Starbucks — Restaurant in Houston

I ordered a white chocolate mocha and white hot chocolate from this location, and both beverages were tasteless. This is the second occurrence, and thankfully I did not drive too far away like the first time, before tasting my drink. I always get the white hot chocolate with almond milk and extra whip cream, and my mother gets an extra pump of sauce for her white chocolate mocha. We have been wondering for years why some Starbuck’s locations make them to perfection, and why other’s taste so bland.

The barista at the Richmond location stated that she put the correct amount of pumps, and didn’t believe me when I told her that neither of the beverages had sweetness/flavor. She stated that it could’ve been due to the almond milk, which didn’t make sense because a different type of milk may change the flavor, but it should not effect the level of sweetness added to a beverage to the degree that it is flavorless.

When I spoke to the manager, she assured that the barista put the correct amount of pumps in both previous beverages and the replacements made. However, I assured her that both the original and remakes were still tasteless. When I told her that I order the same beverages at other Starbucks locations, and that this is the only location I’ve experienced a flavorless white hot chocolate, she claimed that the pumps are made differently at different Starbucks stores. She kindly refunded my money and I went to the Starbucks seven minutes away on McGowen. I ordered the two beverages the exact way my mother and I always request, and it was sweet. After thanking this Starbuck’s manager for the drinks being made correctly, I explained to her what recently happened at the Richmond location. The McGowen manager stated that the pumps are all made the same, because Starbucks is corporate. She said the issue was that the syrups are extremely thick, and the other Starbuck’s baristas do not stir the beverages before serving, so customers do not taste the sweetness/flavor of the drink.

It’s funny how people will try to make you feel like you are imagining things when you know something is not right. I’m thankful for the Starbuck’s manager at the McGowen location for taking out the time to explain this today, because it made a world of a difference and I learned something new today. Although we shouldn’t have to as customers, always ask them to stir the beverages when placing order. I took out the time to contact the manager at the Richmond location to share this ah-ha moment. At first, the barista told me that the manager was unavailable when requested, that is until I told her I had just spoken with their manager under ten minutes ago. I’m hoping the manager will take this into account and train her...

Just came from this Starbucks. Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t make reviews for places especially bad ones because I don’t think they normally make a significant impact on customer service improvement. However, be advised the customer service at this Starbucks in Montrose is probably the worst I’ve received in a very long time. I travel all across the city everyday as a realtor, born and raised here in Houston so I understand the culture. There’s a specific employee at the drive thru window who not only completely disregarded me and the person ordering in front of me but treated us in a disrespectful manner. I just wanted an Americano. But when I ordered it at the speaker, she says “the who!??” I’m sorry, I thought we were talking in regard to what drink I wanted to order. Not any other individuals as the only two relevant people in our conversation is her and I. I then asked if she had a darker roast. Further deepening her into confusion and frustration and so a young man took over the call and I ordered my regular black coffee with ease. At the window, a word was not said to me. As a matter of fact, the words that came out of her mouth were being delivered on the phone with someone who is in the process of helping her move things out of her home. My coffee was handed and my card was processed and given back. Again, without any sort of acknowledgement or expression. Luckily she didn’t ask for a tip. The older lady in front of me also received an attitude of frustration by the young lady at the window for no apparent reason. I believe she was scanning something because of her birthday today. Anyways, Montrose residents beware the rude, incompetent attitude you may receive here. It is not welcoming at 5pm...

I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to the amazing team at Starbucks on Richmond Avenue. I usually go in the mornings, and every single time, I’m greeted with genuine smiles, warm energy, and top-tier customer service.

No matter how busy it gets — and it does get busy — the staff handles everything with such grace, professionalism, and positivity. They're always attentive, efficient, and kind, never letting the pressure of a morning rush take away from the personal experience they create for each customer. It’s clear they truly care, and it shows in every interaction.

The atmosphere is always inviting, with great music playing in the background that adds to the relaxed, uplifting vibe. On top of that, the cleanliness of the store is consistently impressive — from the counters to the seating area, everything is always spotless and well-kept, which makes spending time there even more enjoyable.

The team here really sets the bar for what great service looks like. Whether you're grabbing a quick drink on the go or sitting down for a moment to yourself, the Richmond Avenue crew makes you feel welcome, valued, and taken care of. They’re a true example of what makes a coffee stop feel like a bright spot in your day.

To the entire team — thank you for your hard work, your smiles, the messages on my cups, and the consistently wonderful experience(s) that you provide every morning. You all make this location an...