Restaurant review Holy crap batman, not all starbucks are alike. This is likely the worst starbucks location in the USA. First I would have to echo J.H.'s review the parking lot is ridiculously small and to have a drive through as well is just asking for trouble. There is no room to parking and worst of all you have people who are just double parking and blocking traffic all the while trying to maneuver to the drive thru lane. I personally was holding my horn down with people just blocking my egress. The barista that served me was completely clueless. I ordered a venti mocha and somehow she tried to charge me a charge for syrup? WTF, when did a venti mocha come with an additional cost. When I asked about this she was like um ... let me find someone. This location has some major problems and I would AVOID at all cost unless you want to enter the snarling parking lot. My mocha also tasted bland and watered down if that is possible for starbucks coffee. Pro: none Cons: World's smallest parking lot, clueless barista Hidden gem: Starbucks registered gift card to earn stars and to obtain gold status for free drink after 12 stars. Free refill on brewed coffee in shop. Once you are a member you will regularly get coupon codes for discount on drinks
(1)
Arletta C.
This Starbucks has a drive thru! The staff/baristas are all very friendly and attentive. The only thing bad about this location is that it is packed during lunch time. It's near a Potbelly and it's always very hard to find parking. They do offer additional parking in the back but, it's not paved and on a rainy day it gets muddy and your shoes get grubby. I'm not a huge coffee drinker. But, if you love milk as much as I do try the Vanilla Crème! Yum!
(4)
John W.
The vibe here was above average. Lots of people who are happy in disposition. Makes me want to come back.
(2)
Roxana N.
They need more staff... I kept waiting forever and finally asked for a refund so I could go back to work.
(2)
Lynn R.
This is a terrific Starbucks. The staff always hustles to get orders accurate The drive thru is busy and they work really hard to make a busy Starbucks as fast and clean as possible
(5)
J. H.
I recently stopped into this location for the first time in many months. This place is much more efficient than I remember it, so much so that I made a comment about it, to which the response was "we have a new manager". Amazing what a difference that can make !! The parking lot is still very small, I personally would like to see the neighboring sandwich shop go elsewhere and let Starbucks have the whole building.
(5)
Gregg G.
This place is great!! I stop by regularly and the staff is always nice, the place is clean and there is usually a table. Keep up the great work.
(5)
Kelly C.
I come here way too often before work to pick up my standard latte and perhaps a breakfast sandwich. While there are many other Starbucks a bit closer to my office this one has a drive-thru! The drive thru typically moves fast. I appreciate that they realize people are heading to work and keep the drive thru moving. The people are usually friendly and seem to recognize me - not sure if that's a good or bad thing!
(4)
Kimberley J.
Is it odd to write review for starbucks? This location was good, but I went there on a busy hour in the morning. They lost my frappe order somehow, I waited 10+ mins. I'll try to avoid the morning rush though.
(3)
Jody B.
This is the one with a drive thru near Dundee and the Edens. I don't normally come to this one during rush hour, so I always find a place to park and sit. The staff is friendly and efficient. However, the parking lot seems small for the rush hour.. but I just can't say for sure. Last time I went here, I treated some folks to a couple of drinks. Everyone got what they wanted, then we sat outside and had a nice conversation. Even the traffic on Skokie Blvd wasn't too loud. No complaints... and that's good news for Starbucks now a days.
(4)
Bob B.
