Ask a Starbucks barista anything.

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
141

[QUOTE=Hostile Dialect]
Oh, how I wish you were kidding.

ETA: It used to drive me nuts how many people went to great pains to get as little fat and sugar in their fancy drink as possible–and then insisted on whipped cream. Sigh.
[/QUOTE]
Yay! Your wish is granted! I was kidding, but your post has piqued my curiosity. Are there people who order extra whip and then say no whip? That seems ridiculous. Or did you mean people who specify lo-cal flavors and cremes and then get whipped topping?

142

[QUOTE=]
It used to drive me nuts how many people went to great pains to get as little fat and sugar in their fancy drink as possible–and then insisted on whipped cream.
[/QUOTE]
My dad is on a diet. My dad love, love, loves whipped cream. He’d gladly eat sawdust if he could have whipped cream on it. So (as bizarre as it sounds to me), I can see him ordering no-sugar, no-fat anything – with whipped cream.

Much as I love him, I claim no responsibility for his decisions!

143

[QUOTE=Hostile Dialect]
Huh. That’s pretty weird–I would expect every coffeehouse to have at least a few sugar-free syrups, nonfat milk and soy milk. That’s just basic stuff. And in New York, of all places.
[/QUOTE]

Well, in their defense they’re not just a coffeehouse. It’s a tiny coffeehouse/panini/bakery type of place. They DO have 2% milk and today I just saw they started getting sugar free vanilla syrup so it’s something.

I’m going to ask them to order sugar free hazelnut and see what they say. And then maybe I’ll push my luck and ask for fat free milk. At least I don’t get whip on top!

Damnit I have to keep off these 105 pounds somehow!

144

The latter. It was also sad to see the same very obese woman with her very obese son order (the equivalent of) chocolate and caramel frappucinos all the time, the latter, for her son, with “lots and lots of caramel” while he nodded emphatically.

145

I have a friend who always orders her drink “extra hot”. Is there actually any control over the temperatore of the water going into the cup or are they simply humoring her and not doing anything differently?

146

While I totally agree with most of the criticisms lobbed at Starbucks, I do have to say that in my experience, the one about them forcing you to use weird words to designate sizes is just not valid.

I rarely go to Starbucks. And when I do, I pretty much always get a cappuccino. And I always just say “small” or “medium.” Nobody ever corrects me or sneers at me or anything like that. They just give me what I want.

The closest it ever came was the last time I was there. There was a long line. I ordered a small cappuccino. Then moved down the counter where some other guy was making drinks. He said “Who had the googlymoogly cappucino?” I said “I ordered a small one.” He said “here you go.” I said “thanks.”

Maybe they used to try and get you to use their words…I seem to remember YEARS ago that if I ordered a small, they would pointedly say “oh, you mean a googlymoogly!” I’d be like “whatever, bitch. Just give me my fucking cappuccino.” (Okay, I’m lying about that last bit.) I don’t think they really do that any more. I wonder if it was a change in corporate policy, or if everyone just got tired of arguing with crotchety customers about it.

Hostile Dialect: Are you telling me that a macchiato isn’t a macchiato? That’s pretty dumb. That’s like Taco Bell suddenly deciding that a burrito is a chalupa.

147

[QUOTE=Green Bean]
While I totally agree with most of the criticisms lobbed at Starbucks, I do have to say that in my experience, the one about them forcing you to use weird words to designate sizes is just not valid.

I rarely go to Starbucks. And when I do, I pretty much always get a cappuccino. And I always just say “small” or “medium.” Nobody ever corrects me or sneers at me or anything like that. They just give me what I want.

The closest it ever came was the last time I was there. There was a long line. I ordered a small cappuccino. Then moved down the counter where some other guy was making drinks. He said “Who had the googlymoogly cappucino?” I said “I ordered a small one.” He said “here you go.” I said “thanks.”

