First of all, I like Starbucks. It is consistently decent coffee, no matter where you are in the world. I've had it in the bowels of southern Virginia, I've had it in the bizarre no-man's-lands of Austria, it's always the same, and it's always just fine. So you'll get no Starsucks hatery from me. That said, I have never, ever, anywhere in the world, encountered a Starbucks as shitty as this. They are incompetent and they are slow. You can stand there witha line out the door, and watch the 5 baristas behind the bar talking, looking confused, trying to get other people to do their stuff, and generally displaying zero ability to multitask. They never have two baristas on the machines, and I've rarely seen any barista make two drinks at a time. For perspective, my brother is a Starbucks barista, and he regularly has 4-5 drinks going at a time. Why? Because he's competent, and he knows how to get some speed on it. Just today, at a slow point with only one person ahead of me and two behind me, I went to get an Americano. I stood in line waiting for the cashier to finish talking to the man in front of me about parking spots, while literally holding his change in her hand and just talking to him, for minutes. When she finished, she turned around and recounted some of it to the barista behind her, ignoring the line, for another full minute. Once she finally turned around and I got to order, pay, and stand at the bar waiting for my drink, I was treated to the stoned-looking barista strolling around working on the latte of the guy ahead of me, getting it just right, joking with him, and getting him some ice water, all while my cup sat empty. It's nice that she engaged him, but anyone with a clue and some hustle would have had the espresso brewing into that cup while they were doing all the rest. I was a bartender and a barista, and the appalling slowness of all of these people would have gotten me fired from ANYwhere. As a result, I now go to the Starbucks at 19th and Chestnut. They are speedy and competent there, and when I joke about the 18th and Market one, they laugh knowingly and tell me how often they hear that. It's not just me. Avoid this branch, go another block to 19th and Chestnut and patronize good service.
(1)
EricaLynn J.
I don't add cream to my coffee, so logically, I do not want my Starbucks barista to prepare my coffee for me with the top third of the cup empty to make room for cream. I learned quickly that people are encouraged to tell the baristas "room for cream" if they want it, and "no room for cream" if they do not. So that is what I continuously did. And the baristas would nod and smile and it would seem that they were listening, so it was awfully surprising when I'd open my cup to put my Equal in and see that they have graciously made room for cream. Gah. The first few times this happened, I was willing to let it go; I'm not one to rock the boat, and at the times I'd be visiting this Starbucks it was always five minutes before I was starting work for the day, so I wasn't really interested in waiting some more. Additionally, I don't think I have much drive in me prior to my first cup of coffee of the day to even formulate a good conversation, so it was all for naught, really. However, one day I finally had enough. Ever the optimist, and coupled with a naivete that somehow didn't get squashed while growing up in New York, I ordered my coffee with no room for cream, and a ready-for-cream cup was returned to me. I gave the cup back to the barista after my discovery and asked her to please fill it up. She told me I had to wait in line again to order. I got a little feisty and told her that was a page in the unfair book that I had highlighted and earmarked, and that it doesn't take a lot for her to please just take the large container of coffee located just to her left and use the next three seconds of her life to put it in my cup. She then rolled her eyes and made some remark to a fellow employee that people like me are the reason she wants to 'quit the coffee business forever.' I couldn't contain myself and proceeded to laugh at her. I mean, it's just a lot of headache to simply procure a coffee! I gave the situation some thought for awhile afterwards and my conclusion is that there is absolutely nothing SO great about anything Starbucks has available that I would be so terribly lost without it and have to return. I can get better tasting coffee *anywhere* in the city, even right next door. And I can get better pastries elsewhere. And so on. Though I guess I am a little sad that I won't be able to buy those weird CD compilations Starbucks sells off of their record label or whatever the deal is with that. Sarcasm meter on.
(1)
Anne P.
I'm a big Starbucks fan, and have frequently become a regular at 4 different ones between South Philly, Center City and Old City. This one isn't one of the best, but when I've gone there during a busy hour or even a slower time, they've always been pretty quick about taking orders and getting them made well and fast.
(3)
Brittany M.
