My boyfriend & I stopped by here during Family day June 3, as my brother couldn't get off base. This Starbucks was easy to find and had plenty of parking. This location is very similar to other Starbuck locations (signs, menu, display counter). This location has two entryways, indoor seating & lots of outdoor seating. When ordering the cashier was nice, attentive and tried to strike up small talk with customers. I ordered 2 Vanilla Bean Frapp & 1 S'more Frapp. PRO - plenty of parking - plenty of seating (indoor & outdoor) - friendly employees CON - lots of flies inside
(4)
Simon T.
Don't come here to think. One barista thinks he is part of a floor show. (Today a guy is fixing a fully set up desktop computer for a client. The whole place is a madhouse every time.)
(2)
Dee A.
I work on the military base and go here at least three times a week. The coffee's not that good and sometimes it's slow but the people working here are incredibly nice. When the regular working crew is here it's fast and efficient. They get to know their customers and I kinda feel like a weird 6:30 am family where we all know each other but don't really want to talk to one another. Everyone working is just so nice so I come back day after day. It's a nice way to start a long week. I meet up here with co-workers on Friday mornings. There's always a nice crowd but it never seems to loud.
(4)
Danita R.
When you see me checking in at Starbucks you know I'm on a vacation or a roadtrip or something. I'm writing to y'all from the lovely, quite spacious wraparound patio of the SBUX in Trenholm Plaza. You know, home to the Anthro, Fresh Market, J. Crew and such. I have to admit that I love what they've done with the place and I really appreciate the amount of seating that's available both in- and outside. I'm not sitting on top of or wriggling by anyone. Maybe I've been in the northern cities for too long, but it's quite lovely to have space in which to sprawl and relax. My caramel iced coffee is good, creamy and strong, which has made powering through emails, blog updates and other persuals far easier than it seems to be when I'm trapped inside at my desk. A great variety-filled soundtrack has been playing for the past couple of hours, too, so that's been nice as well. The staff is friendly, chill and swiftly tending to all comers and goers. I think I've sat here long enough to fix my sights on a refill of sorts ... and maybe a handsome Army soldier or two :)
(4)
Robert V.
As some of the other reviews mention, this SBUX is ideal for sitting down, relaxing, hanging out with friends, or reading. If I lived closer it would for sure be a regular spot for me, but I just happened to stop by on my way to the grocery store. I was very pleasantly surprised to find this location. The atmosphere is great, staff friendly, and they have a great outdoor seating area.
(4)
Linda K.
Great place to chill and talk with friends outdoors. They have bench seats out side and the regular seats inside but I'd rather sit out side and enjoy the sc weather with my ice white chocolate mocha!
(5)
Jonathan M.
Love this location. Great area to seat and enjoy Coffee, free Wifi, etc. Definitely a good environment. The service is great, never had an issue regardless of who is preparing your order.
(5)
Adam B. J.
It's Starbucks. Can't live with'em, can't live without'em. Good coffee that has the price of great coffee, but I can hardly ever walk passed one without getting something.
(3)
D. A.
I am not much of a coffee drinker, so going to a coffee shop is like going to Disney for me. Once a year if I'm lucky. I usually concoct my own blended drink that has no relation to any menu items. I'd like to say that this particular location made the best frozen beverage I've ever had. Highly recommend it!! They ask the right questions and make sure after your firsts sip that you love it. Caring staff, good product, not too bad on price. Can't ask for too much more.
(4)
Jay B.
Not too bad for a starbucks. Was actually clean, staffs/workers are nice too. Coffee always tastes the same everywhere, so atleast you know what you're gettingg. Music isn't obnoxious or loud so that's good if you're needing to study or work.
(4)
Cyndi W.
Nice staff even though they will close in about 23 min. Plus a clean bathroom, yippee the small things mean the most.
(4)
Amie B.
