Starbucks — Restaurant in Chula Vista

I've been an avid Starbucks customer (read as addict). I'm still giving this brand new Starbucks some time to get their act together.

On average, 75% of the time we go there, they tend to screw up our order or forget to pour our regular hot coffee at the register. Don't expect your drink in 3 minutes (as their rule of standards go) and expect new baristas. It doesn't seem like they've transferred enough experienced baristas. Although once did we get a complimentary drink card because they messed up our orders (again).

In addition, don't expect to get phone signal OR WiFi efficiently. If you get some, you're lucky. The City of Chula Vista needs to add more cell phone towers out here since more and more residents are coming to the area. So if you have a Starbucks phone app, make sure you have it loaded it before you enter the store. I have had no success loading it in store and we have Verizon.

I hope I can edit this review in the near future, because their new location, seating areas, and facilities are wonderful! However, I would like to see an orderly line up for taking orders because their registers and pick up bar are right next to each other and the line gets congested and confusing.

Update (as of 6/28/23) I was hoping improvement but this location seems to be a stomping grounds for trainees. Orders still take longer than usual and they typically keep messing up our orders 75% of the time. Unfortunately each time we visit the restroom, I find they aren't kept neatly.

Update (as of 1/18/24) Service is still slow and seems to be training grounds for new baristas. Average 10-15 minutes additional wait after placing order on mobile app. Do not go here if you are pressed for time.

Also don't expect blonde roast drip coffee to ever be ready. We went before 8am and there was none.

(Update 12/8/24) They've remodeled. They have the new coffee brew machines that make the coffee to order. This makes it fresh, but takes time just like ordering a crafted drink. Account for the time needed.

I've noticed all year their (updated) restroom toilet is always dirty and floors grimey. The soap dispenser rarely refilled. I don't think they prioritize cleanliness in...

I've been to this location about 11 times, and I've learned that while the drive-thru can seem daunting, it's often faster than ordering inside — something I’ve come to understand and appreciate.

On this particular day, I decided to venture inside for about the 5th time with my dog. I ordered my usual Venti Iced Skinny Vanilla Latte at the front register, paid, and began heading outside to wait as I normally do. However, I was stopped by a worker who asked me to wait outside indefinitely and he would bring me my drink, saying it was due to my dog.

I’ll admit I felt a bit frustrated — not because of the pet policy itself, but because I've been inside this location before with my dog and had never been asked to leave. All I’ve ever wanted is for the policy to be consistent so customers like me don’t feel singled out or unwelcome.

When the worker brought my drink out, it was a hot latte instead of iced, so I waited while he kindly remade it. When he returned, I took the opportunity to ask about the change in policy.

He introduced himself as the new manager and explained that he’s working to improve consistency and ensure the store follows proper procedures. He was incredibly professional, articulate, and kind in his response. He even apologized for any past inconsistencies and thanked me for my feedback.

I explained that my cousin is a Starbucks partner, and I genuinely love Starbucks — my intention was never to bend the rules or cause an issue. The new manager appreciated my honesty, and to my surprise, he handed me both drinks (the correct one and the initial error) as a kind gesture.

I walked away feeling valued as a customer, thanks to his professionalism and willingness to listen. Thank...

Dear Starbucks Customer Service,

I'm writing to express my disappointment with the service I received at one of your locations last night. We visited the drive-thru and ordered two Venti Shaken Espresso Brown Sugar with lite ice. Unfortunately, my drink was filled to the brim with ice, leaving little room for the coffee.

I called the store and spoke with a representative who asked me to come in the next day and mention his name. However, when I visited the store and showed the cup picture to the cashier, he expressed skepticism and explicitly stated that he didn't believe me. Despite showing him a photo of the cup with the date, he insisted that I needed to provide proof of purchase in the form of a receipt.

I explained that I hadn't received a receipt, but I did have the same card used for payment. The cashier still declined to assist me, suggesting that a bank statement showing the transaction might be acceptable, but ultimately, he couldn't help. His dismissive attitude and lack of willingness to resolve the issue were disappointing.

I ended up ordering the replacement drink and paid for it again, along with two additional drinks.

I'd appreciate it if you could look into this matter and provide feedback. I'd like to enjoy my drinks without issues in the future.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best...