I was shopping at Trader Joe's in the same plaza as Lowe's when I started to feel a bit peckish, so I decided to stop into the nearby Starbucks for a quick break. I'm glad I did. It is located in the corner between Lowe's and Trader Joe's, the two anchoring stores in the strip mall. They share a spacious and free parking lot within the strip mall.
Normally, I find most Starbucks to be aggressively average, but this location was better than what I've come to expect. I walked in and found a comfortable place to sit. Using their free Wi-Fi, I placed my order through the app and simply waited for my name to be called.
While waiting, I took in the ambiance. This location felt warmer and more thoughtfully designed than many others I've visited. Some Starbucks feel like tables and chairs were simply dropped into a sterile space, almost like a hospital cafeteria. Here, there were comfortable chairs with cushions, warm lighting, and clean, inviting aesthetics that made it easy to relax.
Here's what I ordered:
A) Iced Banana Bread Matcha - 5/5 stars
I requested no caramel syrup and substituted soy milk for regular milk. The result was smooth, balanced, and very enjoyable.
B) Chocolate Pistachio Loaf - 5/5 stars
I asked for it to be warmed. Often when pastries are heated, they can turn rubbery, but this one was beautifully toasted. The warming actually elevated the chocolate and pistachio flavors.
The employees were generally pleasant. However, when I asked about a particular mug they had for sale, one employee seemed more absorbed in his electronic device than the customer in front of him. Without really looking up, he simply said, "I don't know." His dismissive manner put me off, so I placed the mug back, said "thank you," and left.
Perhaps it was a one-off moment, but that interaction is why this visit earns 4 stars instead of 5. read more