I love Starbucks, but it shouldn't take 20 minutes to get a drink. Also, if there's a line out the door you probably should have more than one person making drinks. Someone fast, preferably. Head a block over to 19th for faster service.
(2)
Maura C.
A Starbucks is a Starbucks. This location is literally across the street from my work and the only reason why I go. They rarely mess up my order and I know I am going to wait in line. Give yourself 15 minutes to stand in line, place your order, and wait for your caffeine fix. I've never had a bad experience but I've also never had a great one here either. All I know is it is a cup of overpriced coffee.
(2)
Callan W.
I don't often drink Starbucks, but sometimes I am in a bind and I need caffeine quick. This Starbucks happens to be convenient to my work, but that is where the convenience ends. Much like everyone else, I am not a fan of this Starbucks for the wait. There could be only 4 people in front of you, but you will still wait about 20 minutes. It isn't just a one time occurence either. It happens every time.
(2)
Winston Y.
busy morning work line, be prepared to wait like 5 nd more if u getting anything w/ espresso, pray if someone is slow at ordering or getting multiple drinks
(4)
Doina N.
I don't know why folks go nuts about Starbucks. It's just a better version of a Dunkin Donuts. You go in the store and you're going to leave with a nasty smell in your hair and clothes. Most of the stores, including this one, are not clean and you can easily tell. I see a lot of people trying to have a meeting here or try to study - but I don't know how they do that because seats are so close to each other and the music is quite loud. Last night, I was meeting someone. Right next to us was a couple sitting and there were two other tables occupied. In total we might have been 8 people. One of the workers comes to yell: WE CLOSE! WE CLOSE! WE CLOSE! WE CLOSE! She said that to each and one of the tables. Mind you that some of them people just sat down. I saw the person I was with in the eye and we're like what in the world just happened?! She goes in the back and puts the music volume even more up! I "apologize" (not) for not knowing the closing time of your cafe, but Jeez, what kind of way is that to announce it?! Moreover - when the other customers ordered - why didn't you notify them that you close in a little bit? Thankfully I'm not a coffee addict - and good for me that I won't return here anymore. No one has time to deal with rudeness.
(1)
Christopher D.
An efficient business requires good planning, design and team work. This tiny starbucks has very few seats, cramped space for patrons to queue up, wait for their order and no easy way to exit the premises. Moreover, this location boasts staff who appear disinterested, do not communicate with each other and appear they are moving in slow motion. My last visit there consisted of a 15 minute wait in a line with fewer than five people in front of me, a short conversation with the cashier who assured me the barrista could make a true macchiato, running the gauntlet to the waiting area, and then watching the barrista make the expresso and fling a dollop of foam that barely had any bubbles in it into my cup and was finished with the mad dash to the door hoping I didn't knock anyone over. This is the antithesis of what a cafe experience is supposed to be like. In a city where there are wonderful artisan coffee shops, the choice to go to Starbucks is driven by convenience. This kind of an experience will not make me want to return anytime soon.
(2)
Shannon M.
Hanging out here for an hour and a half until a meeting starts. Staff is genuinely friendly and efficient workers. Starbucks always has long lines no matter which one you go to but these staffers are burning through the line fast. Work very well as a team together. Food is well stocked. Store looks clean and I keep seeing a staffer come and wipe tables off and straighten chairs, etc. Very nice atmosphere but the staff make this experience awesome.
(5)
Saabira M.
You shouldn't stop helping the customer to make yourself a drink and socialize.
(1)
Alyssa R.
Very crowded in the morning. They work hard to be fast and efficient though. The staff is very nice and friendly. Overall a solid starbucks. Also it helps that it is right by my work, so I frequent it often. Only thing that kind of sucks is that they run out sometimes of the breakfast wraps if I forgot breakfast that day.
(4)
Steve C.
