I think Starbucks for me is more of a habit that began 20 years ago when I lived in Vancouver. I do not find their coffee outstanding...in fact always inconsistent flavours (which could be to do with the roasting?). I am mostly an expresso coffee drinker....I enjoy a dry cappuccino but even then no 2 barista's make it the same. I order a dry cappuccino and end up with a latte instead. 3/4 times I send it back because there is too much milk. 1/9 barista's tell me they know how to make a dry cappuccino and much to my delight - they do it right. And so I can not help but wonder why there is so much inconsistency between barista's? Do they not receive the same training?! Points to Ponder.
In the end I continue to frequent starbucks...out of habit and because I need quiet time away once in awhile....so much so I am a gold card member (lol). Now that summer is upon us I will step out of my cappuccino comfort zone to enjoy their iced lattes and green ice tea lemonade's.
On the plus side some of their treats (cranberry bliss bars) are super yummy!