Why I Love Starbucks

 Here in Minnesota there’s a definite divide between those who go to Starbucks and those who go elsewhere.  It’s probably the same everywhere, but the main competition for us Frozen-Tundrites is Caribou Coffee.  I must admit, the North Woodsy decor of Caribou is very Minnesotan, especially since “going up North” can function as a verb and a noun in the same sentence.

But this weekend I was reminded of several distinct reasons why Starbucks has my devotion forever.

1. When you spend your entire Saturday afternoon and early evening (6 hours) in the corner booth typing away, the baristas smile when you come up to the counter and ask for a glass of water.  They’re happy to oblige and know “you’ve been working hard.”
2. There is nothing quite like a grande, non-fat, no-water chai.
3. The music is perfect for studying — upbeat but mellow and reserved at the same time.  When you want to bob your head, you can.  And when Norah comes on, well, you know that everything will turn out just fine.
4. The tables are dark wood.  Dark wood makes me feel studious.
5. The leather benches welcome your sore and tired back and provide a surprisingly comfortable place to sit.  For six hours.
6. They have a new oatmeal raisin cookie.  I didn’t try it, but I’m going to.  After Lent is over, that is.
7. I don’t walk out of the building smelling like an over-sugared, over-roasted mocha.  Caribou does.
8. The tan and green walls make me feel at peace.
9. I saw three dads with their four-year-old daughters drinking cocoa and talking and smiling.  They were there on a Saturday date.  My husband was smiling too, and I can imagine him coming here someday with our little ones.  It makes for a happy atmosphere.
10. Finally, my first date (well, kind of… another story for another time) with my husband was at Starbucks.  It’s our coffee shop of love.  And even when he’s deep into intellectual property and I’m trying to explain the post-World-War-II culture surrounding Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, we are there together, just like that sunny afternoon at the Starbucks down the street from the Capitol.