I’m not sure why there is a cult following for this coffee though we have been conditioned to think this coffee is holy grail status and thumbs up any photo of someone holding a Starbucks cup. I’ve had coffee here in a pinch and it tastes over roasted and burnt that I forgo it now. I know some places don’t have local coffee shops and roasters but if you do, why come here for corporate sludge?
Aaron E.
Place rating: 1 Chapel Hill, NC
okay here’s my updated review of Starbucks here’s a 2nd bizness options have they improved&gotten there act together? Nope same crappie coffee place employees r rude have attude problems& no people skills mngment the dude with glases is a power nazi-Starbucks coffee terrorist LOL:(coffee& baked goods $ 1.89for a small cup of coffee!!! that’s messed up the only people who give this place good perfect review’s r Starbucks fanboys&fan girls I Don’t recommend coffee here hobos-rich snobby people coffee drinkers here go elsewhere mcds had a $ 1.17cup of coffee waffle house coffee is better other coffee places try there don’t support Starbucks coffee terrorists support local if u want Starbucks buy some from the grocery store&brew at home it’s cheaper!!!
Jessie P.
Place rating: 2 Chapel Hill, NC
The service isn’t too bad and it’s standard Starbucks coffee. My biggest problem is the space itself. Almost every time I go in there there’s no where to sit down. It’s unfortunate I can’t enjoy my coffee and take advantage of the free refills.
Breanna E.
Place rating: 3 Chapel Hill, NC
Had a horrible customer service experience here but my old review of the actual food and coffee still stands.
Isabelle F.
Place rating: 1 Manhattan, NY
People may think this Starbucks is one of the best around but no one actually sees how the employees are treated. It can very very busy and when this happens the workers are treated badly by customers. The manager is rude and honestly bullies his coworkers around all day. Someone very close to me worked for them and found it very strange how when he/she was being interviewed they had about 4 other positions open. When they walked out because enough was enough there again were 4 positions open where people had done the same from similar reasons. It’s an unhealthy atmosphere. I am currently boycotting them and spending my lovely paycheck at near by coffee shops!
James B.
Place rating: 1 Greensboro, NC
The staff is friendly, but this location is generally too crowded to be enjoyable. The odd part is that there is a large table in the back that could comfortably seat at least 6 more people. However, management is trying very hard to avoid making that available. First, they used it to store inventory. Now, they’re trying unsuccessfully to rent it. It’s classi Southern stupidity.
Katherine Z.
Place rating: 4 Durham, NC
Always packed but otherwise, it’s your standard Starbucks. Outlets, free wifi, and plenty of drink/food options.
John M.
Place rating: 4 Chapel Hill, NC
For me, this is easily the most dependable Starbucks location in the Chapel Hill area. It’s within walking distance from my place, which is great because it allows me to get a coffee without compromising my diet plan. Enough about me, though. Today, I walked here about an hour ago along with my dog companion. Already being about 80 degrees outside, I was a little disappointed to find that the AC was not running very powerfully, as I was very sweaty, but who cares. Surprisingly, this place was very crowded for 8:30AM, as it is usually empty, so I had to wait in a 15 person line before I was able to order. Luckily, the very friendly and expedient staff managed to work through the mob quickly, as I was ordered and out with my Iced Grande Latte within 6 minutes. A grand total of $ 3.92 after taxes may be a bit expensive for a 16 oz beverage, but with the high quality and dependability on display at this location, you could definitely do worse(go to Caribou Coffee and see what I mean). All in all, I highly recommend this location, as it earns a very deserving 4 stars out of 5. Quick Tip: For the optimum experience, I’d recommend getting drinks to go, rather than dining here. When busy, it can be very loud and crowded, which is not great for conversation or doing work.
Michael N.
Place rating: 4 Charlotte, NC
Primo location across the street from UNC campus/Top of the Hill. Has been here forever. Small location, but has the classic Starbucks city café look. Picture front glass windows. Just driving by at night and looking in the window, makes you want to go in, get cozy and have some coffee. Not busy at all when I went Friday evening. I have heard that during the day, it’s slammed but the line moves quickly. Street parking is sparse to non existant, so this is best as a «walk to» location.
Sheila D.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
Great, quick, and friendly service. Right in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill, so it’s always filled with college students. Comfy sofas for working and window seats great for people watching(guilty pleasure, shhh). The baristas that I’ve seen here all seem very enthusiastic and really deliver good quality drinks quickly. Quick tip: the wifi here isn’t fantastic, so if you’re having trouble, sit close to the wall and connect to the free Spanky’s wifi from next door. This Starbucks is great because of it’s convenient location, close to a bus station, which is probably why I find myself here so often. There’s also a seating area in the back with additional seating, which is nice and not noticeable when you first walk in. My one complaint is the lack of outlets considering the abundance of college students here. It gets pretty packed here during the school year in the daytime, so if you want a quieter place to go and relax, you may want to try the obscure hours of the morning or evening… Or another, less convenient coffee shop.
