Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Starbucks – San Francisco
Starbucks - San Francisco
Photo from Starbucks
Starbucks at a glance
San Francisco Laurel Heights
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 42 of the guests
#2327 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#158 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Average
4.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
293
Reviews
42.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Good location
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- High cost
The cafe Starbucks in San Francisco’s vibrant Laurel Heights neighborhood offers you a perfect spot to unwind. You will discover a welcoming atmosphere where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air.
This popular cafe is renowned for its great coffee, making it an ideal destination for your daily caffeine fix or a relaxing break. Whether you are starting your day or need an afternoon pick-me-up, you will find exactly what you are looking for here.
Overview: Introducting Starbucks
Starbucks often presents a mixed experience. Many appreciate the generally friendly service and the convenience of its location, making it a good spot for a quick stop.
The atmosphere is often noted for being clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant environment. However, some visits can be less smooth.
Customers have reported significant waiting time for orders, and a noticeable lack of outlets can be an inconvenience. Drink quality can also be inconsistent, with some finding certain items lacking their expected flavor.
Average
4.8
out of 10
293
Reviews
42.3%
Satisfaction
160
negative
9
neutral
124
positive
Looking at the overall picture, Starbucks holds an average Restaurant Score of 4.8 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a mixed 42.3%. This assessment comes from a substantial 293 customer observations, indicating a balanced perspective with 124 positive remarks against 160 negative ones.
Delving deeper, Food scores an average (5.6), often praised for consistent drinks but sometimes criticized for specific items. Service also lands in the average range (4.6), with many positive comments about staff, yet some experiences point to slow or unhelpful interactions.
Ambience is average (4.7), appreciated for cleanliness and location, but hampered by issues like limited seating or charging options. Value is notably poor (3.2), frequently cited for steep prices.
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Convenient location
- Clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- No charging outlets
- Steep prices
If you’re seeking a quick, familiar coffee experience with generally pleasant staff and a convenient spot, Starbucks can certainly fit the bill. Its Recommendation Score of 4.9 suggests it’s a reliable choice for many, especially if you prioritize location and a clean environment over other factors.
However, be prepared for potential waits and consider if the pricing aligns with your expectations, as value is a common concern. If you need to charge devices or are particular about every drink being perfect, you might find some aspects disappointing.
It’s a place that delivers on its core offerings, but with some caveats.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Starbucks
Food (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks here, the overall score sits at an average 5.6, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 46.9%. Many folks, based on 23 positive remarks, really enjoy the excellent coffee, with mentions of wonderful flavor in drinks like the hazelnut latte and mango dragonfruit refresher. The açai drinks also get a special shout-out!
However, there are some areas needing a little love, with 19 negative comments pointing to concerns. Some found the quality of the coffee to be subpar, describing it as bland or bitter. Issues like a tasteless Caramel Frappuccino, inconsistent drink quality, and a lack of vegan options also popped up, suggesting room for improvement.
Food
49
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
19
negative
7
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent coffee
- Wonderful drink flavor
- Diverse drink options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent drink quality
- Poor coffee quality
- Limited vegan options
Often praised
- coffeeI reviewed this place two years ago and had a good experience with the coffee. However, this year, it's the second time I've ordered the Caramel Frappuccino and it has no caramel flavor.
- drinksI'm pretty disappointed they reduced their nighttime hours, considering it was one of the only cafes open late. : / Original review: I appreciate how (relatively) late this Starbucks stays open, and that the drinks are consistent with other Starbucks. Would recommend.
- foodMy experience at this standard Starbucks location was characterized by good service and tasty food. However, like most Starbucks, the prices are steep.
- Flat Whitequick cup of Flat White
- açai drinksThe açai drinks are the only reason I go there
- breakfast treatThe staff is nice and attentive. I am chilling here on my Sunday with a cappuccino and breakfast treat.
- cappuccinochilling here on my Sunday with cappuccino
- condimentsthe condiments are always stocked
- espresso glassnicely gave my espresso in a Great espresso glass
- excellent coffeeWauuuuuuu, this is truly my delight. My excellent recommendation for the excellent service, excellent coffee, and excellent security. I love Starbucks!
Frequently criticized
- coffeeswaited for coffees and it was cold
- Americanotries to serve somebody an Americano when that is basically water down coffee.
- Caramel FrappuccinoI reviewed this place two years ago and had a good experience with the coffee. However, this year, it's the second time I've ordered the Caramel Frappuccino and it has no caramel flavor. It's bland and tasteless.
- Very Berry Hibiscus Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers Iced Beveragewas not particularly enjoyable
- bagel with butterordered a bagel with butter cause they were out of whipped cream
- butterforgot to put it on the bagel or even give me some butter
- coffeethe coffee is bitter and not drinkable
- coffee brewedkeeping the coffee brewed resulting in long delays
- dickachinaI need my dickachina 🙄
- drinkslowest made blandest coffee I’ve ever had
If you're looking for a reliable coffee fix or a specific favorite like an açai drink, you might find something to enjoy. However, be aware that consistency can be an issue, especially with specialty drinks and overall coffee quality, so manage your expectations.
