GoldBucks!
This is the newest Starbucks in Orland Park, IL, da best SW burb o'Chicago. It's located on 159th St in the front of the Lakeview Shopping Plaza in a stand alone store. If you think the building looks suspiciously like a Long John Silver's Restaurant you would be correct. In a former life it was originally an LJS/A&W, then a Baby's Cheesesteak & Lemonade, now much to my delight Starbucks came in, converted it & set up coffee shop! I never ate at either of those previous restaurants when they were doing biz here but I swear I occasionally get a whiff of fried fish/fries-grease smell when I walk in. There are just some things a shiny, new paint job & new signage can't cover?! Could be in my head, but I think it's in my nose lol!
That being said, this is my fave Starbucks location in all of Orland & the neighboring suburb of Tinley Park for a few reasons. First, all the baristas here have always been friendly & efficient, a rare combo across the boards at all Starbucks locations. I only order black coffee & the occasional ice water but to some that's like asking for the moon. Also, this is the first SB location where a barista has asked me if I wanted a bakery item I purchased warmed! Um, yes warmer is betta! Now, I always get my cookies, muffins, pastries, etc. warmed! To date, this is still the only SB location that asks if I want something warmed upon purchase, so thank you!! The other SB locations are too lazy & never ask, I have to request it & they always looked super annoyed & put out when they have to warm my goods! There's usually a line at this location but the wait is never that long as the baristas are good at getting the orders through in a timely, efficient manner, unlike some SB where the lines are completely backed up & it's a total cluster f! A+ on service & speed!
Next, this Starbucks always keeps their bakery case fully stocked with an awesome variety of pastries, cookies, sliced loaves, muffins, bagels & there's a nice selection of hot & cold sammies, nuts, bars, yogurt, oatmeal, & other assorted packaged snacks. There's a gemload of appetizing food options at this Starbucks, so you'll never starve here either! I hate it when you go to a SB and they are outta everything or its slim pickins only.
Finally, what makes a great coffee shop? Lotsa seating & outlets for your devices!! As I said previously, this SB was converted from a restaurant, so it is much bigger than most SB. There are tables & countertop seating lining the perimeter & there are comfy, over-sized chairs in the middle. There's always a place to sit! Plus, there are outlets everywhere! So you never have to worry about dying or not having a seat! The free wifi isn't the fastest, but oh well it's free. FYI: No time to go in & loaf all day?! Don't fret, get it to-go, this SB location has a drive-thru!
I don't think all Starbucks are created equal as they are usually lacking in either the service, space, and/or selection department but this Starbucks meets all my Gem expectations! So when I wanna sit & chillax with a cup o'coffee & a yummy, warmed pastry that will perk me up & never let me down I'm gonna go to the biggest & best Starbucks in the Southwest aka Orland
Park on 159th. I think Starbucks has found the recipe of success for this building & 3rd time's obviously a charm! read more