Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Starbucks – Seattle
Starbucks - Seattle
Photo from Starbucks
Starbucks at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 4 of the guests
#677 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#67 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
88
Reviews
61.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Comfortable space
- Quick drinks
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Drink inconsistency
- Online order problems
The cafe Starbucks, nestled in Seattle’s bustling Central Business District, offers you a perfect escape. You’ll find yourself drawn to its casual yet trendy atmosphere, ideal for a quick bite or a relaxed coffee break.
This spot is renowned for its great coffee, making it a go-to destination when you’re seeking quality and comfort in the heart of the city. Whether you’re starting your day or need an afternoon pick-me-up, this cafe has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Starbucks
Starbucks generally offers a reliable experience, often highlighted by its friendly and efficient staff. Many appreciate how quickly their drinks made are prepared, contributing to a smooth start to the day or a pleasant break.
The overall atmosphere is frequently noted as comfortable, providing a good spot to relax. However, not every visit is without its hitches.
Some customers have noted issues with inconsistent drink quality, occasionally receiving a watery-taste drink. There are also concerns about the perceived waste of money for what’s offered, suggesting that value might be a point of contention for some.
Good
6.6
out of 10
88
Reviews
61.4%
Satisfaction
30
negative
4
neutral
54
positive
Looking at the numbers, Starbucks holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.6, placing it squarely in the average category. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 61.4%, indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience for most patrons.
These figures are drawn from a total of 88 customer remarks, with 54 positive observations outweighing 30 negative ones. Delving deeper, Service stands out as a strong point (6.9), often praised for its attentive and quick delivery.
The Ambience (6.4) also contributes positively, offering a comfortable setting. While Food (6.1) is considered average, the primary concern appears to be Value (2.0), which customers frequently find lacking, suggesting room for improvement in pricing or portion perception.
What people like
- Friendly, fast service
- Comfortable atmosphere
- Quick drink prep
What people don't like
- Poor value
- Inconsistent drink quality
- Online order issues
With a Recommendation Score of 6.7, Starbucks presents itself as a generally acceptable option for a quick coffee or a casual break. If you prioritize friendly service and a comfortable spot to unwind, you’ll likely find it meets your needs.
It’s a reliable choice for a familiar experience. However, if value for money or consistent drink quality are your top concerns, you might find yourself occasionally disappointed.
It’s worth a visit if you’re in the area and need a convenient stop, but manage expectations regarding pricing and drink precision.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Starbucks
Food (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks, many customers are quite pleased, with 8 positive remarks out of 14 total. Folks often rave about the latte, peppermint mocha, and banana cake, noting how quickly these great drinks are prepared. While the overall customer satisfaction sits at a rather mixed 57.1%, theres definitely a bright spot here.
However, not everything is perfectly brewed. Some patrons expressed disappointment with issues like getting a lesser amount of their drink or receiving a Frappuccino when they asked for a Carmel Macchiato frappe. There were also complaints about watery-taste drinks and too much ice in their grande cold brew.
This contributes to an average score of 6.1, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Food
14
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great drinks
- Quick drink service
- Delicious banana cake
What people don't like
- Wrong drink orders
- Watery drinks
- Less drink amount
Often praised
- lattelatte and banana cake I ordered were ready very quickly
- banana cakelatte and banana cake I ordered were ready very quickly
- coffeeWhen I inevitably go back at 3 after I told myself I wouldn't, there's a new set of smiling faces. Happy baristas are really what make the coffee great.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was great, especially with the staff. They were super quick with making drinks and stayed on top of mobile orders that came in. The service was a perfect 5/5, atmosphere was a 5/5, and food was also a 5/5.
- great drinksthey make great drinks
- local coffee shopThe one by Union street is 100 times better
- peppermint mochaget my peppermint mocha without a line
Frequently criticized
- Carmel Macchiato frappeasked for Carmel Macchiato frappe, but the employee gave me a Frappuccino
- Frappuccinogave me a Frappuccino. There’s a a difference
- Irish creamwatery-taste drink with a thin layer of cold foam and lots of ice
- amount of my drinkMy experience at this restaurant was marked by fast service and friendly staff. However, I was a little disappointed because I was given a lesser amount of my drink.
- grande cold brewwatery-taste drink with a thin layer of cold foam and lots of ice
- light iceI ordered a grande cold brew with Irish cream, light ice. What I received was a watery-taste drink with a thin layer of cold foam and lots of ice. To add to the disappointment, my name was misspelled on the label.
If youre looking for a quick and tasty coffee or a sweet treat like banana cake, this spot might hit the mark. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies with drink preparation and accuracy, especially for more complex orders. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot scores a 6.9, placing it in the average category, though it's nudging towards good. Customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66%. Many of the 33 positive comments highlight the incredibly friendly staff and fast service, often noting warm smiles and how baristas remember your favorite drink.
