DiningBuzz! - Grabbing Java on the road! Starbucks or other?

I love coffee. I must have it in the AM or I'm pretty sluggish. I sometimes grab a cup in the afternoon as well to keep me alive.

Starbucks is a pretty safe bet when traveling. They are pretty much everywhere, and lately, the quality (to me) has been stable. Years ago, I got horrid Lattes at a Starbucks in an Airport. Flavored milk. At another, nothing but grounds. Then they closed for a whole day an "RETRAINED" their Baristas and that seemed to make a difference. Could be just my imagination.

The problem is, I like to explore and support local and micro-brew coffee companies.

I was just on a trip to San Diego and discovered a GREAT place in the Mission Valley area (Near the Double-Tree Hotel) called Intermezzo. It was FABULOUS. I asked the concierge "Coffee shops near here?" and he replied "Starbucks, across in the plaza."
Luckily, I found "Intermezzo" before I found the Starbucks. Best Latte I ever had. Isn't it interesting that "Starbucks" seems to always be blurted out when you ask for a coffee shop. If you asked for a Restaurant, would they say "McDonalds". Of course not. But for coffee? Always seems to be Starbucks. For many coffee is simply a staple commodity like gasoline. One brand is like any other. Not to me.

When I was in London last, I discovered "Cafe Nero" and loved it. Yet saw most "Londoners" in Starbucks. I guess for them it was unique.

Yes, I love Peets coffee when in San Fran, and I enjoy other Micros like Cup O' Joe in Columbus, Ohio (Roasted by Staufs). Speaking of Columbus, "Crimson Cup" is my all time FAVE. I actually order this by UPS and brew it at home. Go figure. From Columbus, Ohio? Not the first place that springs to mind for "coffee".

What do you do when on the road? Just grab a cup at the hotel? Go to Starbucks? Explore the "other" local brews?

I try to stay away from starbucks in general. Their stuff is ok, but at least in my town the good coffee shops charge the same price and deliver twice the quality. I usually make my own coffee at home though and carry it around in a thermos. Espresso is great and all, but at US coffee shop prices it is just not practical.

Tim Hortons is a favorite here in Canada.. and I don't mind Starbucks..

I'm not a coffee drinker.. so I have their other products..

If I’m going to a city I’m unfamiliar with an expect to have time, I’ll search coffeegeek.com or toomuchcoffee.com and see if there’s anything worth checking out in the area.

Or, if I’m going to a city with a coffee scene I’m familiar with, like London, I’ll just head straight there first chance I get! Nothing like Fernandez and Wells or Flat White in London.

Also, my standard route from my house to IAH takes me by Houston’s best cafe, Catalina Coffee (catalinacoffeeshop.com/).

I personally can’t stand the liquid charcoal Starbucks sells as coffee. I’ll drink it if I have to just to get going in the morning, but only then. I carry a hand grinder, collapsible filter cone and immersion boiler with me on trips so I can make a good cup with fresh beans in my hotel.

One of my favs is Pegasus on Bainbridge island, great stuff. I am in western NY, so Tim Hortons and Dunkin Donuts are on every other corner.

If I’m going to a city I’m unfamiliar with an expect to have time, I’ll search coffeegeek.com or toomuchcoffee.com and see if there’s anything worth checking out in the area.

Or, if I’m going to a city with a coffee scene I’m familiar with, like London, I’ll just head straight there first chance I get! Nothing like Fernandez and Wells or Flat White in London.

Also, my standard route from my house to IAH takes me by Houston’s best cafe, Catalina Coffee ("catalinacoffeeshop.com/”).

I personally can’t stand the liquid charcoal Starbucks sells as coffee. I’ll drink it if I have to just to get going in the morning, but only then. I carry a hand grinder, collapsible filter cone and immersion boiler with me on trips so I can make a good cup with fresh beans in my hotel.

Agreed.. Starbucks is more convenience then anything..

Given the choice, I'd go for some specialty Mocha Frappacino place..

Please continue this discussion in the Dining Buzz Forum.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

I don't drink coffee regularly, so I will go where its convenient. (Dunkin, McD's, Sbucks)

When I was in London last, I discovered "Cafe Nero" and loved it. Yet saw most "Londoners" in Starbucks. I guess for them it was unique.

Caffe Nero is easily one of the best nationwide chains in the UK, but Starbucks is hardly unique - we've had loads of them since they took over the Seattle Coffee Company (run be an American expat) in 1998

They quality has vastly improved recently, too - they've started using a darker roast (which is more popular in this part of the world) and much better milk. Plus, you get your coffee in a proper mug!

There's also AMT (very good, but usually just takeaway), Costa (annoyingly inconsistent) and Pret (mostly for sandwiches, but they do excellent coffee too). Smaller chains like Tinderbox do a better job still, but they're harder to find. Even soulless business parks get espresso vans doing the rounds to keep the people working there perked up.

No shortage of independent places around now, though - the days where all you had was a mug of milky tea or Nescafé with a cream cake on a formica table are long gone (although you can still find those places...) Even my little market town has a great, independent coffee place right on the market square.

I don't drink coffee regularly, so I will go where its convenient. (Dunkin, McD's, Sbucks)

Same here. I dont drink coffee that much so I cant really tell "really" good coffee from bad. But I do like taste of Starbucks stuff. (no wonder they are so popular? :D)

I drink iced tea from Starbucks and will frequent Starbucks whenever I travel in North America. Iced tea outside of NA is kind of a crap shoot and usually go with one of the frozen drinks that Starbucks offers outside of NA.

Caffe Nero is easily one of the best nationwide chains in the UK, but Starbucks is hardly unique - we've had loads of them since they took over the Seattle Coffee Company (run be an American expat) in 1998


Thanks for the info. I was amazed how "Busy" Starbucks was compared to Cafe Nero. For me, it was no comparison. Nero was so much better, but to each their own.
Perhaps where I was in London (South Kensington) the locals just prefer Starbucks.
Cheers.

Tim Hortons is a favorite here in Canada.. and I don't mind Starbucks..

I'm not a coffee drinker.. so I have their other products..
I wish I lived closer to a Tim Hortons. :) I've been threatening a 5 hour road trip in each direction just to get to a Tim Hortons.
If I’m going to a city I’m unfamiliar with an expect to have time, I’ll search coffeegeek.com or toomuchcoffee.com and see if there’s anything worth checking out in the area.

Or, if I’m going to a city with a coffee scene I’m familiar with, like London, I’ll just head straight there first chance I get! Nothing like Fernandez and Wells or Flat White in London.

Also, my standard route from my house to IAH takes me by Houston’s best cafe, Catalina Coffee (catalinacoffeeshop.com/).

I personally can’t stand the liquid charcoal Starbucks sells as coffee. I’ll drink it if I have to just to get going in the morning, but only then. I carry a hand grinder, collapsible filter cone and immersion boiler with me on trips so I can make a good cup with fresh beans in my hotel.
Thanks for the websites. :)
One of my favs is Pegasus on Bainbridge island, great stuff. I am in western NY, so Tim Hortons and Dunkin Donuts are on every other corner.
Adopt me? :) I should add that Tim Hortons brings back childhood memories along with yummy coffee and donuts, so some of it is sentimental. :)

Most of my Canadian friends like Tim Hortons.
Most of my American friends do not.
I'm indifferent.
I don't do donuts, so I can't comment on their donut (or Doughnut if you prefer) quality.
Their coffee is on par with McDonalds IMO.

Speaking of that, years ago, Micky D's was the best place to get the bottomless cup of coffee for those that drank cup after cup day after day.
You got a Micky D's cup and coffee in the AM. They used to put out coffee pots on the counter. You refilled at any Micky D's all day long. I never did this, but many of my traveling friends did, and clued me in on that.
No wonder they removed the coffee pots from the counters. ;)

You can do the same thing with Hampton Inn or any middle chain hotel that keeps coffee out all day. Just stop in with your Hampton mug and refill. Assuming there is a Hampton along the way. Most high-end chains do not place coffee out all day.

I wish I lived closer to a Tim Hortons. :) I've been threatening a 5 hour road trip in each direction just to get to a Tim Hortons.

...

Most of my Canadian friends like Tim Hortons.
Most of my American friends do not.
I'm indifferent.
I don't do donuts, so I can't comment on their donut (or Doughnut if you prefer) quality.
Their coffee is on par with McDonalds IMO.

Speaking of that, years ago, Micky D's was the best place to get the bottomless cup of coffee for those that drank cup after cup day after day.
You got a Micky D's cup and coffee in the AM. They used to put out coffee pots on the counter. You refilled at any Micky D's all day long. I never did this, but many of my traveling friends did, and clued me in on that.
No wonder they removed the coffee pots from the counters. ;)

You can do the same thing with Hampton Inn or any middle chain hotel that keeps coffee out all day. Just stop in with your Hampton mug and refill. Assuming there is a Hampton along the way. Most high-end chains do not place coffee out all day.

Tim Hortons in Canada is over the top line ups.. We're talking 15 to 20 minute waits just to get your order in.. and sometimes theres so many vehicles lined up thru the drivethru, vehicles are lined up on the street no kidding!

We are just doing up a Tim Hortons at one of our centers, and the city requires enough drive thru space for 25 vehicles.. yes.. 25 vehicles.. the architect has a double lane merging into a single lane, just to accomodate the volume requirements..:eek:

Starbucks is my always-there, lowest common denominator. There are a lot of little local places in various cities that are really good, but if I don't have a chance to explore, Starbucks will do.

In Buffalo, The Spot.
In Chicago, Intelligentsia or Metropolis.
In San Francisco or anywhere it's present, Peet's.
In Portland, OR, Coffee People.

I haven't found a similar place in NYC - ideas?

Tim Hortons coffee is just hot brown water - like Dunkin Donuts.

edit: Blue Bottle in San Francisco is a league by itself...it's a place for true coffee geeks, with the vacuum-brewed-over-a-halogen-light Japanese thing.

Tim Hortons in Canada is over the top line ups.. We're talking 15 to 20 minute waits just to get your order in.. and sometimes theres so many vehicles lined up thru the drivethru, vehicles are lined up on the street no kidding!