Maybe they used to try and get you to use their words…I seem to remember YEARS ago that if I ordered a small, they would pointedly say “oh, you mean a googlymoogly!” I’d be like “whatever, bitch. Just give me my fucking cappuccino.” (Okay, I’m lying about that last bit.) I don’t think they really do that any more. I wonder if it was a change in corporate policy, or if everyone just got tired of arguing with crotchety customers about it.

Hostile Dialect: Are you telling me that a macchiato isn’t a macchiato? That’s pretty dumb. That’s like Taco Bell suddenly deciding that a burrito is a chalupa.
[/QUOTE]

Umm…have you been to Taco Bell lately? Their chalupas aren’t chalupas. Not even close. (They are tasty, though, for what they are.)

148

After reading this thread, I advised DeathLlama to ask if the Venti drinks at the Starbucks he was going to had 2 or 3 shots. When he went, he was told it depends on the drinks, and my gingerbread latte only has 2. I was surprised, and hubby got the extra shot for me. This explains why sometimes my venti drinks seem too sweet and I wind up adding an extra shot of homemade espresso.

So–which drinks are triple-shot Ventis, and which are double-shot?

149

Yeah, they can control the temperature.

Yes, yes, and yes. The Starbucks macchiato has absolutely no relation to the macchiato.

And now you understand why I have not spent one cent at Starbucks this year and have no plans to in the future.

Why would a large (I’m sorry, the word is large (ETA: I’m snarking Starbucks here, not you)) drink have only two shots? Furthermore, why do you continue to patronize this business even though you’re unsatisfied with its products?

150

Because 90% of the time, I like the drinks(s). The other 10% of the time seems to be related to one specific Starbucks making overly-sweet drinks (it’s only recently I’ve made that connection).

I make espresso at home, and while it’s good, it’s usually much stronger and less smooth than what I get at our local Starbucks. Peet’s is pretty good too, FTR. But the nearest Peet’s is 30min away. There’s a Starbucks around the corner.

That, and I (we) like the Starbucks atmosphere. We sit outside, drink our coffee, read the paper, and feed RuffLlama bits of muffin while he watches the cars go by. Makes for a really pleasant Sunday morning. :slight_smile:

Ohhh, and Starbucks has a “yes” policy. I haven’t abused it, but a friend who used to manage one of the places told us about it. You can place a ridiculous order: “I’d like a tall extra-caramel caramel macchiato, but in a venti cup. Then fill the rest of the cup with whipped cream.” --and they’ll say, “Yes.” (BTW, a very large woman who worked at the hair salon I go to had that as her regular drink. BLEHHHH!) You can drink a few sips, half, or (if you’re a jackass) nearly all your coffee, complain it’s too sweet or whatever, and ask for a new one–and they’ll say yes. Customer service is an obvious priority, to the point of practically ass-kissing. It’s a refreshing change from some places we’ve frequented.

Also, when they screw up an order–as has happened frequently at a new Starbucks around here–you end up with free coffee. “I have a gingerbread latte for Ruffian.” “Um…I’m sorry, I asked for a nonfat gingerbread latte.” “Oh. Okay. Well, you can have this one, too, if you want, while I make your drink. Otherwise we just dump it.”

Sweet!

151

[QUOTE=Projammer]
I have a friend who always orders her drink “extra hot”. Is there actually any control over the temperatore of the water going into the cup or are they simply humoring her and not doing anything differently?
[/QUOTE]

Yes we do. Normally it stops at about 160. When you say extra hot we do about 180 unless you tell us otherwise.

[QUOTE=Green Bean]
While I totally agree with most of the criticisms lobbed at Starbucks, I do have to say that in my experience, the one about them forcing you to use weird words to designate sizes is just not valid.

I rarely go to Starbucks. And when I do, I pretty much always get a cappuccino. And I always just say “small” or “medium.” Nobody ever corrects me or sneers at me or anything like that. They just give me what I want.

The closest it ever came was the last time I was there. There was a long line. I ordered a small cappuccino. Then moved down the counter where some other guy was making drinks. He said “Who had the googlymoogly cappucino?” I said “I ordered a small one.” He said “here you go.” I said “thanks.”

