Today I visited my 200th Starbucks for this blog.
100 Starbucks ago, I was sitting at Grand Central Terminal, half-way through my endeavor and somewhat optimistic that I could accomplish the task at hand. 100 Starbucks before that, I sat down at my first Starbucks on 52nd & 8th Ave and — quite frankly — had no idea what I was getting myself into. But here I am. 200 Starbucks into the blog and less than 10 away from visiting all the Starbucks in Manhattan. I’ll drink to that.
The Starbucks on 53rd & Park Ave is actually located inside a privately owned public seating area called Park Avenue Plaza. It’s just west of Park, and there are entrances both on 52nd and 53rd. The Starbucks is not a distinct store, but a kiosk style Starbucks located in the northeast corner of the space. There are office buildings above and other features include a book store, public restrooms, a children’s winter play place and a waterfall wall (pictured above).
Unfortunately, this Starbucks does not offer WiFi, so if you’re coming here to get out of the cold, bring a book not a laptop. Also come early. Although the space is available 7-days a week until 10pm, the Starbucks is only open until 6:30pm on weekdays, which only makes sense. After all, it’s not like there isn’t another Starbucks just a few yards west on 53rd street.
The Good:
The Size… Although the Starbucks kiosk itself is very small. The Park Avenue Plaza space is enormous.
The Seating… There’s seating everywhere. In front of the kiosk, behind it, and all around it.
The Decor… No it’s not styled like your typical Starbucks, but it comes with its own winter play place for kids and an indoor water wall.
The Bad:
The Hours… Only open Monday through Friday until 6:30pm.
The WiFi… Neither public nor Starbucks WiFi is offered in this indoor space.
The Crowd… A decent sized line and a heavy crowd taking up most of the seats. After all, it’s way too cold for people to be outside today.
Barista Friendliness:
Drink of Choice:
Grande Blonde.
Overall Starbucks Rating:
The only Starbucks in NYC that comes with its own waterfall.
Starbucks and the City 
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