Just when I thought the Upper West Side had a leg up on the Upper East Side — where Starbucks are concerned, that is — I discover the Starbucks on 81st and 2nd.
This Starbucks is in the thick of Yorkville and has more character than any I can remember visiting. The building has obviously gone through some reconstructions throughout the years, and I’m very happy with the end result. The first two floors belong to Starbucks. They’ve expanded the ground floor with a glassed in patio, filled the second floor with seating and kept all the exposed bricks. The sealed in fireplace is still visible, and you can see where the staircase used to climb to the 3rd floor. I’m assuming there are still apartments above this Starbucks — and I’m hoping they’re for rent!
This is definitely a Starbucks that I could spend endless hours in. It would be my “go-to” if it weren’t so far away.
The Good:
The Design… Beautifully designed! Authentic wood floors, exposed brick, and some simple wall fixtures.
The Size… Two stories and an expanded seating area downstairs. Huge!
The Seating… Countless tables-for-two and one large communal table upstairs.
The Crowd… Hardly a line and plenty of open seats.
The Bad:
The Location… 2nd Avenue’s construction is a real downer right now and this Starbucks happens to be directly in-between two subway stations on the green line.
The Restroom… Just the one.
Barista Friendliness:
Very friendly.
Drink of Choice:
Venti Iced Coffee
Overall Starbucks Rating:
An Upper East Side Starbucks with tons of character.
Starbucks and the City 
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