How is starbucks still open? Terrible policies, terrible coffee, sugary gross food. Convenience is the only thing going for them

Ordered 2 Caramel Ribbon Crunch Fraps with a shot of espresso... got both drinks without any caramel. Made my husband turn around to get a different drink thinking they ran out of caramel. Instead she (employee Elsa) said they would remake and did have caramel. Elsa then tried to tell me that it was the espresso that was "diluting the drink". I worked at Starbucks for over 2 years I've had this drink over 50 times probably. So now the "remade drinks" are absolutely disgusting with an excess amount of caramel all over the bottom, sides, top, coming out all around the cup. Almost like a "okay here's your caramel." Just rude and unprofessional it's not hard to just follow instructions. And this location is not usually busy so there's no excuse. Please teach these baristas the right recipe!!! And just because I wanted caramel on my drink doesn't mean I want 50% of my drink to be caramel. read more

girl doing mobi orders on 02/15/26 at 10 am was rude and completely did over kill on the cinnamon on top of our drinks could not even sip the coffee because you got a mouth full of powder cinnamon there is no way it was not intentional if I didn't have to be at work I would be there talking to a manager poor customer service never seen her begging in my life so I don't know why she had to mess with my family's drinks very disrespectful I will be going back to talk to a manager and call corporate I'm 43 yrs old and this is my first ever review I never complain I know they have a hard customer service job but we did nothing to her disgusting read more

Starbucks - This is the cinnamon she pours in our coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Came in at 10 in the morning on April 14, and OMG, the girls that were working there had like the worst attitude ever if they don't like their job they should be looking for a different one horrible customer service read more

I had planned to leave a very nice review because the reviews seemed so low. Jared took my order very nicely. Our order was as desired. The reason for one star is the place is dirty. Restroom is filthy. read more

I got custom drink and the exceptions were deliver over all would come again customer service was also really good. read more

Starbucks - Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

at Otay near the border lane, not good on how they prepare my drink...tastes like milk instead of coffee...not the first time it happens...

SLOWEST Starbucks everrrrrr, even with just 1 car!!!!!!!! A lot of "kids" work there and they don't care how they treat ppl or how they do their job. All they care about is their looks. Kids , u r there to work!!!! They don't listen to the customer and they are always messing up your order. You talk to managers and they don't care. Explains why the kids are like that. Close this Starbucks! read more

The staff is generally nice and helpful, my last visit there on 12/22/23, the young man was very attentive and friendly. Two things they can improve on is hours and cleanliness/sanitation. They close very early so it's extremely inconvenient when I drive by around 7pm. Lastly, there is definitely room for improvement in the bathrooms, I will attach photos. I understand they can get busy and may be understaffed, however, this is often the case when I make a stop and they're actually open. read more

See all

Sarahi is rude and kept giving me my drink that tastes like milk no coffee at all. First time seeing that girl there, I always order in that same location because of my drink they always make it soo good! But I guess Sarahi wanted to give me milk that day and when I nicely asked her to remake it she gave me attitude and when it was re made it taste the same or worse. When I had already told her why she didn't care. Anyway told her I wanted my refund. BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! read more

They had no nitro or regular cold brew whatsoever. It literally broke my heart. Will be coming back though

This is my favorite Starbucks to come study/get work done, but lately they have been closing the lobby due to being short staffed. I usually drive out instead of going to the Starbucks next to my house. So it's disappointing to drive out and find this out :/ read more

First, the only time I ever come to this Starbucks is on Sundays afternoon. It's never super crowded. Light music is playing, and there is plenty of space to study. There is plenty of parking in the parking lot, but there's a drive thru for your convenience. I've been here on a couple of occasions, and the staff has always been very friendly. Even when I've come in with a big order, they handled it so warmly and quickly. I also like, overall, how Starbucks is transitioning away from single-use plastics by making their cold cups usable without a straw. read more

Starbucks - Peach Green Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

In my opinion Starbucks is always good but it depends on what you get and how they make it and it also depends on how the service is too you can leave a good or bad review but in my experience it was good and they have great customer service read more