Ok well I've never been a huge fan of Starbucks, I'm a Wawa guy, but due to construction and a job location change Ive had use Starbucks for my coffee addiction. There are two Starbucks by my job, I've named them Good Bucks and Bad Bucks...if you didn't guess by he 1 star rating, this location is Bad Bucks. Oh where do I start??? The 15 minute wait for coffee or the fact that while your waiting 15 minutes you are watching 4 employees do as followed: 1 cashier, 1 asks you what you want and writes your name on a cup, 1 makes the coffee, and 1 stands and watches and chats...I'm guessing that is the manager. Wow... What a waste. This place give Starbucks a horrible name and a general manager really needs to investigate why this location is so poorly run while a location a few blocks away on 16th and Market is run so well (that's the location of what we call Good Bucks). If your in the area, walk the extra 2 blocks, you'll save more time and sanity than you know.
(1)
Adam W.
Not that it is unlike every other starbucks, but this place is packed in the morning. They get through the line pretty quickly. Decent spot to sit at the window and watch the people go by.
(4)
christina g.
It's OK...The staff here are always nice. Sometimes the service is really slow though :/
(3)
Steve W.
Love Starbucks coffee and generally the service is pretty quick but this place is slooooow. The barista seemed like he knew how to make the drinks he just moved really really slow. There were only 5 not too special drinks in front of me and it took 17 mins to get mine. Every other Starbucks I've been to would have blown 5 or 6 out 10 mins faster. Based on the previous reviews this seems like a common complaint. Sounds like a new manager is needed. Do yourself a favor and walk the extra block the next Starbucks. You'll have your drink in your hand sooner even with the extra walk.
(2)
Karen F.
Affectionately known as Charbucks or Fourbucks - we have adopted the slogan of: "Friends don't let friends drink starbucks." Save money by brewing at home with Peregrine Coffee (the BEST) or go to La Colombe or Caffeination.
(2)
S I.
I waited 11 minutes (after ordering) for an iced tea this morning and almost missed my train. For about 6 of those minutes, my ice tea was already "shaken" and left to sit in the container they make it in. Why could they not just throw it into a cup for me? Instead they prioritized the blending of 4 frappachinos, while the ice melted in my tea and became watery. Thanks starf***s. Unacceptable! They cannot handle the morning rush. If you are wise, you will go elsewhere. Try 19th and Chestnut - great service.
(1)
Jay D.
so much different than every other starbucks. go here!
Sarah F.
First of all, I like Starbucks. It is consistently decent coffee, no matter where you are in the world. I've had it in the bowels of southern Virginia, I've had it in the bizarre no-man's-lands of Austria, it's always the same, and it's always just fine. So you'll get no Starsucks hatery from me. That said, I have never, ever, anywhere in the world, encountered a Starbucks as shitty as this. They are incompetent and they are slow. You can stand there witha line out the door, and watch the 5 baristas behind the bar talking, looking confused, trying to get other people to do their stuff, and generally displaying zero ability to multitask. They never have two baristas on the machines, and I've rarely seen any barista make two drinks at a time. For perspective, my brother is a Starbucks barista, and he regularly has 4-5 drinks going at a time. Why? Because he's competent, and he knows how to get some speed on it. Just today, at a slow point with only one person ahead of me and two behind me, I went to get an Americano. I stood in line waiting for the cashier to finish talking to the man in front of me about parking spots, while literally holding his change in her hand and just talking to him, for minutes. When she finished, she turned around and recounted some of it to the barista behind her, ignoring the line, for another full minute. Once she finally turned around and I got to order, pay, and stand at the bar waiting for my drink, I was treated to the stoned-looking barista strolling around working on the latte of the guy ahead of me, getting it just right, joking with him, and getting him some ice water, all while my cup sat empty. It's nice that she engaged him, but anyone with a clue and some hustle would have had the espresso brewing into that cup while they were doing all the rest. I was a bartender and a barista, and the appalling slowness of all of these people would have gotten me fired from ANYwhere. As a result, I now go to the Starbucks at 19th and Chestnut. They are speedy and competent there, and when I joke about the 18th and Market one, they laugh knowingly and tell me how often they hear that. It's not just me. Avoid this branch, go another block to 19th and Chestnut and patronize good service.
(1)EricaLynn J.