This location is one of my favorite sit down locations. It is always clean inside, the staff are friendly and quick with orders. It is centrally located near a Chipotle, Publix, The Fresh Market, Garners Natural Life, The Original Pancake House, and many other shops.
(4)
Jason F.
Decent Starbucks with the same good quality coffee you find at most chains. This particular location is next to a cool "organic" food store, and some other retailers in a small shopping center. It has a larger outside seating area making it a great location for relaxing and chatting with a medium sized (4-8 people) group of friends.
(4)
Ashley R.
I stopped in today and wanted to try one of the new Reserve coffees brewed with the Clover system. it was busy. Everyone else was ordering frappucinos. The barista seemed very flustered. I absolutely don't mind waiting for a quality cup of coffee, but the baristas seemed confused by my order, and my $4.25 cup of coffee tasted watered down with a hint of burned plastic, and coffee was dripping all down the sides of an already overly hot cup. I had to wipe it down and put an extra sleeve over it just so I could carry it. If I'm in a hurry, I might stop in Starbucks for a regular cup of coffee, but for now on, if I want the quality I'm paying for, I'll stick to one of the local shops like Drip.
(2)
Rachel O.
This is my go to Sbux. They are super close to my house and in the same shopping center where I do my grocery shopping. The staff is friendly and are great about recognizing their regular customers. Finch is a master drink maker. It's perfect every time. Parking as well as getting in and out of the parking lot off of Forest Drive can be a little difficult. Register a gift card and download the Starbucks app for deals and specials.
(4)
Joey F.
Love the service and the way the staff makes my coffee. Very friendly and on top of things. I go here almost everyday and they always remember my name and my order!! Absolutely love it!!
(5)
Sherrell C.
Love it, best place in Columbia!!!
(5)
Sal G.
Meh, I am disappointed in this Starbucks. The interior is nice, there is exterior seating that is good yet the drinks taste as though the machines haven't been cleaned. I ordered my afternoon Espresso Truffle and I have to say that it was neither Espresso nor Truffle. A better name would be Bitter Cow Pow since that is what it tasted like. I love Starbucks for it's consistency -- this one is not. Can someone from corporate please come and whip this place into shape? I am paying good money to get a good drink.
(2)
A M.
Good enough. But coming from Seattle, they need to learn the lingo.
(4)
Tanya R.
Caffeine addict, that's me! Starbucks is my favorite coffee shop around. I like some of the mom and pop places too but, at Starbucks, you know your drink is going to taste great at each location you go to. They all use the same beans and a recipe for each drink, so you can count on that same great taste. The staff at this location is great. They remember me and my drink. The outside sitting is nice. It is in a shopping center and it has a few tables but it still manages to be quiet and peaceful.
(4)
Courtney B.
I've been to many starbucks locations. I have to say that this is one of my favorites. The staff is always friendly and fast.
(5)
Caroline S.
Ordered 2 espresso drinks: pumpkin spice latte and salted caramel mocha. Neither had any special requests. 1) pumpkin spice latte: no whip, over spiced ( clumps of spices) and too much syrup--the coffee was more dark orange than brown. GROSS AND INEDIBLE. 2)salted caramel mocha: no whip, barista told us they were out of salt for caramel as she handed me the bev. Tastes like cocoa puffs, not coffee. WORST STARBUCKS EVER. THEY EVEN HAD A FLY IN THIER FOOD/BAKERY CASE. I MENTIONED IT TO THEM, THEY SEEMED UNCONCERNED. SHOULD HAVE RETHOUGHT ORDER AT THAT POINT.
(1)
Kathleen W.
I do like Starbucks and seeing as how I now live in Seattle it is hard to avoid it but I still manage to support mostly independent coffee shops in whatever city I reside. Living in Columbia for 21 years I developed so much love for the coffee shops around town that are hosts to many caffeinated university students, musicians, bohemians, etc... Try Adrianna's a mere block from the 5 points Starbucks (which I boycott), the coffee may be a little watery, but their espresso drinks are great and they have gelato and a full menu! On a pretty day nothing is better than sitting at one of their four outdoor tables and watching the people and dogs that walk or roll past you. The staff is unbeatable and after a few visits you'll feel like you've come home! I also love Cool Beans near the Horse Shoe. It is at the top floor of an old creaky house.... man, I miss the south....
