Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Starbucks – San Diego
Starbucks - San Diego
Photo from Starbucks
Starbucks at a glance
San Diego North Clairemont
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#687 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#63 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Average
4.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
228
Reviews
40.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Delicious coffee
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Noisy atmosphere
The café Starbucks in San Diego’s vibrant North Clairemont neighborhood is a welcoming spot where you can always count on great coffee. Whether you’re starting your day with a morning brew or seeking a cozy afternoon retreat, you’ll find a comfortable atmosphere here.
This popular cafe offers a perfect blend of convenience and quality, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting Starbucks
Starbucks offers a mixed experience, often praised for its friendly staff and a generally clean environment. Many patrons enjoy the delicious coffee and a variety of drinks, making it a reliable spot for a quick pick-me-up.
However, some find the overall value to be a concern, with complaints about pricing. The atmosphere can also be a point of contention, particularly regarding noise levels during certain hours, which might disrupt a peaceful visit.
Average
4.9
out of 10
228
Reviews
40.8%
Satisfaction
123
negative
12
neutral
93
positive
Starbucks holds an overall restaurant score of 4.9, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction stands at a mixed 40.8%. This indicates that while many find their experience acceptable, there’s significant room for improvement, reflecting a balanced sentiment across 228 customer remarks, with 93 positive and 123 negative.
Looking closer at the specifics, Ambience (5.4) and Service (5.1) generally receive average to good marks, often highlighting a pleasant setting and helpful staff. However, Food (4.3) is perceived as average, and Value (2.9) notably falls into the poor category, suggesting that pricing is a significant concern for many.
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Delicious coffee drinks
- Clean, accessible space
What people don't like
- High prices
- Noisy atmosphere
- Inconsistent drink quality
With a recommendation score of 4.7, Starbucks presents a somewhat mixed proposition. If you prioritize quick, friendly service and a generally clean spot for a reliable coffee, it could be a suitable choice for you.
However, be prepared for potential issues with value and an atmosphere that can sometimes be loud. If consistent drink quality and a peaceful, budget-friendly experience are your top priorities, you might want to consider other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Starbucks
Food (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to food and drinks, there are some definite bright spots! Many customers raved about delicious frappes and the overall quality of the coffee. Specific delights like the triple shot café mocha and the caramel ribbon crunch with whipped cream earned high praise.
With 17 positive remarks out of 52 total comments, theres a good foundation here. However, the experience isnt always consistent, leading to a rather poor customer satisfaction of 32.7%, despite an average score of 4.3. Several patrons were disappointed with items like the flat white tasting like warm milk, or a Pumpkin Spice Latte served cold and without foam.
Subpar coffee quality, burnt coffee, and even reports of food poisoning were noted among the 32 negative comments.
Food
52
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
32
negative
3
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious frappes
- Good coffee options
- Tasty Mango Dragon Fruit
What people don't like
- Inconsistent coffee quality
- Cold specialty drinks
- Food poisoning reports
Often praised
- foodand the food also received a 5-star rating
- coffeethe coffee tastes delicious
- Cheese DanishRecommended dishes:Cheese Danish
- Mango Dragon Fruitrecommend the Mango Dragon Fruit
- caramel ribbon crunchThe caramel ribbon crunch with whipped cream is my new guilty pleasure.
- dragon fruit drinknot only the dragon fruit drink on a hot day like today.
- drinks and snacksGood drinks and snacks.
- frappesFrappes were delicious and the right blend of flavors to ice ratio.
- iced horchata oat shaken espressoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the exceptional skill of one particular barista. I don’t know their name, but the person with blonde hair and tattoos makes my drink so perfect every time 😭. I came here yesterday and was so sad they weren’t here because the coffee wasn’t as good, but today it was perfect as usual 😇.
- triple shot café mochamy triple shot café mocha...😋
Frequently criticized
- coffeeI don’t know their name, but the person with blonde hair and tattoos makes my drink so perfect every time 😭. I came here yesterday and was so sad they weren’t here because the coffee wasn’t as good, but today it was perfect as usual 😇. I got an iced horchata oat shaken espresso.
