Is Starbucks a Hit or a Miss? My Take!

Starbucks – the name itself sparks different reactions from people. Some absolutely love it, swearing by their favorite drinks, while others find it completely overhyped. Now, if you ask me, I’d say Starbucks is overhyped, but guess what? I still find myself going there quite often. Weird, right? But let me explain my Starbucks experience.

The Starbucks Experience – Why I Keep Going Back

Even though I find Starbucks overpriced and honestly, not every drink is a hit, I still visit frequently. And that’s mainly because of two things – the ever-changing food menu and the vibe.

There’s something about sitting in Starbucks with a warm cup of coffee, the background music, the hum of people working on their laptops—it’s peaceful. I love working there; it gives me a break from my usual routine, and I feel more productive. It’s also a great place to catch up with friends or just people-watch while sipping on a drink

My First Starbucks Memory – A Special One

My best memory with Starbucks has to be the first time I ever tried it. It was with my big brother, Karan, and we had a Mocha Frappuccino and some summer drink, which was honestly meh. But the experience? Priceless. It was less about the drink and more about the moment – laughing, trying something new, and just spending time together.

Another special Starbucks memory? The day I got my permanent driving license! My bhai, Meet, took me to Starbucks to celebrate. That time, we tried Chai Latte—because I’m a tea lover, and he’s a Starbucks lover, so this was the middle ground we found. Surprisingly, it was quite good! That moment, sitting there with my license in hand, sipping on a warm drink, felt like a milestone.

And one of the most unforgettable Starbucks moments? When my family said yes to my bhabhi! To celebrate, we went to Starbucks, got their Tiramisu, and enjoyed it in the car, soaking in that beautiful moment. It was such a simple yet meaningful way to mark the occasion, and honestly, that tiramisu just tasted even better because of the happiness in the air.

Drinks I’ve Tried – Hits and Misses

Okay, let’s get into the real stuff—the drinks. Over time, I’ve tried almost everything on their menu (yes, I’m that person who wants to explore all the options). Some were absolute hits, while others were just… mid.

• Pink Drink (Summer 2025 Edition) – Meh. It looked pretty, but the taste was average. Not something I’d order again.
• Flavor of the Month (Feb 2025) – Can’t even remember what it was, which says a lot. It was forgettable.
• Vietnamese Cold Brew – Honestly, tasted like a regular cold coffee. Nothing special.
• Mocha Frappuccino – A classic, always a safe choice.
• Chai Latte – Surprisingly good, even for someone who prefers traditional tea.
• Matcha Frappe – WOW! Absolute 10/10. If you ever see it on the menu, grab it!

Maybe I choose my drinks based on color—Matcha Frappe is green, Pink Drink is pink. Coincidence? I think not!

If you are going for the first time, then order Mocha Frappuccino, Double Chocolate Chip, or Java Chip—they are go-to options that taste really good. My personal preference is no whipped cream and only 2 cubes of ice. If you want to experience the best coffee, then go to Bokka Coffee and try their Top G—it’s the best!

Food & Desserts – What’s Worth Trying?

Starbucks may be known for its drinks, but their food menu is constantly changing, and I love exploring it. Some things have been mind-blowing, while others were just okay. Here are some of my favorites:

• Christmas Pastry – SO GOOD! Probably one of the best things I’ve had from Starbucks.
• Chole Bomb – Surprisingly delicious! The flavors were on point, and it was super filling.
• Croissant Burger – Also a hit! But definitely something you should eat when you’re really hungry.
• Tiramisu – I loved it! Creamy, rich, and just the right amount of sweetness.
• Empanada – It had some potato filling in a croissant-like exterior, basically an European-style samosa. It was a miss for me.
• Starbucks’ Vada Pav – Starbucks celebrated its 100th store opening by introducing a special Mumbai menu. One of the most iconic items on that menu? Vada Pav. And obviously, I had to try it. But here’s the thing—it was a deconstructed vada pav. The vada itself tasted good, but the bun was just bad. It lacked the softness and slight sweetness that makes a vada pav truly special. And trust me, I’ve had the best vada pav in Mumbai, so I know when something’s off.

The Perks – Why Starbucks Still Wins

One major reason I go to Starbucks often is because of the offers. Lucky for me, there’s a Starbucks right down my office, and every Thursday, they run Buy 1 Get 1 Free offers. That’s a game-changer! It’s the best time to try new drinks without feeling guilty about the price.

Also, Starbucks has the perfect work environment. When I was working on my blog, Stress-Relief Activities, I was sitting in Starbucks, sipping on a Vietnamese Cold Brew, trying to get into the zone. And honestly? It worked. Even though the drink wasn’t that special, the ambiance made the writing process so much better.

The One Thing I Don’t Like – Cookies!

I have to be honest—Starbucks cookies? Not for me. They’re too chewy, almost too gooey. My brother loves Starbucks cookies, but I only love Cookie Man cookies. Starbucks cookies and even Subway cookies just don’t hit the spot for me. But hey, to each their own!

Hit or Miss?

So, after all this, is Starbucks a hit or a miss? For me, it’s somewhere in between. I do think it’s overhyped, but I also can’t deny that I enjoy the experience. The changing menu keeps things interesting, and the ambiance is perfect for work and casual hangouts. Some drinks are forgettable, but some food items and seasonal specials make it worth returning.

Would I recommend Starbucks? Yes, but only if you know what to order! If you’re just grabbing a random drink, you might be disappointed. But if you find your favorites then it’s totally worth it.

One thing I really want to do? Visit Starbucks Reserve and experience Japan Starbucks! Japan is on my bucket list, and I’d love to see what their Starbucks is like compared to the ones here.

Let me know—what’s your go-to Starbucks order? Do you think it’s a hit or miss? I’d love to know your thoughts!