(1)
Kevin S.
Mother of all that's holy, we thank thee for thy corporate coffee chains. While my friends back in San Francisco are debating the relative evils of Starbucks and its supposedly predatory marketing and real estate practices, I dropped to my knees in a silent moment of prayer when my mother told me that a Starbucks had opened in this shopping plaza about 5 miles from her house. Lattes! Bogus 'macchiatto's'! Friggin' frappuccinos! Listen, there is not that much to do in Columbia for visiting city slickers, especially not for a week. Once you've taken the kids for the zoo, skulked around down by the University (Go Cocks), exhausted the browsing possibilities at Books-a-Million and Barnes & Noble, you are itching for some espresso-based love. That nastiness they serve at the aforesaid Books-a-Million in the in-store "Joe Muggs" just don't cut it. Normally I don't drink my java at Starbucks, but when I'm here in Strom Thurmond country, I thank my lucky stars for the Green Star in the Starbucks logo.
(4)
JW C.
How do you run out of tea? "Sorry, we are out of Earl Grey. English Breakfast? Yeah, we are out of that too." Poorly managed location, not very clean either. Get it together, good people of Forest Acres 'bucks...
(1)
Zacc Z.
Such a nice quiet location. Surprisingly for being in a shopping center, this location has it's own little corner and is still able to be in a nice area with peace and quiet. I have been to this Starbucks quite a number of times in the past few weeks. I have gotten to know some of the evening staff a bit, and they remember me and basically continue our conversations from my previous visit each time I return. I am saddened, however, from being told that this location is out of reach of the delivery route, making this Starbucks a sandwich-free store :( as I really love the many kinds of sandwiches Starbucks has.
Brianna D.
My boyfriend & I stopped by here during Family day June 3, as my brother couldn't get off base. This Starbucks was easy to find and had plenty of parking. This location is very similar to other Starbuck locations (signs, menu, display counter). This location has two entryways, indoor seating & lots of outdoor seating. When ordering the cashier was nice, attentive and tried to strike up small talk with customers. I ordered 2 Vanilla Bean Frapp & 1 S'more Frapp. PRO - plenty of parking - plenty of seating (indoor & outdoor) - friendly employees CON - lots of flies inside
(4)Simon T.
Don't come here to think. One barista thinks he is part of a floor show. (Today a guy is fixing a fully set up desktop computer for a client. The whole place is a madhouse every time.)
(2)Dee A.
I work on the military base and go here at least three times a week. The coffee's not that good and sometimes it's slow but the people working here are incredibly nice. When the regular working crew is here it's fast and efficient. They get to know their customers and I kinda feel like a weird 6:30 am family where we all know each other but don't really want to talk to one another. Everyone working is just so nice so I come back day after day. It's a nice way to start a long week. I meet up here with co-workers on Friday mornings. There's always a nice crowd but it never seems to loud.
(4)Danita R.
When you see me checking in at Starbucks you know I'm on a vacation or a roadtrip or something. I'm writing to y'all from the lovely, quite spacious wraparound patio of the SBUX in Trenholm Plaza. You know, home to the Anthro, Fresh Market, J. Crew and such. I have to admit that I love what they've done with the place and I really appreciate the amount of seating that's available both in- and outside. I'm not sitting on top of or wriggling by anyone. Maybe I've been in the northern cities for too long, but it's quite lovely to have space in which to sprawl and relax. My caramel iced coffee is good, creamy and strong, which has made powering through emails, blog updates and other persuals far easier than it seems to be when I'm trapped inside at my desk. A great variety-filled soundtrack has been playing for the past couple of hours, too, so that's been nice as well. The staff is friendly, chill and swiftly tending to all comers and goers. I think I've sat here long enough to fix my sights on a refill of sorts ... and maybe a handsome Army soldier or two :)
(4)Robert V.
