I have nothing in particular against Starbucks' business practices but I have been consistently and overwhelmingly disappointed by their product and stores. In terms of atmosphere and interior design this store is maybe the worst. I've tried studying here but it just isn't a place I want to hang out. And if there is one word that can sum up the quality of their product it is "underwhelming." I mostly drink coffee or espresso and it always tastes burnt and bitter. Recently I bought an orange mango smoothie for my girlfriend and when they gave it to us it was a banana smoothie. When my girlfriend pointed this out to the barista, the girl said that there is banana in all their smoothies, and stared blankly. She was not friendly or accommodating, and didn't offer to correct their mistake. As a Lake Orion resident, I really wish there was an independent alternative to Starbucks, or even a Caribou (which, although corporate, at least makes tasty drinks and has a nice interior). As for this location, a combination of lousy product, bland interior and poor service makes it a definite 'pass.' EDIT: Since the time of this writing, this Starbucks location has redone the interior of their store.
(2)
Jackie B.
My new favorite Starbucks. They got a drive thru, but I rarely bother with that since going in is such a treat. They always got free newspapers laying around and the baristas are super nice! I love to listen when "Crazy Carl" the bike rider comes in and gives his anti-republican rants and mumbles under his breath about how some right wing Christian tried to run him over! On nice days I go over to the veterans memorial park and sip my latte. The manager with the twirly mustache is really great too!!! Oh and the coffee, they always make it just how I like it.
(5)
Sabrina B.
Ok, I come here for lunch a lot and usually receive fairly decent service; though today, I most emphatically did not. I walked in at noon and was the only customer. A barrista comes over and asks me what I'd like, I asked for a breakfast sandwich and a drink. She tells me my total and I hand her a $10. I tell her to put the change in their little tip collection box -- I don't really dig these, but I'll contribute a dollar here, some change there. I know serving the public can be a bitch. That change literally got hurled into the box and she stomped off to make my order. I guess a simple "thanks" is too much to expect from someone in customer service. I'm waiting for my sandwich and two girls come in -- my barrista perked right up and was friendly and engaging; in short, everything she was NOT with me. I get my sandwich and I'm still waiting, waiting for my drink -- she is studiously ignoring me until finally, I say "Can I have my drink..?" "Oh, it's down there at the end of the counter". Ok. You let me stand here, on my limited lunch hour no less, while you are chatting away, studiously ignoring me, *knowing* I was waiting for that. That is what has me ticked right the fuck off today. Every time I've been to a Starbucks, they yell your drink out, hand it to you, or do *something* to let you know where it is. Not this chick. In short, this girl was completely full of poorly veiled "eff you" attitude which I don't really understand as I wasn't rude, or causing a scene or demanding or...well, you get the picture. I think I'll be finding another lunchtime spot. Soon.
(2)
Charlie R.
Always have great service here. Usually the baristas remember me which is nice. Drinks are always spot on.
(5)
Whit R.
This is a conveniently located, recently renovated, nice n big Starbucks. I won't go on and on, because you should know the drill with Starbucks by now. This one is easy to get in and out of (though they don't have quite enough parking, but there's more in the strip mall next door). They have a drive-thru. There's a TON of seating inside - one of the largest Starbucks I've been in. The staff are friendly and patient, as always, and my drink was spot on. I'd go back.
(4)
David J.
I just asked to buy a blonde roast, because it's far better then their pikes place, and the guy told me they weren't brewing. He didn't mention that they offer pour overs for the blonde roast, when they aren't brewing it. And when I asked for one, he let out a big sigh and said "okaaay." And then he told the other worker to get a pour over going and he did pretty much the same thing. I don't think that qualifies as good customer service. On top of that, they weren't trained on how to make the pour over (I watched). I thought it wouldn't make a big deal, but it ended up tasting pretty nasty. It's a nice working environment, though, if you bring some headphones.
Jonathan R.
I have nothing in particular against Starbucks' business practices but I have been consistently and overwhelmingly disappointed by their product and stores. In terms of atmosphere and interior design this store is maybe the worst. I've tried studying here but it just isn't a place I want to hang out. And if there is one word that can sum up the quality of their product it is "underwhelming." I mostly drink coffee or espresso and it always tastes burnt and bitter. Recently I bought an orange mango smoothie for my girlfriend and when they gave it to us it was a banana smoothie. When my girlfriend pointed this out to the barista, the girl said that there is banana in all their smoothies, and stared blankly. She was not friendly or accommodating, and didn't offer to correct their mistake. As a Lake Orion resident, I really wish there was an independent alternative to Starbucks, or even a Caribou (which, although corporate, at least makes tasty drinks and has a nice interior). As for this location, a combination of lousy product, bland interior and poor service makes it a definite 'pass.' EDIT: Since the time of this writing, this Starbucks location has redone the interior of their store.
(2)Jackie B.
My new favorite Starbucks. They got a drive thru, but I rarely bother with that since going in is such a treat. They always got free newspapers laying around and the baristas are super nice! I love to listen when "Crazy Carl" the bike rider comes in and gives his anti-republican rants and mumbles under his breath about how some right wing Christian tried to run him over! On nice days I go over to the veterans memorial park and sip my latte. The manager with the twirly mustache is really great too!!! Oh and the coffee, they always make it just how I like it.
(5)Sabrina B.
Ok, I come here for lunch a lot and usually receive fairly decent service; though today, I most emphatically did not. I walked in at noon and was the only customer. A barrista comes over and asks me what I'd like, I asked for a breakfast sandwich and a drink. She tells me my total and I hand her a $10. I tell her to put the change in their little tip collection box -- I don't really dig these, but I'll contribute a dollar here, some change there. I know serving the public can be a bitch. That change literally got hurled into the box and she stomped off to make my order. I guess a simple "thanks" is too much to expect from someone in customer service. I'm waiting for my sandwich and two girls come in -- my barrista perked right up and was friendly and engaging; in short, everything she was NOT with me. I get my sandwich and I'm still waiting, waiting for my drink -- she is studiously ignoring me until finally, I say "Can I have my drink..?" "Oh, it's down there at the end of the counter". Ok. You let me stand here, on my limited lunch hour no less, while you are chatting away, studiously ignoring me, *knowing* I was waiting for that. That is what has me ticked right the fuck off today. Every time I've been to a Starbucks, they yell your drink out, hand it to you, or do *something* to let you know where it is. Not this chick. In short, this girl was completely full of poorly veiled "eff you" attitude which I don't really understand as I wasn't rude, or causing a scene or demanding or...well, you get the picture. I think I'll be finding another lunchtime spot. Soon.
(2)Charlie R.
Always have great service here. Usually the baristas remember me which is nice. Drinks are always spot on.
(5)Whit R.
This is a conveniently located, recently renovated, nice n big Starbucks. I won't go on and on, because you should know the drill with Starbucks by now. This one is easy to get in and out of (though they don't have quite enough parking, but there's more in the strip mall next door). They have a drive-thru. There's a TON of seating inside - one of the largest Starbucks I've been in. The staff are friendly and patient, as always, and my drink was spot on. I'd go back.
(4)David J.
I just asked to buy a blonde roast, because it's far better then their pikes place, and the guy told me they weren't brewing. He didn't mention that they offer pour overs for the blonde roast, when they aren't brewing it. And when I asked for one, he let out a big sigh and said "okaaay." And then he told the other worker to get a pour over going and he did pretty much the same thing. I don't think that qualifies as good customer service. On top of that, they weren't trained on how to make the pour over (I watched). I thought it wouldn't make a big deal, but it ended up tasting pretty nasty. It's a nice working environment, though, if you bring some headphones.
(1)