Many will argue that a Starbucks is a Starbucks. I agree that, much like Denny's, Starbucks tend to be a pretty consistent experience. The Starbucks at the corner of Alma School and Elliot is more.
Is the coffee so much better? Not really. Is the building amazing? Not at all. What is it that is special at this Starbucks? The people.
The customer service is simply phenomenal. There is a personal touch that brings a stream of regulars coming back daily. They often remember your name, drink, and even personal quirks. I'm sure if any of the staff is reading this, all I have to say is "small cup with a splash of water", and they know exactly who this is. The staff goes beyond friendly and offers a "small town" feel to a sometimes busy Starbucks, without sacrificing efficiency.
The only complaint I have is that the outdoor tables are extremely unstable. I think the welding has broken down. It's hard to work on a laptop when the table pitches at a 45 degree angle at random. It seems this is relegated to the "smoker" tables, but a little time fixing these would add a lot to the experience. I work here a lot and always find this adding an unneeded challenge.
I highly recommend making a stop at this Starbucks. I drive past three other ones from my home each time because it's definitely worth it.