They aim for high standards, ensuring the line moves quickly. However, not everyone has had a perfect experience, with 17 negative remarks pointing out some areas for improvement. Some customers felt the staff could be rude or lacked proper training.
There were also concerns about ignored online orders and the occasional early closing, which can definitely be frustrating for those relying on quick service.
Service
50
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
17
negative
0
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Remember orders
What people don't like
- Ignore online orders
- Rude staff
- Lack training
Often praised
- staffThe staff are so friendly and they really go out of their way
- serviceThey also came to ask if I needed a glass of water
- Cam the baristaCam the barista in the mornings is the BEST
- accommodate my requestthey were able to accommodate my request
- baristasThe baristas were good.
- beautiful facestheir beautiful faces everyday.
- crewThe crew here is amazing.
- customer serviceThe customer service was impeccable
- drinks madeMy experience at the restaurant was great. The staff, despite being busy, were consistently friendly and managed to get our drinks made really fast.
- employeesThe employees super friendly, helpful and fast.
Frequently criticized
- staffI place my orders through my app to avoid lines or wait, but at this store they completely ignore online orders. Staff keeps chit chatting while orders are sitting at the corner and customers waiting on the other side of the counter.
- baristasHowever, the staff completely ignores customers. Even when I was the only one picking up a mobile order, the three baristas just watched me take my cup and leave without any acknowledgment. It felt like the Abercrombie of Starbucks in downtown Seattle.
- close earlythis one may close early.
- contract negotiationcommit to finishing a contract negotiation
- dealThe upper management, particularly Brian Niccol, is awful. Starbucks needs to prioritize treating their employees better, fulfill their contract negotiations, and sign a deal with Starbucks Workers. I will not spend a dime here until the people's voice is heard.
- employeeThis lady is obviously new and does not know what she’s doing
- employeestreat their employees better
- lineit's often long
- name on labelWhat I received was a watery-taste drink with a thin layer of cold foam and lots of ice. To add to the disappointment, my name was misspelled on the label. I only managed two sips before tossing the drink, which felt like a waste of money.
- online ordersthey completely ignore online orders
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally friendly staff and quick service, especially for in-person orders, its worth a try. Just be aware that online orders might sometimes be overlooked, and there have been a few reports of less-than-stellar interactions, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
Based on 23 reviews, the ambience here generally hits the mark, with a score of 6.4. Many appreciate the great atmosphere, especially the availability of indoor and outdoor seating, and its convenient location near hotels. Reviewers often highlight the large size of the space and even the soothing music, making mornings and afternoon crashes better.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 56.5%, indicating some areas for improvement. Some find the sheer abundance of Starbucks locations in the area a bit much, questioning the lack of parking spaces. The journey to the cafe can also be challenging, with mentions of morning urine, people asleep on sidewalks, and navigating construction.
Ambience
23
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Spacious seating options
- Soothing music
What people don't like
- Challenging surroundings
- Difficult access
- Unpleasant odors
Often praised
- atmospherevery comfortable and quiet atmosphere
- spaceLots of space inside and out for relaxing and sipping your coffee.
- StarbucksIt's Starbucks, what more do I need to say.
- afternoon crashesTLDR; this review is for the people who work here, smile at every customer, remember every name and order, and make mornings and afternoon crashes better. I place my order as I get off the bus on 3rd & Union feeling exhausted.
- close to hotelsThis one is close to the hotels and convention center
- convenient locationAnother convenient SBUX location.
- indoor and outdoor seatingenjoyed the availability of both indoor and outdoor seating options
- large sizeand rather large.
- morningsTLDR; this review is for the people who work here, smile at every customer, remember every name and order, and make mornings and afternoon crashes better. I place my order as I get off the bus on 3rd & Union feeling exhausted.
- musicI must mention the music they have playing, so soothing.
Frequently criticized
- Starbucks locationsMy experience was marked by the sheer abundance of Starbucks locations. I questioned why there are two Starbucks within one block of each other. It seems there are more Starbucks than parking spaces in downtown Seattle.
- constructionGetting off the bus anywhere on third is absolutely soul crushing and makes me wonder why I'm going to go sit at a desk for the rest of the day, but then I get a whiff of morning urine and realize life is worse than I thought. I spend the next 7 minutes avoiding stepping on people asleep on sidewalks and navigating construction. By the time I get to the building, I'm ready to give up and go home, but without fail, when I get to Starbucks, the biggest smiling face behind the counter greets me and hands me my coffee.
- locationit's very difficult to find
- morning urineI place my order as I get off the bus on 3rd & Union feeling exhausted. Getting off the bus anywhere on third is absolutely soul crushing and makes me wonder why I'm going to go sit at a desk for the rest of the day, but then I get a whiff of morning urine and realize life is worse than I thought. I spend the next 7 minutes avoiding stepping on people asleep on sidewalks and navigating construction.
- parking spacesI questioned why there are two Starbucks within one block of each other. It seems there are more Starbucks than parking spaces in downtown Seattle.
