After spending a few hours in FiDi today, I began to realize what a ghost town this neighborhood becomes on a Sunday. Sure you see people walking the streets here and there, but most residents are probably tucked away in their apartments, and most businesses are closed until the business crowd comes back on Monday. The few street stragglers appeared to be walking to and from the few sports bars that are playing Sunday football. Of course I passed by each and headed to the Starbucks on Hanover and Pearl.
Today was actually the last day of Starbucks’ latest promotion: buy one, get one Holiday drinks. Although, I’m not the biggest fan of sweet espresso based drinks, I couldn’t pass this one up. Literally, I arrived 2-minutes before the promotion cut-off time, and ordered a gingerbread latte for myself and a peppermint mocha for my boyfriend.
The Starbucks itself is a small L-shaped location, with wraparound window seating and two comfy chairs against one wall. There’s no public restroom and no crowd beating down the door at 5pm on a Sunday. It’s very close to the water’s edge of Manhattan, and it’s ironically the only building on the block that is covered in construction scaffolding.
The Good:
The Seating… For such a small space, this Starbucks really maximized its seating potential. There’s even two comfy chairs in the corner.
The Bad:
The Size… Small and L-shaped. Just enough room for window seats and a wrap-around line.
The Restroom… None for public use.
Barista Friendliness:
Drink of Choice:Â
Grande Gingerbread Latte… A little sweet for my taste, but good for the occasional treat.
Overall Starbucks Rating:
A small L-shaped FiDi Starbucks.
Starbucks and the City 
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