Karla L.
Place rating: 1 Washington, DC
It was about 5 ’til closing and I wasn’t allowed to come in. The employee came over and locked the door and gestured«no» with her hands. I don’t think they should be closed until it is actually time to close. As an employee it is their job to serve a customer. Was there to study with a group of friend and at 9:30, half an hour before closing time, they asked us to leave because they had to «clean up». Terrible and extremely small.
Joy M.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
Super friendly staff! They always seem busy but even when the line is long they really keep it moving. Everyone seems really happy and very helpful.
Tina W.
Place rating: 4 New York, NY
People there are nice. but it always has a lot of people and I hate it. But if you need a quick coffee, it’s def a good place to go on franklin.
Lara T.
Place rating: 3 Winston-Salem, NC
It’s so cramped and busy that on several occasions, it’s just not been worth the wait with the line to the door. Times I have ordered, they always get it right. It’s otherwise a pretty standard. Though I haven’t attempted to use the wi-fi, so I can’t speak on how that compares to some other Starbucks.
Mike O.
Place rating: 2 Brooklyn, NY
I guess with Jack Sprat closed, there isn’t much with regard to coffee these days on Franklin St. Geez, guys, you are right next door to Coffeeboro. Take a walk west and go to some real coffee shops. Don’t mean to be a snob or anything, I loves me some Starbucks, but this one is kinda small, looked incredibly busy, and very few seats to spare. You do what you can, I guess.
Arielle W.
Place rating: 4 Chapel Hill, NC
Pretty standard Starbucks. A little small due to its location on Franklin St but still a good size. Can get a little crowded during certain hours but nothing unbearable. Usually a good mixture of people studying and meeting up with friends for a chat, so the noise is at a good level but by no means silent. I’ve always gotten good product here honestly. I am only an occasional coffee drinker and thus do not go into any coffee shop that often. I’ve always had excellent service at this location. The baristas have always been friendly and they always get my order right. I’m one of those people that likes to order off the menu like chai frapps, bloody penguins, or chai mochas and they’ve always known what to make or were quick to accommodate me at a reasonable price. Also of note is that I’ve been there twice when they’re giving out free food. I don’t know if there’s any patterns to tip people off but if you go late at night they sometimes give out pastries and muffins for free. Sure they might be too old to put out and sell but they’re still good enough to eat! So I’d say be on the lookout for that. Overall I enjoy this Starbucks and have been impressed with their service thus far.
Dan W.
Place rating: 2 Leitchfield, KY
I am not one to bash Starbucks(I appreciate that they helped make coffee better and more accessible in the US years ago) but with very good coffee from independents on nearly every corner, am hard pressed to find a reason to go to Starbucks anymore.(Airports and early mornings an exception.) Have to say though, that this particular location is one of my least favorites. Service is either in your face or indifferent. And coffee is often not hot. If you have to have Starbucks, try the one further east and down the hill on E. Franklin. Or wait until 7 am and try Caffe Driade, Open Eye, or one of the many great alternatives.
John L.
Place rating: 3 Chapel Hill, NC
Service-wise, this Starbucks is good: the baristas are absolutely fine and get drinks out quickly. Unlike other Starbucks though, this one is ill-prepared for the free-wifi switchover. There look to be about 4 total sets of plugs on the side wall, seats that are usually either taken up by people who want the nice chairs or someone doing actual work(and reaching a cord over the nice chairs is inconveniencing for those people in the nice chairs, especially if someone happens to be in the one nearest to the window. There is a front table with a window view… too bad there are no plugs near this area. Considering it’s on Franklin Street and near the UNC campus, one would think setting up multiple plugs would be a good idea. Guess I’m wrong about that :(
Susan P.
Place rating: 4 Sudbury, MA
Love the friendly and very fast service. And I also love my always perfect latte! Wish they had chocolate chip cookies more often.
Niko X.
Place rating: 4 Orange County, CA
I’ve ALSO got macciatos in different area codes… No trip – well…anywhere is complete without a visit to the ubiquitous Starbucks. Down home southern charm mixed with liberal minded college town wit and sarcasm reigns supreme in Chapel Hill… as does good coffee. Though he looked like a proverbial coffee shop ‘douche, the dude behind the counter was all business and put together a stunning rendition of the up-and-coming best reason to ‘milk an extra 50 cent out of your patrons: the grande Café Misto. Ahhh caffeinated bliss…