How can I get a good cup of coffee at Starbucks?

Question

After years of not going anywhere near Starbucks I've become a regular visitor. Not because I love the coffee but because it is the only place in my neighborhood where I can sit and work with a cup of coffee. The problem is that whatever I do, I can't stand the coffee. The regular coffees are hot watery, a regular latte tastes like warm milk, a double latte tastes like nothing on earth, that cappucino is undrinkable, I am totally challenged when it comes to the other complicated orders that people around me seem to delight in ordering ("Cinnamon Dolce Creme Latte," well, I say what?). I made the mistake of switching to the chai tea latte and got a cup full of sugary water. The only thing worth drinking is the chai tea bag tea.

I don't care what I get, I just want it to be drinkable. Any suggestions?

Answer

Ask them where the local coffee shop is and go there!

when I have to go to SB...it's a regular house coffee - make sure it's fresh and very hot...little room for cream and it usually works.

Answer

I think Starbucks' espresso is much better than their coffee. Order an americano with extra room so that it won't be too watery.

Answer

Given that you don't like the coffee at a coffee establishment, I would think you're abit out of luck, regardless of what "suggestions" people offer. From what I've seen, people either 'drink Starbucks' or 'don't drink Starbucks.' If you don't like their coffees, lattes, teas, and cappucinnos, what's left? Sandwiches?

My suggestion - find a Mud truck.

Answer

Thanks guys. Rocknrope, I just want to know how to order a good cup of coffee. As I said in my post, I do like their chai tea in a tea bag, but it took a lot of trial and error to discover that there was such a thing. If you've ever visited a Starbucks, you'll notice that the choices are many and complex, daunting to a newby like me, and some help in complexity reduction is what I am looking for. Something similar to Viennese coffee would be great, as also would a good espresso (unfortunately, they don't serve espresso in espresso cups though you can get regular sizes in a cup if you ask). I guess what I am asking for is help in translating Starbucks lingo into regular coffee language.

Answer

what about ordering a single espresso, and a cup of hot water in another cup? then you can add as much hot water to the espresso as you want. also - I always ask if they have actual ceramic mugs, if I plan on sitting down (they usually have a couple back there). I think coffee or tea in paper cups always tastes crappy.

Answer

If you do not like the coffee, lattes, or caps, then it is safe to say that you do not like Starbucks. Have some tea or find a new place.

Answer

Your local Starbucks is suppose to have espresso cups to serve your espresso in. You have to ask for it "for here." If they don't have espresso cups, ask the manager. He will order some for you. The key is communication.

From your post, it seems like you like stronger flavors and components. Starbucks is an AMERICAN corporation aimed for the average AMERICAN coffee consumer.

If you sit there, you have the option to order a Turkish/French press of espresso. They will bring you the entire thing and might charge for a cup of coffee.

If you want more Chai flavor in your Chai Tea latte, ask for 3/4 Chai MIX and 1/4 steamed milk.

It's not fair to knock Starbucks for what they are...it would be like me going into McDonald's and expecting kobe burger quality.

Answer

My ex boyfriend used to work at starbucks so i know all the secrets to a great cup of coffee

If you want a stronger cup of coffee, try a Redeye. its coffee with a shot of espresso. This makes for much more flavor and much more of a caffeine jolt!

If you want to get more chai flavor out of your chai latte, you have to ask for NO WATER. The water completely takes away from the flavor of the tea!

Also, make sure that when you get a cup of coffee there that the pot is somewhat fresh. Just ask them, they will tell you. Sometimes if you get the coffee thats been sitting there a while the flavor is off!

Answer

Hey, this is great stuff. Americano with extra room, chai latte with no water, the redeye seems just the ticket, and I didn't even know you could get a French press! Thanks all.

(Again, I'm not knocking Starbucks-hey, I go there don't I? Just trying to make sense of the bewildering array of choices so that I can get a good cup of coffee while I sit and work.)

Answer

My usual order at Starbucks is a Grande non-fat, quad latte.

4 shots of espresso in a grande cup and steamed non fat milk.

If I don't have the room in my stomach for that much, but still want the jolt I just get a quad espresso and add a little cream and sweetener. I am also a fan of the vanilla, chocolate, nutmeg and cinnamon shakers.

http://nycpocket.com

Answer

If I'm going, I usu order a steamed milk with a little froth and some vanilla (easy/not too sweet). Cheesey, but it reminds me of Danny Kaye and it puts a smile on my face.

Answer

I tolerate coffee's of the day,whatever they happen to be.Theres only one coffee I drink there that I truly like,its called Yukon,starbucks used to have great coffee,for quite a while now it just tastes like a cup of charcol water.
I like Millstone French Roast better than all Starbucks and Tullys coffees.

Answer

sb is gross. it always tastes burnt and like it's been sitting there for about 6-12 hours.

Answer

I like SB. I go in, order a "large coffee in a double cup with a sleeve". The look of confusion in the barrrissstaah's eyes is priceless. Makes the beginning of the day pretty special. 

I add a little skimmed milk, and I'm good to go.

Answer

I find their coffee bad too, but I needed morning coffee the other day and figured I'd do it the way they want people too - I got a caramel latte. Someone had recently made me caramel lattes at home and they were surprisingly good. The SB'scaramel was also yummy. That's what they do - the make coffe-flavored drinks, not coffee.

Answer

They could have a light mainstream brew on hand,Its all so burnt tasting.Probably if they got some regular tasting coffee people would be reminded that Denny's coffee isn't too bad....and refills are free.

Answer

I don't drink the SB coffees because I believe that the best coffees are flavorful, and not so strong. I always get Tazo chai at SB when I go.