- drinkMy experience at this restaurant was significantly marred by the actions of a single employee. I had to wait 30 minutes for a drink after ordering because the employee prioritized other customers, seemingly in a flirtatious manner, over making my order. While other staff were helpful once I raised the issue of my order not being made, the overall experience was negative.
- drinksAs someone who was once a manager for Starbucks back in the day, it breaks my heart to see such rude service day in and day out at this location. The attention to detail on their drinks is also lacking. Many a time I have had to have them remake my drink because they did not pay attention to the soy marked on the cup that I paid for and make it regular, then act put out when I ask for it to be remade.
- foodmy food came quickly so it just got cold while waiting
- Carmel frapichinoClaimed that they do not have Carmel frapichino without ice
- Pumpkin Spice LatteMy Pumpkin Spice Latte was cold
- Trenta Black Tea LemonadeI visited for a pick-me-up after a rough day and ordered a Trenta Black Tea Lemonade with 10 pumps of liquid cane sugar. Unfortunately, after my wife and I left, I realized that I didn’t have the sweetener and also didn’t have the lemonade. It was a disappointing experience, especially since the restaurant wasn’t busy.
- beveragesThe employees were meandering around in no hurry. I ultimately left without beverages or a refund. Happy Valentines Day!
- breakfast egg sausage burritosran out of breakfast egg sausage burritos
- burnt coffeeover priced burnt coffee
If you're looking for a reliable coffee or a sweet treat like a frappe, you might find something to enjoy. However, be aware that consistency can be an issue, especially with specialty drinks and overall coffee quality, which has led to some very negative experiences.
Service (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have experienced some truly bright spots! Folks often rave about the friendly employees and helpful staff, noting their quick service and the occasional friendly smile that brightens their day. Out of 122 total opinions, 53 highlight these positive interactions, showcasing moments of genuine kindness and efficiency.
However, the overall picture is a bit of a mixed bag. With an average score of 5.1 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 43.4%, there's clearly room for improvement. A significant 65 negative opinions point to issues like slow service, rude staff, and frustrating waiting times, suggesting that not every visit delivers the same positive experience.
Service
122
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
65
negative
4
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly employees
- Helpful staff
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- staffI stopped in for after-school treats and other items. The restaurant was very clean, and the staff were quite pleasant and patient with the kids and their order. I especially enjoyed the Cheese Danish.
- serviceQuick and friendly service we were in and out in less that 7 minutes.
- employeesThe employees at this Starbucks are super nice and welcoming.
- employeeis not incompetent like the rest of her co workers
- customer servicethe best customer service ever
- EmEm-azing! Helped me choose a drink with the best attitude.
- SamSam, one of the employees, went above and beyond to help me.
- Starbucks Coffee pinTaylor gave her his Starpugs Coffee pin
- Starbucks experienceThank you, Sam, for your kindness and genuine support. People like you make the Starbucks experience truly special.
- TaylorThey’re always hustling, doing their best. One notable person there is a guy named Taylor (I think) who seems excited to be there, always friendly & lively. Just gives you a good vibe to start your day.
Frequently criticized
- serviceExtremely rude and unaccomodating service by a young lady
- staffThis location was great before the pandemic. Afterwards, the staff has been extremely rude and seems to not be bothered with basic customer service. Multiple times, I have had all but rude service from the baristas at the bar and lack of knowledge from the register partners.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a significant waiting time for my order. I waited 15 minutes for a coffee, and even a regular customer who arrived after me received their drink before mine. The staff seemed to prioritize drive-thru orders, even when there was a language barrier, which I found unacceptable.
- baristasAfterwards, the staff has been extremely rude and seems to not be bothered with basic customer service. Multiple times, I have had all but rude service from the baristas at the bar and lack of knowledge from the register partners. I have witnessed them stand around and not help customers in the store or even cuss openly in front of a customer.
- customer serviceThis location was great before the pandemic. Afterwards, the staff has been extremely rude and seems to not be bothered with basic customer service. Multiple times, I have had all but rude service from the baristas at the bar and lack of knowledge from the register partners.
