Starbucks — Restaurant in Cupertino

This Starbucks was changed into one of the new "Starbucks Reserve" bar locations July 2017. It is one of eight Starbucks reserve locations in California, and one of three Reserve locations in the Bay Area (though I was told that a Tesla drove through the Los Gatos location... so count that as two now?).

Very interesting concept. It's basically a high-end Starbucks, which is supposed to offer an "immersive" experience.

To quote the Starbucks Reserve website: "Apart from the full-scale theatricality of the Starbucks Reserve™ Roasteries, our bars offer a more intimate small-lot coffee experience. These are the perfect places to pick up Starbucks Reserve™ whole bean coffee, enjoy a handcrafted Starbucks Reserve™ beverage and chat with a barista about all things coffee."

Their menu items are thoughtfully-crafted. You can get a real affogato here! (with espresso over real ice cream -- not just whipped cream, as a regular Starbucks would substitute).

The barista seemed extremely knowledgeable and well-trained.

The only issue I had is that both restrooms were closed due to being "about to be cleaned" for over an hour. They had trash cans blocking the entry way. After waiting over an hour, one of the employees finally caved and moved the trash cans but the soap dispensers in both restrooms were still empty so obviously they didn't actually get around to cleaning them.

I will update this review after a return visit in the future.

6/22 UPDATE:

Their cold brew malt is amazing! It's like a milkshake made with real ice cream and espresso! They use chocolate bitters, but the chocolate flavor is very subtle and not overwhelming at all, which is great for someone like me who doesn't really care for chocolate as much as most people do.

Tried the Vanilla créme anglaise macchiato for the second time, this time with less than the standard quad shot espresso they do for a venti because the espresso flavor drowned out all the other flavors, which are subtle. It's better with only 2 or 3 shots IMO if you're looking for balanced flavor. But I do appreciate the fact that Starbucks Reserve adds twice as much espresso to a venti as a regular Starbucks does! ☕

The restrooms were at least open this time, though they were out of toilet paper. Seems they could improve their upkeep. I know it's not a fun job, but someone's...

I really like the cinnamon caramel nitro cold brew. There is a very appetizing picture on the wall. I’ve had one made correctly in the past, which enticed me to come back and order one again. But, it seems that no one at this Starbucks knows how to make this anymore. Two visits ago, the drink given to me was a nitro on ice with cream (shouldn’t be on ice, no caramel or cinnamon). Next visit, same thing on ice, but at least they sprinkled cinnamon on it. Today, when I ordered, I requested no ice, and was told “nitros don’t come with ice” . Good. What I got was a nitro that was pumped full of vanilla syrup. This time I complained and had to convince them that there should be caramel and cinnamon in it. They remade the drink. They still pumped it full of vanilla syrup, added something frothy that made it look like nothing but foam, and it tasted horrible. I should have asked for it to be remade again, but I gave up. Please train your baristas how to make this drink, or take it...

Oooh.... "Starbucks Reserve" with a big Starbucks Reserve Bar for those who pay more for something "really special" from their Starbucks Reserve coffee menu. Could Starbucks come up with a more pretentious way to serve a crappy cup of coffee while playing to insecurities by helping you feel more important than most of their addicted masses? Sorry ... I was Jones-ing for a heavy dose of espresso. I knew I shouldn't go in, but did anyway. It was on the way... the line looks short... it was recently remodeled... All that I ordered was delivered incorrect. Condiment/Dairy cart was filthy and partially out of stock. Garbage overflowing. Beverages where placed on the pick up counter unlabeled lending to some confusion partially resolved by a guest fondling all the cups by the lids to find their beverages leaving the remaining manhandled cups to be sorted by process of elimination and remade. A good reminder as to why I rarely cross their...