Maybe they used to try and get you to use their words…I seem to remember YEARS ago that if I ordered a small, they would pointedly say “oh, you mean a googlymoogly!” I’d be like “whatever, bitch. Just give me my fucking cappuccino.” (Okay, I’m lying about that last bit.) I don’t think they really do that any more. I wonder if it was a change in corporate policy, or if everyone just got tired of arguing with crotchety customers about it.

Hostile Dialect: Are you telling me that a macchiato isn’t a macchiato? That’s pretty dumb. That’s like Taco Bell suddenly deciding that a burrito is a chalupa.
[/QUOTE]

I dont get why people cry over the sizes. No one complains about 7/11s Big Gulp. I mean come on. Big Gulp isnt a size! and we actually have FOUR sizes. Short, Tall, Grande, and Venti. So thats why we dont use small medium and large.

[QUOTE=Ruffian]
After reading this thread, I advised DeathLlama to ask if the Venti drinks at the Starbucks he was going to had 2 or 3 shots. When he went, he was told it depends on the drinks, and my gingerbread latte only has 2. I was surprised, and hubby got the extra shot for me. This explains why sometimes my venti drinks seem too sweet and I wind up adding an extra shot of homemade espresso.

So–which drinks are triple-shot Ventis, and which are double-shot?
[/QUOTE]

Ok lets break it down:

Hot Short: 2 pumps of syrup, 1 shot
Hot Tall: 3 pumps of syrup, 1 shot
Hot Grande: 4 pumps of syrup, 2 shots
Hot Venti: 5 pumps of syrup, 2 shots

Iced Tall: 3 Pumps of syrup, 1 shot
Iced Grande: 4 pumps of syrup, 2 shots
Iced Venti: 6 pumps of syrup, 3 shots.
The iced Venti is actually a little bit bigger then the hot venti which is why it gets an extra pump and extra shot

Now americanos get +1 shot to whatever size you ordered. And macciatos get -1 pump to whatever size your orded.

152

I do not care for hot drinks. I like my coffee lukewarm, and will gulp it down cold. Since I’m also on Weight Watchers, my usual order is iced coffee. In checking out Starbucks nutritional information, I found that my Venti iced coffe is actually 90 calories. Do you guys add sugar or flavoring to the iced coffee, and is there any way (other than ordering the iced Americano, which I’m not as fond of) to just get plain coffee that’s cold?

(BTW, I’ve been a subscribing member since the beginning, and I think this is the first time I’ve posted since April at least. It would take a Starbucks thread to get me out of my lurkerdom).

153

[QUOTE=Cassie Beth]
I do not care for hot drinks. I like my coffee lukewarm, and will gulp it down cold. Since I’m also on Weight Watchers, my usual order is iced coffee. In checking out Starbucks nutritional information, I found that my Venti iced coffe is actually 90 calories. Do you guys add sugar or flavoring to the iced coffee, and is there any way (other than ordering the iced Americano, which I’m not as fond of) to just get plain coffee that’s cold?

(BTW, I’ve been a subscribing member since the beginning, and I think this is the first time I’ve posted since April at least. It would take a Starbucks thread to get me out of my lurkerdom).
[/QUOTE]

Our iced coffee is brewed on double strenghth but it gets watered down. We do add sweetener but only when we ask if you would like it.

154

Sure it is. It’s even in English.

Considering that “tall”, “grande” and “venti” are advertised as small-medium-large, why can’t they have short/small/medium/large?

A large of anything at Seattle’s Best has three shots. Only seems rational. To the extent that drinking 20+ oz. of coffee at once can be considered rational, that is.

155

That’s not a ratio I would find acceptable. YMMV.

There are no local places? Where are you in Southern CA?

Is that kind of atmosphere particular to Starbucks where you live? That hasn’t been my experience, but I suppose I could believe it if you live in Bakersfield or something. BTW: You have a llama? That is awesome.

