I can't lie, I love Starbucks. Some may even call it an obsession, and I have this location to blame for it.
Before this Starbucks popped up almost two years ago, I visited Starbucks once in a blue moon. So what's the allure behind this location that puts it above the rest? Is it the drinks? Not necessarily. The food? Well, Starbucks food comes pre-packaged, so no, not really. The location isn't highly attractive either. It sits on the corner of Jones and Gerrard, sharing the intersection with a high school, a dingy corner store, and a poorly ventilated Pizza Pizza. Outside, it doesn't seem like much, but walk inside and be wow'ed.
The store itself is sleek and modern, but feels like home. There are two murals, one on the wall beside the staircase and one on the patio, done by a local graffiti artist. My favourite part though, is the bookshelf. Maybe it's the bookworm in me speaking, but it definitely boosts the cozy atmosphere by 110%! It stretches from the bottom of the first floor all the way up to the ceiling. A bookshelf is not complete without books though! There are dozens of books lined on the shelf, free for you to read as you please.
There are plenty of seats, but typically during busy hours and on weekdays from 3pm - 5pm, it's almost impossible to find a seat because they're taken by rowdy high school students from across the street (no offence, but teenagers can be loud). Other than that, the place is fairly quiet, but not too quiet that it feels like the fifth floor of the reference library. No worries, you won't be shunned for speaking!
What makes this place my favourite Starbucks though, is the service. Never have I ever on one of my plentiful visits received bad service. The baristas are always kind and understanding. Even when the line of indecisive teenagers flows in during the lunch hour, their cheerful moods never falter. Sometimes I wonder if specially selected workers with A+-worthy customer service skills are hired for this location or if we're just plain lucky! So if you're looking for a Starbucks with excellent service, this place is perfect for you! The baristas never fail to impress.
The outdoor patio on the second floor is also an added bonus during the summer. With plenty of seats, relax and enjoy your cold drink while basking in the sun! It definitely beats lounging indoors!