12 Unique Starbucks Locations Across The US
There's a certain comfort in the familiarity of your local Starbucks — the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the inviting ambiance, and the buzz of community chatter. But while many Starbucks locations share these common threads, there's a whole world of extraordinary Starbucks stores across the United States, each offering a unique twist on the traditional coffeehouse experience.
These standout locations go beyond the typical Starbucks stop, transforming a routine coffee run into an extraordinary pit stop. What makes these locations special is that they're not just places to grab a cup of coffee: They're integral to the communities, reflecting their unique culture and spirit.
Each Starbucks branch is a canvas that paints a story of the community it serves, all while offering the same beloved cup of joe. From the necessary theme park pit stop to the sun-soaked beaches of Hawaii to the icy landscapes of Alaska, these distinctive Starbucks locations encapsulate the diverse tapestry of American culture, blending the joy of coffee with a sense of community in unique ways.
Main Street Bakery — Magic Kingdom
When you picture a Starbucks stop, chances are an image of a familiar corner spot pops up in your mind, a place conveniently located on your daily commute to work or school, a haven for your morning caffeine fix. However, Starbucks serves as a lifeline for a different demographic, too: theme park enthusiasts clocking in thousands of steps as they traverse the enchanting expanses of the Magic Kingdom. As the day grows long and nighttime fireworks beckon, Starbucks is there to help energize those weary feet. Tucked away in a corner, you'll discover the Main Street Bakery, a Starbucks location that's always nearby.
Immersed in nostalgic aesthetics, the Main Street Bakery is designed to emulate a quintessential bakery you might stumble upon in your hometown. The only noticeable difference? The queues here are consistently longer than those back home, given its location amidst the world's most popular theme park. Like all four Starbucks outlets dispersed across the park, this one ingeniously operates with two distinct sides and two separate lines, a tactic employed to expedite the ordering process and ensure guests receive their drinks post-haste.
The real highlight? Exclusive Walt Disney park-themed Starbucks cups that often feature a playful Mickey Mouse head lovingly doodled by the baristas on your cup. Plus, you can enjoy a massive cinnamon roll with your coffee here.
The Trolley Car Café — Hollywood Studios
A short hop away from the Magic Kingdom and into the heart of the Hollywood Studios park, you'll find the Trolley Car Café, another remarkable Starbucks location at Walt Disney World. Its strategic central location secures its status as one of the best spots for coffee at Disney World.
The Trolley Car Café diverges from the nostalgic, homely aesthetic of the Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom. Instead, it adopts an industrially-inspired ambiance reminiscent of a vintage trolley car station stop. This unique design imbues the cafe with a distinctive charm that adds a unique flavor to your coffee break. An added bonus to the Trolley Car Café experience is the typically shorter queue than its Magic Kingdom counterpart. This perk allows for a quicker path to your favorite brew, further enhancing the appeal of this Starbucks outlet.
But what sets the Trolley Car Café apart even further is its exclusive pastry offering – the delectable Carrot Cake Cookie. This delightful treat — available nowhere else in Walt Disney World — sweetens the deal for visitors to this Starbucks location, making it an irresistible stop for both coffee and dessert aficionados.
Pike Place — Seattle, Washington
For avid coffee connoisseurs, a visit to Starbucks in Seattle signifies a pilgrimage of sorts. Nestled within the bustling city is Starbucks' historic Pike Place store, the original birthplace of Starbucks, blending seamlessly into the vibrant tapestry of the historic Pike's Place Market, a Seattle mainstay since the early 1900s.
Although countless Starbucks locations across the nation command considerable footfall, none do so quite like Pike's Place. Many Starbucks outlets lure visitors with breathtaking views or the allure of their surroundings. However, the draw of this unassuming cafe is unique. Here, the everyday spectacle of a seemingly endless line that stretches out the door and trails down the street is a testament to the location's iconic status.
While the wait might be long, it's far from dull. Be sure to look skyward during your visit, as you'll likely witness the entertaining sight of baristas skillfully tossing cups from the register to the bar. Amidst the bustling market scene, the original Starbucks at Pike's Place serves as a beacon of the brand's history and success, its appeal far transcending that of a typical coffee shop. If it's your first time visiting, be aware that this Pike Place location doesn't serve food.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery — Chicago, Illinois
In November 2019, Starbucks unveiled its largest coffee shop in Starbucks history, nestled on the Magnificent Mile at the heart of downtown Chicago. This Starbucks Reserve Roastery, a multi-level experience, offers exclusive merchandise and specialty drinks found nowhere else, adding to its allure. Upon entering, the first floor greets you with various fascinating sights: a bustling coffee bar, a scooping station, a visually striking cask, an intriguing clocker board, a functioning roaster, captivating artwork, and a card wall.
