Starbucks — Restaurant in Virginia Beach

The Starbucks at Hickman Place is a location that I visit fairly often. Whenever I need to quench my thirst for an Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso, this is where I usually go. Although this particular location is not close to my house, I always feel drawn to come here, whether it be from the good customer service, pleasant atmosphere, or (relatively) quick service.

I can recall driving past Hickman place years ago when it was still a run-down, antique house. As days went by, the condition of the building seemed to deteriorate more and more—until a Starbucks opened there! In my opinion, Hickman Place is one of the higher-end Starbucks in Virginia Beach, aside from the location on 30th street. The interior is calm and comforting and has adequate seating for customers. It looks more like an art museum than a Starbucks, with modern chandeliers hanging down from the ceiling in the common room. The ordering station is simple and modern. There is a large space where you can see the baristas crafting the drinks, something I deem necessary when I try to copycat their pumpkin spice latte recipe (shhh!).

One thing that I have noticed is that the inside is usually quicker than the drive-thru line. I’m not sure if this is consistent with any other Starbucks locations, but it was surprising to me because the drive-thru line is usually the fastest at fast-food establishments. The wait times are sometimes a push factor, sometimes making me question myself “Why not go to Dunkin?”, where the lines are significantly quicker, and the food is cheaper. However, more often than not, this Starbucks fails to disappoint.

Aside from the annoying drive-thru wait times, the service at this location is satisfactory. In the legion of times, I have been here, I don’t recall ever having an issue with employees being rude/drinks being messed up.

In terms of taste, this Starbucks does a pretty good job at making drinks. When I order my usual Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, it is good 8 times out of 10 (which is pretty impressive for a Starbucks.) I have tried a couple of other drinks too, such as the White Mocha, and the Iced Caramel Macchiato. The White Chocolate Mocha was like hot chocolate, and it was delectable. The Iced Caramel Macchiato was also good, compiling the rich taste of coffee with the delicate sweetness of caramel, all swirled together with ice-cold milk.

Asides from coffee, this Starbucks has some food items, both hot and cold. I tried the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese on an English muffin and also one of their cake pops. The sandwich tasted quite similar to the identically named one that Dunkin’ sells. Although it is not gourmet, it is filling when you are in a pinch and need a quick bite to eat. My favorite food item would be the Cake Pop. The texture of the cake is soft and complements the rich chocolate shell nicely.

Now, here comes the most important part: the price. Starbucks is known for being expensive, and it undoubtedly is. If I wanted to have Starbucks coffee every day, I would have to be a millionaire, and even then I probably wouldn’t to save money. The Sausage Egg and Cheese sandwich cost $5.95, which is expensive compared to its Dunkin’ counterpart which is a mere $3.59. A grande Oatmilk Espresso is $6.43 with tax. Is it worth the price? Probably not. Will I keep buying them because they taste good? Yes.

Overall, I rate this Starbucks 4 out of 5 stars. It is not perfect, but it is pretty close to it. Despite the long wait times and expensive prices, I will continue to regularly go to this Starbucks because the coffee is just...

This Starbucks is located in the Hickman Place Shopping Center in Virginia Beach. It is connected to the historic Hickman House. You can get to this place by entering from General Booth Blvd. heading northbound where the Velocity Urgent Care is, or along Nimmo Parkway at the new traffic light. My first visit here was on December 13, 2021, and the most recent visit here was on December 18, 2021.

This is definitely an upgrade compared to the other smaller location in Red Mill. You don't feel like you are packed like sardines in a can. As an added bonus, they have a drive through as well. Parking here is limited, especially during peak times. I'm sure more parking will come available as the shopping center as a whole continues to expand. On the outside, they have a small patio area where you can sit down and eat or drink when the weather is good to do so.

When you come inside, the place definitely looks more spacious than the other location at Red Mill. There aren't many tables or booths in here for seating, but that may be due to them trying an attempt at social distancing maybe.

On December 13th, my mom and I came in to get some hot drinks. I had a free drink that day for my birthday, so I wasn't going to let it go to waste. The staff were quick to ask if we had any questions about the menu and what we would like to get. I ended up getting a Venti Peppermint Mocha (hot). My mom got the Venti Toasted White Chocolate Mocha (hot). Due to the later time in the day, there were only a few others in there at the time. We had the drinks when we got home, and it was just as good as we have had at other locations in the past.

A few days later on December 18th, I came back for a second visit. I had a coupon for a free bakery item. Just like the visit before, they were quick to ask if I had any questions about the menu. I did ask what items would count for the free bakery item. In the end, I went with a piece of the Banana Nut Loaf, warmed up and another Venti Peppermint Mocha (hot). I would have those when I got home, and the Banana Nut Loaf was still warm and soft too. I really liked that bakery item and would totally look to get that again in the future.

Overall, there were great experiences with both visits. The staff were great to work with. With this place having more space and a drive through too, that makes this the new local Starbucks I will be coming back to in the future instead of the one over at Red Mill or Landstown Commons. It was definitely a homey feeling when I was in there. If you are in the area and looking for a Starbucks, you definitely need to check...

I used to work at Starbucks and was thrilled to have a drive thru in the redmill area. I have been a few times and yes it’s a really long wait every time but I just brushed it off thinking they’re just really busy.

Today I ordered a drink and it was a disaster. The girl taking my order had me repeat it a few times which I thought maybe she can’t hear me. She didn’t understand anything I was saying. Oh well, another barista hops on and I tell her my order. Wanted a venti drink in a trenta cup simply because it’s easier to stir with a straw because this location uses so much ice in their drinks even when I order light ice. She tells me that’s against the rules and said no. Even though at this location I have ordered that before?

Okay? Whatever. Finally get my order, venti chocolate almond milk shaken espresso, with some added sugar free vanilla and stevia.

She hands me the drink at the window and there is no almond milk in it. Even though it literally has almond milk in the name. She takes it back and they add it. And looking through the window they looked unhappy about it.

Girl at the window returns and I can tell she’s trying to be nice, I appreciated it. It was a hassle to order this $7 drink.

Drive away… takes a sip. Literally no chocolate, sugar free vanilla or stevia in this drink. Whatsoever. What the heck?

We ended up at the redmill commons location and told them what happened and they made my drink again for free for me so I tipped them well.

Beware this Starbucks. I paid $7 to get iced down espresso and almond milk that I had to remind them to add. Thank goodness for the other location around the corner where I will get all my drinks from,...