The well-known Starbucks coffee chain originated in Seattle in 1971. Following changes in their company in the late 1900s and a little Italian inspiration, Starbucks began to expand into the prominent name it is today. With a multitude of nearby shops in the area, I decided to give the shop off of Custer and Eldorado a try to see if it lived up to its reputation.

While Starbucks is most known for their coffee, their menu also includes a variety of drinks such as teas, lemonade, hot chocolate and iced fruit drinks. In addition to this, there are also some food options that include standard bakery items, some breakfast and lunch sandwiches, cake pops, cookies and snacks such as bars or chips.

Upon walking into Starbucks for the first time in years, I was immediately surprised. Due to its reputation as a widespread popular coffee chain, I expected a much busier and less pleasant atmosphere. Contrary to my belief, I was able to walk in and immediately order. While there were still quite a few people seated inside, the overall atmosphere was not overwhelming. Large windows to let in natural light, a comfortable seating area and multiple displays at the ordering counter made for a pleasant experience for customers.

Despite the fact that I did not have to stand in line to order in the shop, Starbucks also has a drive-thru that the employees behind the counter were busy managing. The wait was brief, however, and the employees were very friendly. Once I ordered I only had about a two or three minute wait before my drink was placed on the counter. Starbucks labels each cup with the customer’s name to keep track of whose order it is, however, they are notorious for getting people’s names wrong. Sure enough, I found my drink under the name of “Joryana.” While the employee created an entirely new name, it was at least semi-recognizable, so it didn’t take me too long to discover that the drink belonged to me.

After much contemplation prior to my visit, I eventually decided to order the vanilla sweet cream cold brew. This drink is basically what it sounds like: a cold brew with vanilla syrup and vanilla sweet cream. What I loved most about this drink was the balance between the vanilla and the coffee itself. It tasted smooth and creamy with a light sweetness that did not overpower the coffee taste. I look forward to trying other Starbucks drinks, but I would be more than happy to order this one again.

While there are many coffee shops that offer unique drinks and calming vibes, Starbucks may not be the best study spot, but is a great option for anyone who is seeking a variety of choices, is new to coffee or would benefit from a convenient drive-thru pick up. Starbucks’ pleasant atmosphere and quick service paired with my delicious drink made for an enjoyable experience that undoubtedly contributes to its popularity. Overall, it was an experience that I would definitely recommend!