- people asleep on sidewalksGetting off the bus anywhere on third is absolutely soul crushing and makes me wonder why I'm going to go sit at a desk for the rest of the day, but then I get a whiff of morning urine and realize life is worse than I thought. I spend the next 7 minutes avoiding stepping on people asleep on sidewalks and navigating construction. By the time I get to the building, I'm ready to give up and go home, but without fail, when I get to Starbucks, the biggest smiling face behind the counter greets me and hands me my coffee.
If youre looking for a spacious spot with good vibes and flexible seating, this Starbucks could be a solid choice. Just be prepared for a potentially challenging walk to get there, as the immediate surroundings might not always be the most pleasant. Its a mixed bag, but the interior offers a comfortable escape.
Value (2 out of 10)
mentioned by 4% of the guests
While there arent any positive opinions to highlight regarding value, its clear this area needs significant attention. The overall score for value is a low 2, placing it in the poor category, and customer satisfaction is at a challenging 0%. Based on the single piece of feedback, the sentiment is quite strong.
The primary concern highlighted is that the experience was perceived as a waste of money, indicating a significant disconnect between cost and perceived benefit. This suggests that guests feel they are not getting adequate return for their investment.
Value
1
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Waste of money
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- waste of moneyWaste of money!
If youre prioritizing value, this spot might disappoint, as the feedback strongly suggests its a waste of money. It seems the cost doesn't align with the experience, so you might want to explore other options.
How are the prices at Starbucks?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 4 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the bigger picture, prices here are quite spread out, from very budget-friendly options to some higher-end choices, rather than clustering around this average. Since we only have data from 4 customers, its a good indication, but keep in mind its a limited sample.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 4 reviews. While this data is limited, it gives us a good indication of the price spread.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a mid-range Cafe experience in Seattle, especially given the variety of price points available.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Starbucks
Price per Person
- $101+
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Disappointing Experience, Avoid Until Issues Resolved
I strongly advise against spending your money here. The upper management, particularly Brian Niccol, is awful. Starbucks needs to prioritize treating their employees better, fulfill their contract negotiations, and sign a deal with Starbucks Workers.
I will not spend a dime here until the people's voice is heard. Please respect the picket line and do not scab.
- upper management1
- employees1
- contract negotiation1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
New employee needs training
My experience was frustrating because I asked for a Carmel Macchiato frappe, but the employee gave me a Frappuccino. There's a difference, and I always get it correctly at this location. Now I have to go to another Starbucks around the corner to get what I've always gotten.
This lady is obviously new and does not know what she's doing. I'm writing this review because they are rude and they don't know what they're doing. They have all these employees and no training.
- Carmel Macchiato frappe2
- Frappuccino2
- employee1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hidden Gem with Great Service
This Starbucks, located at 601 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101, is a bit hidden but offers a very comfortable and quiet atmosphere. You'll likely fall in love with this place after just one visit. To find it, go up the stairs to the central outdoor square, keeping an eye out for the flags of various countries.
The baristas here provide really good service with smiles. My latte and banana cake were prepared very quickly. They even proactively asked if I needed water and brought a glass of iced water.
There's ample space both inside and outside, allowing you to relax with a coffee in the central square.
- atmosphere9
- service smiles10
- latte8
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Impeccable Service and Accommodating!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The customer service was impeccable. Despite only having $5, they were able to accommodate my request.
The reviewer also rated Service: 5, Atmosphere: 5, and Food: 5.
- customer service10
- accommodate my request10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Hidden Gem with Great Coffee
My experience was great once I found the place! It’s a bit hidden, but I was determined to get my morning latte. After going up the stairs into the central outdoor plaza and looking for the international flags, I found it.
The baristas were good, and my latte came out quickly. There's lots of space inside and out for relaxing and sipping coffee.
- baristas9
- latte9
- space8
What Starbucks offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Starbucks in Seattle's Central Business District accessible for everyone?
Yes, this Starbucks location is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at this Starbucks location?
You can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for various dining options. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or just dessert, you’ll find comfortable seating. Outdoor seating is also available if you prefer to dine al fresco.
What is the overall rating for Starbucks and what aspects contribute to it?
Starbucks holds an overall **Restaurant Score** of **6.6**. This is influenced by its strong **Service** (6.9) and comfortable **Ambience** (6.4), while **Food** (6.1) is average and **Value** (2.0) is a notable concern for customers.
What do customers appreciate most about their experience at Starbucks?
Many customers frequently praise the friendly and efficient **staff**, noting their quick service and accommodating nature. The comfortable and often spacious **atmosphere** also receives positive remarks, making it a pleasant place to relax.
What are some common criticisms or areas for improvement at Starbucks?
A significant concern for patrons is the perceived **Value** for money, often described as a “waste of money.” Additionally, some customers report issues with inconsistent **drink quality**, such as watery beverages or incorrect orders, and problems with online order fulfillment.