Starbucks — Restaurant in Washington

A too-early fall chill was in the air as I left the CUA-Brookland Metro station under grey skies.  My work day was over and The Workout Partner was just wrapping-up an afternoon of errands and shopping. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we were able to communicate with each other from opposite ends of the nation's capital and agreed to meet for coffee. What better way to fend off the encroaching evening chill? And so Starbucks it was.

Technophobe that I sort of am, I had only downloaded the Starbucks app for the first time a couple days prior. My initial attempt the day before -- in another location -- had resulted only in baffled looks from the attendant baristas when I arrived to claim my caffeinated purchase. With The Workout Partner's encouragement, however, I mustered my resolve and tried again today.  Success!

Team barista performed their jobs with pleasant professionalism and aplomb.  The cashier seemed to recognize my perplexed look as I glanced from the phone app to the register. He helpfully greeted me with a reassuring smile and advised “If you’ve ordered through the Starbucks app, all we need is your name, sir.”

“Umm, hi. I’m Steve.”

“Welcome, Steve. Your order is waiting for you at the pick-up counter.”

At said counter, another friendly barista -- I think the nametag said “Teddy" -- handed over my drink and told me to enjoy.  I winced a little inside at the thought that all this efficient technology might eliminate their jobs sooner than later, but that's a threat faced by most of us in the service industry, I suppose. Somehow, life will go on and I had coffee to drink.

As usual, I had a Grande Mocha (and of course I’d like whipped cream...why on earth wouldn't I?!) and also as usual I gave myself my signature barely-perceptible eyeroll for spending more than $5 on a single serving of coffee. As usual, the coffee itself tasted a little past its prime but I think we’ve all come to accept that as just part of the Starbucks experience.

The Workout Partner had some soy milk frappuccino thing that looked like a lot of work. Like many African-Americans, he’s lactose intolerant. As a native Wisconsinite, I’m slowly learning not to take it as a personal affront. As usual, I asked if I could get him a Lactaid pill. Also as usual, I got the “Oh, don’t start” look as he followed through with his soy-milk intentions. I still cringed a little inside but am getting better. He assured me it was delicious.

The coffee shop itself was delightful -- immaculately clean, brightly lit and nicely appointed with wood and faux-leather furnishings. It was so comfortable that I dozed off for a few moments while T-WoP busied himself on his laptop. An elbow to the gut and sharply-whispered “You’re snoring!” brought me back to reality from the arms of Morpheus.  I hope that my brief sojourn in dreamland was more a commentary on the environmental comforts than it was on my attention span.

A pleasant atmosphere, delightful employees, enjoyable beverages and wonderful company. What more could I ask for?  Life is good. And today's visit to Starbucks just made it that...

The two stars is about this location and not about Starbucks in general.

I very seldom have a bad experience at Starbucks but today’s visit really turned me sour. The store was busy so I have some understanding of why this happened but I still feel it’s unacceptable.

I ordered coffee and a pastry and was told it would be 5 or 10 minutes because they were so busy. 20 minutes later I still didn’t have my pastry and I had to leave to get somewhere else on time.

There was only one staff member warming all the food and they would only bring orders out every 5 minutes or so after a batch was ready. When I asked about it the person I asked shrugged their shoulders and said “oh well, we’re busy” and didn’t offer to check. They had quite an attitude.

So I finally ended up leaving without my pastry and without a refund because there was a line to order. The person taking orders noticed me walking out and did say sorry when I said I had to leave. However no one even offered a refund or to check on my order.

There were seemingly not enough staff and while I can overlook that, the attitude of the person I asked about my order was not acceptable. I won’t be back to this...

Best Starbucks in town and arguably the best coffee in town. I loooove coming here to Northeast DC just for their reserve offerings. Their reserve hot chocolate with hazelnut bianco latte is truly the most decadently delicious drink I have ever had. I cannot get enough of it!! Northeast DC isnt very renowned for...well...anything, to be perfectly honest. As a long-time resident, I never had any reason or motivation to come here. Now I do!!! Situated in a perfectly charming area right off the the red line metro stop at Brookland CUA, and right across from the Catholic University of America, this Stsrbucks Reserve big, comfortable, and the perfect place to spend two minutes or two hours alone or with friends. The upscale decor make this a wonderful place to take in visually, and the rich browns in the wooden surfaces make it as cozy outside as you feel inside when drinking their amazing beverages. I secretly hope you don't read this review so that I can have this place all...