We did it! We discovered a unique coffee spot in Seattle and it’s called…Starbucks! Not “Starbucks”, Starbucks. This place is actually called “Starbucks Reserve.” That distinction is important because while there are more than 38,000 “Starbucks” locations worldwide, there are only 7 “Starbucks Reserve” locations worldwide.
From the moment you enter this specialty Starbucks location you notice that many things are different from what you’ve come to expect. For starters, this location includes multiple floors, covers approximately 15,000-square-feet, features rare Starbucks Reserve coffees that are roasted on-site, and portions of it feel more like a brewery than a coffee roastery. (BTW. If you prefer an adult beverage you can find that here as well. The bar section is near where you can order your pizza, of all things!)
In an effort to take full advantage of their unique menu, I ordered a “Galapagos La Tortuga” which is described as featuring a “Lemon verbena aroma, notes of red apple and green melon, and a toasted-malt finish.” I felt more like I was ordering a bougie glass of red wine than a cup of coffee!
Not to be outdone, our counter mate neighbors ordered a “Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew” (which, as you’ve probably already guessed, has been aged inside a whiskey barrel—but contains no alcohol). Check out our pic of the glass. It even looks like a Whiskey!
While the food at a coffee joint can often be considered an afterthought, the food here is good enough that when baristas disposed of several trays there was an audible gasp from many of us in line. 😱 It looked (and we found out later, was) really good!
If you’ve got a first date coming up and really don’t have a sense of how things might go, take him/her to a Starbucks. If, on the other hand, you’ve got a really good feeling about the connection that you hope already exists, take him/her to a Starbucks Reserve. The ambiance (and non-verbal messages that you’ll be communicating) will both in your favor. ❤️
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
1124 Pike Street
Seattle, Washington
(206) 624-0173
