Review: Starbucks in Montreal

You may consider this as a confession of an addicted user.

It’s Friday, and I can’t help it but express my opinion about the multiplying Starbucks around downtown Montreal. Especially since the previous post is about Starbucks as well.

Ever since I came back from Japan I’ve been completely addicted to the nectar of gods brewed there. It all started in Tokyo because of a Starbucks right outside our hotel, it quickly became a daily ritual. Then a twice-a-day ritual, which is where it’s at now. Sometimes it’s more, but it’s rare. Fun fact: there are now 21 Starbucks locations in Montreal, compared to just a couple a few years ago.

So here’s the thing: all these locations are not all made equal. Here is the review, as a public service. From me to you, so to speak. In no particular order.

The one in Chapters on Ste-Catherine: Pretty good, but usually all-anglophone. I don’t know how to say “petit corsé” in English, so I end up always ordering in French. Service is good, but Chapters opens at 9AM. Not so convenient.

[rating:3.5]

The one in Cours Mont-Royal: Worst service ever. I’ve never seen anything worse than there, in any city in Canada or overseas. Slow, everyone always looks completely lost and depressed, not familiar with products. Overall bad vibe as well. Morning or evening, no change.

[rating:1.5]

The one in Place Montreal Trust: Pretty good, I would classify it as second best after the one on Ste-Catherine. Wait times are sometimes long because of all the traffic there, but it’s alright. There is a confrontational employee there (seen her engaged in verbal fights with customers at least three times), but she’s usually right so it’s OK.

[rating:4.5]

The one on Ste-Catherine: Best one in Montreal, as voted by me. Good vibe, good people, excellent staff, excellent location.

[rating:5]

The one in Bonaventure: Probably 2nd worst after Cours Mont-Royal. Long wait, clueless and depressed staff.

[rating:2]

That is all for now. If there’s some sort of a Starbucks detox I could go through, please let me know.