I was recently on a 3 1/2 week visit to Chicago and was staying in Northbrook at my friends house off of Midway Rd. This Starbucks was my go to coffee place during my trip. I went everyday, first thing in the morning. This location seems to be always busy, but don't let that stop you from going. I think the longest I was ever there was about 4 minutes. I used both the drive thru and the counter and both were fast, fast, fast... Now granted, I'm an easy customer, I get 2 vente Pikes with room for cream and a Cafe' Mocha for my friend. As far as product goes they were always perfect. Hot and fresh. But I was also impressed by their staff. They were always smiles and engaging. They hustle in this place to keep the drinks coming. The folks that I can mention and would like to give kudos and a heartfelt thanks to are Liz, a very high energy barista that works at a frantic pace all the while smiling and exchanging banter with anyone so inclined. And coming from a hospitality background for over 30 years, I also noticed her backing up and stocking constantly with any few extra seconds that came her way. The next person I noticed was a girl named Jess. I think she is a supervisor or something. She was working the order taking from drive thru and generally handling the food. Constantly on the move and the couple times we spoke, she was gracious and friendly, even though she was BUSY as a bee. On one occasion I noticed her putting up a delivery while still working the line. A Multitasker... And lastly I'd like to recognize Jason Howard who is the GM. I know this cause I asked. From reading some of the other reviews it's obvious that he has done a great job fixing some of the issues others were talking about. Because even with a critical eye these folks were flawless. So thanks Liz, Jess and Jason, along with the rest of the crew who all were super while I was on my trip. And like I said, this place is BUSY, but that is not an problem for these folks, but what seemed to be their pleasure.
(5)
L G.
One of the worst Starbuck's Ive ever been to. I typically use the drive thru but it takes forever, drinks are almost always messed up, and most of the employees seem angry to even be at work and that certainly translates to the customer. Also, they are almost always out of popular items. I remember going there a few times (out of convenience) over the course of 2 months and they were always out of sugar free vanilla syrup. And forget them having any baked goods past 10am... One particular employee I remember (young african american guy working on a sunday) was unbelievably rude and when he couldnt he me through the speaker (not my fault lol i was speaking normally) he basically yelled at me to talk louder and goes "Ugh...talk louder would you?!" Really nice Starbucks lol...
(1)
David H.
The first time I came to this location, there were about 6 employees working. The wait time was long. The employees seemed disorganized and the vibe in the room was stressful, intense, and nearly upsetting. My second visit was similar. Around 6-7 employees, and there still seemed to be an aura of chaos. People's orders were getting mixed up, the employees looked tired, run down, and impersonal, and the vibe just wasn't positive. This is disappointing in such a prestigious area such as Northbrook (maybe I'm wrong?). Unfortunately, I have to endure this chaos nearly every morning before work. Time to find another coffee shop.
(2)
Matt R.
How many times have I come here? Way too many. How many times have I been able to park here easily? Far less. This location is small. They move really quickly, but get more traffic than they have parking spaces - especially in the mornings. However, staff are friendly and selection is good, so hey - if you need a 'bux, this is a good location to get a 'bux. Staff also move really quickly here, which is a major plus. I've seen a lot of starbucks locations where staff are about as fast as a slug drowning in alcohol or about as creepy as all getout. So staff here definitely make it a better location to go to.
(4)
Dave V.
The service is usually decent, unfortunately it is usually far too unprofessional. I get it you're a college kid or a fun loving whatever, but that doesn't mean you should be swearing or making inappropriate comments when customers can here you. My orders usually come just fine and the layout is pretty cool. My understanding is that starbucks has certain dress code rules in place and if i understand them correctly, they are not followed very well here at all. I'd much rather make the 2 minute drive down the street to the Starbucks in village square where i know i will get good product AND good service from a professional, fun, smiling crew...with the exception of one person usually.
(2)
Shira G.
Although not my general Starbucks, This is the friendliest Starbucks I have been to. And I watch as a ton of regulars come in. They seem to know everyone and their drinks. They need more vegetarian / vegan options. I did have to go next door to get something to eat to go with my coffee.
(4)
Khyla B.
Unprofessional service. The older lady at the drive through desperately needs to keep her comments to herself. Especially before someone has their morning coffee. Out of the last 3 times I have went there, my order was wrong twice. Sometimes refunding someone's money isn't the answer to the problem.
(1)
Heather H.
I usually stop at this Starbucks on my way to work early in the morning. The customer service has gone down hill. Not only did the drive thru employee fail to completely take my order, but she claimed that she walked away from the register while I was speaking. She then continued to repeat the total amount due even though I had not completed my order. I have never experienced an unfriendly Starbucks employee and was very surprised by the bad service received on 10/29/2012. I will not be going back to this location any time soon.
