Whats with the antipathy towards Starbucks?

[The Hierophant]

Originally posted by Epona: Why should it be seen as a good thing to have no individuality? To go to the same coffee bar wherever you go in the world? Break free and try something different.

Heh heh, yeah. But you're still just going to a coffee bar. All it means is that you're giving your money to a different vendor. Not all that much different. I see what you mean, and I agree with you. But a person's individuality isn't defined by who they give their money to

[Leonis]

Actually, Sydney has been hit by the Starbucks expansion. Seems they are in a battle with Gloria Jeans... Gloria owns they suburbs, Starbucks has taken the city.

I personally am not too keen on their coffee. I prefer GJ's, but they both taste a bit bland and formulaic (however GJ's 'Oreo Bash' is goood! )

I like the cafes where the 'art' of coffee making has been preserved, and for about 2/3 of a Starbucks price, you can get a finely tuned, handcrafted cup of wonderful strong coffee. Coffee. Coffee. Um..., I'll be off then... [img]graemlins/goodmorning.gif[/img]

[Lord Starshadow]

I hate Starbucks because I don't like coffee or tea. Call me crazy, but I just can't drink either. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Yorick]

Originally posted by Lord Starshadow: I hate Starbucks because I don't like coffee or tea. Call me crazy, but I just can't drink either. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Hi Crazy. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Iron_Ranger]

Originally posted by Lord Starshadow: I hate Starbucks because I don't like coffee or tea. Call me crazy, but I just can't drink either. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

I am not very fond of them either

Tea can be ok. Nothing like a good cup o' tea on a summer afternoon. But I cant drink it too often. And Cofee, I hate the stuff.

[LordKathen]

Here is my take on Starbucks. I bought one of those 16oz coffe mugs, all chrome and black, at wal-mart for $5.99. I saw the same one at Starbucks for $29.99.
There was no differance in construction or craftsmanship, just the label.
I rest my case.

[Memnoch]

I agree with Leonis and Epona - the coffee's decent enough, but the atmosphere is too homogenized, too chainy (for want of a better word). Too much like hanging out at Burger King or McDonalds.

In Australia Gloria Jean is a *bit* better, but again it's a bit too chainy and suburbanish for me. I'm happy to go to Starbucks or Gloria Jean's if I want to drink a coffee, but if I want to have a coffee with some friends I'll go to a proper Italian al fresco cafe.

[Epona]

Originally posted by Memnoch: I agree with Leonis and Epona - the coffee's decent enough, but the atmosphere is too homogenized, too chainy (for want of a better word). Too much like hanging out at Burger King or McDonalds.

Thank you, that's my main point in a nutshell!
One of my favourite coffee bars has a lovely atmosphere, the Italian staff and owner greet you like an old friend whether you're a regular or not, you can also get a pasta meal, Italian bottled beer or a bottle of wine, they have cosy seating round little wooden tables, a big gleaming chrome Gaggia coffee monster, unique and interesting paintings by original local artists on the walls, and they're cheap (for a touristy part of London).

I prefer that experience over going to a branch of a large anonymous and characterless chain. [img]smile.gif[/img]

In the same way, my preferred boozers are small, cosy, atmospheric, and individual. The difference between a decent boozer and one of the Irish theme pubs, or large chain pubs, is an unbridgeable expanse. I know which I prefer.

[Lord Starshadow]

Originally posted by Yorick: Quote: Originally posted by Lord Starshadow: I hate Starbucks because I don't like coffee or tea. Call me crazy, but I just can't drink either. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Hi Crazy. [img]smile.gif[/img] [/QUOTE]Here's something even crazier for you.

Coffee actually puts me to sleep. Amazing, huh? That's why I don't drink the stuff. Kind of pointless if it doesn't help me stay awake.

[harleyquinn]

Originally posted by GokuZool: Instead of Starbucks we have Gloria Jean's Coffee Never gone inside, but I've walked past and like the smell [img]smile.gif[/img]

Oooh, go in!! They make GREAT mocha lattes!!
I would go to Starbucks, but the one here doesn't really have a convient location. Gloria Jean's is at the mall, so when I'm there to go shopping I usually will stop in for a mocca latte. There's a small place across the street from my office, and usually I like to support local businesses over chains, but they just don't make a good mocca latte, so I can't justify paying the same amount as the chain for there.
The bad side of Starbucks, however, is how much they gouge you for the baked goods. Sorry, I don't care how good a brownie is, it's not worth $5!!