Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Starbucks – San Diego
Starbucks - San Diego
Photo from Starbucks
Starbucks at a glance
San Diego Core-Columbia
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#638 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#56 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
194
Reviews
50.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Drink Quality
- Friendly Staff
- Good Location
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Poor Cleanliness
- No Outlets
The café Starbucks in San Diego’s vibrant Core-Columbia neighborhood offers you a perfect spot to unwind. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere where the aroma of great coffee fills the air, making it an ideal destination for your daily caffeine fix or a relaxed meet-up.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a cozy place to work, this casual and trendy cafe has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Starbucks
Starbucks often delivers on its core offerings, with many appreciating the consistently well-made `drinks` and `coffee`. Guests frequently commend the `staff` for being nice, welcoming, and providing excellent `service`, making for a pleasant interaction.
However, some visits to Starbucks can be a mixed bag. Concerns about `prices` are noted, and the `ambiance` sometimes falls short due to issues like `cleanliness` or a lack of functional `power outlets`, impacting the overall experience.
Average
5.6
out of 10
194
Reviews
50.5%
Satisfaction
84
negative
12
neutral
98
positive
Overall, Starbucks presents a somewhat mixed experience, reflected in its `5.6` Restaurant Score and `50.5%` Customer Satisfaction. While not poor, these figures suggest there’s room for improvement.
The bright spot is often the `Food` (7.1), with many finding their coffee and other items consistently well-prepared. This assessment comes from a total of 194 customer opinions, with 98 positive and 84 negative remarks.
The `Service` (5.9) generally hovers around average, with some staff members receiving high praise for their attentiveness, though consistency can vary. The `Ambience` (4.4) appears to be a weaker point, often described as needing attention to cleanliness or lacking practical amenities.
`Value` (2.4) is where Starbucks struggles most, with many customers expressing concerns about pricing.
What people like
- Consistent drink quality
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- High prices
- Cleanliness issues
- Lack of power outlets
Starbucks offers a reliable spot for a quick drink, often praised for its consistent beverage quality and the pleasant interactions with its staff. However, be prepared for a higher price point and potentially inconsistent `ambience` regarding cleanliness or amenities.
With a `5.9` recommendation score, Starbucks is a decent option if you prioritize a familiar drink and friendly service. Just manage your expectations regarding `value` and the overall comfort of the space, especially if you plan to linger or work.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Starbucks
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks, things are looking pretty good! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 70%, it seems many folks are leaving happy. Out of 40 comments, 28 were positive, often highlighting great blends, pastries, breakfast meals, and tasty drinks like the Strawberry Acai Refresher and Hot Chocolate.
However, its not all perfect. While 7 negative comments are fewer, they do highlight some areas for improvement. Concerns often revolved around coffee not being hot enough, too much ice in drinks, and occasionally a cup less than full or even a wrong drink' being served.
Food
40
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
7
negative
5
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great coffee blends
- Tasty pastries, meals
- Consistent drink quality
What people don't like
- Lukewarm coffee
- Too much ice
- Inaccurate drink orders
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The staff were friendly, prompt with my order, and made my coffee well. However, the cleanliness of the establishment was a major issue.
- drinksDrinks are always consistently made well or even better.
- Chocolate BrownieThe rest of the items from my order were good
- FoodFood:5
- Hot ChocolateEnjoying the Hot Chocolate was a delightful experience
- Strawberry Acai Refreshermy Strawberry Acai Refresher was good
- Tomato & Mozzarella SandwichThe rest of the items from my order were good
- breakfast mealsgreat for breakfast meals
- brownieBrownie though was good
- chocolate browniesI love the chocolate, brownies
Frequently criticized
- coffeeCoffee honestly wasn't hot, it was more "been sitting out for a hour
- cup less than fullmy cup is less than full
- drinkMy experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. The guy made my drink wrong. When I told him, he just walked away.
- ice waterask for a glass of ice water and they tell me I’m not allowed to have ice water
- iced coffeetook them 12 minutes to make this coffee mind you this was an iced coffee
- too much icemy Strawberry acai refresher had too much ice
If youre looking for a reliable spot for good coffee, pastries, or a quick breakfast, this place often hits the mark. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies with drink preparation, especially if youre particular about your coffee temperature or ice level.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
It seems the service here is a bit of a mixed bag, with many customers praising the experience. Based on 93 customer opinions, there are 51 positive remarks highlighting friendly staff, great customer service, and quick service. Many appreciate the barista's smile and the overall positive attitude of the team, making for some truly pleasant interactions.