We are just doing up a Tim Hortons at one of our centers, and the city requires enough drive thru space for 25 vehicles.. yes.. 25 vehicles.. the architect has a double lane merging into a single lane, just to accomodate the volume requirements..:eek:

Wow!
Well I work with a Canadian Company and they do love Tim Hortons. I visit one now and then in the US. Good coffee. I sometimes get the soup/Sandwich combos. I always seem to stop at Tim Hortons on the QEW when traveling from Montreal to Toronto. It's all you can find to eat/drink at the rest stops. I think there was some sort of relationship with Wendy's in the States. You seem to have a lot of them in the Midwest where Wendy's is based. I may have to check them out tomorrow. I'm currently in the Midwest on business. YOU have given me some inspiration to try their coffee AGAIN!
:) and maybe a donut? hmmmm... better run an extra mile or two in the morning!

Starbucks is my always-there, lowest common denominator. There are a lot of little local places in various cities that are really good, but if I don't have a chance to explore, Starbucks will do.

In Buffalo, The Spot.
In Chicago, Intelligentsia or Metropolis.
In San Francisco or anywhere it's present, Peet's.
In Portland, OR, Coffee People.

I haven't found a similar place in NYC - ideas?

Tim Hortons coffee is just hot brown water - like Dunkin Donuts.

Thanks for the tips! I'll have to try your reco's in Chicago and Buffalo. I've done Peets and Coffee People.

Have to disagree with Dunkin. Many of us love their coffee. I usually seek them out, but to each their own. I've got friends who think Peets coffee is horrible. I love it.

Starbucks is my always-there, lowest common denominator. There are a lot of little local places in various cities that are really good, but if I don't have a chance to explore, Starbucks will do.

In Buffalo, The Spot.
In Chicago, Intelligentsia or Metropolis.
In San Francisco or anywhere it's present, Peet's.
In Portland, OR, Coffee People.

I haven't found a similar place in NYC - ideas?

Tim Hortons coffee is just hot brown water - like Dunkin Donuts.

I’ve heard good things about RBC.

Wow!
Well I work with a Canadian Company and they do love Tim Hortons. I visit one now and then in the US. Good coffee. I sometimes get the soup/Sandwich combos. I always seem to stop at Tim Hortons on the QEW when traveling from Montreal to Toronto. It's all you can find to eat/drink at the rest stops. I think there was some sort of relationship with Wendy's in the States. You seem to have a lot of them in the Midwest where Wendy's is based. I may have to check them out tomorrow. I'm currently in the Midwest on business. YOU have given me some inspiration to try their coffee AGAIN!
:) and maybe a donut? hmmmm... better run an extra mile or two in the morning!

In the midwest, there is Tim Horton and Wendy's existing in the same building together as well.. They refer to this as TimWends' internally, describing the subject commercial property.

Would have liked to see both properties butted up together, but we're working on just a single location..

Tim Hortons coffee is just hot brown water.

Agreed. I also have not been in (when forced to do so) been in one which didn't smell of stale cooking oil or something similar. The smell alone is enough to turn me off.

Coffee is very subjective. I will stop at Starbucks in North America for Pike Place if nothing else is available, but in general I prefer trying independents or small chains. Some are pretty awful, but every now and then one finds a gem. Many small and middle size cities in the US have some great local options. There are excellent mini chains in the UK as well.

And every so often one finds an outpost of a microchain - the Canadian company Bean Around the World for instance has a location in St Hellier, Channel Islands, for instance which seems to serve even better coffee, soup, and baked goods than the 'home' location.

While I have no problems hitting a Starbucks if there's no other option, I'll typically try to check out something local if at all possible. This is partly due to the fact that my drink of choice (Double macchiato) is fairly difficult to screw up. It can be done (oh can it be done) but for the most part it's usually drinkable. While my list of favourites is short, there are a few that I usually head for:

Poland: Krakow: TriBeCa.
Ireland: Cork: Cafe Depeche.
Canada: Saskatoon: The Two-Twenty or Caffé Sola.

And I'm probably a bad Canadian for saying so (actually, I'm sure I'd be told I'm a bad Canadian for many things) but I can't stand Tim Horton's coffee. It's appalling. Or at least I was put off it forever by the Tims at my old university, which was in the middle of an enclosed tunnel, the smell of which almost made me ill on a daily basis. It was horrifying. Since then, I can't drink Tim's coffee.

No worries.
It's why I started this thread.
Coffee is VERY personal. One taste is not suitable for everyone.
There are many whom say "Peets, Peets, PEETS!" and yes, to me it's good coffee, but BETTER than everyone else? Not to me.

Personally, I love Dunkin, but many here will say it's "Tar-Water!"

That's why I love to explore new coffee shops and taste the nuances.
:p

In the midwest, there is Tim Horton and Wendy's existing in the same building together as well.. They refer to this as TimWends' internally, describing the subject commercial property.

Would have liked to see both properties butted up together, but we're working on just a single location..

TimWend's can be quite a maze during lunch time with the two drive through lanes accessing the same buildings two drive through access lanes.

Tim Hortons in Canada is over the top line ups.. We're talking 15 to 20 minute waits just to get your order in.. and sometimes theres so many vehicles lined up thru the drivethru, vehicles are lined up on the street no kidding!

We are just doing up a Tim Hortons at one of our centers, and the city requires enough drive thru space for 25 vehicles.. yes.. 25 vehicles.. the architect has a double lane merging into a single lane, just to accomodate the volume requirements..:eek:

In GTA area the city's demand varies depending on where your location is on the going to work side or going home side. We have a Drive through only on Woodbine Ave which has two sets of drive through windows and each set is fed by two lanes of about 25 cars. With 100 vehicles on the property there is sometime a lineup onto the street in the morning.

Have you notice that the timbits are now in packs of small medium and large instead of numbers?

Lining up at a Timmy DriveThru is the new national pastime.

No worries.
It's why I started this thread.
Coffee is VERY personal. One taste is not suitable for everyone.
There are many whom say "Peets, Peets, PEETS!" and yes, to me it's good coffee, but BETTER than everyone else? Not to me.

Personally, I love Dunkin, but many here will say it's "Tar-Water!"

That's why I love to explore new coffee shops and taste the nuances.
:p

Thanks for not beating up on us - there are a lot of very rabid supporters of rather mediocre coffee out there!

Long before Starbucks attempted to dominate the world, there was Tchibo (remember, coffee culture was strong outside the US long before it made its way there) Tchibo serves adequate coffee, but I like being able to go to a coffee shop and top up my wifi stick, or purchase some nice new jewelry, or a scarf, or any of the myriad of other products on offer each week. One can even book a holiday there. Coffee has become somewhat secondary in the coffee shops, and I do wonder what percentage of sales at Tchibo are coffee vs 'other'. http://www.tchibo.de/

And I'm probably a bad Canadian for saying so (actually, I'm sure I'd be told I'm a bad Canadian for many things) but I can't stand Tim Horton's coffee. It's appalling. Or at least I was put off it forever by the Tims at my old university, which was in the middle of an enclosed tunnel, the smell of which almost made me ill on a daily basis. It was horrifying. Since then, I can't drink Tim's coffee. See my post directly above yours. I don't know if it was your university, or just the regular stench of Tim Horton's.

TimWend's can be quite a maze during lunch time with the two drive through lanes accessing the same buildings two drive through access lanes.



In GTA area the city's demand varies depending on where your location is on the going to work side or going home side. We have a Drive through only on Woodbine Ave which has two sets of drive through windows and each set is fed by two lanes of about 25 cars. With 100 vehicles on the property there is sometime a lineup onto the street in the morning.

Have you notice that the timbits are now in packs of small medium and large instead of numbers?

Lining up at a Timmy DriveThru is the new national pastime.

Lining up indeed whether in a drive thru or in the store.. is a national pastime..

Great organization to work with.. The leasing agents basically say Tim Hortons is the top of commercial tenant food chain..

I like Tim Hortons, not because of their coffee because I don't drink coffee.. but their smoothie, hot chocolate, baked goods, soup and sandwich selection.. plus I like tenants who pay rent, and create a draw..:D

Lining up indeed whether in a drive thru or in the store.. is a national pastime..

Great organization to work with.. The leasing agents basically say Tim Hortons is the top of commercial tenant food chain..

I like Tim Hortons, not because of their coffee because I don't drink coffee.. but their smoothie, hot chocolate, baked goods, soup and sandwich selection.. plus I like tenants who pay rent, and create a draw..:D

^^
Every landowner with a commercial pad is going after Tim's. They are a better tenant than McD.

For me, it depends if I have a car or not. Also if I'm in a time crunch because I have to get on stage right away to speak...

First, I type "Coffee" in my GPS or Foursquare app, and then see what is around. If I'm say on foot in the Philippines, I'll just walk around the see what's up.

I always like trying cool little coffee shops and help out local owners, especially because I'm a HUGE entrepreneur supporter, but man, let me tell you...
Some mom and pop's coffee shop's coffee is Terrible!!!!

Yelp is also another app I use for good reviews.

Hey, when in doubt - just order Tea!

^^
Every landowner with a commercial pad is going after Tim's. They are a better tenant than McD.

We don't have a McD's yet..

But we've got Starbucks, Subway, AMA, 7-Eleven, Shell and a bunch of other nationals.. Total 69 tenants.. We are working at another deal that will bring us up to 85 tenants.. both national and independents..

See my post directly above yours. I don't know if it was your university, or just the regular stench of Tim Horton's.

I suspect it was a bit of each. Tims is far from a "nice smelling coffee" but their location on campus just magnified it. Then add in the usual lineup of twenty or so smelly undergrads (not that undergrads are all smelly, just some of them) and rez kids and it's a recipe for revisiting breakfast.

7-11. Multiple flavors brewed fresh all morning, flavored/regular creamers, sweetners, extra flavoring shots, and hot chocolate and other stuff out of a machine. About $1.50 for a 24 ounce.

In general I have never been a big fan of Starbucks although I would likely go there if I didn't know of any other place in the area and Starbucks was close by.

To some degree, Tokyo is an exception. I like a lot of the small old school coffee shops in Tokyo and even Pronto or Dotour do a decent espresso but it's often the thick haze of cigarette smoke from the entrenched salarymen that spurn me on to a "staa-baa" when there. Plus it's interesting to see how the Japanese put their spin on such an American franchise.

In the San Francisco area, I'll seek out Philz or Peet's over Starbucks. In SF proper there are lots of great small places like the aforementioned Blue Bottle.

