Today I received a special package from the Regional Vice President of the NYC Starbucks: a Starbucks Coffee Passport.
This tiny booklet is designed to allow those with a passion for Starbucks coffee to get an in-depth view of how their brew is created, differentiate between the different types of roasts, as well as record their thoughts and opinions in the Coffee Tasting Guide. I must admit, I’m very honored to have the support of Starbucks as an organization when it comes to what I’m doing here on this blog. Although I won’t allow this to dictate my opinions of the Starbucks I encounter here in NYC, it’s a good feeling none-the-less.
Speaking of — I’m currently squatting at another Times Square location. This is a location I’ve been to many times before, since it’s placement to the Times Square subway line is so convenient. It is probably the most cramped location in the city, but at the same time, the space is filled with plenty of seats for those looking to rest their feet a bit — so it’s useful clutter, at least. In fact, I’ve never really needed to wait for a seat; waiting for the restroom on the other hand, well that’s a different story.
The doors are open til 12am nightly, so come and see for yourself.
The Good:
The Location…At the southern most part of Times Square and all the trains that run in and out of the area.
The Seating… There’s plenty — squeezed anywhere it can fit.
The Bad:
The Set-up… It reminds me of a railroad apartment — long and narrow.
Restroom… Just one for both Men & Women and it generates quite the line.
Barista Friendliness:
Hard-working and friendly.
Drink of Choice:
Venti-Iced Coffee w/sugar-free-caramel — No I’m not diabetic. You should give the sugar-free syrups a try. They add good flavor and are a little easier to bear than most artificial sweeteners.
Overall Starbucks Rating:
A paradoxical Starbucks. It’s consistently cramped yet I’m always able to find a seat.
Starbucks and the City 
fancy leather cover! Is everyone sporting their name tags in NYC yet?
Name tags?
Ah! Just read your latest entry. As a matter of fact, the barista that gave me my coffee yesterday had a name tag on: Krystal… And I totally see your point as to why you wouldn’t like them. 🙂
The name tags have taken away from giving us pride to having higher standards and being more prestigious than our “competitors”. We build relationships with our customers not force it by making our customers read our names. I used to be prideful of the fact that customers knew my name by our connection, not anymore.
I’ve heard this opinion voiced by several other baristas. As a former manager I totally understand the utility of a name tag, but I definitely see why the personalized environment created by Starbucks can go without.