However, not everyone has had such a smooth experience, with 40 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. The service scores an average 5.9, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 54.8%. Common frustrations include waiting time, slow service, and occasional issues with employee attitude, suggesting that consistency can be a challenge.
Service
93
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
40
negative
2
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, great staff
- Quick customer service
- Positive barista attitude
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Inconsistent employee attitude
Often praised
- servicethese people were so nice! The service was excellent
- staffUnlike our usual Starbucks, which is a drive-thru and often busy and all business, these people were so nice! The service was excellent, and the staff were friendly and welcoming.
- customer serviceConnie and her other two teammates gave STELLAR customer service
- cashierCass, the cashier, was super cool — friendly, chill
- 5 am barista5 am barista are the best
- DanutaDanuta makes this location the absolute BEST.
- LucaLuca is also amazing and attentive
- SabrinaSabrina always takes care of me
- ServiceService:5
- attitudea sweet humble attitude
Frequently criticized
- serviceexpect fast and friendly service
- waiting timestanding here waiting for ten minutes
- employeeA new person was working, and from a coffee place, I expect fast and friendly service. This employee was incredibly slow, and I couldn't wait to see the quality of the drink because I had already waited 10 minutes for the person before me to get their drink. This employee took that long to make one drink.
- employeesThere was three employees and one coffee to make
- staffEvery time I stop by before work, the staff always seems annoyed to even take your order or help you in the slightest. For the most part, everything else is fine, but the staff needs to not be so off-putting.
- Starbucks100% the worst Starbucks I’ve ever experienced
- app ordersrequired orders be placed on their app
- attitudeYesterday I got the worst attitude
- bathroomboth bathrooms we saw were not available
- being told shut downwhen you walk in they simply tell you they are shut down
If youre looking for a place with potentially friendly and quick service, it might be worth a try, especially if you catch them on a good day. Just be prepared that theres a chance you might encounter some delays or less-than-stellar interactions, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Despite a poor customer satisfaction of 33.9%, many guests find the ambience here to be an average 4.4. Based on 19 positive remarks out of 56 total comments, visitors often appreciate the spacious store and convenient location, especially with the option for outdoor seating. Some even highlight the good energy, cool ambiance, and the choice of music, contributing to a pleasant experience.
However, the 32 negative comments reveal significant issues. A major dealbreaker for many is the lack of power outlets for charging electronics. Cleanliness is also a recurring problem, with mentions of dirty tables, floors, and overflowing trash cans.
Additionally, the absence or poor state of restrooms frequently frustrates visitors, making the atmosphere less welcoming.
Ambience
56
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
32
negative
5
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spacious store
- Outdoor seating
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- No power outlets
- Poor cleanliness
- No available restrooms
Often praised
- locationAgain, I absolutely love this location.
- outdoor seatingThey have an outdoor seating area as well
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Starbucks locationOne of the best Starbucks I've been to
- Starbucks locationsI've been to a LOT of Starbucks around the country.
- ambianceThe ambiance was cool
- choice of musicthe choice of music was good
- close to train stationAdditionally, there was no place to charge my phone. On a positive note, the customer service was nice, and the restaurant is conveniently close to the train station.
- convenient locationa great and very convenient location
- experiencewas a delightful experience
Frequently criticized
- bathroomThe bathroom was atrotiously filthy
- power outletsno power outlets
- restroomsNo restrooms at this point
- tablesthe tables were a little dirty
- StarbucksStarbucks. Evil. Evil. Evil.
- atmosphereVery unwelcoming of Starbucks
- charging electronicsI came to this Starbucks to work remotely. After ordering, I soon found out that none of the outlets throughout their seating area can be used to charge electronics. This was not ideal and super inconvenient, especially since I had already ordered my food.
- cleanlinessthe cleanliness of the establishment
- dirty floordirty tables and floor
- dirty tablesdirty tables and floor
If youre seeking a spacious spot with outdoor seating and a decent vibe, this place might work for a quick stop. But be warned: dont expect to charge your devices, and prepare for potential cleanliness issues or unavailable restrooms.