In SEA I'd take Starbucks over Gloria Jean's as GJ coffee just seems too watered down for my tastes. In fact the search for a decent cup made me take some detours to visit some unique and interesting places like Coffee Lane in Penang or Typica Cafe in Kuala Lumpur.

In Melbourne I avoided Starbucks altogether and tried several of the small shops such as Brother Baba Budan, Switchboard Cafe, etc.

99% of the time, I just want a plain old black coffee - if I see something local, I'll try there first, but will be fine with Starbucks in a pinch.

What is often shocking to me, though, is how expensive all the fancy drinks are at Starbucks AND how many people are ordering them!

7-11. Multiple flavors brewed fresh all morning, flavored/regular creamers, sweetners, extra flavoring shots, and hot chocolate and other stuff out of a machine. About $1.50 for a 24 ounce.

Hard pressed to find a 7-Eleven and a coffee shop in the same mall..

Most of their leases carry exclusivity clauses that prevent local coffee shops setting up.. This is to protect their coffee sales..

I'm not picky. Any strong cup of coffee will do. Starbucks, Peet's - they're all the same.

Sorry, Dunky's, 7-11, McD's, Tim H's: weak, bitter, over-extracted coffee is nasty.

Agree with the comments about Starbucks Japan. Not sure if it was just the novelty of it, but I found the quality really good, particularly the milk used (which made the milky drinks better than Doutor et al). They were also always (as you'd expect for Japan) absolutely spotless, as much a reflection on the customers as the staff.

I've also, out of curiosity, looked in on a Starbucks in Paris. Must be a real moneyspinner - I would guess about 80-90% of people in there were drinking the lardier forms of Frappucino, and the basic ones started at €5 a pop!

Agree with the comments about Starbucks Japan. Not sure if it was just the novelty of it, but I found the quality really good, particularly the milk used (which made the milky drinks better than Doutor et al). They were also always (as you'd expect for Japan) absolutely spotless, as much a reflection on the customers as the staff.

I've also, out of curiosity, looked in on a Starbucks in Paris. Must be a real moneyspinner - I would guess about 80-90% of people in there were drinking the lardier forms of Frappucino, and the basic ones started at €5 a pop!

I have not had Starbucks in Japan, but did have brewed coffee a few times in China (not by my choice) and found it tasted odd. May be the water, or more likely just the taste of Starbucks coffee is not my taste.

I once out of desperation had to enter a Starbucks in Germany and found many confused people. The coffee culture doesn't adapt well to the grab and go aspect of Starbucks. (Coffee to go is still somewhat rare, perhaps due to the environmental aspect, perhaps due to the already existing culture around coffee shops and 'stand cafes') People were looking for seating, or standing tables, and seemed overwhelmed by the choices.

I have not had Starbucks in Japan, but did have brewed coffee a few times in China (not by my choice) and found it tasted odd. May be the water, or more likely just the taste of Starbucks coffee is not my taste.

I did find a different taste in Japan as well - these are countries very used to the flavour of green tea (in just about everything in the case of Japan) and the coffee does have a flavour with it that I would describe as 'compatible' if not completely reminiscent.

Similarly, in the UK, you'll find a much darker roast used for espresso-based drinks than in the US. Not nearly as dark as the likes of Pret and Caffe Nero, mind.

I once out of desperation had to enter a Starbucks in Germany and found many confused people. The coffee culture doesn't adapt well to the grab and go aspect of Starbucks. (Coffee to go is still somewhat rare, perhaps due to the environmental aspect, perhaps due to the already existing culture around coffee shops and 'stand cafes') People were looking for seating, or standing tables, and seemed overwhelmed by the choices.

I noticed that the Starbucks I passed in Frankfurt were pretty much configured as 'stand cafes'. Certainly, most of the branches I know in the UK are at least as much set up for drinking in as taking away. And you'd get all sorts of grumbling if you attempted to serve someone drinking in with a paper cup!

Personally, I don't think they're terrible. I don't think they're outstanding either, but there are many places where "not terrible" is the best option you can get!

Personally, I don't think [Starbucks is] terrible. I don't think they're outstanding either, but there are many places where "not terrible" is the best option you can get!

This is pretty much my exact opinion. Starbucks is not fantastic, nor even very good. But it's certainly not bad. I'd say that it's on the good side of mediocre. But the advantage is that it's pretty much universally on the good side of mediocre, no matter where you are. So that's a pretty strong selling point when you've got limited time and no experience with local chains.

I noticed that the Starbucks I passed in Frankfurt were pretty much configured as 'stand cafes'. Certainly, most of the branches I know in the UK are at least as much set up for drinking in as taking away. And you'd get all sorts of grumbling if you attempted to serve someone drinking in with a paper cup!

Personally, I don't think they're terrible. I don't think they're outstanding either, but there are many places where "not terrible" is the best option you can get!

I agree - I'll take Starbucks over Tim Horton's for instance any day. If my choice however is Tim Horton's or no coffee, it would be 'no coffee'.

McCafe is starting to appear on some Autobahn reststops. I ended up at one on the way to Holland a few weeks ago and it was surprisingly good (the only other one I have been to is near the McDonald's campus in the US) And it was served in a china cup with a Bahlsen cookie on the site.

How much has the concept of charging more for 'to go' caught on in the US (if at all?) It is common in western Europe, and the Bean Around the World microchain in St Hellier and Canada also charges this way.

I agree - I'll take Starbucks over Tim Horton's for instance any day. If my choice however is Tim Horton's or no coffee, it would be 'no coffee'.

McCafe is starting to appear on some Autobahn reststops. I ended up at one on the way to Holland a few weeks ago and it was surprisingly good (the only other one I have been to is near the McDonald's campus in the US) And it was served in a china cup with a Bahlsen cookie on the site.

How much has the concept of charging more for 'to go' caught on in the US (if at all?) It is common in western Europe, and the Bean Around the World microchain in St Hellier and Canada also charges this way.

McCafe just started appearing in Canada this year IIRC..

Tim Horton's is popular, because the coffee is quite affordable.. just around a couple bucks cdn for an extra large coffee.. To alot of Canadians, its quite good..

Glad to hear Starbucks is a bit different depending on the region.. Gives it a bit of novelty..

I'm from the UK. When I'm travelling within the UK I'll go to Starbucks / Costa / Cafe Nero or Madisons depending on whatever happens to be nearby. Madisons is my favourite but the local branches shut down a few months ago, sadly.

If I'm at home, I don't bother with chain coffee shops too much - I'll usually nip in to JD Wetherspoon (a chain pub) and have a filter coffee there. It's half the price of a similar coffee at a proper coffee shop, and they use the same brand of beans that I do at home, so I know I'll like it :)

When I'm abroad, I'll do a Starbucks on the first day (too tired to try to navigate anything unfamiliar), but for the rest of the time I'll look for independant places that look like they get a lot of local traffic. I've found some nice places by doing that, but had a few bad experiences too.

Surely ... you jest! Peet's isn't anything like Starsucks :rolleyes:

I'm not picky. Any strong cup of coffee will do. Starbucks, Peet's - they're all the same.

Sorry, Dunky's, 7-11, McD's, Tim H's: weak, bitter, over-extracted coffee is nasty.

To answer your request for NYC spots, here's just a few:

Abraco http://abraconyc.com/#home

The Roasting Plant (where the beans travel through pneumatic tubes & then are roasted for each cup) http://www.roastingplant.com/

Joe http://www.joetheartofcoffee.com/

Cafe Grumpy http://www.cafegrumpy.com/

Ninth Street Espresso http://www.ninthstreetespresso.com/Ninth_Street_Espresso/Locations.html

and for those that like other city's favorite shops NYC also has:

Blue Bottle (Brooklyn & http://www.bluebottlecoffee.net/locations/summer-in-new-york/)

Stumptown http://www.stumptowncoffee.com/locations/nyc-ace

Aroma https://aroma.us/locations.php


and my fave which is actually in Tucson AZ.... Raging Sage http://www.ragingsage.com/



Starbucks is my always-there, lowest common denominator. There are a lot of little local places in various cities that are really good, but if I don't have a chance to explore, Starbucks will do.

In Buffalo, The Spot.
In Chicago, Intelligentsia or Metropolis.
In San Francisco or anywhere it's present, Peet's.
In Portland, OR, Coffee People.

I haven't found a similar place in NYC - ideas?

Tim Hortons coffee is just hot brown water - like Dunkin Donuts.

edit: Blue Bottle in San Francisco is a league by itself...it's a place for true coffee geeks, with the vacuum-brewed-over-a-halogen-light Japanese thing.

Surely ... you jest! Peet's isn't anything like Starsucks :rolleyes:Are you saying Peet's is more like McDonalds or 7-Eleven coffee?

Are you saying Peet's is more like McDonalds or 7-Eleven coffee?

7-Eleven is against Tim Horton's generally, from a corporate standpoint..

Hard to think that both would compete against one another.. Since 7-Eleven sells Tim Horton donuts..

God, I miss Dunkin Donuts. Born and raised in Boston and Dunkies are few and far between here in XNA. Looks like they're coming in a year or so, but even regionally, they're just no the same.

God, I miss Dunkin Donuts. Born and raised in Boston and Dunkies are few and far between here in XNA. Looks like they're coming in a year or so, but even regionally, they're just no the same.

I miss Dunkin Donuts and Country Style Donuts..

loved Peaberry Coffee in Colorado until they closed their doors. :( They still operate online though.

I see Timothy's Coffee around quite a bit.. and Waves Coffee as well..

How do you guys rank these coffees compared to Starbucks?

In DE, PA, NJ, MD and VA it's Wawa for me.


http://www.wawa.com/WawaWeb/Coffee.aspx


http://blogs.delawareonline.com/secondhelpings/files/2010/09/wawa.jpg

For me, it depends on my mood and how much attention I want to spend on enjoying my drink. Dunkin Donuts is my everyday brewed coffee. Their coffee is consistent, predictable, plentyful and they have lots of locations with drive-throughs. The flavor is distinctive and I like it, but it's not distracting. I choose it when I want something hot but want to keep my mind on other things -- driving, attending meetings/phone calls, reading/writing for work, keeping deadlines...

If I have the luxury of time to focus on the coffee, I'll go out of my way to get Starbuck's or better. Something strong and bold which will call my attention at each sip.

I see Timothy's Coffee around quite a bit.. and Waves Coffee as well..

How do you guys rank these coffees compared to Starbucks?