Venture to the second floor, and you're met with the irresistible aromas wafting from an Italian-style bakery. The third floor elevates the coffee journey further with a comprehensive flavor wheel and an experimental coffee bar. Here, adventurous coffee lovers can try out unique concoctions that push the boundaries of traditional coffee flavors. Your journey doesn't end here. The fourth floor offers a sophisticated mixology experience, featuring cocktails and a barrel-aged coffee bar, combining the artistry of coffee and spirits in a spectacular fashion.
The adventure culminates on the fifth floor with a roof terrace that presents a breathtaking view of the city. Given Chicago's weather patterns, this rooftop experience is seasonally available, making it a sought-after destination during the warmer months.
Wrigleyville — Chicago, Illinois
Once upon a time, Wrigleyville boasted a Starbucks Reserve Bar. Although that has since been permanently shuttered, Starbucks lovers are not left high and dry in this beloved neighborhood. A Starbucks Pickup Cafe now caters to coffee enthusiasts in the area, providing a unique spin on the typical Starbucks experience.
This Starbucks variant diverges from both the Reserve and the traditional Starbucks cafes, offering no seating area. Instead, it operates exclusively through Starbucks' mobile app. You place your order on the app, and it's ready for you to grab and go, very convenient for this bustling environment.
Its location, just a stone's throw away from Wrigley Field, makes it a perfect pitstop for sports fans. It might not have the opulence of the original Wrigleyville Starbucks Reserve, but its primary charm lies in its utility and convenience. Whether you're on the move, heading to work, or on your way to catch a Cubs game, this Starbucks Pickup Cafe ensures you don't have to skip your beloved coffee ritual. And speaking of Cubs games, don't forget to catch one while you're in the area.
Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building — New York City, New York
Debuting in 2022, the Starbucks Reserve — nestled within the iconic Empire State Building – offers an impressive 23,000 square feet of coffee wonder spread across three floors. It's a blend of coffee artistry and architectural history that creates a unique Starbucks experience unlike any other.
This particular location holds the exclusive honor of offering the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend coffee, a specialty brew that coffee aficionados will not find elsewhere. Alongside this unique drink, visitors can enjoy a variety of delectable food offerings from Princi, adding a savory dimension to the coffee adventures.
Art lovers, too, will find their share of enjoyment with exclusive artistic merchandise collections on display, offering a mix of aesthetics and functionality. If you're keen to dive deeper into the world of coffee, the Reserve also hosts guided tastings. These sessions present an opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of flavors, aromas, and textures that Starbucks coffees encapsulate.
Beyond coffee and food, the Starbucks Reserve at the Empire State Building also offers enticing shopping experiences. The setting, crafted with intricate Art Deco style elements, seamlessly melds with the historic essence of the Empire State Building. This nod to the building's heritage amplifies the charm of the space, creating a synergy of past and present that adds to the allure of your coffee journey.
Highland and Willoughby — Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, a city known for its eclectic blend of history, culture, and glamour, houses a unique Starbucks that stands as a testament to the city's spirit of reimagining and repurposing. Situated on the corner of Highland and Willoughby, this Starbucks occupies a historic cultural monument: a former gas station.
This iconic spot is not just a coffee shop; it's a slice of LA history. The structure has served as the backdrop for various pop culture moments, from films like Steve Martin's 1991 classic 'LA Story' to various commercials. The charm of this Starbucks location extends to its amenities, which include a drive-through and a walk-up window, offering customers varied, convenient ways to get their caffeine fix.
When this 1935 gas station – originally part of the Gilmore Oil Company – was repurposed into a Starbucks, the refurbishment included the installation of energy-efficient LED lights. These were carefully selected to mimic neon lighting, keeping the vintage charm of the place intact while embracing modern sustainability practices.
The result is a delightful blend of past and present, a unique space where customers can enjoy their favorite brew amidst the aura of old Hollywood charm. This Starbucks location is more than a place to grab a coffee; it's an experience, a journey back in time that adds a touch of magic to every visit.
Ketchum Town Center — Ketchum, Idaho
While it's easy to envision grandiose Starbucks branches within bustling cities or popular theme parks, some of the chain's most charming locations are tucked away in areas of natural splendor. One such gem lies nestled in Ketchum, Idaho, within the stunning backdrop of Sawtooth National Forest.
Situated near Sun Valley Idaho Resort, this Starbucks location is part of a delightful shopping and dining district surrounded by captivating natural views. But among these attractive sights, the Starbucks branch stands out with its unique aesthetic and former life as a church.
