmerized by the breathtaking views and the captivating artwork that adorned the walls. The experience was complemented by delightful music that created a harmonious backdrop—setting the perfect tone for relaxation and enjoyment. Each corner held a treasure, with the art particularly inviting patrons to embark on a visual journey. And let me not forget the rooftop area—an absolute must-visit. The panoramic views were simply stunning, providing a picturesque setting to savor your crafted beverage.

Unique Offerings

It’s important to note that this isn’t your typical Starbucks. The unique combinations of drinks available here are a testament to the innovative spirit of the Reserve Roastery. I highly recommend embarking on the art tour along the stairway, as well as indulging in the most interesting coffee concoctions that you won’t find in any other location. The entire experience is meticulously curated, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a smile and a keen sense of satisfaction.

In conclusion, my visit to the world’s largest Starbucks, the Reserve Roastery, was a delightful escape filled with exceptional coffee, mouthwatering pastries, and the kind of service that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re looking for a truly unique coffee experience that tantalizes the palate and warms the heart, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit. This is not just a coffee shop; it is a celebration of craftsmanship, artistry,...

Rating: 4.1/5

We've been to a few Starbucks Reserve locations, and this one was just okay in comparison, design-wise. The space is impressive, spanning five floors with dedicated areas for pastries, drinks, a coffee bar experience, and a cocktail bar. However, the lines are quite long—expect to spend at least an hour if dining in. That said, the service is great, and they offer a nice variety of items.

On the first floor, we were told there was no line, so we went there—only to find out they only serve drinks. If we wanted pastries, we had to go to the second floor and line up again. The third floor featured a coffee bar experience that seemed to require a reservation but also served pastries. The fourth floor housed the coffee cocktail bar, which had a long wait. The fifth floor was a small outdoor rooftop overlooking Michigan Ave—nothing too impressive. Each floor had unisex bathroom stalls, but the lines for them were also long.

Iced Ube Coconut Latte ($9): This is a seasonal drink, and as a sucker for ube, I had to try it. It’s pricey for what it is, but I think it’s worth trying at least once. I don’t recall Starbucks ever having an ube drink in the U.S., so that was exciting. The best way to drink it is by sipping, so the ube foam flavors the coffee. The coffee itself had a slightly sour note, which balanced out when mixed with the foam. The ube foam had the right level of sweetness—not too heavy or creamy. My only complaint was the coconut flakes, which were too large and clumped together, making them unpleasant to drink (I almost choked on them).

Pistachio & Rose Twice-Baked Cornetto ($6.50): Absolutely delicious! One of the best pastries we've had in a while. Even my husband, who isn’t big on pastries, really enjoyed it. The flavors were well-balanced, and the cornetto was perfectly crispy. Highly recommend.

Funghi Puzzi ($9.50): Loved the variety of mushrooms. The cheese was on the heavier side, so I’d recommend sharing. I also would have liked it toasted a bit longer to get a crispier crust.

Overall, a solid experience with some standout menu items, but be...

On Sunday, June 22, I had a deeply disappointing experience at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago, specifically on the 4th Floor at the cocktail bar. As someone who has supported the brand for years and collects Starbucks merchandise, I expected a high level of service and hospitality. What I experienced was dismissive, inconsistent, and frankly unacceptable.

While waiting in line with a friend, I noticed the general seating area was full, but bar seats appeared open. I approached a staff member, Tony, at the roped-off section to inquire about seating. He informed me there was none available, so I returned to the line. Roughly fifteen minutes later, multiple bar seats opened up. My friend then asked about seating again and was told she could not enter because she did not have a drink and that seating was still unavailable. When she pointed out the open seats, Tony stated that no one could be seated due to a "safety hazard" and then chuckled.

This interaction was disappointing enough, but what happened next was infuriating. Another employee wearing a mask, who later identified himself as the manager, came from behind the rope and offered the seats at the bar to two women directly behind us in line. These guests also did not have drinks. The inconsistency and disregard for the rules just explained to us were obvious.

At that point, I stepped out of line and prepared to leave the store. On the way out, I stopped at the second floor to report the incident. Realizing we had not gotten the names of the staff on the 4th floor, my friend returned and was met with hostility and verbal aggression from the same masked manager.

This was not a one-off customer service mistake. It was a complete breakdown in professionalism, consistency, and respect. I left feeling insulted and dismissed.

I will no longer support this location or the broader brand unless there is meaningful accountability and action taken to address this kind...