Answer

SBUX has been geared to dessert drinks for some time. Ergo, it's espresso is optimized for milk drinks with syrups, not drunk as normales or doppios. Provided I can tell tht the milk is not being resteamed (and they're now supposed to steam fresh, although that doesn't happen everywhere), when I have no practical choice but SBUX, I'll get an 8oz capp. It's not on the menu anywhere. But any SBUX-owned shop will pour one. As far as the suggestion to go to an indie - many (if not most) indies are even worse options for espresso. If you want to find a good indie, use the Espresso Map.

Answer

I know of a lot of things that people say as a complaint about starbucks, but I've never heard hot watery. I've never found it to be weak. The flavor always accurately matches the beans (which is what most people's beef is with). 

RE: capuccinos - I practically ask for blood sample before I let someone make me a capuccino. I've had maybe one decent one in the states. That sort of thing takes practice, and they just don't practice.

Answer

My preferred method of ordering a good coffee at Starbucks goes something like this:

1. Walk into Starbucks
2. Look for "Sumatra" or "Komodo" on the chalkboard
3. Order one of the above or move on

Answer

Not all Starbucks coffees are created equal. Some are terrible, some excellent. Also, as with all things that come from the ground, at times the same type of coffee will taste slightly different. The trick is to know which ones you like.

I like full bodied and strong coffee with a lot of flavor. The ones I look for (just as "braineater" mentioned above) are Sumatra & Komodo Dragon. They are full bodied, lots of nuances, smooth... I've tried just about all Starbuck varieties over the years and love these. 
 
WHOLE BEANS:
I used to always buy Sumatra... then they came out with Komodo Dragon around 2 years ago... I buy that exclusively now. Its my favorite... and has such a kool name too! Its easy to make great coffee when you are doing the brewing at home... cause you can make it exactly how you like it... whatever strength.

BY THE CUP STRATEGY AT THE STORE:
When buying brewed coffee I find even the "stronger" called traditional brew is too light... tastes terrible. I always add a shot or 2 of espresso to the drink... even when they are brewing Sumatra or K. Dragon. The number of shots depends on the size of the cup and the type of coffee. To get it right takes a little experimenting.

THE LINGO:
REDEYE = Cup of Coffee with 1 shot of espresso
BLACK EYE = Cup of Coffee with 2 shots
DEAD EYE = Cup of Coffee with 3 shots

Answer

Get a Venti coffee and add a shot or two of espresso.

Answer

"How can I get a good cup of coffee at Starbucks?"
Take one of their cups with you and fill it with home made coffee the next time your going back there (LOL). I went there for one of the same reason you did, it was the only place around. Although I never found their strong version (whatever they call it) to be weak. I felt like whatever the coffee of the day was it always had the same underlying flavor, like all their beans have been burnt or something. In the Los Angeles area (The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf) have been popping up here and there. I find it to be a better alternative to your (normal dig), sorry I didn't want to use that foul nine letter word again in my post. Tee He He

Answer

Go someplace else.

Answer

I have come to love- hot passionfuit tea in a large store provided mug or green tea latte- with no melon substituting sugar free or regular vanilla (I discoved after getting a weird flavored drink how to really order it* they sneak things in there...). I also like their drip- go figure- but I add a little milk and a packet of splenda to my venti drip.

Answer

Their formula for brewing drip coffee is wrong - 2 tablespoons per 6 oz of water - yikes. However, if you try this same formula using a french press, the results are remarkably better. As I worked at multiple Starbucks for 3+ yrs, I would always here the complaints about the drip coffee. Given the right circumstances, a side-by-side comparison of drip vs. french press with a customer would prove remarkable differences in terms of strength, oil content and complexity of flavor (think Gazebo has lots of citrus? try it 'pressed). 

The aforementioned one-hr drip timer is policy, but in slower store environments, this could be overlooked and result in a bad cup. I would wait for a lag in service, ask someone in apron to find a good non-blended coffee and make you a press of it - not only will it be a better cup, they may also comp it if they've not tried the coffee themselves. Good luck!

Answer

I didn't know you could get a whole french press at Starbucks... THANKS for the tip!!

When I want a coffee that I know will be the same consistency from franchise to franchise, I go to Tim Hortons for a regular, or a double-double (two milks, two sugars) if I'm feeling splurgy (with the cals). It's not great coffee, but it's good and never burnt tasting.

Answer

Their coffee sucks. Make your own.

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Went through the drive thru today. My order was 2 grande iced caramel lattes, skim, no whip. The response through the window was "do you want a caramel macchiato?...they are better!" SIGH. If I wanted a vanilla caramel latte, thats what I would have ordered. I really do honestly prefer Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Swirl latte, skim, no whip, stirred.

Answer

I'm not sure if this is out yet, but around Christmastime, they sell gingerbread lattes: they're my absolute favorite!

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You want an Americano. It's espresso and hot water, and it's utterly smooth and delicious and everything brewed coffee ought to be, but seldom is. It's my go-to drink at Starbucks.

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turn left out the door go 100 feet to the next......... (sorry, i couldn't resist)- can't help either-as i don't even drink coffee

Answer

Hi there, there is a big difference between you and me.. I love everything at Starbucks.. But I can help you discover the best of Starbucks. What to order "Hello, I will have a grande (grand---ay) Freshly Brewed Coffee with room for cream... Then go to the table with sweetener and cream and put in a whole bunch of cream and sugar until you find your liking.. 

Cheers

Answer

I generally don’t have coffee, while roaming streets of SFO I came across an Italian restaurant, after food I ordered a “mac·chi·a·to” to experiment. It was tiny but dam good.
It’s called “Expresso mac·chi·a·to” in Starbucks. I ask for 2 shots. 
You can experiment, it’s basically expresso with a small quantity of frothy milk. I don’t get the taste of just bitter dark water nor just the milk. It’s a fine balance I felt.

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