Nelson M.
Restaurant review Holy crap batman, not all starbucks are alike. This is likely the worst starbucks location in the USA. First I would have to echo J.H.'s review the parking lot is ridiculously small and to have a drive through as well is just asking for trouble. There is no room to parking and worst of all you have people who are just double parking and blocking traffic all the while trying to maneuver to the drive thru lane. I personally was holding my horn down with people just blocking my egress. The barista that served me was completely clueless. I ordered a venti mocha and somehow she tried to charge me a charge for syrup? WTF, when did a venti mocha come with an additional cost. When I asked about this she was like um ... let me find someone. This location has some major problems and I would AVOID at all cost unless you want to enter the snarling parking lot. My mocha also tasted bland and watered down if that is possible for starbucks coffee. Pro: none Cons: World's smallest parking lot, clueless barista Hidden gem: Starbucks registered gift card to earn stars and to obtain gold status for free drink after 12 stars. Free refill on brewed coffee in shop. Once you are a member you will regularly get coupon codes for discount on drinks
(1)Arletta C.
This Starbucks has a drive thru! The staff/baristas are all very friendly and attentive. The only thing bad about this location is that it is packed during lunch time. It's near a Potbelly and it's always very hard to find parking. They do offer additional parking in the back but, it's not paved and on a rainy day it gets muddy and your shoes get grubby. I'm not a huge coffee drinker. But, if you love milk as much as I do try the Vanilla Crème! Yum!
(4)John W.
The vibe here was above average. Lots of people who are happy in disposition. Makes me want to come back.
(2)Roxana N.
They need more staff... I kept waiting forever and finally asked for a refund so I could go back to work.
(2)Lynn R.
This is a terrific Starbucks. The staff always hustles to get orders accurate The drive thru is busy and they work really hard to make a busy Starbucks as fast and clean as possible
(5)J. H.
I recently stopped into this location for the first time in many months. This place is much more efficient than I remember it, so much so that I made a comment about it, to which the response was "we have a new manager". Amazing what a difference that can make !! The parking lot is still very small, I personally would like to see the neighboring sandwich shop go elsewhere and let Starbucks have the whole building.
(5)Gregg G.
This place is great!! I stop by regularly and the staff is always nice, the place is clean and there is usually a table. Keep up the great work.
(5)Kelly C.
I come here way too often before work to pick up my standard latte and perhaps a breakfast sandwich. While there are many other Starbucks a bit closer to my office this one has a drive-thru! The drive thru typically moves fast. I appreciate that they realize people are heading to work and keep the drive thru moving. The people are usually friendly and seem to recognize me - not sure if that's a good or bad thing!
(4)Kimberley J.
Is it odd to write review for starbucks? This location was good, but I went there on a busy hour in the morning. They lost my frappe order somehow, I waited 10+ mins. I'll try to avoid the morning rush though.
(3)Jody B.
This is the one with a drive thru near Dundee and the Edens. I don't normally come to this one during rush hour, so I always find a place to park and sit. The staff is friendly and efficient. However, the parking lot seems small for the rush hour.. but I just can't say for sure. Last time I went here, I treated some folks to a couple of drinks. Everyone got what they wanted, then we sat outside and had a nice conversation. Even the traffic on Skokie Blvd wasn't too loud. No complaints... and that's good news for Starbucks now a days.
(4)Bob B.