Well, Starbucks is crap (other than Pike Place roast) and their espresso drinks are weak, so it doesn't take much to be above them. Having said that, Waves is very inconsistent in terms of product and service, but their espresso beverages are at least a better strength than Starbucks. When their product and service is good, it is very good.

I would rather support them than Starbucks, and take my chances on the food product being hit or miss or out of stock. I put them slightly behind Bean Around the World (which also suffers from inconsistency from store to store) I haven't been in a Timothy's in over a decade I suspect but it was pretty awful when I was forced to drink there or nowhere in past.

Frankly, most North American coffee chains with few exceptions are nothing great, and there is a lot of really awful coffee around too (I put 7-11, Tim Horton's etc in that category)

But then again, this is all subjective and I have read many people hating the coffee drinks served in other parts of the world.

And I still mourn the loss of Sin in Winston Salem.

Well, Starbucks is crap (other than Pike Place roast) and their espresso drinks are weak, so it doesn't take much to be above them. Having said that, Waves is very inconsistent in terms of product and service, but their espresso beverages are at least a better strength than Starbucks. When their product and service is good, it is very good.

I would rather support them than Starbucks, and take my chances on the food product being hit or miss or out of stock. I put them slightly behind Bean Around the World (which also suffers from inconsistency from store to store) I haven't been in a Timothy's in over a decade I suspect but it was pretty awful when I was forced to drink there or nowhere in past.

Frankly, most North American coffee chains with few exceptions are nothing great, and there is a lot of really awful coffee around too (I put 7-11, Tim Horton's etc in that category)

But then again, this is all subjective and I have read many people hating the coffee drinks served in other parts of the world.

And I still mourn the loss of Sin in Winston Salem.

Sounds like chain coffee doesn't suit your fancy? Is that pretty much your norm..

If you had to pick a chain which is best, which one would you pick?

Sounds like chain coffee doesn't suit your fancy? Is that pretty much your norm..

If you had to pick a chain which is best, which one would you pick?

It is a matter of taste, as many posters have already stated. Many North American chains serve very weak espresso drinks, or even worse to me flavoured coffees, which don't appeal to tastebuds used to something else.

Tchibo had been serving decent coffee and espresso drinks long before it became popular in North America, but I would put Illy well above them for a chain. For UK chains already mentioned are Pret (not the US version however), Costa, and I will add Apostrophe. There are many chains I enjoy, but very few North American ones I like. Hence I tend to see out micro-chains or independents in North America, as they often serve stronger espresso drinks and better quality coffee.

I'm adding Edinburgh's Chocolate Soup to my list as well - somewhat inconsistent in service but when they are good, they are very good. And the location gives them extra points (albeit it by yet another Starbucks)

And edited again to add Julius Meinl which counts as a decent chain.

To answer your request for NYC spots, here's just a few:

Thanks! Sadly nothing in the UES wasteland where I live. :(

Are you saying Peet's is more like McDonalds or 7-Eleven coffee?

Sacrilege!

To answer your request for NYC spots, here's just a few:
...


I like Connecticut Muffin http://www.connecticutmuffin.com/location.php for Brooklyn.

Their Montague St location is in Brooklyn Heights, not too far from the courts.

I'm not a coffee drinker...

The US is certainly the place for you then, young man, because that's a beverage that you won't find there :D

Blue bottle! :)

The US is certainly the place for you then, young man, because that's a beverage that you won't find there :D

Had a double chocolate chip frappe at a Starbucks located in a new but rather surprisingly unsanitary Safeway yesterday..

Do Starbucks filter their water, had a bit of sore throat yesterday for a couple of hours after the afternoon drink?..

Not much of a coffee drinker but I used to like Starbucks mocha frapps before they changed the recipe. I really love the frozen blended mochas from Einstein Bagels the only problem is they don't have any in Hawaii so I have to do a 7200 MR to enjoy them.

Do Starbucks filter their water, had a bit of sore throat yesterday for a couple of hours after the afternoon drink?..

Yes, In the US at least, every Starbucks has a reverse-osmosis water purifier. I know this because I've installed a couple and talked to Starbucks reps about it, not because I drink coffee. Never ever touch the stuff.

Yes, In the US at least, every Starbucks has a reverse-osmosis water purifier. I know this because I've installed a couple and talked to Starbucks reps about it, not because I drink coffee. Never ever touch the stuff.

Good to know.. the reverse osmosis is the best water purifiers imo.. but for every litre that it makes, there is a litre, two or three wasted and down the drain, unless recycled.. so fairly inefficient, but good to know that Starbucks uses RO..^

Had a double chocolate chip frappe at a Starbucks located in a new but rather surprisingly unsanitary Safeway yesterday..

Do Starbucks filter their water, had a bit of sore throat yesterday for a couple of hours after the afternoon drink?..

I would expect that their beverages would be safe to drink - and that's probably the kindest thing that I could say about them!

Definitely "other". I'm not a Starbucks fan.

Had a double chocolate chip frappe at a Starbucks located in a new but rather surprisingly unsanitary Safeway yesterday..

Do Starbucks filter their water, had a bit of sore throat yesterday for a couple of hours after the afternoon drink?..

I do not know for sure but the submitted to landlord for approval mechanical drawings in 2 Toronto locations show an industrial RO triple filter system.

Maybe the smaller Safeway internal location has different water treatment procedure/standard.

Do Starbucks filter their water, had a bit of sore throat yesterday for a couple of hours after the afternoon drink?..

It is likely it was the Water, Sugar, Natural Flavours, Salt, Carrageenan (E407), Xanthan Gun (E415), Maltodextrin, Preservative: Potassium Sorbate (E202), Citric Acid (E330), Sucralose (E955), Colour: Caramel (E150d, E150b). Or the whip, or the syrup, or the fact that it was a double (whatever that is).

Or more likely these Starbucks 'employees' are now working in your store in Canada. :D http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110424/bc_starbucks_rodent_110424/20110424?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

I do not know for sure but the submitted to landlord for approval mechanical drawings in 2 Toronto locations show an industrial RO triple filter system.

Maybe the smaller Safeway internal location has different water treatment procedure/standard.

It is likely it was the Water, Sugar, Natural Flavours, Salt, Carrageenan (E407), Xanthan Gun (E415), Maltodextrin, Preservative: Potassium Sorbate (E202), Citric Acid (E330), Sucralose (E955), Colour: Caramel (E150d, E150b). Or the whip, or the syrup, or the fact that it was a double (whatever that is).

Or more likely these Starbucks 'employees' are now working in your store in Canada. :D http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110424/bc_starbucks_rodent_110424/20110424?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

Thanks, will need to look at the lease drawings in my file to make sure its safe to drink.. especially after exbayern's listed ingredient disclosure.. ouch..:D

Thanks, will need to look at the lease drawings in my file to make sure its safe to drink.. especially after exbayern's listed ingredient disclosure.. ouch..:D

That was listed as the Canadian ingredients; typically for many foods the American product gets some extra 'special' items (see Maggi, Knorr, Nutella as examples) :)

And don't worry, your 'coffee' drink only had 520 calories and 350mg of sodium, 23g of fat. When you are in Manhattan make certain to take note of some of the calorie counts (mandatory that they are listed) as they may surprise you. The rice krispie square is actually one of the lowest calorie menu items, for instance.

I do not know for sure but the submitted to landlord for approval mechanical drawings in 2 Toronto locations show an industrial RO triple filter system.

Maybe the smaller Safeway internal location has different water treatment procedure/standard.

That was listed as the Canadian ingredients; typically for many foods the American product gets some extra 'special' items (see Maggi, Knorr, Nutella as examples) :)

And don't worry, your 'coffee' drink only had 520 calories and 350mg of sodium, 23g of fat. When you are in Manhattan make certain to take note of some of the calorie counts (mandatory that they are listed) as they may surprise you. The rice krispie square is actually one of the lowest calorie menu items, for instance.

I eyed up the rice crispie square last time out.. seems like they iced the top of it pretty good..

Wouldn't surprise me if the rice crispy square calorie count is sky high.:)

I eyed up the rice crispie square last time out.. seems like they iced the top of it pretty good..

Wouldn't surprise me if the rice crispy square calorie count is sky high.:)

There is no icing on it. And that is exactly what I mean - at 210 calories it is virtually the lowest calorie item on the bakery menu, even lower than the things people think are 'healthy'. Most are well over 400 calories. One of those drinks, and one baked item, can easily top 1,000 calories, just like most junk food/fast food meals.

There is no icing on it. And that is exactly what I mean - at 210 calories it is virtually the lowest calorie item on the bakery menu, even lower than the things people think are 'healthy'. Most are well over 400 calories. One of those drinks, and one baked item, can easily top 1,000 calories, just like most junk food/fast food meals.

Ok.. whats the stuff that was topping the rice crispy square with squiggly white wave on it?:-:

Ok.. whats the stuff that was topping the rice crispy square with squiggly white wave on it?:-:

Most likely marshmallow - the same thing which binds the square together.

The icing on lemon pound cake does vary; in the US it still tends to be the heavier white icing while Canadian locations seem to have a lesser icing now (although I don't know if it is any healther)

It is likely it was the Water, Sugar, Natural Flavours, Salt, Carrageenan (E407), Xanthan Gun (E415), Maltodextrin, Preservative: Potassium Sorbate (E202), Citric Acid (E330), Sucralose (E955), Colour: Caramel (E150d, E150b). Or the whip, or the syrup, or the fact that it was a double (whatever that is).

This made me chuckle, I'd just read a post from an American in another thread who lived in Australia for two years and couldn't find a decent cup of coffee in that time. I guess those were the crucial ingredients that were missing...

Or more likely these Starbucks 'employees' are now working in your store in Canada. :D http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110424/bc_starbucks_rodent_110424/20110424?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

Problem when you pay minimum wage...

I find it a bit odd that no one has mentioned Brazilian coffee as a favorite. Every coffee drinker I know except one, who has tried the small strong cups of coffee in Brazil (cafezinho), has said it's the best they've ever had.

This has been a really great thread. Thanks guys and gals.

Well, we have determined that coffee sure is a personal taste! ;)

With all the talk about Tim Horton's, I spent some time actually sitting in a few of their "Remodeled" locations. Some have fireplaces and "comfy" chairs by the fire - with a large screen LCD television mounted above the fireplace. I'd never seen that before. Must be a new look. To me, their coffee was fine. Actually a bit strong. I ordered "Extra Skim" in mine to tone it down. Did the trick.

