Counterpoint: - My Starbucks never yells out names, they have a board showing where your order is in progress and it's actually quiet with music playing (and usually decent music if you like sort of indie, singer-songwriter stuff which I do) - Temp control at Starbuck is way better than most other places. Some airflow from the door opening means fresh air. Don't sit right in front of the door if you are worried about getting hot or cold. - IME furniture at Starbucks is perfectly comfortable for a few hours of computer time. I'm not looking for a big cozy armchair. I'm looking for a seat with some cushioning and back support, a hard surface at an appropriate height, and a nearby power source. Starbucks as all of that. - Starbucks no longer allows people to loiter inside without buying something, so the homelessness issue has been much improved. It's not that there are never weird people at Starbucks (homeless or not) but it's not more than pretty much any other public place. And at Starbucks they do tend to keep to themselves. Please name the nice hotel where you enjoy getting coffee? Do they have wifi and good workspace? |
| People who want free wifi. People who need a place to work or study. |
They used to be nice places to drink a cup and kill 45 min to an hour. Then everyone starting ordering on the app am rushing in and out. |
People who don't care about their health or pocketbook. Daytime desserts for adults. |
I'm mainly a tea drinker, too, but never buy it out of the house. If cafes are going to charge $4 to plop a tea bag in hot water, then I'm spending a couple bucks more to get a coffee drink that someone had to actually put some effort into. The markup on tea is outrageous. |
So poor people and/or loser leeches? Awful vibe. |
You've never stayed at even a moderately upscale hotel? All of them have little lounge areas all around the property where guests can relax with a coffee. Read paying guests, not creepy people who leech wi-fi from cafes all over town six days a week. |
Yes--both Starbucks and McDonalds have mostly this--old people meeting up with friends. I don't mind it--I think it's great they have that social outlet. |
| Starbucks was a good place for me to hang out when my kid had sports practice or dance lessons or whatever. I could spend maybe $5 on tea and have a comfortable chair in which to read. Score! |