Starbucks — Restaurant in San Diego

I adopted the Starbucks at the Hazard Center in San Diego, as my home away from home during a three day visit there. This Starbucks was close to my hotel and I went there four times in three days.

There is something to be said about any restaurant chain or retail chain that consistently maintains high standards across cities and states across the country.

Starbucks freestanding stores always meets my expectations for a good cup of coffee and a snack or bite to eat, no matter what time of day or wherever I am. I don’t include airport or grocery store locations, though they’ve improved markedly.

The Hazard Center Starbucks is no different. The employees were friendly, warm, quick and well trained. They had a queue that reached the door at one point, and they never lost their cool. The power went out on Saturday and they continued to serve irritated customers with a smile and employees started scrubbing sweeping and cleaning. No one was idle for a minute.

I will make every effort to patronize the Hazard Center Starbucks location whenever I’m in San Diego, and you should too! Tell ‘em...

When I got there to pick up a mobile order, there was no barista making drinks. I can understand that they might only have two folks and they need to take breaks, but it was pretty busy (it was lunchtime). We all just stood there...waiting. The person working the register just kept taking orders, so the customers waiting for drinks continued to pile up (and there isn't a lot of room to stand and wait, the seats were full). Seems like he could have made a few drinks, then gone back to taking orders. I didn't wait much longer than the max time the app estimated, but it was unusual (for most Starbucks locations) and I did need to get back to work. The bathrooms could use a remodel, or at least a deep cleaning. The latte was good. *I went again recently and had the opposite experience from above (mobile order was ready before I even arrived and the barista acknowledged me and was helpful and friendly) so I changed my rating from...

Hey Starbucks in mission valley San Diego! I have found your next executive and partner for your future endeavors. Her name is Siena and she made my M’Fn day! I asked about the pralines cold brew coffee which is a seasonal drink and I know it’s technically not on the current menu. Well, she decided to go above and beyond her normal duties to provide impeccable customer service and make my day.

She made me the drink and was so pleasant in providing me with an experience I won’t be forgetting. It’s moments like this that go unnoticed and under appreciated but not today. Today I want to highlight you Siena, thank you for making my day and sharing a laugh about my crazy ass. You’re awesome and have...