In an effort to combat my self-absorbed style of blogging (see blog entry below), I’ve decided to make a change. Each time I visit a Starbucks — before I put any effort into writing a post of my own — I will take the time to read some recent entries from other bloggers. I will also start actively looking for some great new blogs to read — and would love some suggestions!
There’s just so much out there. I tend to get wrapped up in my own thoughts and ambitions, when really what I’m doing is depriving myself from the thing that inspires me in the first place: reading.
Time was I would go to Starbucks solely to read. I’d read up on Astrology, read fiction, or even just a study guide for the GRE. Now, I go to write about this and write about that. But if one stops reading, eventually they will run out of topics to comment on themselves.
Also I pledge to tweet more than just pictures of Starbucks! But that’s another issue all in itself.
So what can I say about the Starbucks on the corner of 41st and Madison Ave?
It’s small. It’s very crowded. People would rather stay in here, drink their coffee, and stand then take it to go. It’s design confuses the amateur patron when looking for where the line begins — which I’m sure isn’t fun for the baristas. Also, this Starbucks is almost discrete. It has the Starbucks logo in the windows but no signing on the exterior walls of the building. Perhaps it would draw even more of a crowd, which probably wouldn’t be a good thing.
The Good:
The Location… South of Grand Central. East of Bryant Park. Near the 4/5/6, B/D/F/M.
The Seating… I’m listing this under “The Good” because I swear I visited this Starbucks last winter and there was only one small row of seating. Now it has a small community table and added window seats.
The Bad:
The Size… A small corner store.
The Crowd… It definitely gets hit with a strong mix of tourists and business folk.
The Restroom… Just one.
Barista Friendliness:
The barista actually asked if I wanted cream or sugar and added just the right amount… be still my heart!
Drink of Choice:
Venti Iced Coffee… This is what’s going to keep me awake for this evening’s class.
Overall Starbucks Rating:
A crowded and bustling Starbucks typical of Midtown.
Starbucks and the City 
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