Fair enough. I’ve never had any trouble finding a higher-quality and cheaper local coffeehouse that was happy to oblige any reasonable request. And I’m sure you could order that sugar injection drip anywhere and have it made that way.

Well, what do ya know. One Doper’s trash is another’s treasure, I suppose.

156

[QUOTE=Hostile Dialect]
Sure it is. It’s even in English.

Considering that “tall”, “grande” and “venti” are advertised as small-medium-large, why can’t they have short/small/medium/large?

A large of anything at Seattle’s Best has three shots. Only seems rational. To the extent that drinking 20+ oz. of coffee at once can be considered rational, that is.
[/QUOTE]

Because then people would complain how we have small medium large and a short cup. Its not rocket science. Anyone who doenst know the sizes obiviously doenst go to Starbucks and if you dont go to Starbucks then that means you look on the menu when you walk in. People who complain about the sizes just try to be cute. They are the same people who ask for caramel cappuccinos even though i correct them everytime and tell them FRAPPUCCINO they still say it. And Hot Venti gets two shots. Thats what the rules say so thats what i make.

157

I have no interest in being cute. OTOH, I think it’s fairly obvious that Starbucks uses cutesy names to create a false sense of subculture for their customers to buy into.

None of those people want a cappuccino with caramel in it?

I didn’t say you should break the rules, I said the rules are stupid.

158

[QUOTE=Hostile Dialect]
I have no interest in being cute. OTOH, I think it’s fairly obvious that Starbucks uses cutesy names to create a false sense of subculture for their customers to buy into.

None of those people want a cappuccino with caramel in it?

I didn’t say you should break the rules, I said the rules are stupid.
[/QUOTE]

No, they always want a carmamel frappiccino.

159

[QUOTE=ChrisBooth12]
Yes we do. Normally it stops at about 160. When you say extra hot we do about 180 unless you tell us otherwise.

I dont get why people cry over the sizes. No one complains about 7/11s Big Gulp. I mean come on. Big Gulp isnt a size! and we actually have FOUR sizes. Short, Tall, Grande, and Venti. So thats why we dont use small medium and large.

Ok lets break it down:

Hot Short: 2 pumps of syrup, 1 shot
Hot Tall: 3 pumps of syrup, 1 shot
Hot Grande: 4 pumps of syrup, 2 shots
Hot Venti: 5 pumps of syrup, 2 shots

Iced Tall: 3 Pumps of syrup, 1 shot
Iced Grande: 4 pumps of syrup, 2 shots
Iced Venti: 6 pumps of syrup, 3 shots.
The iced Venti is actually a little bit bigger then the hot venti which is why it gets an extra pump and extra shot

Now americanos get +1 shot to whatever size you ordered. And macciatos get -1 pump to whatever size your orded.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks for posting this! I have noticed that when I order my Hazelnut Lattes, they taste different depending on what size I get. I think what I really want is more espresso and less syrup, and now I can figure out how to custom order it to get the flavor I’m looking for. You rock.

160

[QUOTE=Hostile Dialect]
I have no interest in being cute.
I didn’t say you should break the rules, I said the rules are stupid.
[/QUOTE]

good you aren’t being cute.
WE GET IT
You don’t like Starbucks–evidently other people do. Go figure. People are different.

Fine, you don’t like Starbucks–don’t go there You know you can also ignore the threads about Starbucks. I don’t like the kitten threads–I don’t go into them.

This thread isn’t about you and your crusade. Do you have to be a one trick pony about this coffee thing? It seems that is all I know about you is your anti Starbucks crusade.

However I like Starbucks (and I also like small locally owned coffee shops)
Liking one doesn’t preclude liking the other. I travel a lot for work and sometimes I am in a new city and want a nice americano–and surprise I can get one exactly how I like it at Starbucks. Some places I travel to it is Starbucks or nothing.

I appreciate that ChrisBooth12 opened this thread. I am enjoying it with the exceptions of your rude comments in his thread