Service (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are definitely some bright spots! Many customers rave about the 63 positive remarks praising the staff for their friendliness and excellent service, especially when it comes to speed and getting orders right. Its clear that a dedicated crew often makes a great impression, ensuring correct drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
However, the service isnt always smooth sailing, reflected in an average score of 4.6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 40.4%. There are 93 negative comments highlighting concerns about leadership, rude service, and frustrating waiting times. Issues like poor customer service skills and inconsistent professionalism also pop up, suggesting some areas need a good polish.
Service
156
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
93
negative
0
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Excellent customer service
- Quick mobile orders
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Long waiting times
- Restrictive bathroom policy
Often praised
- serviceIt's a good Starbucks in a convenient location, especially if you're walking. The service was fast and friendly, and the coffee was good. They also demonstrated good covid-19 compliance.
- staffLuv luv the staff I was there at 2 ok they were very nice welcoming
- baristaOnly once was the barista actually kind and welcoming.
- customer serviceenjoy this Starbucks location for the customer service
- employeesthe employees were very nice
- DominiqueDominique guy with brown hair and the dark lady with beautiful afro hairstyle do a great job
- Wanda's chipper personalityWanda's chipper personality makes it a good stop
- attentive staffnice, attentive staff
- baristasHaven't had any problems with the baristas
- correct drinksmaking sure all the customers have the correct drinks
Frequently criticized
- staff4 people were behind the counter just talking to each other and moving ridiculously slow
- serviceAfter the third time, they transferred me to someone else. When I explained what happened, the response I received was, "probably because you sound like you're five. " This interaction highlights a significant issue with the service provided.
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by zero customer service. I wanted to use the restroom, but it was 6 minutes after their employees enforced a rule that restrooms close 30 minutes before closing.
- employeesemployees is terrible. They ... are rude.
- orderhe couldn’t even ring up the order correctly.
- waiting timeUnfortunately, everyone who was in line got served before me. I waited 25 minutes for my 1 drink, which the app estimated would take only 5 minutes. When I politely asked about the status, I was told it was coming up next.
- Apple PayWhen my Apple Pay timed out due to the rushed transaction
- Gen X staffthe gen xer's are more interested in thumbing their phones than giving good service
- StarbucksStarbucks becomes worse with years
- Starbucks restroom policynever have had a situation where using the bathroom be such a big deal
Overall, service here can be a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter some truly wonderful and efficient staff, be prepared for potential inconsistencies or longer waits. If you're in a rush or expect flawless interaction, you might want to manage your expectations.
Ambience (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has some appealing aspects, though its a bit of a mixed bag with a score of 4.7 and customer satisfaction at 45.1%. Many guests appreciate the comfortable seating, inviting decor, and often clean dining areas, noting the open and spacious seating as a plus. With 37 positive remarks, the atmosphere and convenient location often make it a pleasant place to visit.
However, the experience isnt always smooth. With 43 negative opinions, common complaints include the place being crowded, a significant lack of outlets for charging, and issues with cleanliness, particularly dirty sticky tables and floors. Some found the atmosphere noisy, leading to a restricted and unenjoyable experience for those looking for a quiet spot.
Ambience
82
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
43
negative
2
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Comfortable, open seating
- Convenient location
- Clean, updated decor
What people don't like
- Lack of power outlets
- Poor cleanliness
- Often crowded
Often praised
- bathroomThe bathroom is always maintained
- StarbucksMy experience at this Starbucks was positive. It's a good Starbucks in a convenient location, especially if you're walking. The service was fast and friendly, and the coffee was good.
- locationMy experience at this Starbucks was positive. It's a good Starbucks in a convenient location, especially if you're walking. The service was fast and friendly, and the coffee was good.
- people watchingI absolutely love this Starbucks! It's a great place for people watching. The location is also very convenient, situated right across the street from Walgreen's.
- placecompletely brightened up the place
- 24-hour availabilitythe fact that it's 24 hours is the only thing that brings me in
- atmosphereThis Starbucks has a great atmosphere.
- benches in frontSeveral benches in front to enjoy the sun
- buildingclean building
- cleanThey get a 5 star! The nicely decorated space offers comfortable seating and is clean. The staff is nice and attentive.
Frequently criticized
- outletsMy experience at this restaurant was quite inconvenient. I really needed to charge my laptop, but I couldn't find a single outlet. It seems this location intentionally removed or limited their outlets, which was a significant drawback.
- seatingKind of a bummer because nowhere else stays open past when I get off work so I can study ☹️. Also, would love more seating!
