Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Starbucks – San Diego
Starbucks - San Diego
Photo from Starbucks
Starbucks at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 28 of the guests
#658 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#59 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Average
5.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
170
Reviews
46.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Comfortable atmosphere
- Good beverages
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service inconsistency
- WiFi issues
The cafe in San Diego’s vibrant Kearny Mesa neighborhood offers a welcoming retreat. When you step into Starbucks, you’ll immediately notice its cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick break or a relaxed meet-up.
This popular spot is renowned for its great coffee, making it a go-to destination for your daily caffeine fix or a delightful treat. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a small plate, you’ll find comfort here.
Overview: Introducting Starbucks
Starbucks often delivers on its promise of a quick pick-me-up, with many appreciating the friendly and professional `staff` and efficient drive-thru service. The atmosphere is frequently noted for its `comfortable environment` and functional seating, making it a decent spot for a break or some quiet work.
However, some visits can be less satisfying. Concerns about the `price` of drinks, occasional `waiting time` issues, and inconsistent `WiFi` connectivity have been noted.
While the coffee and some `bakery items` generally hit the mark, the overall food selection and quality sometimes fall short.
Average
5.4
out of 10
170
Reviews
46.5%
Satisfaction
75
negative
16
neutral
79
positive
Overall, Starbucks earns an average `Restaurant Score` of `5.4` out of 10, with `Customer Satisfaction` sitting at a mixed `46.5%`. This feedback comes from 170 customer remarks, with 79 positive and 75 negative observations.
While the experience can be quite pleasant, there’s clearly room for improvement in certain areas to elevate the overall perception. Looking closer at specific aspects, `Ambience` stands out with a score of (6.2), suggesting a generally pleasant environment.
`Food` (5.6) and `Service` (5.1) hover around average, indicating consistency but also areas where experiences can vary. However, `Value` (2.7) is a clear point of concern, reflecting customer sentiment about pricing.
What people like
- Friendly, efficient service
- Comfortable atmosphere
- Reliable coffee and drinks
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent service issues
- Unreliable WiFi/Facilities
With a `Recommendation Score` of `5.5`, Starbucks presents itself as a convenient option, particularly if you’re seeking a familiar coffee or a comfortable spot to work. It generally delivers on its core beverage offerings and provides a pleasant environment for a quick stop or study session.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the perceived value for money. If you prioritize a consistent, budget-friendly experience or rely heavily on reliable WiFi, you might find yourself occasionally disappointed.
It’s a place that serves its purpose, but managing expectations is key.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Starbucks
Food (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink experience here, many customers find a lot to love! Based on 55 total reviews, with 26 positive remarks, patrons often rave about the delightful bakery items and the beloved White Chocolate Mocha. Many also enjoy the perfect combo of a toasted bagel with egg whites bites, and the refreshing Dragon Fruit drinks are a popular choice for a delicious pick-me-up.
However, the overall impression for food is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.6 and customer satisfaction at 47.3%. With 20 negative comments, some experiences have been less than ideal. Issues include runny frappes lacking crunch, burnt coffee with too much ice, and even the unfortunate discovery of a half eaten bagel.
There's also a recurring sentiment about a limited food selection and general dissatisfaction with food quality.
Food
55
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
20
negative
9
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasty bakery items
- Delicious specialty drinks
- Quick drink service
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Incorrect drink orders
- Too much ice
Often praised
- coffeeIt's a good place to grab a coffee in the morning. I recommend ordering a "Dragon Fruit" when it's hot, but that's if you want to.
- drinksIt's Starbucks. They are mostly the same, with good service and good drinks. However, their food isn't great and they have lost a lot of selection, which means there is little selection.
- foodthe food was also top-notch
- Dragon FruitIt's a good place to grab a coffee in the morning. I recommend ordering a "Dragon Fruit" when it's hot, but that's if you want to. This is a good place to have a coffee in the morning.
- Kiwi Starfruit drinkthe Kiwi Starfruit drink is very tasty
- Pink Drinkmy kids love the Pink Drink
- Strawberries and CreamMy kids love the Strawberries and Cream frap
- White Chocolate Mochalove the White Chocolate Mocha
- bakery itemsGreat bakery items
- delicious pick me upYou can't go wrong with Starbucks. I stop here on road trips for a delicious pick me up. The staff are always nice.
Frequently criticized
- coffeethe coffee was lukewarm
- drinkFrom the moment my order was taken, I could hear her yelling. When I explained that my drink was wrong, she proceeded to get an attitude. The customer service was horrible from start to finish.
- foodThey are mostly the same, with good service and good drinks. However, their food isn't great and they have lost a lot of selection, which means there is little selection. The most important thing to me then is the location's space.