This location is HORRIBLE! Since it's the only location close by, I still go here because I need my caffeine fix at times. If you stick to simple drinks that don't need much "barista skills" you're fine. I've never had issues with my iced tea or americano's here. Other than that, good luck. This location will find a way to ruin your drink. Including a nitro cold brew by adding ice to it. The whole point of a nitro cold brew is to skip the ice. I've attempted to order a caramel macchiato from them two days in a row because I wanted a changed from my usual drink order. Both days they failed tremendously hard with my drink. Here's a direct quote of what a Starbucks caramel macchiato is supposed to be: "The delicious, multi-layered Macchiato begins with milk steamed until it's stretched and smooth to bring out its natural sweetness and is topped by a dense, creamy foam. Then rich espresso is poured over and through the foam, where it mixes with the milk and creates a brown mark on top. Finally, the barista signs their work of art with a crosshatch of sweet caramel sauce." On Wednesday I literally received a caramel latte. Once I got back to work excited to drink my macchiato I saw that it was literally a latte with caramel flavored sweetener. No foam, no caramel drizzle. I went back again the next day and literally had to request the foam. I notified the barista about my drink the previous day and no apology. Yet again I didn't receive a caramel macchiato. At least it had foam this time so I supposed it was a cappuccino with caramel syrup. Still no drizzle, no espresso over the foam. This location sadly does not know their own menu, as mentioned in a previous review. Also, they are horrible at serving warmed goods correctly I've received burnt or lopsided sandwiches from them multiple times. They also do not know how to prepare all items in a timely manner all at once- even when the store is empty. So many times I've received a warmed bakery food and still had to wait 10+ minutes for my drink and vice versa. By the time I leave the store the sandwich or drink is already cold. Don't come here unless you really have to. And if you have to come here, you've been warned. If your order exceeds the very basic barista skills and knowledge your drink will be messed up. read more

My group and I stop by this Starbucks location right before we cross the border whenever we go on our monthly medical clinic trips in Mexico. Service is always prompt, friendly and efficient - even in the rare cases when there is a line in the morning. Pastries are fresh and drinks are always served / taste consistent. Restrooms are clean, and wifi is fast - provided by Google. Parking is easy despite being shared with a few other businesses including a Subway and a gas station. No complaints! read more

I really do not think that the management even looks at these reviews and even tries to improve the performance of the store. I truly hate coming to this Starbucks. I solely come here because it is convenient to my work location. They are the SLOWEST Starbucks I have ever been to. They don't have easy access to mobile orders therefore you have to rely on them to EVENTUALLY walk over to you and ask what your name is for your mobile order. But be prepared to wait 15 minutes for them to even do that. Their customer service is the worst. They also have made my drink wrong twice. I worked at Starbucks before and the way this store is run is horrible. read more

The service here is horrible, I do not recommend this Starbucks! We were in line for 10 minutes before being assisted, then Melanie came on the speaker and says I will be right with you, after 10 more minutes she says she was helping another customer and didn't hear the beep, but did apologize for the wait! After being in line with only one car ahead of us for 20 minutes, if you're wanting a Starbucks with great customer service I do not recommend this location, choose another location! If you want a Starbucks with mediocre service I recommend this Starbucks! read more

Went at 8 am and Melanie was so nice. Great energy especially at 8 in the morning on a Sunday. Even got a thank you sticker with a pumpkin on my lid. read more

I don't usually yelp Starbucks, but I had such a great experience. I went in late morning to study for a bit. It was just one of those days for me feeling slump. The barista, Alexia who took my order was so welcoming and nice, which took me a bit by surprise. She greeted me with a smile, asked me what I was up to for the day. It's not too often baristas take the time to ever talk to you. I definitely am coming back to study ^__^ read more

The only thing I have to complain about is how loud the music is. Don't come here to have a conversation, Instead of the music being background music it's kind of the center of attraction. I will say if you ask them to turn it down they will. But why would one need to ask. read more

