oChef » Starbucks – Seattle

Starbucks - Seattle

Cafe Starbucks in Seattle
Photo from Starbucks
How do the guests rate it?
Starbucks at a glance
Seattle Northgate
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 14 of the guests
#718 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#73 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Good
6.3 out of 10
6.7
Food
5.7
Service
6.9
Ambience
6
Value
37

Reviews

56.8%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Consistent Quality
  • Good Ambience
Frequently criticized
  • Service Issues
  • High Cost

The café Starbucks in Seattle’s vibrant Northgate neighborhood offers you a perfect spot to unwind or grab a quick bite. You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere, ideal for catching up with friends or getting some work done.

Known for its great coffee, this Seattle cafe ensures you start your day right or enjoy a refreshing afternoon break. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee or a small plate, this location has you covered.

Overview: Introducting Starbucks

Starbucks offers a familiar experience where you can generally count on consistent drinks and a pleasant atmosphere. Many appreciate the scenic views from certain locations, making it a comfortable spot to relax or work.

However, some visitors have noted a recent service decline, leading to longer waits. While the staff can be quite personable, there are instances where the overall experience doesn’t quite meet expectations, particularly regarding efficiency.

Good
6.3 out of 10
37

Reviews

56.8%

Satisfaction

12

negative

4

neutral

21

positive

Starbucks achieves an overall Restaurant Score of 6.3, placing it in the average range, with a Customer Satisfaction of 56.8%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment is drawn from 37 customer observations, comprising 21 positive and 12 negative remarks.

Looking closer, Ambience (6.9) and Food (6.7) generally receive favorable marks, suggesting these aspects are often well-received. However, Service (5.7) and Value (6) hover around average, reflecting areas where experiences can vary more significantly for patrons.

What people like
  • Consistent drink quality
  • Pleasant seating views
  • Efficient, personable staff
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent service speed
  • Perceived high prices
  • Occasional item unavailability

If you’re seeking a reliable spot for your usual beverage and appreciate a good view, Starbucks can be a solid choice. The overall experience often leans towards satisfactory, especially if you prioritize a familiar taste and a comfortable setting.

However, be prepared for potential variations in service speed and pricing that some find steep. While generally acceptable, it might not always deliver an exceptional experience, reflected in its Recommendation Score of 6.9.

Similar Restaurants in Seattle

Verdict: Our expert take on Starbucks

Food (6.7 out of 10)

mentioned by 73% of the guests

Alright, lets talk food! Overall, the culinary experience here lands a pretty decent 6.7, though customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 60%. Based on 10 opinions, with 6 positive remarks, many appreciate the quality & taste of the food and drinks, especially noting the cappuccino as quite good.

Folks are generally happy with the consistency of their beverages. However, there are a few areas that could use some work. The main sticking point seems to be the coffee, with some finding it weak.

Another concern is item availability, as a few customers reported that certain items were sold out during their visit. Its something to keep in mind.

6.7 Food

10

Reviews

60%

Satisfaction

2

negative

2

neutral

6

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Good quality & taste
  • Consistent drinks
What people don't like
  • Weak coffee
  • Limited availability

Often praised

  • cappuccino
  • drinks
  • flip menu
  • food
  • food and drinks
  • quality & taste

Frequently criticized

  • coffee
  • item availability

So, should you go? If youre looking for consistent drinks and generally good food, especially a decent cappuccino, its worth a try. Just be aware that the coffee might be on the weaker side for some, and popular items can sometimes be unavailable.

Service (5.7 out of 10)

mentioned by 55% of the guests

When it comes to service, many customers rave about the staff being super nice, efficient, and personable, often highlighting the helpful order status board and order number monitor that keep things moving. With 9 positive remarks out of 16 total, theres definitely a bright side here, contributing to an average score of 5.7. However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing.

Some folks have faced frustratingly long waiting times, with reports of 15-minute waits and orders showing as ready but not actually made. This has led to a perceived decline in service for some, bringing customer satisfaction to a mixed 56.3% based on 7 negative observations.

5.7 Service

16

Reviews

56%

Satisfaction

7

negative

0

neutral

9

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Friendly staff
  • Efficient service
  • Order status board
What people don't like
  • Long waiting times
  • Declining service
  • Order inaccuracies

Often praised

  • service
  • staff
  • Starbucks
  • order number monitor
  • order status board
  • service speed
  • wait

Frequently criticized

  • baristas
  • customer service
  • lunch break
  • order
  • service
  • waiting
  • waiting time

Its a bit of a mixed bag! While the friendly staff and helpful order monitors are a definite plus, be prepared for potential waits and occasional service hiccups. If youre not in a rush, you might just catch them on a good day.

Ambience (6.9 out of 10)

mentioned by 82% of the guests

The vibe here definitely has its charms! Many folks appreciate the thoughtful touches like the reusable cups for coffee and the nice seating that offers great views of the rink, making it a classic and good location to watch people skate. While the overall score for ambience is a good 6.9, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 60%, based on 6 positive remarks out of 10 total.

However, it's not all smooth skating. A couple of comments (2 out of 10) point out that limited seating can be an issue, with some locations not allowing seating at all. This can lead to a less-than-ideal experience for those expecting more comfort.

