"Are you a coffee lover?" the barista asked as I ordered a $4, 12-ounce coffee from Starbucks Reserve, the company's new upscale store that serves premium coffee — made in the Seattle roastery — at a high price.
The Manhattan location is one of 500 set to open soon. The store features an advanced brewing system, chic furniture and artwork, and exclusive, limited-time coffee for sale.
"This is Starbucks on crack," a recent Yelp reviewer said. I went to the Starbucks Reserve in Manhattan to see what this fancy version of Starbucks is like.
It was a journey to get to Starbucks Reserve in Chelsea. It's located on 26th Street, between 10th and 11th avenues. As I approached the shop, I wondered why it would be situated here of all places in Manhattan. It's not close to any subway or bus stops.
When I entered the store, it all started to make sense — it matched the neighborhood it's in. Chelsea is known for its art galleries, and as I surveyed the scene, it felt more like I was in an art studio that a coffee shop just happened to be in. The walk-down entrance made me feel as if I was entering somewhere exclusive or elite place.
The Starbucks Reserve menu features premium, limited-time blends — which makes it expensive. I was lost on where to start for my order. Thankfully, the barista was very helpful in explaining to me the differences among the blends.
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