I've been to the store at hwy 905 and La Media, San Diego twice now. Both times I found the store lacking compared to other stores. A mobile order said to be ready 0-2 minutes has never been ready upon arrival with today taking close to 10 minutes. At a time before six am and not busy in the store, I'd expect something quicker. Even another customer remarked to me how long it took my drink to be ready. Additionally, I have never been greeted upon entering this store, nor have they call my name or addressed me in any way when it's obvious I'm waiting for my drink. Both times, my drink has just been set on the counter without a word or a look while others have had their named called. I'm use to stores having a more friendly vibe. These employees don't seem to care about customers. read more

the coffee here is still good and very nice the employees I like to come with friends to hang out Der Kaffee hier ist immer noch gut und sehr nett, die Angestellten, die ich gerne mit Freunden zum Abhängen kommen read more

See all

This Starbucks never opens on time. Don't waste your time coming here. They say they are open at 5 am. The employees show up late.

Always friendly, fun staff! This is hands down my favorite Starbucks location, so it's a good thing it is located very close to my office! Also, very convenient for crossing the Otay Mesa border, 2nd exit (as long as La Media Rd is not closed for construction). There is always enough parking and never too long of lines - if you're in a big hurry use the Beta-order option on your Starbucks app, no line. I don't usually go through drive-thru but they have now installed a big LCD screen that can be used to talk face to face with your barista. They make an effort to get to know their customers as well as familiarize themselves with their usual drinks. The only knock on them is that their oven has broken down a few times recently. read more

Starbucks - My favorite barista Teri said, "Why only 4 shots? Go big!" - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Very good service, on time for mobile orders. Nice and quiet place. Sometimes does not apply promotions on app however I believe it has to do with the App performance rather than the place. read more

Well, after getting poor service and no coffee at the Starbucks on Aero Dr, I figured I come here. My order isn't complicated. Nonfat Iced Latte. At least I didn't think it would be hard. After taking one drink, it was definitely not nonfat. I also asked for an espresso drink that was on the menu from the app. The employee had no clue what I was asking for; figures. Either way, 2 Starbucks in less than an hour provided me with exactly 1 sip of coffee. This isn't the first time this location has not only messed up my order, but also was unfamiliar with the menu. I don't ask for any craziness, or secret menu crap, just what's on the menu. Frustrating. read more

Starbucks - Maybe the drain enjoyed the whole milk latte more than I did considering I asked for nonfat. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I don't know what it is but all those people who work the drive thru station needs hearing aid. Last couple of visits... I order simple coffee orders and they get the size wrong and order wrong. How does grande turn into Tall?? I order Fraps without whipped cream and still get whipped cream. I order iced coffee and get hot coffee... I would understand if they don't make sure... but they make sure and still get it wrong. I would say maybe the speaker or the headphone is weird but before last week, they generally get the order right but...last week and this week... I get super thirsty because I have to correct the coffee order at least 3 times before they get it right. read more

Great service great coffee. Everyone is always in a good mood even though they are super busy in the morning. Coffee is great and fast. Please could use a little bit of cleaning but other than that this is a great Starbucks. read more

This location is generally my go-to since it's closer to home, plus the drive-thru makes it all more convenient. The staff is usually nice, but no standout moments from my past visit. That changes today (5/6/17). I made my order at the drive-thru to take advantage of Starbucks' happy hour. The barista (Seb) who helped me was not only upbeat, but also diligent with his order-taking. After my order was taken, he didn't shut the window to continue taking more drive-thru orders. Instead, he excused himself to let me know that he would be right back with our drinks. I know that's not required for baristas to do (so I appreciated being in the know even more). It was just a refreshing change from most drive-thru interactions I've encountered. The best part of my visit was after he handed my drinks and pastries, he gave me a thumbs up as I drove away. I don't know if he did that for comical effect, but it certainly made me laugh and added an extra splash of fun into my day. read more

This is pretty far out east on Otay Mesa but it's a pretty cool refuge from the heat of this area. The baristas are peppy, friendly, and efficiently helpful! They have a cute lounging area which is pretty unique! Great Starbucks with a convenient drive thru to boot! read more