When I lived in the Northeast, you couldn't swing an empty coffee cup and not hit a Dunkin Donuts. They had a huge following, and I was one of them.

I do spend a fair amount of time in Canada, so I'm becoming more prone to stopping into a Tim Horton's for lunch. And I grab a coffee there. In the US, they all seem to have a huge issue with customer service. The drive through lines are SO BUSY, you sometimes stand at the counter for 5 minutes before getting service.

When I was in Germany many moons ago, I discovered Jabobs Kronung. I have a box or two at home for weekends. That's great stuff IMO. Again, coffee is so personal. I've got friends that SWEAR by MAXWELL HOUSE and you can't convince them that there is anything better!

Jacobs is 'Germany's most loved coffee'. It is a solid prodoct both for home and commericial use, and in fact the facility in Neukölln (Berlin neighbourhood normally more well known for social issues and poverty) is the largest which Kraft owns. (Yes, yet another product of globalisation) :(

http://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/jacobs-deutschlands-beliebtester-kaffee-kommt-aus-neukoelln-seite-2/5607522-2.html

Tchibo has become rather variable (or my tastebuds have changed) for home use. Their commercial product is still fine, but they have developed and reformulated some of their product lines for new markets over the years. The yellow package popular in central and eastern Europe for instance I find tastes rather stale, and a recent new product flat and bitter.

Question for you OP about Tim Hortons:

1) Do they also have chinaware for their non 'to go' orders? If as you say they are developing a concept with fireplaces, etc I would think that it would encourage use of non-paper product. Starbucks used to offer this up but I find it more difficult nowadays (in Germany the reverse is true; often getting coffee 'to go' is a novelty)

2) Do they charge less for 'to go' vs 'for here'? In parts of Europe and even in some of the micro-chains I have tried in Canada there is a price reduction for not taking a paper cup. In France as well as some other areas it is the reverse - 'to go' may cost less than taking a seat and staying.

3) What is that smell?! A few posters have mentioned the smell of Tim Hortons, and not in a positive way. This week I actually got out of a car, was hit with an unpleasant smell, and looked up to find myself outside a Tim Hortons. In airports I have to give them a wide berth. The usual smell to me is stale cooking oil combined with cheap roasted coffee, but sometimes it smells like they are disposing of their (overused) oil. I'm genuinely curious, because I notice an unpleasant odour around Kamps, the cheap bakery chain which is taking over much of Germany and destroying the quality of baked goods. Kamps smells very different, but still has an odour I associate with poor quality ingredients and/or lack of cleanliness. The Tim Hortons odour is very different, but I still find it extremely unpleasant.

Jacobs is 'Germany's most loved coffee'. It is a solid prodoct both for home and commericial use, and in fact the facility in Neukölln (Berlin neighbourhood normally more well known for social issues and poverty) is the largest which Kraft owns. (Yes, yet another product of globalisation) :(

http://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/jacobs-deutschlands-beliebtester-kaffee-kommt-aus-neukoelln-seite-2/5607522-2.html

Tchibo has become rather variable (or my tastebuds have changed) for home use. Their commercial product is still fine, but they have developed and reformulated some of their product lines for new markets over the years. The yellow package popular in central and eastern Europe for instance I find tastes rather stale, and a recent new product flat and bitter.

Question for you OP about Tim Hortons:

1) Do they also have chinaware for their non 'to go' orders? If as you say they are developing a concept with fireplaces, etc I would think that it would encourage use of non-paper product. Starbucks used to offer this up but I find it more difficult nowadays (in Germany the reverse is true; often getting coffee 'to go' is a novelty)

2) Do they charge less for 'to go' vs 'for here'? In parts of Europe and even in some of the micro-chains I have tried in Canada there is a price reduction for not taking a paper cup. In France as well as some other areas it is the reverse - 'to go' may cost less than taking a seat and staying.

3) What is that smell?! A few posters have mentioned the smell of Tim Hortons, and not in a positive way. This week I actually got out of a car, was hit with an unpleasant smell, and looked up to find myself outside a Tim Hortons. In airports I have to give them a wide berth. The usual smell to me is stale cooking oil combined with cheap roasted coffee, but sometimes it smells like they are disposing of their (overused) oil. I'm genuinely curious, because I notice an unpleasant odour around Kamps, the cheap bakery chain which is taking over much of Germany and destroying the quality of baked goods. Kamps smells very different, but still has an odour I associate with poor quality ingredients and/or lack of cleanliness. The Tim Hortons odour is very different, but I still find it extremely unpleasant.

Timmy has china mugs in standard size, not the surpesized. You can ask for your coffee to be served that way. Same with SB, at least around the GTA area.

If you bring in your own refillable mug then it is $0.10 off. They rinse the mug out before adding new coffee. Someone tried it with a used Timmy paper cup and was told they do not refill used paper cups.

Aroma: I believe that is part of the reworking of the baked goods workflow where instead of making them with shipped in dough inhouse the goods are semi-baked and frozen. Just a reheat from frozen state to serving. I find that any oil that has been frozen in food and reheated in high heat commercial ovens give off that smell.

I agree on Jacobs. I used to favor their company when they were Jacobs Suchard, before the Kraft takeover. Globalization indeed! But I truly do like Jacobs Kronung. Just had a cup a few hours ago. Very smooth, flavorful, and a decent "kick" without wiring me through the roof. I used to enjoy Tobler, Milka, C'ote D'or, and other Jacobs Suchard treats when I visited Europe. Many stores in Canada have C'ote D'or. One of my favorite dark Belgium Chocolates.

Horton's. Hmmm. I really can't recall any china or flatware (silverware). I think it was plastic still, but I may be wrong. I just did not pay attention when I was in their recent "UPSCALE" restaurant.

The smell you describe. To me, it's frying donuts. I don't eat that stuff... well, 99 percent of the time. Once in a blue moon I'll have a donut, but it's a VERY rare treat. I try and stay healthy. In the US there are many Wendy's and Horton's in one building, so you have fryers going big time.

Their coffee, to me, is decent. I like it. It's actually a bit too strong. But perhaps that's the way the T.H. establishments I've been in have brewed it. Although you'd think it would be standardized.

When I'm cruising the QEW in Ontario, I frequently stop at the rest areas and enjoy some Horton's brew.

The smell you describe. To me, it's frying donuts. I don't eat that stuff... well, 99 percent of the time. Once in a blue moon I'll have a donut, but it's a VERY rare treat. I try and stay healthy. In the US there are many Wendy's and Horton's in one building, so you have fryers going big time.

These weren't Wendy's/Tim Hortons, they were TH standalone ones, so can't blame Wendy for the smell. :D

I avoid doughnuts in North America; never understood the craze for Tim Hortons, Dunkin' Donuts, or Krispy Kreme. I suppose that it is taste and what people are used to.

Re doughnuts, I mentioned Kamps upthread. I blame them (and the other bakery chain Müller) for the rapid decline in Krapfen ('Berliner', the yeast jam filled doughnut found in central Europe). It is almost impossible these days to find a real Krapfen, with that distinctive yeasty taste, texture, and with plum butter inside and granulated sugar on top of a deep brown crust. These days they are flat, light golden, with 'apricot' filling ie some sort of lightish sugary liquid, and topped with powder sugar. Even my old standby in Salzburg has moved away from the original. This change started around 1989 and has spread rapidly with globalisation and the disappearance of independent bakers.

The best 'chain' version I have found is actually the French chain, Paul. They are pretty consistent around the world, with the exception of the US and Chinese locations (and in fact the Chinese ones closed). The UK stores have a very limited selection, too.

Paul has decent coffee, as well, and I don't mind them as an option.

I'm not usually near one in India, but this is a good standby as well: http://www.cafecoffeeday.com/

Sadly, globalisation has brought poor eating habits, obesity, and diabetes to the wealthy in India, and this chain is now very popular: http://www.madoverdonuts.com/

Good comments! Agreed on "Paul"! I had forgotten about them. Thanks.
Ad I appreciate the links.
You guys are great.

Oh, and I still think the Horton's smell, especially to those of us that don't do doughnuts is the doughnut FRYERS and that grease bilking up the air. Can't think what else it could be.

Just wanted to revisit something.

How about "Specialty Coffee" shops like Cafe Du Monde?

I have a can of this in my freezer. To me, that's a really funky taste, that is best left to visits to their restaurant in New Orleans munching on Beignets. I only can drink this there, or when I'm having some cake or sweets, which I really don't do very often. The heavy smokey Chicory taste needs to be cut (IMO) by something sweet.

I'm wondering if anyone has a really "special" coffee they will go out of their way to get? The trend so far is coffee shops that have "standard" coffee.

I'm wondering if anyone has a really "special" coffee they will go out of their way to get? The trend so far is coffee shops that have "standard" coffee.

The Amway hotel in GRR has a Julius Meinl coffee shop, oddly enough. It is a Viennese company, but there are a lot of Germans travelling to GRR, so I assumed that is why it is there?

I wasn't staying there, but I did buy a few packets to take with me.

Just wanted to revisit something.

How about "Specialty Coffee" shops like Cafe Du Monde?

I have a can of this in my freezer. To me, that's a really funky taste, that is best left to visits to their restaurant in New Orleans munching on Beignets. I only can drink this there, or when I'm having some cake or sweets, which I really don't do very often. The heavy smokey Chicory taste needs to be cut (IMO) by something sweet.

I'm wondering if anyone has a really "special" coffee they will go out of their way to get? The trend so far is coffee shops that have "standard" coffee.

Coffee at Cafe du Monde at the French Market is wonderful. Years ago there was an outpost at Underground Atlanta, not as wonderful.

There are several coffees worth seeking out--Jamaican Blue Mountain, Kona, Sumatra Mandheling are amazing. Others will have favorites.

The link here is a quick read. Please look at the Nota Bene which explains a lot. I don't find that freezing or refrigerating is a friend to coffee. But then I think most people, my DH included, drink stale coffee. And yes, I'm a tea snob, too. :p

http://www.martinezfinecoffees.com/coffee-information/coffee-information-martinez-fine-coffee.html

This has been a really great thread. Thanks guys and gals.

