the birthplace of Starbucks

Yesterday I took a trip down to Seattle, a.k.a. the Mecca of Coffee.  If there's one thing we know in the Pacific North West, it's coffee.  It might have something to do with the fact that it rains 9 months out of the year here.  Or maybe because Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks.

In fact THIS is the very first location at Pike Place.  While I usually grab a cup while I'm there the market was especially crazy due to a big festival so I didn't stop in.  Besides, I knew I could walk a block and find another far less busy location.  It used to be a treat when I was there and I'd pick up some Pike Place brew.  Last year, however, Starbucks changed the Pike Place blend to their house coffee (best decision ever), so standing in line forever didn't seem as worth it.

I know to most people Starbucks is Starbucks, and every location is the same.  Trust me, it's not.  The traffic in each one changes the tone, the baristas are unique, and while your drink might taste the same, the feeling just isn't.

That being said, if you do find yourself in downtown Seattle I would recommend you try the location on 6th & Pine.  It's right next to Barney's & across from Nordstrom's.  It's just around the corner from the main square, and while you can find at least 3 Starbucks in the area, this one is just out of the way enough not to attract too much attention.  The baristas are laid back and friendly without being hyper-caffeinated, and they make an excellent soy latte.  It's comfortable & cool and I always stop there when I'm in town.  

Fortunately Starbucks is all over, so you don't have to be in the area to get a great cup.  In fact, you don't even have to be at a store.  My current brew-at-home love is (Starbucks)RED.  It's bold and the perfect Monday morning cup to get you going.  Not only that, it's part of the Global fund and donates $1 from every bag sold (in Canada and the US) to help people living with AIDS in Africa.  So if you're going to buy a bag of coffee, why not help someone else out at the same time?