Starbucks - Nice chaise - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

My mom and I made a trip down to San Diego to handle a mini unfortunate event we had and we were headed back to Long Beach, around a 2 and a half hour drive. Starbucks of course is what we needed. My moms card is set up as a credit and debit. We used her card a few times prior to getting Starbucks and chase allows her to use the credit option a few times. We ordered our items and used the rest of our gift card and had to pay the remaining balance. Her card was getting declined. The machine basically runs all cards as credit no pin needing to be entered. We had no other form of payment and not sure who the guys name was but he took care of it for us. Super genuine, all around gorgeous guest experience. I myself manage a Chipotle, and being on the other side really makes the customer feel great! Unbelievable! read more

Great starbucks location! Closest starbucks to fire station 43 the place is always clean and the staff is always very friendly! Alexia goes above and beyond for all her customers. Highly Recommend read more

Good service, however the employees are not up to speed on the various items that you can order off the Starbucks menu. If it isn't on the printed menu, they can't help you. read more

So I went here yesterday and I ordered 3 drinks only 1 of the drinks was made correctly. The other 2 were made incorrectly. They were watery like they had no ice in them. It's like they took all the ingredients mixed it and forgot to add the ice and blend it. I dont know how you mess up a frappuccino. They fixed the drinks but, I wont go to this location again. Now I have a upset stomach from the drink I ordered. read more

This is the worst Starbucks I've ever been to. They consistently get our order wrong and are consistently out of supplies like the drink spill guards. Instead they use a sticker to block the drink hole. The only good thing about this place is that it's a drive-through. Today the girl at the window wouldn't throw away a pack of gum for us--she said it's a health code thing. It was an empty pack of gum! WTF?! Okay, am I reaching? Well one time I gave the girl a $20 and she gave me back incorrect change. She shorted me $5! I had to say something to her. Another time I gave the girl more cash by accident and she almost kept it without giving it a second thought! Shady, terrible Starbucks. Another time I went into the place and the girls behind the counter just kept talked to each other and it took a few minutes for them to ask me if I needed help, or if I was ready to order. WTF STARBUCKS!? Why do I keep going here? It's the only one around in this godforsaken area. I guess they've got people in the 92154 by the balls. They can open 2 Quiznos a few miles from each other here but only 1 Starbucks? I don't get it. Even in Bangkok, Thailand there's a Starbucks on every corner! Go here because it's the only one around, but buyer beware! read more

Passed by this drive through Starbucks a few times. They can be really friendly here. However, their coffee can be hit or miss. I've tried the drive through service at least 3 times and somehow they messed up iced coffee at least 2 of those times. How do you do that? Apparently, if you aren't paying attention and are talking to your homegirl with those little headphone mics about "how your weekend went" and" how hot the guy you saw at the club was" that's how...yeah I was paying attention to your conversation. Kinda hard not to when you're talking about it for the whole world to hear. Other then that, the drive through can be convenient. Also the one time I went in the store to order a coffee, somehow the customers after me and their orders were done before mine. It would have been nice to tell me my order was done too as it sat on the counter without informing me. read more

I know why I'm here, but I never quite know why anybody else is. The staff is competent and remarkably friendly, all things considered. I like the fact that I have a peaceful, pleasant place to work when life takes me out this way, and that I can sit at the high table looking out the window at the beautiful desolate field (and occasional helicopter landing just across the way). read more

This is located on Fwy 905- which I suppose used to be called "Otay Mesa Rd" but I can assure you that this is a freeway- on the way to the Otay Mesa border crossing and on the way to the various federal and state jail/prisons that are located off the 905. This Starbucks has been opened about a year- and it is a pleasant coffee procuring experience in an area that has traditionally been a savage waste land/anonymous warehouse space. Comes replete with a tractor trailor height drive through window! Otherwise- just another Starbucks. read more

Let's start with the staff. This group of people go out of their way to make your day a little better. Always greeting you and asking you about your day or where your headed for the day. You can really get to know this group on a personal level. They are always suggesting and sampling new drinks, I would have always just gotten the same drink every time. Try the Pumpkin spice latte with soy and an extra pump of chai! YUM!! read more

Starbucks - Starbucks on the 905 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California