Well, we have determined that coffee sure is a personal taste! ;)

With all the talk about Tim Horton's, I spent some time actually sitting in a few of their "Remodeled" locations. Some have fireplaces and "comfy" chairs by the fire - with a large screen LCD television mounted above the fireplace. I'd never seen that before. Must be a new look. To me, their coffee was fine. Actually a bit strong. I ordered "Extra Skim" in mine to tone it down. Did the trick.

When I lived in the Northeast, you couldn't swing an empty coffee cup and not hit a Dunkin Donuts. They had a huge following, and I was one of them.

I do spend a fair amount of time in Canada, so I'm becoming more prone to stopping into a Tim Horton's for lunch. And I grab a coffee there. In the US, they all seem to have a huge issue with customer service. The drive through lines are SO BUSY, you sometimes stand at the counter for 5 minutes before getting service.

When I was in Germany many moons ago, I discovered Jabobs Kronung. I have a box or two at home for weekends. That's great stuff IMO. Again, coffee is so personal. I've got friends that SWEAR by MAXWELL HOUSE and you can't convince them that there is anything better!

Everyone needs to remember.. Tim Horton's isn't just coffee.. Its donuts, muffins, pastries, sandwiches, soups, etc.. My draw there isn't coffee.. its the latter..

Everyone needs to remember.. Tim Horton's isn't just coffee.. Its donuts, muffins, pastries, sandwiches, soups, etc.. My draw there isn't coffee.. its the latter..

We hear you, Maestro. I really have been enjoying their food. Soup and sandwich combos are great, IMO. Even tried a doughnut or two. All good! But as a coffee drinker, I've truly been slurping a bunch of their coffee too. To my taste, it's fine. Not gourmet, but nice drinking everyday wake-me-up coffee.

We hear you, Maestro. I really have been enjoying their food. Soup and sandwich combos are great, IMO.

Just be careful if you are concerned about nutrition or eat there on a regular basis, because their sodium content is actually higher than many 'typical' fast food places (and of course the reason why so many like the doughnuts is that doughnuts are mostly the two delicious things - fat and sugar :D )

It's like Panera Bread; I know a lot of people think that going there instead of McDonalds for instance is a 'healthy' switch, but if you look at their nutrition listings it is pretty shocking.

AM, I know that you said a few times now that you are trying to eat healthier foods, so you may want to look up their nutrition charts. One sandwich (just the sandwich, not including the soup) can be more than your daily allowance of sodium, FYI.

And then there is that rumour that the whole reason WHY Tim Hortons has so many people addicted to their coffee is that they add salt to the beans (or the brew). :eek: Salt has traditionally been used to cut the bitterness of some coffee.

Coffee at Cafe du Monde at the French Market is wonderful. Years ago there was an outpost at Underground Atlanta, not as wonderful.

There are several coffees worth seeking out--Jamaican Blue Mountain, Kona, Sumatra Mandheling are amazing. Others will have favorites.

The link here is a quick read. Please look at the Nota Bene which explains a lot. I don't find that freezing or refrigerating is a friend to coffee. But then I think most people, my DH included, drink stale coffee. And yes, I'm a tea snob, too. :p

http://www.martinezfinecoffees.com/coffee-information/coffee-information-martinez-fine-coffee.html

That's interesting, Orchids. Also, I have been "freezing" coffee at home for years. I used to do whole bean and grind it just before brewing. I've become lazy, or cheap, or both, and now just buy ground coffee. But I still freeze it. I'm wondering if that's helping or hurting?

Thanks for the link.

How about "Specialty Coffee" shops like Cafe Du Monde?

I have a can of this in my freezer. To me, that's a really funky taste, that is best left to visits to their restaurant in New Orleans munching on Beignets. I only can drink this there, or when I'm having some cake or sweets, which I really don't do very often. The heavy smokey Chicory taste needs to be cut (IMO) by something sweet.

I feel the same way about the coffee from Cafe du Monde; it really can only be eaten with those delicious and always messy beignets.

When you first posted about them, I had a flashback to a very sticky spring day, sitting with friends, watching the first signs of life returning to make the French Quarter somewhat 'normal'. For months after Katrina MSY was a ghost town, then slowly populated by military, then contractors and aid workers, and finally the first few tentative visitors came back. It was easy to find a table that Sunday morning, but it was a good memory of things starting to improve. :)

I feel the same way about the coffee from Cafe du Monde; it really can only be eaten with those delicious and always messy beignets.

When you first posted about them, I had a flashback to a very sticky spring day, sitting with friends, watching the first signs of life returning to make the French Quarter somewhat 'normal'. For months after Katrina MSY was a ghost town, then slowly populated by military, then contractors and aid workers, and finally the first few tentative visitors came back. It was easy to find a table that Sunday morning, but it was a good memory of things starting to improve. :)

Thanks for that post. Mentally, I was there with you. :)

Exbay;
Thanks for the tip. I'm pretty healthy and pretty lean. As an endurance athlete, I actually have to be careful not to get too gaunt. But I know just being lean does not mean you are healthy. Most of the time, I eat very healthy. Once in a while, I have a "Cheat Day" :)

Just be careful if you are concerned about nutrition or eat there on a regular basis, because their sodium content is actually higher than many 'typical' fast food places (and of course the reason why so many like the doughnuts is that doughnuts are mostly the two delicious things - fat and sugar :D )

It's like Panera Bread; I know a lot of people think that going there instead of McDonalds for instance is a 'healthy' switch, but if you look at their nutrition listings it is pretty shocking.

AM, I know that you said a few times now that you are trying to eat healthier foods, so you may want to look up their nutrition charts. One sandwich (just the sandwich, not including the soup) can be more than your daily allowance of sodium, FYI.

And then there is that rumour that the whole reason WHY Tim Hortons has so many people addicted to their coffee is that they add salt to the beans (or the brew). :eek: Salt has traditionally been used to cut the bitterness of some coffee.

I don't really frequent Tim Hortons because I don't have a Master Card that collects frequent flyer miles.. But I typically when I stop in, have chicken salad sandwich on brown, a soup, and a juice.. still not the healthiest, but it beats going to the golden arches accross the street..

Thanks for the tip. I'm pretty healthy and pretty lean. As an endurance athlete, I actually have to be careful not to get too gaunt. But I know just being lean does not mean you are healthy. Most of the time, I eat very healthy. Once in a while, I have a "Cheat Day" :)

With your username, I wasn't worried! :p

But many people seem to think that Tim Horton's, Panera, etc are better choices than McDonalds.

Ancien Maestro, your Tim Horton's meal that you listed has almost 2,000mg of sodium. You'd actually be better off having a Quarter Pounder and fries, believe it or not. Like the Starbucks treats, it really is eye opening to see that what you may think of a healthier choice really isn't. Just some advice as you have mentioned wanting to eat better, and many people have fallen into the trap of believing that certain foods are better when they aren't. Tim Horton's definitely falls into the junk food category, and is actually one of the more unhealthy places to eat. I'm not a fan of McDonalds and don't eat there, but they do in fact often some better choices if one chooses wisely.

With your username, I wasn't worried! :p

But many people seem to think that Tim Horton's, Panera, etc are better choices than McDonalds.

Ancien Maestro, your Tim Horton's meal that you listed has almost 2,000mg of sodium. You'd actually be better off having a Quarter Pounder and fries, believe it or not. Like the Starbucks treats, it really is eye opening to see that what you may think of a healthier choice really isn't. Just some advice as you have mentioned wanting to eat better, and many people have fallen into the trap of believing that certain foods are better when they aren't. Tim Horton's definitely falls into the junk food category, and is actually one of the more unhealthy places to eat. I'm not a fan of McDonalds and don't eat there, but they do in fact often some better choices if one chooses wisely.

I haven't had a chicken salad sandwich in ages.. and MacDonalds has some salad choices I like to have once in a blue moon..

Anyways, I don't want to be lectured on how many grams of sodium is in my sandwich, nor do I care or keep track.. If I'm craving something, my body needs it so down it goes 2,000 mg of sodium or not. I'm more concerned about transfats, and how that shrinks the brain honestly..

Anyhow, it may not be healthy, but I do drink Tim Horton's hot chocolate once in awhile..

There's nothing wrong with a little junk food every now and again; I'm just under no illusion that my Krapfen are remotely healthy! :)

Actually, that is one thing which annoys me about coffee places; so often they have mediocre or bad baked goods. Starbucks is an example. One of the 'best of the worst' items on the menu is non-veg suitable, and everything else is really unhealthy or just tastes unpleasant to me.

Does anyone remember Torrefazione? It was the high end version of Seattle's Best Coffee before Starbucks bought both and killed them off. Actually, some of the SBC locations also had decent baked goods.

And if ever in Berlin, in the Leipziger Straße there is an oddity. Not only is it a drive through (unusual unless it's a McDonalds McDrive in Germany), it is a coffee drive through, and a Hawaiian themed one! (Cahoona) I've only ever used the walk through window. The coffee isn't overly special but being greeted by Aloha at a coffee drive through metres from where the wall once stood is an experience I have done a few times, mainly for the bizarreness factor, or if I happen to be walking past.

However for excellent coffee and ever better baked goods and pastries and chocolate the Chocolate Café above nearby Fassbender and Rausch on the Gendarmenmarkt is the place to go.

Also, I have been "freezing" coffee at home for years. I used to do whole bean and grind it just before brewing. I've become lazy, or cheap, or both, and now just buy ground coffee. But I still freeze it. I'm wondering if that's helping or hurting?

Sounds like you found your personal sweet spot--good coffee at a reasonable price with minimal effort. Or maybe you just got used to it! If it works should you change it? I would be tempted to try a better storage container and avoid freezing, and see if that makes a difference.

I haven't used Starbucks in years !

I take a Nespresso Pixie + 5 sleeves of capsules with me whenever, and wherever I travel. It will even fit in a carry-on.

I have been given Starbucks redcards as gifts, and I in turn just give them away.

There's nothing wrong with a little junk food every now and again; I'm just under no illusion that my Krapfen are remotely healthy! :)

Actually, that is one thing which annoys me about coffee places; so often they have mediocre or bad baked goods. Starbucks is an example. One of the 'best of the worst' items on the menu is non-veg suitable, and everything else is really unhealthy or just tastes unpleasant to me.

Does anyone remember Torrefazione? It was the high end version of Seattle's Best Coffee before Starbucks bought both and killed them off. Actually, some of the SBC locations also had decent baked goods.

