I hate Starbucks and will go without rather than buy SB coffee.

Also is it just me or is Starbucks outside America better?

I went on a walking tour in Paris that met outside a starbucks, and ended up buying an espresso shot since I didn't want to wander too far. It seemed a lot better than what I've had at home the few times I've gone to Starbucks.

I frequent the Starbucks near Paddington Station in London (since I stay at the Novotel near there often) and a few in Paris. I don't really recall the Coffee or Espresso being any better than stateside. Maybe it's because in London I try and get to a Cafe Nero when I can for something different and in Paris I just go to one of about a dozen cafes that I like.

Based on this, I think mentally I am prepared for foreign cafe coffee to "taste better" to me. Whether or not it ACTUALLY does is another matter. My brain is programmed to expect better coffee in Europe.

YET, the Starbucks in London always seem packed compared to Cafe Nero. The Londoners must think that Starbucks is better. More brain programming.

You can't be a profit in your own land.

Now, for a REAL kick in the head, I prefer Cuban Coffee in Miami Beach. Yowza. That stuff would wake the dead.

Since I don't travel for work anymore, and our office has a half-time (7:30-12:30) barista and coffee bar, I just get my coffee at work. I'm a one-or-two cappuccinos-a-day kinda guy.

ISTR that Starbucks switched to a darker roast in the UK a few years ago now. It certainly tastes better (and some of the single origin ones are actively quite pleasant).

I definitely agree on Caffe Nero - and it's pleasing to see the chain grow.

However, bear in mind that the most popular coffee chain the UK is Costa. They have, to my taste, a fairly insipid and bland espresso blend - but that seems to be the secret of its success - it pleases a mass market that just isn't into the bitterness of an Italian-style espresso. It's done well with its locations, too - in a lot of smaller towns, or out-of-town retail park or supermarket outlets. There's even a drive-through near us (very much a rarity in this part of the world).

I noticed the other day that the Starbucks next to King's Cross station has done a tie-in with the fast food chain Pod. Will be interesting to see if that trial goes anywhere...

I may have posted this earlier, but lately when I'm in Chicago, I seek out "Lavazza" Coffee Shops. When I make Espresso at home, I frequently use Lavazza, so I enjoy this taste.

BTW, and FYI, a Starbucks Manager told me yesterday that there is less Caffeine in their Espresso then in their Coffee. I was going to switch to a "Misto" which is steamed milk and Coffee to cut back on Caffeine a tad, but she insisted that the a Latte would be less Caffeine, either 1/2 Caf or Regular. I was surprised. I always thought that Espresso had more Caffeine than Coffee.

When I'm in France, I always order a Cafe au Lait which is a Misto. In Italy I usually order a Cafe Misto. So I thought I'd start this at Starbucks Stateside. Then I find out that there is less octane in Starbucks Espresso. Back to Latte Land for me.

Now, the S.O., she's hooked on Starbucks Hot Chocolate. She does not drink Coffee, but twice a day stops in to Starbucks for their Hot Chocolate. She insists it is the best worldwide. She seeks out Starbucks from Istanbul to Indonesia just for their Hot Chocolate. I find this interesting. Me? I'd go with a local shop to see if there is a better alternative. You never know.