- Carmel crunch frappeccinoMy Carmel crunch frappeccino was really runny
- FoodFood:1
- Grande sizeGrande size if this is how it comes out
- bug in drinkThere was a bug in my drink
- crunchthere was no crunch at all
- espressoI usually don't complain, but my coffee tasted burnt and was filled all ice to the brim. I paid $7 for what felt like a cup of ice with a splash of the worst tasting espresso I've ever had. I was not impressed and would suggest trying a different location.
- frappemade my frappe in hurry
If youre stopping by for a quick, tasty specialty drink or a bakery item, youll likely be pleased. But if youre looking for a substantial meal or are particular about your coffees strength and ice level, you might want to manage your expectations or try another spot.
Service (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.1 indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at 44.2%, which is in the mixed range. Out of 86 customer comments, 38 were positive, highlighting aspects like the staff being friendly and quick, helpful employees, and an approachable attitude from baristas. Many appreciated the fast drive-thru service and the staff's ability to recognize and greet regulars.
However, 45 comments pointed to areas needing improvement. Some customers encountered unprofessional behavior, slow service, and even a bad attitude from staff, including rude baristas and shift leads. Issues like long waiting times, unexpected lobby closures, and a lack of customer service attempts for pedestrians also contributed to a less-than-ideal experience for some.
Service
86
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
45
negative
3
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick staff
- Helpful, approachable attitude
- Efficient drive-thru
What people don't like
- Unprofessional, rude staff
- Slow service
- Bad attitude
Often praised
- staffMy experience at this Starbucks was efficient and friendly, and it's a great drive-thru. I've been going to this drive-thru since the pandemic began.
- serviceIt's Starbucks. They are mostly the same, with good service and good drinks. However, their food isn't great and they have lost a lot of selection, which means there is little selection.
- ServiceService:4
- customer serviceAmazingly great customer service
- BaristasBaristias friendly and professional
- Starbucksour savior! They are always courteous
- approachable attitudeif the barista will treat customer with approachable attitude
- baristashe did a great job and was super friendly
- barista was in trainingbarista was in training but she did a great job
- drive thruits a great drive thru
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceI ordered a grande 1 dragon fruit lemonade, which was absolutely delicious. However, my experience was marred by poor customer service. While waiting for my order, I noticed my drink was being called out with the name 'Jose'.
- baristadisappointed with one barista in particular, she's a black girl
- servicePero mal servicio 🪠 por parte del empleado que me atendió.
- employeean employee came in and started talking to the cashier and continued to talk instead of helping him
- shift leadthe shift lead with black hair... is super rude
- waiting timeLine took forever and it wasn't that long.
- apologyDidn't even get an apology
- bad attitudewith a bad attitude
- bad customer servicesbaristas have bad customer services
- closing timedo not close at 8:00 they close when they feel like it
This spot offers a truly mixed service experience; you might encounter incredibly friendly and efficient staff, or you could face rudeness and slow service. If you're looking for quick, friendly drive-thru service, it might be worth a shot, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a pretty comfortable environment with a generally pleasant atmosphere, making it a good place to study or work remotely. Many appreciate the clean and functional seating, noting the space between tables and overall cleanliness. With 15 positive remarks out of 26 total, its clear that many find the vibe quite appealing, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 57.7%, which is a mixed bag, but leaning towards positive experiences.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. A significant drawback, highlighted in 7 opinions, is the unreliable WiFi connection, with customers reporting its slow and difficult to connect. There are also concerns about the lobby being unexpectedly closed and some finding the bathroom cleanliness to be an issue.
While the overall score for ambience is an average 6.2, these points suggest theres definitely room for improvement in certain areas.
Ambience
26
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Comfortable study environment
- Clean, spacious seating
- Available electric plugs
What people don't like
- Unreliable WiFi connection
- Lobby unexpectedly closed
- Unclean bathrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was great
- placeQuiet good place to study or do remote jobs
- Starbucksnicest, most efficient and well run Starbucks
- cleanlinessThe place was incredibly clean too
- comfortable environmentcomfortable environment
- comfyIt's comfy and makes me relax
- counter top tableI like the counter top table!
- electric plugsElectric plugs for computer and phones
- environmentNice and bright environment!
- seatingClean and functional seating inside with nice layout
Frequently criticized
- WiFiWiFi doesn't work well here.
- bathroomThe most disgusting bathroom ever!
- connectionMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently poor due to the WiFi. It takes over a minute to connect on my laptop, phone, and tablet, and even then, the connection is extremely slow. This issue has persisted for months, and I believe the employees are aware but haven't escalated it.