And if ever in Berlin, in the Leipziger Straße there is an oddity. Not only is it a drive through (unusual unless it's a McDonalds McDrive in Germany), it is a coffee drive through, and a Hawaiian themed one! (Cahoona) I've only ever used the walk through window. The coffee isn't overly special but being greeted by Aloha at a coffee drive through metres from where the wall once stood is an experience I have done a few times, mainly for the bizarreness factor, or if I happen to be walking past.

However for excellent coffee and ever better baked goods and pastries and chocolate the Chocolate Café above nearby Fassbender and Rausch on the Gendarmenmarkt is the place to go.

My wife is a size zero, and she can still eat a horse, binge on chocolate, etc.. and still remain a size zero.. but her descendants are European.. perhaps thats' the secret?

When we need the energy, our motto is eat.. but I'm watching more carefully for myself nowadays what I input.. but once in awhile theres' no problem with a nice big fat treat..:cool:

My wife is a size zero, and she can still eat a horse, binge on chocolate, etc.. and still remain a size zero.. but her descendants are European.. perhaps thats' the secret?

When we need the energy, our motto is eat.. but I'm watching more carefully for myself nowadays what I input.. but once in awhile theres' no problem with a nice big fat treat..:cool:

We have a lot in common AM. My Sig Other is also a Size ZERO, and her favorite drink? Hot chocolate. At least two cups a day. It's her narcotic.

Hey! Life is SHORT! You have to enjoy once in a while. The way I look at it, I eat healthy 5 or 6 days a week, then I eat whatever I want on my cheat day, within reason. I won't sit down and eat a whole chocolate cake or something like that, but I'll enjoy a treat or two on a cheat day.

Balance! That's the key! Exercise, make decent choices when eating, enjoy a treat once in a while, and all usually will be well.

I've got friends that NEVER EVER eat anything they consider bad. NO cookies, NO cake, NO sweets of any kind, no breads, no pasta, no this, no that. They eat like Trappist Monks. Only Salad with a teaspoon of vinegar dressing, some whole grains, and lean fish. That's fine, but once in a blue moon have a small plate of something you like. Life is more fun that way IMO!

Coffee to me is a real addiction if I don't control it. I simply love it. What's funny? I hated it for 35 years of my life. Then one day, I had a cup. The rest is history!

What's the old expression? "You Are What You Eat, so Avoid Rump Roast!"
:D

Good thread! Thanks guys and gals.

We have a lot in common AM. My Sig Other is also a Size ZERO, and her favorite drink? Hot chocolate. At least two cups a day. It's her narcotic.

Hey! Life is SHORT! You have to enjoy once in a while. The way I look at it, I eat healthy 5 or 6 days a week, then I eat whatever I want on my cheat day, within reason. I won't sit down and eat a whole chocolate cake or something like that, but I'll enjoy a treat or two on a cheat day.

Balance! That's the key! Exercise, make decent choices when eating, enjoy a treat once in a while, and all usually will be well.

I've got friends that NEVER EVER eat anything they consider bad. NO cookies, NO cake, NO sweets of any kind, no breads, no pasta, no this, no that. They eat like Trappist Monks. Only Salad with a teaspoon of vinegar dressing, some whole grains, and lean fish. That's fine, but once in a blue moon have a small plate of something you like. Life is more fun that way IMO!

Coffee to me is a real addiction if I don't control it. I simply love it. What's funny? I hated it for 35 years of my life. Then one day, I had a cup. The rest is history!

What's the old expression? "You Are What You Eat, so Avoid Rump Roast!"
:D

Good thread! Thanks guys and gals.

Are you 6'5" chinese?:D

At 36.. I'm turning a corner towards better health and awareness. I used to let everything go, but nowadays I take the time to prepare for the times ahead.. But, such as life.. I used to eat for the sake of eating and not wasting.. so a new attitude where I eat what my body tells me to eat is important..

Plus drinking hot tea, has helped me avoid sickness and keep an acute immune system.. I haven't got sick yet this holiday season.. and it feels my body kicking out everything bad because of the vegetable and tea intake..

So yeah, the desserts come when I feel like it.. but tonite and last night, I didn't feel like having any.. and that's ok.. I skip it because my body says I don't really have to have dessert..

Are you 6'5" chinese?:D



No, but I'm 6'1" and I like Chinese food. Does that count? ;)

I envy you. I wish I did more Tea. I had a rough bout with health last year, and finally went to a Chinese doctor. He gave me Accupuncture, with electric stimulation. Then prescribed a daily dose of tea that he mixed up. It worked.
The way I look at it, the Chinese have, what, 3,000 plus years of medicine behind the culture? VS Western medicine's 200 years. It was worth a shot.

OK, so tomorrow, I'll only have ONE cup of coffee in the morning, and the rest of the day... Chinese TEA! Done deal!

No, but I'm 6'1" and I like Chinese food. Does that count? ;)

I envy you. I wish I did more Tea. I had a rough bout with health last year, and finally went to a Chinese doctor. He gave me Accupuncture, with electric stimulation. Then prescribed a daily dose of tea that he mixed up. It worked.
The way I look at it, the Chinese have, what, 3,000 plus years of medicine behind the culture? VS Western medicine's 200 years. It was worth a shot.

OK, so tomorrow, I'll only have ONE cup of coffee in the morning, and the rest of the day... Chinese TEA! Done deal!

You're all right then.;)

You know, green tea in a bag without sugar tonight tasted pretty much like the chinese tea i'm accustomed to drinking all my life.. without the tea leaves floating on the bottom of course..

And you're one up on me, as I've never tried acupuncture.. or have drank an entire cup of coffee..

I should try a chinese herbal medicine shop for alternative medicine.. haven't been in one since a kid..

If you are in San Francisco, try Blue Bottle or Four Barrel, they are top notch coffee roasters. In Portland, OR, try Stumptown, Heart Coffee Roasters, or Cellar Door! There are so many in Portland, you could go on a coffee crawl, and then a pub crawl to sample the local beers after getting cracked out on amazing coffee...

Starbucks only if nothing else is available, I find their coffee to be a bit harsh/bitter tasting.

Starbucks only if nothing else is available, I find their coffee to be a bit harsh/bitter tasting.

You might try the new Starbucks Blonde. That's less bitter than Pike's Peak.

You might try the new Starbucks Blonde. That's less bitter than Pike's Peak.

I have not seen that since I have been avoiding them for the most part, I will try it.

I have not seen that since I have been avoiding them for the most part, I will try it.

I'd second that suggestion. Their blonde roast is really rather mild.

Through a Starbucks drive thru and haven't been thru one it seems for a very long time.. in Calgary, a selection of breakfast sandwiches now grace the menu..

The menu is hard to read.. I don't recall reading the selections of muffins or beverages to be very clear at all this morning.

I really prefer Dunkin' Dohnuts coffee over Starbucks, and its cheaper as an added bonus :)

FWIW, Starbucks is offering an extra $5 on your Starbucks gift card when you recharge your gift card with $25 by 1/31/12, using a Visa card.

FWIW, Starbucks is offering an extra $5 on your Starbucks gift card when you recharge your gift card with $25 by 1/31/12, using a Visa card.

Thank you for that information. I happened to recharge my card a week ago with a visa and so wrote asking why I didn't see the extra $5. Here's the response:


The $5.00 Visa promotional credit for the reload of at least $25.00 has to be done online before the day of January 31, 2012 and will be applied the week of February 6, 2012. The time frame for the credit to be applied was specified towards the bottom of the promotional email, but it was in small print. Please note the offer is only valid for 1 credit of $5.00 per account.

Unfortunately, you will not get a confirmation that it was applied. If you would like to verify that it did go through, you can give us a call at 1-800-782-7282 Monday through Friday from 5AM to 8PM (PST) that following Monday, 02/09/2012. The other option would be to review your transaction detail online. Thank you for your time.

Thank you for that information. I happened to recharge my card a week ago with a visa and so wrote asking why I didn't see the extra $5. Here's the response:

Glad you found that out. I hadn't recharged mine yet, and I didn't read the fine print. :D

I tried Starbucks Blonde for the first time in COS a few weeks ago. Very mild. I could drink about 5 cups throughout the day.

Glad to see there are a few Dunkin fans here. Having lived in the Northeast for many years, you see Dunkin Donuts everywhere.

Lately, thanks to my Canadian friends like A.M., I've been popping into Tim Hortons.

I've made notes in my planner with all the places mentioned here. Lots of micro beaneries I never heard of. Awesome! Thanks guys/gals.

I tried Starbucks Blonde for the first time in COS a few weeks ago. Very mild. I could drink about 5 cups throughout the day.

Glad to see there are a few Dunkin fans here. Having lived in the Northeast for many years, you see Dunkin Donuts everywhere.

Lately, thanks to my Canadian friends like A.M., I've been popping into Tim Hortons.

I've made notes in my planner with all the places mentioned here. Lots of micro beaneries I never heard of. Awesome! Thanks guys/gals.

Starbucks Blonde is too mild for me, at least how they make it. I will say that I used the samples we were encouraged to take at home, and when I could reduce the amount of water, it was better.

I tried Starbucks Blonde for the first time in COS a few weeks ago. Very mild. I could drink about 5 cups throughout the day.

Glad to see there are a few Dunkin fans here. Having lived in the Northeast for many years, you see Dunkin Donuts everywhere.

Lately, thanks to my Canadian friends like A.M., I've been popping into Tim Hortons.

I've made notes in my planner with all the places mentioned here. Lots of micro beaneries I never heard of. Awesome! Thanks guys/gals.

Awesome.. Do you get volume discounts? :D

Wow, 5 blondes.. that's something..

Awesome.. Do you get volume discounts? :D

Wow, 5 blondes.. that's something..

BAH HAHAHAHAHAH! Nice. Yes, that would be quite something indeed. ;)

BAH HAHAHAHAHAH! Nice. Yes, that would be quite something indeed. ;)

Seriously.. it gets pretty expensive buying 5 a day.. A starbucks drink isn't a $2 cup of joe..

Seriously.. it gets pretty expensive buying 5 a day.. A starbucks drink isn't a $2 cup of joe..

I would think buying 5 blondes a day isn't only expensive, but perhaps illegal in some places. :D

I really prefer Dunkin' Dohnuts coffee over Starbucks, and its cheaper as an added bonus :)

Agree. Dunkin is better and less expensive.

