The mission: a Grande cup of brewed coffee.
The location: The other side of the world.
The player: A caffeine-obsessed coffee junkie (aka Vic).
I’m always on the hunt for that morning cup of eye-opening coffee, perfected with two sugars and a cream. No matter what time zone I find myself roaming around in, a daily dose of caffeine is a must-have in order to function and to avoid the onset of a headache. Besides, how can I live up to my tourist potential without some java to get me rolling? It might be a travel faux-pas, but I have to admit…I love Starbucks when I’m traveling.
Don’t burn me at the anti-corporate stake yet, I try to hit up all the local cafes and sample the native brews at some point during the day too, but ideally, my first a.m. cup needs to be from a traditional drip coffee machine at the ‘bucks.
Europe has this inexplicable obsession with espresso that I can’t seem to grasp. Whether it be in Portugal where they stir it with a cinnamon stick, or in Hungary where it tends to come in a tall glass, strong shots of espresso are the go-to for caffeine fixes Eurowide. But for me, espresso doesn’t quite quench the desire—and it certainly doesn’t ease the pounding between my eyes (the true sign I’m addicted, I know).
For all those non-Starbucks Euro-baristas out there, take note: an Americano is not the same as a brewed coffee. Two shots of espresso mixed with hot water is not coffee, no matter how much you will it to be. I’ve searched Europe high and low for traditional cups of coffee, but they seem to be extinct—except at Starbucks.
Cue the hallelujah choir when I see that green symbol with the creepy mermaid—it brings me major joy in the a.m. while at home or abroad. With over 16,000 stores worldwide (11,000+ in the US alone), there’s bound to be some amazing locations. Considering my love for the chain of all chains, which Starbucks retail stores top my list of all-time favorite locations around the world? Check out the top 10!
#10. Vancouver, Canada
So our hotel location in Vancouver was altogether interesting—if you recall, it was on a block full of randomocities like hookers, dive bars, and delicious pancake houses. It was also home to a fantabulous Starbucks. And in a country where Tim Hortons rules all, I was pretty ecstatic to find the green symbol.
#9. Munich, Germany
Another shout out to Germany and another shout out to a train station location. The Munchen Hauptbahnhof is pimpadelique—I could spend hours there, especially with this little gem along the last track. My quest for brewed coffee was finally fulfilled after days of an aimless search and it tasted so good.
#8. New York City, USA
Times Square is the epicenter of American consumerism, glitz, glamour, and the location of my #8. The Starbucks there was packed out, with a line out the door. And it was around that very site my brother the Yankees fan got in a fight with a Mets fan (it didn’t come to physical blows, but there was definitely a verbal beat down, with pinstripe power unanimously named the victor!).
#7. Las Vegas, USA
Not one, but TWO Starbucks in The Golden Nugget. Sit outside and observe the passersby on Freemont Street, under the lightshow canopy. Day or night, it’s a treat and I can still picture my whole family sitting out there when we visited for my 21st birthday, as we enjoyed the coffee and the company alike.
#6. Santa Fe, USA
By far the most beautiful Starbucks on the list, this ‘bucks is built of adobe and truly blends in with local architecture. On the inside, you’ll find some local art to peruse—with ridiculous prices to scoff at—art and coffee, all in one! It almost seems like you’re visiting a historic site at this place.
#5. London, England
You might be wondering which London location I love the most, considering all the choices, but the answer may surprise you. My all-time favorite London spot is in Victoria station. It’s a great location when you need to kill some time before your train departs. The side door seems to always be broken, so enter from the front to avoid embarrassment as all the commuters tend to watch as you struggle with luggage (oh, just me then?).
#4. Dublin, Ireland
I hit this Starbucks every time I descend on Dublin and it has yet to disappoint. Located a few minutes from Trinity College, it’s an ideal spot to people watch or avoid the inevitable rain. Grab a plushy chair and sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Though beware: even though the location of the store itself is grand, the bathroom location is on the sketch side of things, but just trust the narrow staircase will lead you where you need to go.
#3. Tucson, USA
Student-friendly vibe? Check. Beautiful patio setting? Check. Convenient location? Check. A few steps away from my old journalism department* at the University of Arizona, my favorite Tucson location is on University Boulevard. Tucked away amidst some leafy trees and near a bubbling fountain, you’ve got to check this spot out. The store itself is gorgeous, with wooden floors and an atmospheric interior. *now the UA School of Journalism!
#2. Oxford, England
Oxford already holds a special place in my heart, so it’s no wonder the resident Starbucks would rank high in my list of hot spots for hot coffee. Located on the always bustling High Street, there’s typically a line out the door, with customers willing to brave the English drizzle to get their cuppa. The size of this store is deceiving—there’s a small front space that expands into a large downstairs quadrant and an even larger upstairs seating area. The top tier of this site has large windows overlooking the main street, perfect for people watching from those overstuffed chairs everyone always vies for. Most visitors I entertained while in the Ox were forced into a Starbucks run to this location (though some were more willing than others, i.e. Mark, Sarah, my dad). So shake off that umbrella and cozy up inside this #2 spot—tell ‘em Vic sent ya (don’t really, they have no idea who I am).
#1. Nuremberg, Germany
Prepare to be dazzled by my hyperbole. From the idyllic location to the superior service to the bold blend they had brewing the first morning I wandered in, this Starbucks is truly magical. The small door almost goes unnoticed along the hectic Hauptmarkt, but keep an eye out when you start approaching the bridge. The small storefront is misleading—turn the corner and be amazed; natives and tourists intricately weave in the cavernous sitting area. Calming Starbucks-style music plays and there’s a constant hum of conversation throughout the store. Venture out the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sit on the patio along the river. With church bells heard in the distance and a steady flow of foot traffic crossing the bridge, you’ll be tempted to stay at the ‘bucks all day and ignore the rest of your historical surroundings. Then again, there’s always the next morning when the daily coffee custom rears its head yet again.
There it is, my top ten Starbucks spots around the world. But of course, I have yet to visit all 16,000+ locations so the list isn't entirely fair. I guess I have some traveling to do....