- lobby closedI walked to this location on 1/12 to study. Unfortunately, the lobby was unexpectedly closed, and I was not allowed to order as a pedestrian. There were no customer service attempts made to assist me.
- locationits a super slow location
- negative vibekind of gives you a negative vibe going in there
- toiletToilet needs to be kept clean
If youre looking for a comfortable spot to relax or get some work done, especially if you dont rely heavily on their WiFi, this place could be a good fit. However, be prepared for potential connectivity issues and check ahead if you plan to use the lobby or facilities, as these aspects can be a letdown.
Value (2.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 6% of the guests
Looking at the value, it seems theres definitely room for improvement. With a low score of 2.7 and customer satisfaction at 0%, its clear that guests havent found much to praise in this area. Based on 3 customer opinions, the feedback points to significant concerns regarding the overall price.
Guests felt that items like a simple cup of ice were overpriced, and even larger events like a marriage party were deemed excessively costly, with mentions of thousands of dollars. This suggests that many feel they arent getting their money's worth.
Value
3
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- High prices
- Expensive events
- Poor value
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- priceI paid $7 for a cup of ice
- marriage party1000 - 4000 dollars for a marriage party
If youre looking for good value, this might not be the place for you, as the pricing seems to be a major sticking point for many. Be prepared for potentially high costs, especially if youre considering a larger event. It's probably best to manage your expectations on the financial front.
How are the prices at Starbucks?
You’re looking at roughly $11 per person – reported by 28 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
What’s interesting is that while the average is $11, a good chunk of diners actually spend less, with many finding options in the $1–$10 range. This suggests a nice mix, offering both budget-friendly bites and slightly more substantial mid-range choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 28 reviews.
How this Cafe in San Diego stacks up against similar spots on value for money.
For a Cafe in San Diego, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers flexibility, catering to those looking for a quick, affordable bite as well as those willing to spend a little more for a fuller experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Starbucks
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Expensive Drink, Poor Service
My experience was not great. I paid $8 WITHOUT TIP for a drink and expected not to be rushed through my order. The staff did not understand my order, which might be why I was taking a second in the drive-thru.
I ended up with a bottle of vanilla extract instead of what I ordered. Thanks for the bottle of vanilla extract tho ig 😋
- drink2
- order1
- rushed2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Rude Staff and Slow Service
My experience at this Starbucks was incredibly disappointing. The shift lead, described as having black hair, short, and appearing Hispanic or Mexican, was super rude. From the moment my order was taken, I could hear her yelling.
When I explained that my drink was wrong, she proceeded to get an attitude. The customer service was horrible from start to finish. I would avoid this Starbucks if possible, as it's also a super slow location, and you'll likely get stuck in the drive-thru.
- shift lead1
- drink2
- customer service1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Starbucks Experience!
I found the best Starbucks despite the many others in the world. The space between tables made it comfy and helped me relax. The staff member wrote "こんにちは" (Hello) on my cup in beautiful Japanese alphabets, which made me happy.
This hospitality is good service, and they can create a good emotion for every customer.
- space between tables9
- comfy9
- hospitality10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Bug in drink, no apology
My experience at this restaurant was quite negative. There was a bug in my drink, and to make matters worse, I didn't even receive an apology. Due to this unpleasant experience, I do not recommend going to this location.
- bug in drink1
- apology1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
No Water for Homeless, No Love
My experience at Starbucks was disappointing. They provided no water for homeless people who were not making purchases. It felt like there was no love from Starbucks.
Lol 😂
- no water1
- no love1
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
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Coffee
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Drive-through
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Starbucks in Kearny Mesa accessible and does it offer parking?
Yes, this Starbucks location is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. You’ll also find convenient parking options, including free street parking and a free parking lot, ensuring usually plenty of space for your visit.
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Starbucks in San Diego?
You can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at this San Diego cafe, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dessert. They offer quick bites, small plates, and, of course, their famous coffee and a great tea selection. Enjoy dine-in, outdoor seating, drive-through, takeout, or no-contact delivery options.
How does Starbucks generally perform according to customer feedback?
Starbucks holds an average Restaurant Score of 5.4 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 46.5%. While Ambience (6.2) is a strong point, Food (5.6) and Service (5.1) are average, and Value (2.7) is a notable concern.
What do customers appreciate most about the Starbucks experience?
Many customers highlight the friendly and professional staff, efficient drive-thru service, and the comfortable, clean atmosphere, which is often suitable for studying or remote work.
What are some common complaints or areas for improvement at Starbucks?
Frequent concerns include the perceived high price for items, occasional issues with customer service or waiting times, and unreliable WiFi connectivity, along with some feedback on food selection.