Agree. Dunkin is better and less expensive.

I also agree, but I lived in DD land for many years and grew very fond of their coffee. When I am in Chicago, I typically run to a Dunkin for java.

AM, yes you are right. 5 of ANY coffee beverage a day from Starbucks is getting pricey.

I posted this in another thread somewhere (maybe earlier in this one - can't remember), but years ago, the trick of the trade was to get a large coffee from McDonalds in the morning. They used to set out coffee pots on the counter. You just stopped in to a Micky D's as you traveled around during the day and refilled it for free. It was called the Micky D's bottomless cup. Those days are gone. Pots are now behind the counter again.

I like coffee that doesn't taste like coffee, so I'm into cafe lattes. The ones at Dunkin Donuts always have added flavor, so I can't drink those. I also think their coffee is both too watery and too strong at the same time.

About 10 years ago now, someone introduced me to Tim Horton's Iced Cappuccinos. I had an hour before a train in NYC a few weeks ago, and decided to get a small. It was three times the size I remember from the last time I had one in Canada, and tasted disgusting. I don't think it was the rainwater that got into the cup, so when I go off to Canada next week I have to check. Maybe I'll even get one when I arrive at YUL.

I also agree, but I lived in DD land for many years and grew very fond of their coffee. When I am in Chicago, I typically run to a Dunkin for java.

AM, yes you are right. 5 of ANY coffee beverage a day from Starbucks is getting pricey.

I posted this in another thread somewhere (maybe earlier in this one - can't remember), but years ago, the trick of the trade was to get a large coffee from McDonalds in the morning. They used to set out coffee pots on the counter. You just stopped in to a Micky D's as you traveled around during the day and refilled it for free. It was called the Micky D's bottomless cup. Those days are gone. Pots are now behind the counter again.

heh heh.. :D

Lets' see.. Grande' sets back $5 a pop.. thats $25 per day if you have 5.. that's $750 per month.. approaching $10 grand per year.. approaching $100 grand in 10 years..

But smoking is more expensive..:-:

thats $25 per day

But smoking is more expensive..:-:

Are cigarettes over $25 a pack in Canada now? :eek:;)

Are cigarettes over $25 a pack in Canada now? :eek:;)

Funny..:D

Once all health care related costs, death, insurance, cost of product, etc.. all factored in.. not even close imo..

heh heh.. :D

Lets' see.. Grande' sets back $5 a pop.. thats $25 per day if you have 5.. that's $750 per month.. approaching $10 grand per year.. approaching $100 grand in 10 years..

YOW!

I have a friend whom stays at Hampton Inns exclusively. He gets a to go cup in the morning. Throughout his day, he stops in to Hampton Inns with his cup and refills it for free. Hampton keeps coffee out all day and it's usually pretty fresh. The way he looks at it, he stayed with them the night before and is staying with them that night, so he DESERVES to get free coffee from them.
He usually goes through about 5 cups a day.

I'll have to call him and say, "Hey, do you realize you are saving $10,000 a year?" ;)

YOW!

I have a friend whom stays at Hampton Inns exclusively. He gets a to go cup in the morning. Throughout his day, he stops in to Hampton Inns with his cup and refills it for free. Hampton keeps coffee out all day and it's usually pretty fresh. The way he looks at it, he stayed with them the night before and is staying with them that night, so he DESERVES to get free coffee from them.
He usually goes through about 5 cups a day.

I'll have to call him and say, "Hey, do you realize you are saving $10,000 a year?" ;)

Ok, that's cheap...

My general rule of thumb is Starbucks while on the road (exception: Italy) and local while at home.

YOW!

I have a friend whom stays at Hampton Inns exclusively. He gets a to go cup in the morning. Throughout his day, he stops in to Hampton Inns with his cup and refills it for free. Hampton keeps coffee out all day and it's usually pretty fresh. The way he looks at it, he stayed with them the night before and is staying with them that night, so he DESERVES to get free coffee from them.
He usually goes through about 5 cups a day.

I'll have to call him and say, "Hey, do you realize you are saving $10,000 a year?" ;)

True.. cup of joe usually runs $1.50 or something.. so the savings realized is straight Starbucks..

Why not see Starbucks as a treat once in awhile, and supplement with Tim Hortons, Dunkin Donuts, Second Cup, McDonalds cafe, etc..

Whoever drinks 5 cups of Starbucks coffee a day obviously has money to burn and eats out quite a bit.. all in context.:)

I'd like to nominate the small micro-chain the Woods, in northern WA state. Good coffee, excellent service, free wi-fi, cozy seating, indoor and outdoor fireplaces. The food isn't all to my taste but they have nice breakfast sandwiches.

It's nice to see another coffee company doing well in WA since Starbucks inhaled Seattle's Best.

How exactly does one get any work done going out to purchase five cups of coffee per day ?

How exactly does one get any work done going out to purchase five cups of coffee per day ?

I was shocked at the morning ritual of some of my American colleagues recently. There was a Starbucks visible across the road, and they invited me along at the start of the workday. I agreed, looking forward to a brisk walk. We did walk - to the parking lot. Then they all climbed into the car, and drove across the road and parked, bought their coffee, climbed back into the car and drove back across the road. (And they did this multiple times per day, and needed at least one 'helper' to hold the coffee tray whilst in the car)

I'm perhaps spoiled by the places where I work in Europe which have at minimum a coffee maker but usually a nice high tech one, or a Nespresso machine, or a fancy espresso machine (or more than one), in the office or meeting room.

If I do end up with that Starbucks brew, I tend to keep the coffee all day and sip at it. It's not very good to begin with, so drinking it cool or cold makes little difference to me.

How exactly does one get any work done going out to purchase five cups of coffee per day ?

My guess with the 5 cups of coffee is that the person drives a lot for their job, and as such, can stop quickly to get another cup of coffee.

My favorite coffee shop is Peet's coffee.

My favorite coffee shop is Peet's coffee.

I do so miss Peet's from when I lived in California.

I recently ran across a Starbucks in Ujung Pandang, Indonesia and was tempted, but hesitated because I don't drink the local water in such places. I had the same situation in Turkey a few years ago.

Can the purity of the water used by Starbucks in such places be trusted?

I recently ran across a Starbucks in Ujung Pandang, Indonesia and was tempted, but hesitated because I don't drink the local water in such places. I had the same situation in Turkey a few years ago.

Can the purity of the water used by Starbucks in such places be trusted?

I know Starbucks around Metro Manlia has water filtration systems.

Lets' see.. Grande' sets back $5 a pop.. thats $25 per day if you have 5.. that's $750 per month.. approaching $10 grand per year.. approaching $100 grand in 10 years..


A grande of what is $5? How about getting some accurate figures there before you start playing Euclid. I get a venti drip and that's about $2. Americano is $3. It's cheaper than any local coffee shop and the pricing isn't different thank Dunkin'.

Starbucks is great on the road if only for the little green sticks that seal the lid of your coffee so it doesn't go all over the place as you drive. They are also comfortable, have free wifi, clean bathrooms, reasonable food options and they're consistent.

A grande of what is $5? How about getting some accurate figures there before you start playing Euclid. I get a venti drip and that's about $2. Americano is $3. It's cheaper than any local coffee shop and the pricing isn't different thank Dunkin'.

I often read people complaining about the 'high' cost of coffee etc in 'Europe'. (There was a poster who had a meal at McDonalds for two adults, child, and toddler and said that he paid $75++ :eek: which really confused me)

Espresso in Portugal is under a Euro, often 60-70 cents, in comparison to your posted prices.

A grande of what is $5? How about getting some accurate figures there before you start playing Euclid. I get a venti drip and that's about $2. Americano is $3. It's cheaper than any local coffee shop and the pricing isn't different thank Dunkin'.


It's location-dependent, too. In NYC a venti coffee is $3-something. A grande latte with an extra shot is about $5.

As for the question of water purification...you could always go in to the store and ask about their particular setup. It would hardly be in keeping with Starbucks's brand image to sell coffee that some people can't drink.

In any case, heating water past about 160F will kill anything in it. Coffee is 195F and higher.

I like Meinl in Chicago and Vienna and have it shipped to me at YVR. Locally I like Republica, Elysian and Caffe Arteggiano. Don't like sbux usually but their specialty coffee using the Clover system is quite an improvement; however in SEA I really enjoy Fonte.

I like Meinl in Chicago and Vienna and have it shipped to me at YVR.

They are also in Grand Rapids, MI. There is a large number of German travellers to that city, and I was pleasantly surprised to find one of their shops there, and the ability to purchase their coffee there. (Yes, I realise that they are Austrian, but the product appeals to that shared taste)

Artigiano has good espresso drinks, but while their 'hook' is being frequent winners of coffee art competitions, they also seem to pride themselves on odd concept of 'service'. And their food product is variable; much of their baked good product comes from Pane e Formaggio which is just awful. That said, it's somewhere I will stop for a decent espresso drink in Vancouver; I just find my food elsewhere.

And going back to the Starbucks food conversation from earlier, western Canada Starbucks now use US Starbucks food product, not the local baker they used for over a decade. :(

I fear that with the spread of Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme in western Europe and the UK that Tim Hortons will not be far behind. Hopefully good taste and common sense will win out in the end; there cannot be that many tourists to support all three of those chains.

I love Peet's coffee in the Hillcrest area of San Diego. The best coffees from around the world & butteriest madeleine cookies you will ever have. Urth cafe in LA is amazing. Along with Coral tree in Brentwood. They both serve up their coffees & teas like works of art. And have great menus serving almost gourmet quality food & pastries. Coffee Bean & Tea leaf is also pretty good when it comes to the larger chains. With so many great little cafes, I'd have to say Starbucks comes in last.

I avoid the big green mermaid like the plague if I can, but there are some places that it just can't be avoided. Texas is a good example.

A lot of west coast roasters are gaining traction nationally; Blue Bottle, Equator, Fonte, Stumptown, D'Arte just to name a few. The trick is finding them, as most of the shops that feature these roasters are independents who don't have a big neon sign advertising their bean of choice.

It's also nice to see a lot of higher end hotels move away from Starbucks and into a higher class of coffee. W Hotels, St. Regis, Four Seasons have all jumped off the Schultz bandwagon.

Herkimer Coffee in Seattle is really nice.
http://www.herkimercoffee.com/