I don't add cream to my coffee, so logically, I do not want my Starbucks barista to prepare my coffee for me with the top third of the cup empty to make room for cream. I learned quickly that people are encouraged to tell the baristas "room for cream" if they want it, and "no room for cream" if they do not. So that is what I continuously did. And the baristas would nod and smile and it would seem that they were listening, so it was awfully surprising when I'd open my cup to put my Equal in and see that they have graciously made room for cream. Gah. The first few times this happened, I was willing to let it go; I'm not one to rock the boat, and at the times I'd be visiting this Starbucks it was always five minutes before I was starting work for the day, so I wasn't really interested in waiting some more. Additionally, I don't think I have much drive in me prior to my first cup of coffee of the day to even formulate a good conversation, so it was all for naught, really. However, one day I finally had enough. Ever the optimist, and coupled with a naivete that somehow didn't get squashed while growing up in New York, I ordered my coffee with no room for cream, and a ready-for-cream cup was returned to me. I gave the cup back to the barista after my discovery and asked her to please fill it up. She told me I had to wait in line again to order. I got a little feisty and told her that was a page in the unfair book that I had highlighted and earmarked, and that it doesn't take a lot for her to please just take the large container of coffee located just to her left and use the next three seconds of her life to put it in my cup. She then rolled her eyes and made some remark to a fellow employee that people like me are the reason she wants to 'quit the coffee business forever.' I couldn't contain myself and proceeded to laugh at her. I mean, it's just a lot of headache to simply procure a coffee! I gave the situation some thought for awhile afterwards and my conclusion is that there is absolutely nothing SO great about anything Starbucks has available that I would be so terribly lost without it and have to return. I can get better tasting coffee *anywhere* in the city, even right next door. And I can get better pastries elsewhere. And so on. Though I guess I am a little sad that I won't be able to buy those weird CD compilations Starbucks sells off of their record label or whatever the deal is with that. Sarcasm meter on.
(1)Anne P.
I'm a big Starbucks fan, and have frequently become a regular at 4 different ones between South Philly, Center City and Old City. This one isn't one of the best, but when I've gone there during a busy hour or even a slower time, they've always been pretty quick about taking orders and getting them made well and fast.
(3)Brittany M.
I love Starbucks, but it shouldn't take 20 minutes to get a drink. Also, if there's a line out the door you probably should have more than one person making drinks. Someone fast, preferably. Head a block over to 19th for faster service.
(2)Maura C.
A Starbucks is a Starbucks. This location is literally across the street from my work and the only reason why I go. They rarely mess up my order and I know I am going to wait in line. Give yourself 15 minutes to stand in line, place your order, and wait for your caffeine fix. I've never had a bad experience but I've also never had a great one here either. All I know is it is a cup of overpriced coffee.
(2)Callan W.
I don't often drink Starbucks, but sometimes I am in a bind and I need caffeine quick. This Starbucks happens to be convenient to my work, but that is where the convenience ends. Much like everyone else, I am not a fan of this Starbucks for the wait. There could be only 4 people in front of you, but you will still wait about 20 minutes. It isn't just a one time occurence either. It happens every time.
(2)Winston Y.
busy morning work line, be prepared to wait like 5 nd more if u getting anything w/ espresso, pray if someone is slow at ordering or getting multiple drinks
(4)Doina N.
I don't know why folks go nuts about Starbucks. It's just a better version of a Dunkin Donuts. You go in the store and you're going to leave with a nasty smell in your hair and clothes. Most of the stores, including this one, are not clean and you can easily tell. I see a lot of people trying to have a meeting here or try to study - but I don't know how they do that because seats are so close to each other and the music is quite loud. Last night, I was meeting someone. Right next to us was a couple sitting and there were two other tables occupied. In total we might have been 8 people. One of the workers comes to yell: WE CLOSE! WE CLOSE! WE CLOSE! WE CLOSE! She said that to each and one of the tables. Mind you that some of them people just sat down. I saw the person I was with in the eye and we're like what in the world just happened?! She goes in the back and puts the music volume even more up! I "apologize" (not) for not knowing the closing time of your cafe, but Jeez, what kind of way is that to announce it?! Moreover - when the other customers ordered - why didn't you notify them that you close in a little bit? Thankfully I'm not a coffee addict - and good for me that I won't return here anymore. No one has time to deal with rudeness.