Value (2.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems customers havent found much to cheer about here. There were no positive comments among the 5 pieces of feedback we reviewed, suggesting that the pricing might not be hitting the mark for many. Indeed, the feedback paints a rather clear picture, with a 2.4 score indicating poor value and a 0% customer satisfaction rating, which is definitely on the low side.
Many customers felt the prices were too high, especially considering the airport location. Comments like Cher mais c dans un aéroport and concerns about spending thousands of dollars or a waste of time and money highlight a significant disconnect between cost and perceived worth.
Value
5
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- High airport prices
- Poor value for money
- Waste of time/money
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- pricesconsider lowering them and being more considerate of your customers!!
- airport locationCher mais c' dans un aéroport
- thousands of dollarsI spent thousands of dollars at this establishment
- time and money' However, I didn't have time to wait for a remake after already standing there for ten minutes for the drink I initially ordered. This resulted in terrible service and a waste of my time and money.
If you're looking for good value, this might not be your best bet, as the pricing seems to be a major sticking point for many. Be prepared for potentially high costs, especially given its airport setting, and consider if the convenience outweighs the expense for you.
How are the prices at Starbucks?
You’re looking at roughly $11 per person – reported by 22 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.
Looking at the price distribution, while the average hovers around $11, a good chunk of guests (13 out of 22) actually spend less, in the $1–$10 range. This suggests a nice mix of budget-friendly options alongside some slightly pricier choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, for a Cafe in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers flexibility for different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Starbucks
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Great for Breakfast, But Prices Need Review
This place is great for coffee and pastries, as well as breakfast meals. However, I have to ask, what's going on with the prices? Please consider lowering them and being more considerate of your customers!
Overall, I recommend it, but I do ask that you consider and lower the prices. Thank you.
- coffee9
- pastries9
- breakfast meals9
- prices3
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Amazing Service and Archie's Favorite Spot!
I really love this store! The customer service is amazing! My son Archie loves coming here every morning 🌄.
- customer service10
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
9
Friendly and Efficient Starbucks Experience
My experience at this Starbucks was very positive. Unlike our usual Starbucks, which is a drive-thru and often busy and all business, these people were so nice! The service was excellent, and the staff were friendly and welcoming.
- service9
- staff9
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Unacceptable Ice Water Policy
As a loyal customer who spends thousands of dollars at Starbucks annually, I was shocked by the treatment I received on a hot day. Despite the cafe not being busy and my intention to make a purchase, I was denied a simple glass of ice water. When I offered to buy coffee, I was told I didn't need it at that time.
This is how they treat their customers after spending so much money. It's bullshit.
- ice water1
- customers1
- thousands of dollars1
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Bathroom chase for a paying customer
As a paying customer, I asked if there was a bathroom available. The employee directed me to the transit station, stating they shared one. Upon going to the transit station, I found both bathrooms unavailable.
One was designated for transit employees, and the other within the Santa Fe station was exclusively for Amtrak ticket holders. When I mentioned the Starbucks employee's claim of shared bathrooms, the train station employee stated they had never heard of such an arrangement. I'm unsure which bathroom the Starbucks employee was referring to, but I wish they had simply informed me they didn't have bathrooms instead of sending me on a wild goose chase.
- bathroom1
- employee2
- transit station1
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
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Starbucks in Core-Columbia, San Diego, accessible for everyone?
Yes, you’ll find that this Starbucks location prioritizes accessibility. It offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Starbucks on W Broadway?
You can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Starbucks. They offer various dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. You can also opt for takeout, delivery, or even outdoor seating.
How does Starbucks generally perform according to customer feedback?
Starbucks receives an overall Restaurant Score of `5.6` and `50.5%` Customer Satisfaction. While `Food` (7.1) is a strong point, `Service` (5.9) and `Ambience` (4.4) are average, and `Value` (2.4) is a notable concern.
What do customers appreciate most about Starbucks?
Many customers consistently praise the quality of the `drinks` and `coffee`, often highlighting the friendly and welcoming `staff` who provide excellent `service`.
What are the main downsides customers mention about Starbucks?
Common complaints revolve around the high `prices` and issues with `cleanliness` in the seating areas or `bathrooms`. Some also note a lack of functional `power outlets` for charging devices.