I was recently on a 3 1/2 week visit to Chicago and was staying in Northbrook at my friends house off of Midway Rd. This Starbucks was my go to coffee place during my trip. I went everyday, first thing in the morning. This location seems to be always busy, but don't let that stop you from going. I think the longest I was ever there was about 4 minutes. I used both the drive thru and the counter and both were fast, fast, fast... Now granted, I'm an easy customer, I get 2 vente Pikes with room for cream and a Cafe' Mocha for my friend. As far as product goes they were always perfect. Hot and fresh. But I was also impressed by their staff. They were always smiles and engaging. They hustle in this place to keep the drinks coming. The folks that I can mention and would like to give kudos and a heartfelt thanks to are Liz, a very high energy barista that works at a frantic pace all the while smiling and exchanging banter with anyone so inclined. And coming from a hospitality background for over 30 years, I also noticed her backing up and stocking constantly with any few extra seconds that came her way. The next person I noticed was a girl named Jess. I think she is a supervisor or something. She was working the order taking from drive thru and generally handling the food. Constantly on the move and the couple times we spoke, she was gracious and friendly, even though she was BUSY as a bee. On one occasion I noticed her putting up a delivery while still working the line. A Multitasker... And lastly I'd like to recognize Jason Howard who is the GM. I know this cause I asked. From reading some of the other reviews it's obvious that he has done a great job fixing some of the issues others were talking about. Because even with a critical eye these folks were flawless. So thanks Liz, Jess and Jason, along with the rest of the crew who all were super while I was on my trip. And like I said, this place is BUSY, but that is not an problem for these folks, but what seemed to be their pleasure.
(5)L G.
One of the worst Starbuck's Ive ever been to. I typically use the drive thru but it takes forever, drinks are almost always messed up, and most of the employees seem angry to even be at work and that certainly translates to the customer. Also, they are almost always out of popular items. I remember going there a few times (out of convenience) over the course of 2 months and they were always out of sugar free vanilla syrup. And forget them having any baked goods past 10am... One particular employee I remember (young african american guy working on a sunday) was unbelievably rude and when he couldnt he me through the speaker (not my fault lol i was speaking normally) he basically yelled at me to talk louder and goes "Ugh...talk louder would you?!" Really nice Starbucks lol...
(1)David H.
The first time I came to this location, there were about 6 employees working. The wait time was long. The employees seemed disorganized and the vibe in the room was stressful, intense, and nearly upsetting. My second visit was similar. Around 6-7 employees, and there still seemed to be an aura of chaos. People's orders were getting mixed up, the employees looked tired, run down, and impersonal, and the vibe just wasn't positive. This is disappointing in such a prestigious area such as Northbrook (maybe I'm wrong?). Unfortunately, I have to endure this chaos nearly every morning before work. Time to find another coffee shop.
(2)Matt R.
How many times have I come here? Way too many. How many times have I been able to park here easily? Far less. This location is small. They move really quickly, but get more traffic than they have parking spaces - especially in the mornings. However, staff are friendly and selection is good, so hey - if you need a 'bux, this is a good location to get a 'bux. Staff also move really quickly here, which is a major plus. I've seen a lot of starbucks locations where staff are about as fast as a slug drowning in alcohol or about as creepy as all getout. So staff here definitely make it a better location to go to.
(4)Dave V.
The service is usually decent, unfortunately it is usually far too unprofessional. I get it you're a college kid or a fun loving whatever, but that doesn't mean you should be swearing or making inappropriate comments when customers can here you. My orders usually come just fine and the layout is pretty cool. My understanding is that starbucks has certain dress code rules in place and if i understand them correctly, they are not followed very well here at all. I'd much rather make the 2 minute drive down the street to the Starbucks in village square where i know i will get good product AND good service from a professional, fun, smiling crew...with the exception of one person usually.
(2)Shira G.
Although not my general Starbucks, This is the friendliest Starbucks I have been to. And I watch as a ton of regulars come in. They seem to know everyone and their drinks. They need more vegetarian / vegan options. I did have to go next door to get something to eat to go with my coffee.
(4)Khyla B.
Unprofessional service. The older lady at the drive through desperately needs to keep her comments to herself. Especially before someone has their morning coffee. Out of the last 3 times I have went there, my order was wrong twice. Sometimes refunding someone's money isn't the answer to the problem.
(1)Heather H.
I usually stop at this Starbucks on my way to work early in the morning. The customer service has gone down hill. Not only did the drive thru employee fail to completely take my order, but she claimed that she walked away from the register while I was speaking. She then continued to repeat the total amount due even though I had not completed my order. I have never experienced an unfriendly Starbucks employee and was very surprised by the bad service received on 10/29/2012. I will not be going back to this location any time soon.
(2)