Today you get to hear about one of my Starbucks pet-peeves that I’ve yet to discuss. It’s something so little that I really have no idea why it even bothers me at all. So before you label this with the infamous FirstWorldProblems hashtag, just know I’m aware of of the triviality of this pet-peeve. But I just can’t help it…
I hate it when they run out of regular lids and give me a frappuccino lid when I have an iced drink that doesn’t require one (pictured above). I think it’s because the drink seems less protected, and for a clumsy person like myself, the lid leads to a greater chance of spillage on my part. Or possibly I just don’t get how a cafe can run out of lids in the first place.
Okay — there you have it. I’ve said what I had to say about that.
The Starbucks on 36th and Madison has a lot going for it despite the fact that it gave me a frappuccino lid on an iced latte. Its seating area is larger than most, and better yet, it is lightly occupied with patrons. It is designed with arches instead of corners, so the seating area almost looks like a semi-circle or a curving road. Maple wood is used for throughout instead of the typical espresso tint, and there is a large lightly colored mural on the long wall opposite the door.
Ironically, when I first spotted this Starbucks on Monday it was free of exterior construction, but now the entire outside on both sides is covered by the hideous metal bars. It’s funny, because I only ever see these things pop up, but rarely notice one taken down. Perhaps the entire city will soon be covered in them.
The Good:
The Location… Close enough to Time Square and Herald Square for a short walk, but far enough away to avoid the congestion.
The Size… Plenty of room in this corner location. They could even add more seating if they wanted to.
The Seating… Plenty of tables-for-two, a communal table and window bar in the corner.
The Crowd… Lightly crowded with few passersby.
The Bad:
The Power Outlets… Covered up.
The Restroom… Just the one.
Barista Friendliness:
Drink of Choice:
Grande Iced Skinny Caramel Latte… Doing it Treat Receipt style.
Overall Starbucks Rating:
A nice, spacious Starbucks a bit removed from Midtown congestion.
Starbucks and the City 
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