Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Starbucks – Seattle
Starbucks - Seattle
Photo from Starbucks
Starbucks at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- ☕ Café
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#738 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#75 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
162
Reviews
57.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Good ambience
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Service issues
The café Starbucks, nestled within the Elliott Hotel at 1524 7th Ave in Seattle’s bustling Central Business District, offers you a perfect spot to enjoy great coffee. This cozy and casual establishment provides a trendy atmosphere where you can grab a quick bite or relax with friends.
Whether you’re starting your day or taking a break, you’ll find a welcoming environment.
Overview: Introducting Starbucks
Starbucks generally offers a pleasant spot for a quick stop, with many customers praising the attentive staff and the overall positive atmosphere. You’ll often find a clean environment and plenty of seating, making it a comfortable place to relax or grab a drink.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. Some patrons have noted issues with opening on time and occasional inconsistencies with orders, including problems with delivery.
There have also been concerns regarding the rising prices and the presence of disruptive individuals in the vicinity.
Good
6.1
out of 10
162
Reviews
57.4%
Satisfaction
60
negative
9
neutral
93
positive
Starbucks holds an overall score of 6.1, placing it squarely in the average category. This is supported by a customer satisfaction rate of 57.4%, which indicates a mixed experience for many.
While not poor, these figures suggest there’s room for improvement to consistently delight every visitor. Looking closer, Ambience (6.8) and Food (6.4) are its stronger points, often described as clean and comfortable, with reliable coffee and drinks.
However, Service (5.6) and especially Value (4.8) pull the average down, reflecting concerns about staff consistency and increasing costs. This assessment is drawn from 162 customer observations, with 93 positive remarks balancing 60 negative ones.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Comfortable, clean ambience
- Reliable coffee, drinks
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Rising prices
- Ambience issues
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Verdict: Our expert take on Starbucks
Food (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink here, theres definitely some good news! With a score of 6.4, its sitting comfortably in the average range, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 60.6%. Many folks appreciate the brewed coffee , iced matcha latte , and even the pizza vending machine for being pretty good.
Drinks are often made correctly, and the plain bagel gets a nod for being tasty, based on 20 positive remarks out of 33 total. However, there are some areas that could use a little polish. Out of 10 negative comments, issues like availability of items and portion size (think empty coffee cups!) pop up.
Some customers have found large grinds in their coffee or received incorrect orders. The Nitro Machine being down for a while was also a point of frustration, though it seems to be fixed now, which is a positive turnaround.
Food
33
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Brewed coffee good
- Bagels are tasty
- Nitro Machine fixed
What people don't like
- Empty coffee cups
- Item availability low
- Coffee grinds present
Often praised
- foodfood and atmosphere were excellent
- coffeeCoffee and customer service is usually good
- drinks and foodMade my drinks and food correctly.
- Nitro MachineIt Is Fixed!!!
- brewed coffeeThe brewed coffee tasted so much better.
- caffeinedesperate for caffeine
- cold brew coffeeThe People are Great! I would have given it a full 5 stars, but the Nitro Machine, which is needed to make the cold brew coffee I like the most, had been down for a while. When they got around to fixing it, I updated my review.
- cup of coffeehave cup of coffee
- drinkthey made my drink perfectly too
- drinksThe staff, particularly Heather and Andon, were incredibly kind, helpful, and made me feel welcomed. The drinks were consistently good, and the atmosphere was great in the morning time.
Frequently criticized
- Nitro MachineNitro Machine which is needed to make the cold brew coffee I like the most has been down for a while now.
- availabilitydidn't have anything available
- brewed pike roast coffeelarge grinds inside of it
- cinnamonthis is cinnamon not pumpkin
- coffeeIt is the third time that I buy my coffee in this place and they deliver it to me empty 🤯😠. I will never go back to buy at that place 😠.
- drinktook my drink back up to say they forgot everything again
- large grindslarge grinds inside of it
- portion sizebarely any drink in it. The cup was 3/4 empty.
- substitute itemsevery item recommended to substitute was also out
- sugar without steakhe gives me sugar without steak
If youre looking for a quick coffee or a simple bagel, youll likely find something decent here, especially with the Nitro Machine back in action. However, be prepared for potential availability issues or inconsistent portion size in your drinks. It's worth a try for a casual stop, but temper your expectations for perfection.
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many customers praising the friendly staff and excellent customer service. Out of 78 total comments, 40 were positive, frequently highlighting the personality and hospitality of the team. Guests often mention kind staff and helpful baristas who provide great assistance, making for a pleasant experience.
However, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.6 (average) and customer satisfaction at 51.3% (mixed). There are concerns about waiting and time, with some experiences described as super slow. Issues like orders being messed up and even rude staff members are noted in the 35 negative comments, suggesting room for improvement.
Service
78
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
35
negative
3
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Great hospitality
- Helpful baristas
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Orders messed up
- Rude staff
Often praised
- staffOn the south side of the Hyatt, I experienced amazing and attentive staff. Seven months later, I’m here and happy to say this is one of the finest Starbucks in Seattle, with amazing people.
- serviceMy experience was 100% great service. The baristas were so nice.
- baristasThe baristas were super friendly and helpful.
- customer serviceTop notch personality and customer service from Alec
- employeesThe employees here are the best and are so friendly
- PeopleThe People are Great!
- Rachelthank Rachel for a stand out experience
- assistancequick to assist (even when not asked)
- full serviceIt's a big Starbucks with plenty of seating, which is great for finding a spot. They offer a full service of items, and the staff were good. The location is also a plus.
- grab and goReally experience with grab and go
Frequently criticized
- servicehe talk back of me bad words I never had that service
- cashierthe cashier told me the line formed the other way
- deliveryIt is the third time that I buy my coffee in this place and they deliver it to me empty 🤯😠. I will never go back to buy at that place 😠.
- opening on timeIt's eritating that they don't open on time. This store is bad for opening on time. SO I GIVE THIS STORE 1 STAR FOR OPENING ON TIME.
- staffWhile the food and atmosphere were excellent, receiving a perfect score of 5, the service was a significant letdown. During a rush, it was concerning to see staff members laughing on their cellphones behind the counter instead of attending to customers. This lack of attention detracted from an otherwise enjoyable meal.
- barista knowledgebaristas didn't seem to know what was out or available
- couple behind methe couple behind me stepped in front of me and placed their order
- food orderhadn't even started working on the food order
- linethe line formed the other way and pointed for me to go to the end of the line
- managementPoorly managed
Overall, the service here can be a bit inconsistent. If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy friendly staff and good hospitality. But be prepared for potential delays or order mix-ups, especially during busy times.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
With a score of 6.8 and a customer satisfaction of 68.1%, the ambience here is a bit of a mixed bag, yet leans positive. Based on 32 positive remarks out of 47 total, many appreciate the plenty of seating, clean environment, and nice music. Its often described as a comfortable spot with a peaceful atmosphere.
However, its not all sunshine, with 13 negative observations pointing out some issues. Some visitors found the place could get crowded, and there are occasional concerns about homeless people impacting the atmosphere. A few also mentioned the bathrooms being a bit off or the store music volume being an issue.
Ambience
47
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Ample seating
- Clean, peaceful vibe
- Comfortable, safe space
What people don't like
- Can be crowded
- Homeless presence
- Bathroom issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was fast and friendly. On a late Sunday afternoon, the atmosphere was clean and quiet, and there were plenty of seats available. The food was also excellent, receiving a perfect score.
- cleanWhen I am in Seattle, this Starbucks is part of my morning routine. The staff is kind, the atmosphere is clean with nice music. The drinks and food are of the expected quality.
- locationbetter off at another location a block away
- place to sitA great place to sit with a coffee and relax
- plenty of seatingMy experience at this Starbucks was positive. It's a big Starbucks with plenty of seating, which is great for finding a spot. They offer a full service of items, and the staff were good.
- big StarbucksBig Starbucks
- comfortableThe staff were great and always welcoming. The atmosphere was above average for a downtown location, and the place was generally clean, with plenty seating, making it very comfortable and safe. While there are occasionally a few homeless people on the street, it didn't detract from the overall experience inside.
- crowdedgenerally not as crowded as the Starbucks
- good vibesan oasis of good vibes
- homeless & junkiesThe brewed coffee tasted so much better. Additionally, unlike the nearby store on 5th, this location had few homeless & junkies and was frequently practically empty, contributing to a more pleasant and peaceful atmosphere.
Frequently criticized
- bathroomThere is no bathroom inside the store
- bathroomsbathrooms where a bit off
- crowdedCrowded and the occasional foil zombie makes it a challenge sometimes.
- doorsThey close the doors before closing time
- drink smearedthere was a drink smeared across the entire front floor of the counter
- foil zombiethe occasional foil zombie makes it a challenge sometimes.
