Starbucks at Elk Mill has improved a lot since my first visit, being open for almost 5 months now, the teething issues are being ironed out leading to improved standards of service and beverages, both in terms of speed and quality.
I've visited here several times now, as the location and opening hours are very convenient. There is a drive-thru and a small car-park area. If you're unable to find a space in the car park, there is a pedestrianised walking route to the main part of Elk Mill across the way, where there are many more spaces.
They do prioritise the drive-thru, which means you can wait a little while when sitting inside the Cafe, although the waiting times are nowhere near almost 30 minutes from my first visit.
Beverage quality is generally up to Starbucks standards when made correctly, I did recently have an issue where they'd made a Caramel Macchiato, instead of the Latte Macchiato, despite the latter clearly being stated on the ticket, although I saw it as getting a more expensive drink - so not a completely bad thing.
On my last couple of visits here, I ordered a Venti Blonde Iced White Mocha, with an extra shot of espresso, and no whipped cream, they have made this correctly and up to a good standard, a simple but very wordy order.
4* - It's great to see a Starbucks at Elk Mill which is open in the evenings and it's finally getting back on track to meeting the standards they should have been hitting from day one. read more