As some of the other reviews mention, this SBUX is ideal for sitting down, relaxing, hanging out with friends, or reading. If I lived closer it would for sure be a regular spot for me, but I just happened to stop by on my way to the grocery store. I was very pleasantly surprised to find this location. The atmosphere is great, staff friendly, and they have a great outdoor seating area.
(4)Linda K.
Great place to chill and talk with friends outdoors. They have bench seats out side and the regular seats inside but I'd rather sit out side and enjoy the sc weather with my ice white chocolate mocha!
(5)Jonathan M.
Love this location. Great area to seat and enjoy Coffee, free Wifi, etc. Definitely a good environment. The service is great, never had an issue regardless of who is preparing your order.
(5)Adam B. J.
It's Starbucks. Can't live with'em, can't live without'em. Good coffee that has the price of great coffee, but I can hardly ever walk passed one without getting something.
(3)D. A.
I am not much of a coffee drinker, so going to a coffee shop is like going to Disney for me. Once a year if I'm lucky. I usually concoct my own blended drink that has no relation to any menu items. I'd like to say that this particular location made the best frozen beverage I've ever had. Highly recommend it!! They ask the right questions and make sure after your firsts sip that you love it. Caring staff, good product, not too bad on price. Can't ask for too much more.
(4)Jay B.
Not too bad for a starbucks. Was actually clean, staffs/workers are nice too. Coffee always tastes the same everywhere, so atleast you know what you're gettingg. Music isn't obnoxious or loud so that's good if you're needing to study or work.
(4)Cyndi W.
Nice staff even though they will close in about 23 min. Plus a clean bathroom, yippee the small things mean the most.
(4)Amie B.
This location is one of my favorite sit down locations. It is always clean inside, the staff are friendly and quick with orders. It is centrally located near a Chipotle, Publix, The Fresh Market, Garners Natural Life, The Original Pancake House, and many other shops.
(4)Jason F.
Decent Starbucks with the same good quality coffee you find at most chains. This particular location is next to a cool "organic" food store, and some other retailers in a small shopping center. It has a larger outside seating area making it a great location for relaxing and chatting with a medium sized (4-8 people) group of friends.
(4)Ashley R.
I stopped in today and wanted to try one of the new Reserve coffees brewed with the Clover system. it was busy. Everyone else was ordering frappucinos. The barista seemed very flustered. I absolutely don't mind waiting for a quality cup of coffee, but the baristas seemed confused by my order, and my $4.25 cup of coffee tasted watered down with a hint of burned plastic, and coffee was dripping all down the sides of an already overly hot cup. I had to wipe it down and put an extra sleeve over it just so I could carry it. If I'm in a hurry, I might stop in Starbucks for a regular cup of coffee, but for now on, if I want the quality I'm paying for, I'll stick to one of the local shops like Drip.
(2)Rachel O.
This is my go to Sbux. They are super close to my house and in the same shopping center where I do my grocery shopping. The staff is friendly and are great about recognizing their regular customers. Finch is a master drink maker. It's perfect every time. Parking as well as getting in and out of the parking lot off of Forest Drive can be a little difficult. Register a gift card and download the Starbucks app for deals and specials.
(4)Joey F.
Love the service and the way the staff makes my coffee. Very friendly and on top of things. I go here almost everyday and they always remember my name and my order!! Absolutely love it!!
(5)Sherrell C.
Love it, best place in Columbia!!!
(5)Sal G.
Meh, I am disappointed in this Starbucks. The interior is nice, there is exterior seating that is good yet the drinks taste as though the machines haven't been cleaned. I ordered my afternoon Espresso Truffle and I have to say that it was neither Espresso nor Truffle. A better name would be Bitter Cow Pow since that is what it tasted like. I love Starbucks for it's consistency -- this one is not. Can someone from corporate please come and whip this place into shape? I am paying good money to get a good drink.
