Starbucks — Restaurant in La Quinta

A Starbucks these days is just a Starbucks. The chain that launched a thousand real estate careers has pretty much homogenized itself into just another coffee shop. The thrill of going into the warm, inviting "third place" is gone. The Christmas time thrill of the "magic", not so much.

This location stands out a little, it still has seats around small tables, a community high top and one or two padded chairs. The wi-fi is still free and there are a pretty good number of electric outlets. But its all-neutral colors and hard edges. And a not too easy drive-thru lane.

But, the crew here is particularly sharp, they understand how to run the place and seldom get it wrong. The drive thru staff is efficient, they usually have pleasant words. Yeah, there are other locations that are closer, but this is the one we like the best.

I like Starbucks Coffee. It is my favorite; I used to go every day. Now it's once or twice a week. It is not as warm and welcoming. The prices seem to increase by the order, and long before "inflation" gave an excuse. Others, like San Diego's Buzz have the edge on ambiance now.

Remember when they promised coffee would always be their core product. Now you're lucky to find a package of beans at...

I don’t understand how they charge you $.60 For caramel drizzle when you ask for a caramel drizzle around the cup, but then only get it at the top of the cup. Then to ask the barista hey I asked for around the cup she said yeah that’s an additional $.60, but the drink is originally $5:75 and I paid at$ 6.30 so I think you charged me already. The barista at the drive-through then said oh that’s how we do it now. Then why can’t you just be honest and tell me that you’re stealing $.60 from all your customers without letting them know upfront it’s only at the top of the cup if that’s the case then I won’t ask for a caramel drizzle , I didn’t know it was that hard just to add caramel drizzle around the cup when your customer...

Come here alot never an issue but blondie today Said they just got my order and would try to get it by the time i was at the window. They were busy so by the time i got to the window my order had been placed 9 minutes ago and it said it would be ready 8:40am. It was 8:39 and she told me to go get the drinks inside because they werent ready and couldnt guarantee they would be ready by the next time i went around (injured foot so cant walk to well ) 25 minutes after my order i got my cofee. How can you have my coffee ready in 3 mins if i order at speaker but not for almost half hour if i place online...