Wow, it looks like I get to provide a fantastic counterpoint here. Again, there's yet more glorified anti-Starbucks attitude in here. I still have an unproven assumption that it's some sort of Napoleon complex that people have about those who shop in there. People love to Starbucks hate. There was even a thread here where some guy who doesn't go in them wishes they'd close. I think those people more hate the people who go to Starbucks rather than the store itself.

In terms of the rankings, I'd have to put Starbucks at the top for chains. Lately, I've been liking them even more than the indies on the west coast. I always get an appropriate number of shots in my drink depending upon the size. I love the small places, but they seem to think that two shots is enough no matter the size. Starbucks also still innovate. When on the road I love stopping by for their new protein shakes. They're awesome and very healthy. They also now have great food options. Where else can I stop by, grab a protein shake and a bowl of real fruit or a veg plate and be gone in 3 minutes. They're also piloting Clover coffee at a bunch of Seattle locations.

They are a model of efficiency and accuracy. I was waiting in a local shop here for 5 minutes as they'd forgotten my drink. Can't recall that ever happening at a Starbucks. The other big coffee chains just copy what they do.

In terms of the coffee, Starbucks and the other real coffee shops, unlike those donut shops that happen to serve coffee, have more than one variety of coffee. You're not stuck getting their regular blend, they always have lighter and darker blends. For most people who ..... about their coffee (and quite possibly only had it brewed for them in a plane), they could get a lighter blend at the store.

Yes, it's a large, corporate chain that has shut down a number of small coffee shops, but they are very good at what they do. Much of the hate that they see in many cases is just from people who begrudge those that go in there.