Do you need a "third place"?

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Monday, February 16. 2009

Do you need a "third place"?

Starbuck's stock price tracks the economy. Ouch.

As much as we enjoy promoting the simple virtues of Dunkin Donuts here, we have never really been mad at Starbucks. I like their House Blend, and I think the idea of a "third place" to hang out for a while either alone or to meet - which isn't a pub - is a civilized thing.

And, when you think about it, they don't charge any more than a pub would charge you for a drink. As with a pub, you are paying for a place to go to, not for the liquid.

I think they over-reached in their expansion. The are spots in NYC where you can see at least two of them from one corner.

Dunkin is still making money, and, if you don't mind hard plastic chairs, no wireless, no semi-cool CDs for sale, no bean-sprout sandwiches on bread so "natural" that I doubt Medieval serfs would want to eat it, no phony 1/4" thick ambience, and no barristas, Dunkin is still a pleasant "third place" for lots of folks.

Still, for your first e-Harmony get-together, Starbucks is probably a better idea...

Posted by Bird Dog in Hot News & Misc. Short Subjects at 18:36 | Comments (10) | Trackback (1)

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Agree about the third place thing. Prefer Starbucks to the fluorescent glare of DD for a quick lunch coffee and a chat. Also, the staff speak English at Starbucks. But the real reason for preferring Starbucks (DD's prices are now just as high) is the higher caffeine content of the drinks. If you have to work for a living, this makes it worth the money. Here's a fairly complete list: http://www.energyfiend.com/2007/10/the-complete-guide-to-starbucks-caffeine

#1 heron on 2009-02-16 21:08 (Reply)

I work at 50th & Lex, and can attest to the fact that there's a S.B at 50th & Park (in the Waldorf), 50th & Lex (at the subway station), and 50th & 2nd.

So I needn't walk more than half a block for crappy, over-priced, burnt coffee.

#2 Jersey Jim on 2009-02-16 23:31 (Reply)

Starbucks would likely be a 150 mile drive for me. Maybe further. I have never been to one. Dunkin Donuts is at least 50+ miles as well.

#3 feeblemind on 2009-02-17 00:57 (Reply)

Go to the local truck stop: coffee, wireless, fried chicken, pizza, and a shower if you need one ;) The ambiance isn't quite the same, however.

#4 chuck on 2009-02-17 02:01 (Reply)

Starbucks is the bare minimum for upscale coffee, though it usually shows signs of being overcooked and tends to be bitter. I prefer a couple locally owned coffee shops that make good coffee. (Local doesn't necessarily equal good but at least you have a chance). I have a nice semi-auto espresso maker and make my own shots at home, rarely venture out for espresso because few places not in Italy are capable of making an acceptable shot. (You can make a borderline acceptable shot with Starbucks beans but their in-store shots tend to be bitter and hideous). Major props to WholeLatteLove.com, which is to lovers of very good coffee what a dealer is to a junkie.

All that snobbery aside, if you need a workaday cup, 7-11 has decent coffee if you get it when it's fairly fresh and McDonalds isn't terrible in a pinch.

#5 Al Maviva on 2009-02-17 05:47 (Reply)

Mickey D's doing just as good a job on Mocha Java for less $$$$- so more value. And they serve Green Mtn Coffee for the regular stuff. Smart Mickey D's, another reason why they remain numero uno. Drink 'em inside or drive-thru. Dunkie Donuts up the street doesn't do very well in River City, coffee not as good as Green Mtn.

However, we local-yokels much prefer the Crossroads Cafe, our superb non-greasy spoon for breakfast-lunch where they serve delicious New England Coffee, excellent, fresh vittles, much local in season, and where you can get all of the local news, Page 6 local gossip, business referrals, and all politics. Every town used to have one and we're fortunate we still do. Very much functions as the local pub without alcohol.

Owned and operated by locals, a real place for real people, including professionals, business owners, and the snow plow and lawn care guys, plus numerous tourists and out-of-towners who know how to ferret out the best place to eat wherever they go. A place where you know you're a member of the club when your waitress greets you with an insult prior to taking your order. And everybody talks to one another, just like a small town English pub. The old boys hold morning court at the communal table for 10 where politics is hot and heavy.

Nope, no Starbucks here, them fellers from Seattle couldn't make it here anyway with their fancy, overpriced coffee drinks. Besides, we prefer to spend our $$$$ with the locals who provide much more than just good food at reasonable prices. The kind of folks we like to do business with no matter what the business. This is why many folks live in a small town like this one all over the USA.

#6 greenmtnpunter on 2009-02-17 07:12 (Reply)

Around here Starbucks strategy seems to be placing themselves in grocery stores and Targets. Depending on which route I use, I hit a Starbucks in Stop�n Shop a few days a week - a local place is on the alternative route.

I drive right by DDs to get either - their coffee costs at least as much, no travel mug discount, and they insist on adding the milk and sugar themselves and always go way overboard with both.

#7 NJSoldier on 2009-02-17 09:48 (Reply)

I get Safeway's French dark roast and grind the beans myself. They get their coffee from Washington state, and it's killer stuff. When I wake up it hears me and brews itself.
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#8 Meta on 2009-02-17 14:06 (Reply)

The town I live in about 30 miles from Portland, OR has 6 Starbucks (full service & express - no pun intended) and at least 7 regional/local coffee shops plus a number of grocery stores have their own in store coffee sections and a McDonald's.

My current favorite is called Steamed Heat - great atmosphere too such as river rock fireplace.

#9 Tralfaz on 2009-02-17 15:29 (Reply)

In Britain sbux are a welcome break from the stewed tea serving dives usualy available.

#10 thud (Link) on 2009-02-17 19:31 (Reply)

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Monday, February 16. 2009

Do you need a "third place"?