This is the second Starbucks Reserve I've been to, with the first being in Chicago, and somehow I…read moreseem to just stumble across these rather than purposely seeking them out.
What I loved most about this location was that it reminded me of the old Starbucks. The Starbucks from a decade ago, or even the ones I remember from high school, with big comfy chairs where you actually wanted to sit for a while, meet up with friends, work, or just hang out. I don't feel like you find that very often anymore.
I had already done a ton of walking that morning and had gotten separated from my group, so I ended up here by myself for a while. Eventually I realized they would love it too and had them meet me there. It was just such a warm, relaxing place to sit and recharge.
My friends had the espresso martinis and said they were phenomenal. Since it was fall, I went with the very basic choice of a pumpkin spice latte, and I have to say, it was phenomenal too. I actually thought it was better than the pumpkin spice latte at a regular Starbucks.
There are also a lot of different pastries and food options that you don't normally see at Starbucks. We had eaten earlier, so we didn't try any, but it was fun just seeing everything they offered.
The staff was wonderful and attentive without hovering. I actually think they're really good at reading why you're there. If you want to learn about the Reserve and ask questions, they seem more than happy to walk you through everything. If you're there to sample things, they'll help you do that. And if you're just there to sit down and chill for a while, they let you do exactly that.
I also noticed quite a few people working from here, which again made me nostalgic for the old Starbucks experience. My friends said the same thing when they arrived. Obviously every Starbucks can't be a Reserve, but if regular Starbucks locations brought back the big comfy chairs and spaces where people actually wanted to stay for a while, we would absolutely be here for it.
A couple of practical notes: there are free bathrooms downstairs, although there was a line when I went. Also, depending on what you order, some drinks come in really nice, sturdy plastic cups. I ended up getting one with an ice water, and while I wasn't remotely looking for a Starbucks souvenir, it accidentally became one. I've been using it ever since.
Overall, this was such a warm, relaxing, vibey place. Whether you want to learn about coffee, try something different, meet up with friends, get some work done, or just sit in a comfy chair after walking around New York all morning, they seem to meet you wherever you're at.
And Starbucks, please bring back the big comfy chairs.