- tablescleaning the tables
- Starbucks locationone of the worst, if not the worst, Starbucks location
- atmospherethe atmosphere contains homeless and thieves
- bathroomessentially holding the bathroom hostage until I handed over money.
- bathroomsBathrooms were in need of immediate attention
- cafe campersonly one outlet for customers that's always being used by cafe campers
- casual and comfortable experiencewant a more casual and comfortable experience overall
- charging facilityRest of the seats in the entire Starbucks don’t have any charging facility
If you're looking for a conveniently located spot with comfortable seating and a generally pleasant vibe, it can be a good choice. However, be prepared for potential crowds and a possible hunt for a clean table or an available power outlet, which might impact your experience.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 5% of the guests
Well, when it comes to value, it seems theres a tiny silver lining! One customer was thrilled to get something for free, which is always a nice surprise. However, with a score of just 3.2, indicating poor value, and customer satisfaction at a low 16.7%, its clear this isnt a strong point overall.
Unfortunately, the general sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with 5 negative remarks out of 6 total. Many folks werent happy about the lack of free parking, mentioning both paid parking and street parking issues. Plus, bag fees and steep prices definitely left a sour taste, making the overall value feel quite poor.
Value
6
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free item received
What people don't like
- Paid parking
- Bag fees
- Steep prices
Often praised
- freegave me the display one for free
Frequently criticized
- bag chargefirst time in my live Starbucks asked me to pay for the bag
- bag feetold it was "ACTUALLY 25c!"
- paid parkingNo free parking (Lot 90min actively enforced, ticketed)
- pricessteep prices
- street parkingStreet parking was free but now need a permit or 2 hours
If youre really watching your wallet, this might not be the spot for you. The extra costs for parking and bags, combined with generally steep prices, could quickly add up. You might find better value elsewhere unless youre lucky enough to snag a freebie.
How are the prices at Starbucks?
On average, you’ll spend around 12 per person – from 42 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps a touch above.
Looking at the full picture, it’s interesting: while the average is 12$, a good chunk of diners actually spend less, in the 1-10$ range. There are also a few who opt for slightly pricier items, creating a nice blend of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 42 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a casual spot.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Starbucks
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Unpleasant Bathroom Policy
My experience was quite negative due to the restaurant's policy regarding bathroom usage. I was told I needed to make a purchase to use the restroom, which I found to be an unacceptable practice in our society. This policy made a simple neighborhood walk very uncomfortable.
- bathroom policy1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
1
Terrible Service, Hung Up On Multiple Times
My experience at the restaurant was extremely frustrating. I was trying to order and when I called, the person hung up on me three times. After the third time, they transferred me to someone else.
When I explained what happened, the response I received was, "probably because you sound like you're five. " This interaction highlights a significant issue with the service provided.
- service1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Restroom Policy
As a long-time Starbucks customer, I was very upset because I urgently needed to use the restroom. Being a woman, the attendant told me I would need to buy something to use it. I thought it was absurd that this establishment didn't allow women to use the restroom, especially considering I would have to wait in line to buy something and then use the restroom, even though it was an urgent matter.
This left me very disappointed.
- restroom2
- attendant2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Worst Starbucks Experience
This is legit the worst Starbucks in the city. Every drink is sub par and tastes off. Go up the street to the next Starbucks because the Lauren Village quality is consistently off.
- drink quality1
- quality1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
2
Starbucks Machine Down - No Coffee Served
My experience at this Starbucks, located next to Polly Stones, was disappointing. I pulled in expecting to get coffee, but they were unable to make any. They were only serving Americanos because their coffee machine was down.
I'm not sure why they would try to serve an Americano when it's essentially watered-down coffee. This has happened to me at several Starbucks locations during my morning trips, including on Fourth and Irving multiple times. It's surprising that a major coffee supplier like Starbucks doesn't have a backup machine.
- coffee machine2
- Americano3
- backup machine2
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
- 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
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of food and dining options does Starbucks in Laurel Heights offer?
Starbucks in Laurel Heights provides you with a variety of dining options throughout the day. You can enjoy coffee, small plates, and organic dishes for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and even late-night food. It’s a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing break.
What accessibility and service options are available at Starbucks on California Street?
Starbucks at 3595 California Street offers you convenient service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, and dine-in. For your comfort, the location is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. You will also find free Wi-Fi and a clean restroom available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Starbucks?
Starbucks has an average Restaurant Score of 4.8 and mixed Customer Satisfaction at 42.3%. While Food (5.6), Service (4.6), and Ambience (4.7) are considered average, Value (3.2) is rated as poor.
What do customers generally appreciate about Starbucks?
Customers often praise the friendly service and the convenience of its location. Many also appreciate the clean and well-maintained atmosphere, including the bathroom.
What are some common complaints from Starbucks visitors?
Frequent complaints include long waiting times for orders, a noticeable lack of outlets for charging devices, and steep prices which impact the overall value perception. Some also note inconsistent drink quality.