6.9 Ambience

10

Reviews

60%

Satisfaction

2

negative

2

neutral

6

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Great rink views
  • Nice seating
  • Reusable cups
What people don't like
  • Limited seating

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • location
  • reusable cups
  • seating
  • seats nearby

Frequently criticized

  • experience
  • limited seating

If youre looking for a spot with a unique view and dont mind potentially standing or having limited seating, the ambience here could be a pleasant surprise. It's worth checking out for the rinkside atmosphere, but be prepared that seating might be a bit of a gamble.

Value (6 out of 10)

mentioned by 9% of the guests

When it comes to value, there arent any specific positive points to highlight from the single piece of feedback weve received. However, the feedback we did get points to a common concern: it can be quite pricey. While the overall score for value sits at an average 6, customer satisfaction is a stark 0%, clearly showing there's significant room for improvement here.

6 Value

1

Reviews

0%

Satisfaction

1

negative

0

neutral

0

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
  • Tends to be pricey

Often praised

No positive aspects so far.

Frequently criticized

  • pricey

If youre considering this place, be prepared for the cost. While the value score is average, the very low customer satisfaction suggests you might find it a bit expensive for what you get. Its worth trying if price isnt your main concern, but it might disappoint if youre looking for a budget-friendly option.

How are the prices at Starbucks?

You’re looking at roughly 8 per person – reported by 14 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.

Looking at what people actually spent, it’s clear most guests stick to the lower end, with 12 out of 14 diners spending within the $1–$10 range. Only a couple ventured slightly higher, so prices are pretty consistent and cluster around that sweet spot.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 14 reviews.

Comparing value for money (price vs. Score) of this restaurant to similar ones in Seattle.

Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe, offering good value without breaking the bank. It’s a solid choice for a casual meal or coffee.

Customer Reviews: what people think about Starbucks

Price per Person
  • $1–$10
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Yi G.
Review date: 07/02/2025
2
Long Wait, Cancelled Order
My experience was frustrating. Despite having seven baristas working on a single frap order, I waited over fifteen minutes. The board indicated my order was ready, but it hadn't actually been made. This put me in a conundrum as I was on my lunch break. I would try to avoid this place during both rush and non-rush hours. I eventually cancelled my order.
  • baristas2
  • waiting1
  • order1
Price per Person
  • $1–$10
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Bharathi M.
Review date: 06/24/2025
8
Decent Cappuccino and Late Hours
Frankly, I'm not a big fan of Starbucks as I find their coffee weak. However, at this location, the cappuccino was pretty decent. Starbucks also stays open late, which is a plus. A special mention goes to the reusable cups they serve coffee in, which they sterilize and re-use. This is one of the few Starbucks locations I would return to.
  • cappuccino7
  • reusable cups8
  • coffee3
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Verified I.
Review date: 03/20/2025
10
Exceptional Service Made My Day!
My experience at this Starbucks was outstanding, primarily due to the incredible staff. The trio of humans I encountered – Jeff, Nia, and Dan – were the most spirited, enthusiastic, and personable Starbucks workers I’ve ever seen in my life. I've been a connoisseur for decades, and their exceptional service truly made my super stressful day better. The service was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere and food also received perfect scores of 5/5.
  • service10
  • atmosphere10
  • food10
Price per Person
  • $1–$10
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Luke B.
Review date: 11/10/2024
9
Consistently Great Starbucks Experience
My experience at this Starbucks has been consistently excellent. It's my go-to location, as I've found many other Starbucks have declined in quality. The drinks are consistent, which is exactly what I look for when visiting Starbucks. The atmosphere also contributes to a positive experience, making it worthwhile.
  • drinks9
  • atmosphere9
Price per Person
  • $1–$10
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Takeout
Wait Time
  • Short (6–15 min.)
Pressley H.
Review date: 06/17/2024
9
Great Starbucks with a View
My experience at this Starbucks was fantastic! The service was exceptional, with everyone being super nice. The wait time was not long, which was great. I also enjoyed the food and drinks. Although the store itself doesn't have seating, the nearby seats offer great views of the rink. It's definitely one of my favorite Starbucks to order from.
  • service10
  • wait8
  • food and drinks9

What Starbucks offers

Highlights

  • Great coffee
  • Great tea selection

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Transgender safespace
  • Tourists

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Popular for

  • Solo dining
  • Breakfast

Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi

Offerings

  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Coffee

Dining options

  • Seating
  • Lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Dessert

Service Options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout

Pets

  • Dogs allowed outside

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Trendy

FAQs

Is the Starbucks in Northgate, Seattle, accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, this Starbucks location offers comprehensive accessibility features. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
You can expect a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed visit. Service options include outdoor seating, dine-in, and convenient takeout, allowing you to enjoy your coffee and quick bites however you prefer.
Starbucks holds an overall score of 6.3, indicating an average experience. While Food (6.7) and Ambience (6.9) are generally well-regarded, Service (5.7) and Value (6) are perceived as more average.
Many customers appreciate the consistent quality of drinks and the pleasant seating, often offering good views. The staff is frequently described as efficient and personable, contributing positively to the visit.
Some visitors have noted a decline in service, leading to longer waits, and find the offerings to be pricey. Occasional issues with coffee strength or item availability are also mentioned.
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Location
1601 4th Ave NE, 98133 Seattle
Opening hours
Monday – Tuesday
6:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday – Sunday
6:30 AM – 8:00 PM