Starbucks Coffee Company: Comparing Locations around Seattle

Everybody knows Starbucks; it is the largest coffee company in the world with over 17,000 stores in 49 different countries. Some love it for its consistency, others despise it for its ever-presence. Some enjoy Starbucks coffee, and others do not. But, if you are a Starbucks-lover, or are looking for a Seattle Starbucks location for a particular occasion, this post is for you. I will not review the coffee as much as a few of the locations around Seattle, since Starbucks coffee is remarkably consistent at nearly every location. Also, Starbucks policy for wi-fi is a simple process, but it may not seem so. All you must do is have a Starbucks gift card, register it online, and continue to use it at least once a month. It really is quite simple if you find yourself wanting internet use at their locations and visit it at least every few weeks.

First, the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle is a destination coffeeshop for many. This location is often if not usually overflowing with people, even though its size and exterior are quote modest. There is no seating provided really, and parking can be quite difficult, as it really is tucked right in the heart of Pike Place Market. Street parking, of course, is available at surrounding blocks. This being said, I do recommend this location for a quick drop-in visit/experience. It is not a place to stick around or socialize; it is definitely a "to go" or "in-and-out" coffee location. There are numerous other Starbucks locations just blocks away for a quieter, less bustly place to socialize, study, or read.

There is a Starbucks location just 5 minutes' drive away in lower Queen Anne at 519 Queen Anne Ave. that I recommend more for a study atmosphere. There is a large long table with four chairs and electric power strips, perfect for connecting personal computer devices, etc. When I study at this Starbucks location, I most often see business interviews, social meetings, or business people getting coffee to go before work or during lunch. Aside from that seating, two large comfy chairs, one larger round table, and several other small tables make up the rest of available seating.

A drive-thru Starbucks is conveniently located in Lake Union at 1200 Westlake Ave. in the AGC office building shared with the restaurant McCormick & Shmicks. It is the only drive-thru Starbucks I have come across in the area.

A larger Starbucks location on the top of Queen Anne at 2135 Queen Anne Ave. boasts a neat friendly atmosphere, perfect for those looking to socialize or study alone or with friends, and it is kid friendly! The music is usually a bit louder, but it could still be considered background music. This location, however, is usually quite crowded, but the service is always exceptionally fast. Numerous tables and chairs and conveniently located power outlets make it an ideal coffeeshop study location. There are also four comfy chairs in the back of the shop, as well as a little table-and-chairs set for children right next to a bookshelf full of children's books! Because of this, this Queen Anne location is the perfect spot for families. Also, it is just a short 15 minute walk from Seattle Pacific University, so often it is filled with studying college students.

Another location at 3415 Fremont Ave. is just a 15 minute walk from Seattle Pacific University in the other direction in Fremont. This location appears more modest from the exterior but is surprisingly large with a fair amount of seating available. During the early afternoon, which would usually be some of the busier hours for the Upper Queen Anne location, this Fremont location is fairly quiet. College students are not as often studying at this location, but I have found it perfect for just that. The music is usually fairly quiet. I highly recommend this location for reading, meetings with friends for coffee, and for studying.

{Review by Maisie}