Starbucks (Port Washington): A Cozy Corner Café

As my eyes scanned the corner of a local Port Washington street, a small neighborhood café caught my eye—Starbucks. This store breaks the suburban Starbucks paradigm: seating was few, merchandise variety was limited, and the baristas were only a few steps away from the entrance. Entering the store, I was charmed by the multicolored and warm chalkboard drawings and home decorations.

"Why are you here?" my Partner (Starbucks coworker) perplexedly asked, as I wasn't scheduled to work that day.

"I need content for my blog," I replied.

She then graciously bestowed upon me a Frozen Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade, one of Starbucks' new drinks for the summer.

Walking to the sitting area with my drink, a kind lady offered me her seat. I couldn't help but stare at the lovely artificial flowers on each table brightening up the atmosphere. And as music started playing right after the Chinese Bluetooth woman (you know who) remarked, "The Bluetooth device connected successfully," I was able to take in a peaceful store environment in the late afternoon as I started to write this entry...

Service ✦✦✦✦✧

Even though your Starbucks customer service experience may widely vary, I noticed that Starbucks workers in this store were delighted to serve their customers. For instance, as an old lady searched for the perfect coffee beans, two Starbucks workers assisted her in choosing a bag of Pike and then grinding the beans for her.

They provided exemplary entertainment as well, chasing each other outside the store.

Even so, the workers did not go above and beyond—greeting a "welcome in," for instance—but this is what I expect for near-minimum-wage staff. They did, however, greet customers at the counter: "Hey guys, let me know when you are ready, alright?"

Food/Beverages ✦✦✧✧✧

The food and drinks here are pretty much what you expect at any old Starbucks: Iced Mochas, Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccinos—the like. I will also confess that I enjoyed the mango-strawberry sugary delight my Frozen Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade brought me.

But—BUT, this Starbucks also suffers the common problem in almost every low-traffic store: a lack of hot coffee. As two customers left, I overheard (if my memory correctly serves me) them complaining about buying a lukewarm cup of what would otherwise be a treat on a rainy cold afternoon.

Space ✦✦✦✧✧

The sitting space stood out to me throughout the whole experience. I felt absolutely blessed by the coziness of the wooden tables and chairs, hand-drawn messages, and pretty potted flowers—a perfect environment to get shit done.

But there is also something to say about the lack of space: an industrial-size trash can with trash bags overflowing was rolled out into the lobby, sitting on the floor a few inches away from me. (I'm not even kidding, LOL.)

Final Thoughts ✦✦✦✧✧

A small and friendly store, you might first mistake this Starbucks to be a locally-owned café. Inside tells a similar story—friendly baristas, chalkboard visuals, and a cute sitting space. Although some things could be improved, this store is a perfect place to get work done after school or after work—it's honestly better than the one I work at.

Connect with this Starbucks

Address: 72 Main St, Port Washington, NY 11050

Phone #: (516) 944-5082