- homeless peoplehomeless people do come here on occasion
- homeless people campinghalf of it was dominated by homeless people camping out on the floor
- no standing or sittingno standing or sitting allowed
- ransacked the storeThere was a drink smeared across the entire front counter. A visibly upset customer informed me that a homeless person had just ransacked the store and she was frightened, even expressing concern about someone approaching her from behind. This incident follows my own negative observations over the past three weeks, including a corporate complaint and reaching out to the Regional Manager after 6 of my orders were messed up.
If you're looking for a comfortable spot with good music and plenty of space, this place could be a great choice, especially during quieter times. However, be aware that it can get crowded, and there are occasional concerns about the general street atmosphere impacting the interior.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
Looking at value, some customers have found the Price per person to be quite appealing, often falling in the $1–10 range. However, despite this, the overall score for value is an average 4.8, and customer satisfaction is a poor 25%. This indicates a bit of a disconnect, with only 1 positive comment out of 4 total remarks.
On the flip side, there are concerns about prices generally, with some feeling that the prices keep going up. There's also a specific complaint about the coffee price, with one customer mentioning an attempt to charge a higher price. These 2 negative comments out of 4 total certainly highlight areas for improvement.
Value
4
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Low price per person
What people don't like
- Rising prices
- Coffee price issues
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
Frequently criticized
- coffee pricetry to give me the coffee in higher price
- pricesthe prices keep going up
If youre considering this spot for its value, be aware that while the initial price per person might look good, there are clear concerns about rising prices and specific items like coffee. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations regarding overall value.
How are the prices at Starbucks?
You’re looking at roughly 9 per person – reported by 37 diners. That puts it in the $1–$10 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners keep their spending in the $1–$10 range, which is where our average sits. However, a fair number also spend a bit more, reaching the $11–$20 category, showing there are options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
All in all, wed say the pricing here feels pretty spot-on for a Cafe in Seattle. Youre getting good value for a relaxed coffee or a quick bite.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Starbucks
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
7
Service Lacking During Rush
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the food and atmosphere were excellent, receiving a perfect score of 5, the service was a significant letdown. During a rush, it was concerning to see staff members laughing on their cellphones behind the counter instead of attending to customers.
This lack of attention detracted from an otherwise enjoyable meal.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service2
- staff1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
7
Inconsistent Service Despite Regular Visits
I usually have a great experience at this Starbucks, visiting at least five times a week. However, this morning was not the best. I pre-ordered from the train station, expecting my order to be ready upon arrival.
Despite there being only a few people in the store, the service was super slow. I waited almost 10 minutes past the scheduled pickup time. When I inquired, the staff member at the counter seemed disengaged and hadn't even started on my food order.
Fortunately, one of the other young ladies, who always does a great job, assisted me and processed a refund.
- great experience8
- great job9
- super slow2
- food order1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Excellent service and food!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. The staff were very friendly and provided excellent hospitality. I ordered two items but was only charged for one, as they kindly prepared the second item at no extra charge.
The food was also great, as indicated by the perfect score.
- staff10
- hospitality10
- food10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Hardworking Staff, Needs More Espresso Machines
The staff here are clearly working hard. To help lighten the load during busy periods, I'd suggest adding a second espresso machine.
- staff8
- espresso machines5
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fast, Friendly, and Clean Experience
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The service was fast and friendly. On a late Sunday afternoon, the atmosphere was clean and quiet, and there were plenty of seats available.
The food was also excellent, receiving a perfect score.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- seats10
What Starbucks offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Starbucks in Seattle?
At Starbucks, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. You can enjoy various dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. It’s also an excellent choice for a quick bite.
Are there accessible facilities and amenities available at this Starbucks location?
Yes, this Starbucks location is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom to ensure comfort for all guests. Additionally, you can take advantage of free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms during your visit.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Starbucks?
Starbucks has an overall score of 6.1, indicating an average experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 57.4%, suggesting a mixed bag of opinions. While many find it satisfactory, there’s a notable portion of customers who have had less positive experiences.
What are the strongest aspects of Starbucks, according to customers?
Customers frequently praise the Ambience (6.8) for being clean and comfortable, often with plenty of seating. The Food (6.4), particularly the coffee and drinks, is also consistently well-regarded for its quality and correct preparation.
What are the main areas where Starbucks could improve?
The primary areas for improvement are Value (4.8) and Service (5.6). Customers have expressed concerns about rising prices and occasional inconsistencies in service, including issues with staff attentiveness, order accuracy, and store opening times.