I really, really wanted to give the Starbucks on Beekman and Park Row a rating of 5. I did. It’s large. It’s well decorated. It’s in a great area of New York. And it’s very accommodating. Unfortunately, for all the good there is just as much bad. Ultimately it can be summed up to the simple fact that there are too many people in this Starbucks. Too many in line, too many smooching on the WiFi and too many trying to use the single restroom. Thankfully there’s enough seating to support the crowd.
This Starbucks is located in the small Civic Center neighborhood of Downtown Manhattan. It’s right near Pace University and directly across from City Hall Park. So inside the crowd is a good mix of studying college students and tourists looking for a pick-me-up. After all, this is a beautiful neighborhood with plenty of transportation options.
The Good:
The Size… A large corner Starbucks.
The Seating… There is one large seating area as well as two smaller sections lining one wall. We’ve got tables for two, high seats, a communal table and one comfy lounge chair — which I was lucky enough to snatch.
The Decor… Walls with wood paneling, some exposed brick and a really neat piece of art by artist Hope Gangloff that represents the cultural diversity of NYC.
The Location… Right near Pace University. The good thing about the area between FiDi and Civic Center is that virtually all trains run through here.
The Bad:
The Line… Very long. Not out-the-door long, but definitely a good size.
The WiFi… Definitely slower than normal.
The Restroom… Just the one, with a line that could have you waiting over 20 minutes — easy.
Barista Friendliness:
It’s not that they weren’t friendly, they just don’t listen. I ordered sugar-free hazelnut iced coffee, they marked the cup “SFV” and I got an unsweetened iced coffee. Really…
Drink of Choice:
Venti Iced Coffee… It would have tasted better with the hazelnut.
Overall Starbucks Rating:
A well-designed but busy Starbucks in Downtown Manhattan.
Starbucks and the City 
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