*I don’t usually write review blogs, but after yesterday’s experience I found it fitting.

Yesterday morning I woke up like most 20-somethings: slightly hungover and hungry. Lucky for me, coffee shops are like bus stops in Seattle. They’re everywhere.

I love Starbucks, make no bones about it, but braving the cold on New Years isn’t my idea of fun. Alex suggested Cherry Street Coffee, on the corner of 1st and Clay. It’s a 30-second walk, and while I’d prefer Starbucks, I’ll give this hip joint a go.

I walked in wearing sweats and my NYE makeup (smeared appropriately, of course). I took a glance at the menu, ordered a 16-ounce, non-fat, extra hot carmel mocha. Not too much to ask, right? I also ordered a day-old bagel. What can that cost, a dollar? A fresh bagel and butter is $1.68. The barista gave me the stink eye. I gave her the benefit of the doubt, maybe she’s tired and/or hungover.

What made this experience so awful? My bagel turned out to be $1.91. Now I’m no math major, but if a fresh bagel and butter is $1.68, why pay $1.91 for a day-old bagel? I scratched the bagel and decided to eat at home (cue barista stink eye). The barista served my coffee filled to the brim, with some frilly foam crap on top. I grabbed a 16-ounce lid (because that’s what I ordered) and tried putting it on. Coffee overflowed onto my hands and the counter. Another barista grabbed a 12-ounce lid and said something about “these always being difficult.” When I asked for napkins the baristas acted like I’d asked for an enema. Alright, that might be an exaggeration. My point is they got annoyed that I’m trying to clean up my mess. Rude. Rude. Rude.

I got back to the apartment agitated about my overall experience. I then took one look at Alex’s coffee from earlier and realized I paid $4.00 for a 12-ounce cup of crap. I clearly ordered and paid for a 16-ounce cup. Alex said not to stress. The people at Cherry Street are apparently stuck up to new customers. She said they didn’t get nicer until, “we started tipping them well.” I’m also no business major, but if you want people to come back and tip well, maybe you shouldn’t be a bitch of a barista?

People give Starbucks a bad rap for being a chain coffee shop, but you know what? From New York to Seattle to Beijing and back, Starbucks remained consistent. The baristas are always friendly and make a point to talk to you. If your drink isn’t made to par, they’ll re-make it. Spill your drink or need napkins? Not a problem, they’ll help you clean up. Even in China, Starbucks baristas went above and beyond, language barriers and all. On average, I go to Starbucks once a week. Racking my brain, I cannot think of a time with poor customer service.

If you’re looking for a hipster, overpriced coffee house that is only nice to “well tipping” customers, please check out Cherry Street, notably the one on 1st Avenue. If you’re looking for consistent coffee, friendly baristas, a welcoming ambiance and free wifi, check out Starbucks. I’ll be posted up in the back. Look for the MacBook Pro.

♥ BB