(1)Christopher D.
An efficient business requires good planning, design and team work. This tiny starbucks has very few seats, cramped space for patrons to queue up, wait for their order and no easy way to exit the premises. Moreover, this location boasts staff who appear disinterested, do not communicate with each other and appear they are moving in slow motion. My last visit there consisted of a 15 minute wait in a line with fewer than five people in front of me, a short conversation with the cashier who assured me the barrista could make a true macchiato, running the gauntlet to the waiting area, and then watching the barrista make the expresso and fling a dollop of foam that barely had any bubbles in it into my cup and was finished with the mad dash to the door hoping I didn't knock anyone over. This is the antithesis of what a cafe experience is supposed to be like. In a city where there are wonderful artisan coffee shops, the choice to go to Starbucks is driven by convenience. This kind of an experience will not make me want to return anytime soon.
(2)Shannon M.
Hanging out here for an hour and a half until a meeting starts. Staff is genuinely friendly and efficient workers. Starbucks always has long lines no matter which one you go to but these staffers are burning through the line fast. Work very well as a team together. Food is well stocked. Store looks clean and I keep seeing a staffer come and wipe tables off and straighten chairs, etc. Very nice atmosphere but the staff make this experience awesome.
(5)Saabira M.
You shouldn't stop helping the customer to make yourself a drink and socialize.
(1)Alyssa R.
Very crowded in the morning. They work hard to be fast and efficient though. The staff is very nice and friendly. Overall a solid starbucks. Also it helps that it is right by my work, so I frequent it often. Only thing that kind of sucks is that they run out sometimes of the breakfast wraps if I forgot breakfast that day.
(4)Steve C.
Ok well I've never been a huge fan of Starbucks, I'm a Wawa guy, but due to construction and a job location change Ive had use Starbucks for my coffee addiction. There are two Starbucks by my job, I've named them Good Bucks and Bad Bucks...if you didn't guess by he 1 star rating, this location is Bad Bucks. Oh where do I start??? The 15 minute wait for coffee or the fact that while your waiting 15 minutes you are watching 4 employees do as followed: 1 cashier, 1 asks you what you want and writes your name on a cup, 1 makes the coffee, and 1 stands and watches and chats...I'm guessing that is the manager. Wow... What a waste. This place give Starbucks a horrible name and a general manager really needs to investigate why this location is so poorly run while a location a few blocks away on 16th and Market is run so well (that's the location of what we call Good Bucks). If your in the area, walk the extra 2 blocks, you'll save more time and sanity than you know.
(1)Adam W.
Not that it is unlike every other starbucks, but this place is packed in the morning. They get through the line pretty quickly. Decent spot to sit at the window and watch the people go by.
(4)christina g.
It's OK...The staff here are always nice. Sometimes the service is really slow though :/
(3)Steve W.
Love Starbucks coffee and generally the service is pretty quick but this place is slooooow. The barista seemed like he knew how to make the drinks he just moved really really slow. There were only 5 not too special drinks in front of me and it took 17 mins to get mine. Every other Starbucks I've been to would have blown 5 or 6 out 10 mins faster. Based on the previous reviews this seems like a common complaint. Sounds like a new manager is needed. Do yourself a favor and walk the extra block the next Starbucks. You'll have your drink in your hand sooner even with the extra walk.
(2)Karen F.
Affectionately known as Charbucks or Fourbucks - we have adopted the slogan of: "Friends don't let friends drink starbucks." Save money by brewing at home with Peregrine Coffee (the BEST) or go to La Colombe or Caffeination.
(2)S I.
I waited 11 minutes (after ordering) for an iced tea this morning and almost missed my train. For about 6 of those minutes, my ice tea was already "shaken" and left to sit in the container they make it in. Why could they not just throw it into a cup for me? Instead they prioritized the blending of 4 frappachinos, while the ice melted in my tea and became watery. Thanks starf***s. Unacceptable! They cannot handle the morning rush. If you are wise, you will go elsewhere. Try 19th and Chestnut - great service.
(1)Jay D.
so much different than every other starbucks. go here!
(3)