- employeesingle employee ruined this experience
- employeesEmployees meandering around in no hurry
- opening hoursnot open at 5 and the drive in at 6 Like Google told me
- Googlethey don't mark it as closed on Google
- Starbucksworst Starbucks, continuously keep trying to give benefit of the doubt
So, whats the verdict on service? Its a bit of a roll of the dice. You might encounter genuinely friendly employees and quick service, making your visit a breeze.
However, be prepared for potential slow service or less-than-stellar interactions, especially during peak times, as consistency seems to be a challenge here.
Ambience (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youll find that the ambience has some real strengths, with 22 positive opinions out of 44 total. Many customers rave about the overall cleanliness, the ample parking, and the pleasant vibe, often calling it a great work space or a convenient go-to spot. This contributes to a 50% customer satisfaction, indicating a generally mixed but somewhat positive experience.
However, the atmosphere isnt without its challenges, reflected in an average 5.4 score. A significant concern, mentioned in 18 negative opinions, is the disruptive noise and occasional profanity from students who tend to loiter, especially in the afternoons. Some also noted issues with the inside settings, citing dirty tables and general untidiness, which can certainly detract from a peaceful visit.
Ambience
44
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
18
negative
4
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, neat place
- Ample parking
- Good workspace vibe
What people don't like
- Noisy student crowds
- Dirty tables, inside
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere and service were rated a perfect 5
- placeThe place is clean and neat.
- parkingPlenty of parking
- accessibilityusually accessible to meet with friends
- biggest Starbucksbiggest Starbucks in San Diego I've seen thus far
- cleanlinessVery clean
- cool, style and gracekept it's cool, style and grace
- drive thruHas a drive thru
- go-to spotIt's a go to spot for my father and I
- indoor seatingand indoor seating
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe service also received a perfect score of 5. However, the atmosphere suffered, receiving a 2 out of 5, due to it turning into a 'day-care' from 2-4 pm during the school year when local middle schools let out. Despite this, it's generally a nice place.
- closing timeGoogle Maps says they close at 8 pm I stopped at 7
- doordoor is still locked
- insidedisappointed how filthy the inside was
- inside settingsthe inside settings can have some better improvement
- lobbyAren’t letting you in the lobby
- localthe local wasn't the best
- noiseHowever, I would advise staying away when the local middle school, CPMA, lets out. Quite a few of the older students come here, make a lot of noise, order water, steal other customers' drinks, and loiter around, making a nuisance while actual paying customers are trying to enjoy their coffee and work in the lobby. This is a significant dealbreaker when trying to have a peaceful experience.
- parkingDespite my broken back, I wasn't offered any assistance. I hurt my back trying to find parking, and the staff could have been more assisting.
- profanityuse profanity out loud without being considerate
This spot offers a clean environment with good parking and a decent workspace, making it a solid choice during quieter times. However, be prepared for potential noise and crowds from local students in the afternoon, which can significantly alter the peaceful atmosphere.
Value (2.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to have a bit of a struggle. While theres a mention of clear pricing for vegetarian options, with a reasonable $1–10 price per person, and some find it somewhat recommended for vegetarians, the overall sentiment isnt quite as rosy. Based on 10 customer remarks, with just 1 positive observation, its clear theres room for improvement.
Unfortunately, the value proposition here is largely seen as poor, with a low score of 2.9 and customer satisfaction at a mere 10%. Many customers feel things are overpriced, especially the coffee, and find it hard to afford. Complaints frequently mention being asked for tips, expensive coffee, charging for tap water, and constant upselling, with one person even noting a $7 drink price.
With 8 negative comments, it's evident that many feel exploited by the pricing.
Value
10
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clear vegetarian pricing
What people don't like
- Overpriced coffee
- Charging for water
- Constant upselling
- High drink prices
Often praised
- price per personWe offer clearly labeled vegetarian dishes and recommend the Mango Dragon Fruit. The price per person is between $1–10, and it's somewhat recommended for vegetarians.