(2)A M.
Good enough. But coming from Seattle, they need to learn the lingo.
(4)Tanya R.
Caffeine addict, that's me! Starbucks is my favorite coffee shop around. I like some of the mom and pop places too but, at Starbucks, you know your drink is going to taste great at each location you go to. They all use the same beans and a recipe for each drink, so you can count on that same great taste. The staff at this location is great. They remember me and my drink. The outside sitting is nice. It is in a shopping center and it has a few tables but it still manages to be quiet and peaceful.
(4)Courtney B.
I've been to many starbucks locations. I have to say that this is one of my favorites. The staff is always friendly and fast.
(5)Caroline S.
Ordered 2 espresso drinks: pumpkin spice latte and salted caramel mocha. Neither had any special requests. 1) pumpkin spice latte: no whip, over spiced ( clumps of spices) and too much syrup--the coffee was more dark orange than brown. GROSS AND INEDIBLE. 2)salted caramel mocha: no whip, barista told us they were out of salt for caramel as she handed me the bev. Tastes like cocoa puffs, not coffee. WORST STARBUCKS EVER. THEY EVEN HAD A FLY IN THIER FOOD/BAKERY CASE. I MENTIONED IT TO THEM, THEY SEEMED UNCONCERNED. SHOULD HAVE RETHOUGHT ORDER AT THAT POINT.
(1)Kathleen W.
I do like Starbucks and seeing as how I now live in Seattle it is hard to avoid it but I still manage to support mostly independent coffee shops in whatever city I reside. Living in Columbia for 21 years I developed so much love for the coffee shops around town that are hosts to many caffeinated university students, musicians, bohemians, etc... Try Adrianna's a mere block from the 5 points Starbucks (which I boycott), the coffee may be a little watery, but their espresso drinks are great and they have gelato and a full menu! On a pretty day nothing is better than sitting at one of their four outdoor tables and watching the people and dogs that walk or roll past you. The staff is unbeatable and after a few visits you'll feel like you've come home! I also love Cool Beans near the Horse Shoe. It is at the top floor of an old creaky house.... man, I miss the south....
(1)Kevin S.
Mother of all that's holy, we thank thee for thy corporate coffee chains. While my friends back in San Francisco are debating the relative evils of Starbucks and its supposedly predatory marketing and real estate practices, I dropped to my knees in a silent moment of prayer when my mother told me that a Starbucks had opened in this shopping plaza about 5 miles from her house. Lattes! Bogus 'macchiatto's'! Friggin' frappuccinos! Listen, there is not that much to do in Columbia for visiting city slickers, especially not for a week. Once you've taken the kids for the zoo, skulked around down by the University (Go Cocks), exhausted the browsing possibilities at Books-a-Million and Barnes & Noble, you are itching for some espresso-based love. That nastiness they serve at the aforesaid Books-a-Million in the in-store "Joe Muggs" just don't cut it. Normally I don't drink my java at Starbucks, but when I'm here in Strom Thurmond country, I thank my lucky stars for the Green Star in the Starbucks logo.
(4)JW C.
How do you run out of tea? "Sorry, we are out of Earl Grey. English Breakfast? Yeah, we are out of that too." Poorly managed location, not very clean either. Get it together, good people of Forest Acres 'bucks...
(1)Zacc Z.
Such a nice quiet location. Surprisingly for being in a shopping center, this location has it's own little corner and is still able to be in a nice area with peace and quiet. I have been to this Starbucks quite a number of times in the past few weeks. I have gotten to know some of the evening staff a bit, and they remember me and basically continue our conversations from my previous visit each time I return. I am saddened, however, from being told that this location is out of reach of the delivery route, making this Starbucks a sandwich-free store :( as I really love the many kinds of sandwiches Starbucks has.
(5)