Starbucks — Restaurant in Novato

This Starbucks' focus is on their drive-thru business. It's the only drive-thru in Novato, so if you hate the thought of getting out of your car for a cup of coffee, this is a good choice. It's not in a location where I would expect many people to stroll by while shopping on foot: the store sits in its own detached building on the outskirts of a sorta rundown, kinda sketchy strip mall. Coffee drinkers who step inside, most likely drove here. (Also, if you're looking at Google Maps, don't get this one confused with the Starbucks counter inside Safeway at the other end of the shopping center.)

Like most Starbucks, the staff is friendly and attentive, and like most Starbucks, the beverages are serviceable. My oat milk cappuccino tasted a bit off, though. Almost like the milk was scalded or something.

The cafe vibe is perfectly average for Starbucks. Clean, with no memorable style save for one fabulous exception: the unsettling liminal space leading to the restrooms and the restrooms themselves. I mean sure, you could hang a couple pictures on the walls, but maybe the lack of character IS the style. If the whole place leaned into this stark minimalism, it would be pretty edgy…especially for a Starbucks! I...

I am here everyday. Sometimes twice a day. Last night I ordered my items, the guy read them back. The order was wrong and when I stated that he says “ well I didn’t hear that”. He was so rude, aggressive, and condescending in our new few exchanges. I asked for a refund and he didn’t refund me the proper amount. He states that I am wrong. The manager comes over and I showed him my bank app, he stated I would have to pay again in order to be refunded the proper amount, though he said I was paying to little for what I ordered and wanted to charge me the new higher “correct amount”. He then took money from his employees tip charge to give me my money back. I refused as that is so egregious. He was more concerned about his profit margins and his till being even more so than his employees tips and doing the RIGHT things by the customers. I also shared I didn’t like how rude the first man was and he said he heard everything and he didn’t hear anything I was saying. No apology was given, no refund was given, no items accepted. How...

I am moving. I ordered two venti iced green tea lemonade drinks for my friend and I. They tasted horrible like a little bit of sour lemon juice thrown into water. I went back today, September 15, to talk to the manager who was crisp and efficient but not kind or sympathetic, or really even helpful. I asked for a store credit. I am a regular Starbucks customer. She said all she could do is replace the drinks and by the way, you should’ve brought them back within two days. Well I am moving. Anyway, I got the replacement drinks out of principle, and they taste really horrible also. I don’t think I’ll be back to this Starbucks and I don’t recommend ordering that drink from that Starbucks. The latte I did order tasted good, but they neglected to put the heat protector on the cup. I didn’t notice it right away, so I almost burned myself. The workers are not taking good care of their elderly clients. Not happy with...