Frequently criticized
- $7 a drinkFor $7 a drink you'd think they could follow a simple instruction
- affordcant afford it
- corporationcome get exploited by a billion dollar corporation
- expensive coffeebuy expensive coffee
- overpriced coffeeover priced burnt coffee
- tap watercharging for tap water
- tipsabsolutely rude to ask for tips
- upchargekept trying to upcharge me
If youre looking for great value, this might not be your best bet, as many find the pricing steep and the experience frustrating. While there are some vegetarian options, the general consensus points to a place where you might feel youre paying too much for what you get. Consider other options if budget and fair pricing are top priorities for you.
How are the prices at Starbucks?
On average, you’ll spend around $13 per person – from 38 guests. That places this Cafe comfortably in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, that’s a solid mid-range offering, perhaps a touch above.
What’s interesting is that while the average is $13, a good number of guests actually spend less than $10. This shows a versatile menu, with options for both budget-friendly visits and those looking to spend a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 38 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe. It offers flexibility, catering to both quick, affordable visits and those who might want to indulge a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Starbucks
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Frustrating Wait for Coffee
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a significant waiting time for my order. I waited 15 minutes for a coffee, and even a regular customer who arrived after me received their drink before mine. The staff seemed to prioritize drive-thru orders, even when there was a language barrier, which I found unacceptable.
This indicates a clear issue with service speed and prioritization.
- waiting time2
- service speed2
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Service and Quick Order
As a customer of this location for years, I can attest that good service truly brings people back. My experience was fantastic; it literally took a few minutes to complete my order, including my triple shot café mocha. 😋
- good service10
- order9
- triple shot café mocha9
Visit Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Service, No Help Offered
My experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible service and a bad attitude. The staff, specifically the girl on the speaker, was unhelpful. Despite my broken back, I wasn't offered any assistance.
I hurt my back trying to find parking, and the staff could have been more assisting.
- service1
- staff1
- assistance1
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Service from Sam!
I had a great experience at this Starbucks. My phone wasn’t charging because of a soda spill, and I was in a difficult situation. Sam, one of the employees, went above and beyond to help me.
Even when my card declined, she kindly offered me my drink without making me feel uncomfortable. Instead, when I asked if she could help me with a charger, she immediately did, and that saved me. Thank you, Sam, for your kindness and genuine support.
People like you make the Starbucks experience truly special.
- Sam10
- kindness and genuine support10
- Starbucks experience9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Perfect Horchata Espresso Thanks to a Talented Barista
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the exceptional skill of one particular barista. I don’t know their name, but the person with blonde hair and tattoos makes my drink so perfect every time 😭. I came here yesterday and was so sad they weren’t here because the coffee wasn’t as good, but today it was perfect as usual 😇.
I got an iced horchata oat shaken espresso.
- iced horchata oat shaken espresso10
- barista10
- coffee4
What Starbucks offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- 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
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
- Drive-through
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available at Starbucks in North Clairemont?
You’ll find convenient parking options when you visit this Starbucks location. There’s usually plenty of free street parking available, as well as a free parking lot. This makes it easy for you to stop by for your favorite coffee or a quick bite without worrying about where to leave your car.
What kind of atmosphere and service options can you expect at this San Diego cafe?
This Starbucks offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quiet moment or a quick catch-up. You have several service options including drive-through, takeout, and dine-in with outdoor seating available. It’s also good for kids and dogs are allowed outside.
How does Starbucks generally score with customers?
Starbucks has an overall score of 4.9, with customer satisfaction at 40.8%. While Service (5.1) and Ambience (5.4) are often rated average to good, Food (4.3) is average, and Value (2.9) is considered poor.
What are common complaints about Starbucks?
Many customers express concerns about high prices and the perceived lack of value. The atmosphere can also be an issue, particularly regarding noise levels during certain times, and some report inconsistent drink quality.
What do customers appreciate most about Starbucks?
Patrons frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, often highlighting specific employees. The coffee and other drinks are generally well-liked, and many find the locations to be clean and accessible.