As many of you will know, I don't go in for the chain coffee stores, and certainly wouldn't look to review them without good reason. However, Starbucks in the IFC Mall has to get a mention.
It is the same Starbucks as the rest of the world, so there is no point in reporting on the food or coffee, but this one in particular benefits from its location.
On the second floor of the IFC Mall, it has a large "outside" (don't forget you are in a mall) area with a long and wide bench table. This is a great place to sit and while away the day. The semi-armchairs are comfortable and your squishy bits will be able to stand them for a good long stint of laptop time. You will also have a great view of both the world going by, and the expat tai-tais interviewing maids. But best of all, you can access the IFC Mall wi-fi there, which is blazing fast, but sometimes a bit patchy.
Words of warning. There are no power points there, so if you need to charge, you will have to go into the store part, which is noisy with chatter and background music. The bench table is solid underneath, as in you can't get your knees under it. The place gets rammed in the morning, at lunchtime, and at around 6pm, so you may be a while getting your coffee. Word of warning, none of the baristas understand the difference between "tall" and "two", so use appropriate finger gestures.
Go for the comfy seats, stay for the wi-fi (and coffees if you have inadvertently ordered two)... read more