From the outside, the building resembles a heap of stacked logs, akin to a log pile prepared for a winter's fire. This architectural choice integrates the cafe seamlessly into its forested surroundings, adding a rustic charm that resonates with the spirit of the region.
Stepping inside, visitors are welcomed into a spacious dining area perfect for socializing, dining, and of course, enjoying a freshly brewed Starbucks beverage. The interior continues the log cabin aesthetic, presenting a cozy, warm atmosphere that contrasts the wild beauty of the Sawtooth National Forest.
The first signing store — Washington DC
In Washington, D.C., you'll find a Starbucks branch that truly stands out: the first-ever Starbucks Signing Store. This location embraces the ethos of inclusivity by offering a unique, interactive experience for both the hearing and the Deaf communities.
Here, all partners are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers. Even for those unfamiliar with ASL, the store encourages guests to learn and engage through a special 'sign of the week.' This initiative not only fosters understanding and respect for the Deaf community but also adds a fun, educational twist to the traditional coffee shop experience.
While knowing sign language isn't a prerequisite to order at this location, individuals fluent in ASL will appreciate the ease of communication with the baristas. This Starbucks Signing Store serves as a beacon of inclusivity and a testament to Starbucks' commitment to accessibility.
Although it was the first signing store in Starbucks' roster, it blazed a trail that many others have followed, expanding the reach of this fantastic concept. These signing stores foster an environment of inclusivity and diversity, one cup of coffee at a time.
Peace Portal Drive — Blaine, Washington
In the coastal town of Blaine, Washington, a Starbucks location has taken a unique approach to blending in with the local aesthetics. Borrowing inspiration from its nautical surroundings, this Starbucks is ingeniously designed to resemble a lighthouse.
Positioned to overlook Blaine Harbor, the lighthouse-themed Starbucks stands as an enchanting landmark in the community. While customers are not permitted to climb to the top of the 'lighthouse,' the structure's striking facade presents a picturesque sight that adds to the allure of the location.
The interior continues the lighthouse motif, featuring a winding staircase that enhances the store's maritime feel. This detail, while seemingly small, completes the overall illusion of being inside a real lighthouse. Unfortunately, customers can't experience the panoramic view typically associated with a lighthouse's peak, but the unique architecture and design elements of this Starbucks provide a refreshing change from the usual cafe ambiance you find in most locations.
Waikiki Trade Center — Waikiki Beach
How does one elevate the experience of a tropical paradise like Hawaii? With an exquisite Starbucks, of course! Nestled within the bustling Waikiki Trade Center in Honolulu, this Starbucks adds a touch of caffeinated luxury to an already fantastic location.
Just a stone's throw away from the iconic Waikiki Beach, this Starbucks holds the distinction of being the first location in Hawaii to feature a Reserve Coffee Bar. Here, customers can explore rare, small-lot Starbucks Reserve coffees, providing an exclusive, elevated coffee experience.
But it's not just the coffee that steals the show. This Starbucks location perfectly captures the essence of its island home, showcasing beautiful artwork inspired by the Hawaiian Islands. These pieces create a vibrant ambiance that matches the lively spirit of Honolulu, serving as a colorful backdrop to your coffee break.
At the Reserve Bar, customers can witness the art and science of coffee preparation, further enhancing their appreciation of their brew. Here, amidst the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, you can sit back with your drink and soak up the tropical vibe, making this Starbucks location a slice of caffeinated paradise.
Fairbanks Starbucks — Fairbanks, Alaska
While Hawaii's Waikiki Trade Center Starbucks offers visitors coffee amidst tropical splendor, the Starbucks in Fairbanks, Alaska, delivers a wholly unique experience. As the northernmost Starbucks outpost, this location provides a warm sanctuary against the often icy Alaskan temperatures.
In this remote location, the Starbucks store has become a crucial hub for locals, fostering a sense of community amidst the cold. It's a place for warm conversation over a hot coffee, providing a comforting routine in the stark Alaskan landscape. Considering that the next closest Starbucks is in Anchorage — hundreds of miles away — the importance of this Fairbanks location to its community cannot be overstated.
However, the operation of a Starbucks branch this far north comes with its own set of challenges. The logistics of getting supplies to such a remote location can be difficult, and even wildlife visitations are not uncommon. To top it off, the store has had to install large shades for the windows to combat the prolonged hours of daylight during the summer months. Despite these challenges, the Fairbanks Starbucks continues to serve its community faithfully, offering a slice of familiarity and warmth in the Alaskan wilderness.