Whenever we go to Times or the Credit Union, I usually stop by this Starbucks (SB) location to check and see if they have my beloved oatcake. I've found that this location is hit-or-miss -- more often than not, I'm able to find my favorite treat, but sometimes I've gone too late in the day and they were all out! I like this location because it's usually not super packed--at least, during the times I've gone--and I've met some friends at this location before and we were easily able to find at seat at one of the larger outside tables.
Here's what I would recommend:
"Hawaiian Oatcake": I usually go to SB not for drinks, but for this unique treat. I often buy two and stock them up for breakfast! These unique oatcakes are rich in fiber and bran, and they're studded with cranberries. While others have complained that the oatcakes are too dry, I find them to be yummy. They are more bland in taste--something that can be easily solved with butter--and I just pick out as many of the cranberries as I can to enjoy my treat. Definitely a great on-the-go snack or a breakfast option. This is something I always make sure to get whenever I visit Hawaii, and I often buy an extra one to take back to Cali with me for the next morning's breakfast.
"Chocolate Cake Pop": I tried this cake pop when they first came out ... and because I was preparing to make my own batch and wanted to see what the SB version tasted like. This bite-sized treat features chocolate cake mixed with chocolate butter cream, dipped in dark chocolate and topped with sugar sprinkles. This particular cake pop was my first choice because it was the only chocolate option available at the time. The cake was soft and moist, and I really liked the dark chocolate shell. The sugar sprinkles added extra sweetness and crunch and my cake pop was literally gone in two bites. This is a great treat for small kids and I was grateful to taste it--and knew what I should aim for when making my own batch of cake pops--but if I'm ever craving something sweet at SB, I would probably opt for a larger treat.
"Hazelnut Macchiato": I would get this drink because of its hazelnut flavor ... and I like anything that reminds me of Nutella. It features freshly steamed milk with vanilla syrup, espresso and a hazelnut drizzle. I'm sure the vanilla-hazelnut combo is light and sweet, and I would get this drink with a soy substitute as well.
"Iced Caffe Mocha": If I do get coffee or drinks with caffeine, I almost always prefer them iced instead of hot. This iced option features espresso combined with bittersweet mocha sauce and milk over ice. I almost got this drink, but I opted for the "Skinny Mocha" option instead to try to save on some calories. But I definitely wouldn't mind trying this cold, richer mocha drink sometime. My "Skinny" version was still sweet enough and contained just enough caffeine, so if I need a stronger dose/want a more distinct mocha flavor, I would go for this option instead.
"Iced Caramel Macchiato": This "Caramel Macchiato" was one of my college friend's favorite drinks. I've heard it ordered many times while I was in line at SB, so I know it's pretty popular. It features espresso combined with vanilla-flavored syrup, milk and caramel sauce over ice. Though I like caramel better when paired with chocolate, I probably would end up ordering this popular drink during some future SB visit, just to try it. I know it's on the sweeter side, and I would opt for soy milk (and perhaps ask for a drizzle of chocolate).
"Cinnamon Dolce Latte": I love all things cinnamon, and I'm sure this drink would be a winner based on its fragrance alone! It features espresso with steamed milk and cinnamon dolce flavored syrup, and it comes topped with sweetened whipped cream and cinnamon dolce topping. I can just imagine that this drink is like a Cinnabon in liquid form. I definitely want to try this fragrant drink on a cold day ... when I'm craving the spices and sweet taste of cinnamon.
"Iced Hazelnut Macchiato": If I want a hazelnut drink that's cold (as opposed to the hot version), this drink would be my go-to. It features espresso combined with vanilla-flavored syrup, milk and hazelnut sauce over ice. I love the smell and taste of Nutella, so I'm thinking that this iced drink would remind me of that since it features a distinct hazelnut flavor.
"Mocha Frappuccino Blended Coffee": I've never expanded outside of the frapp category, but I do want to try one of SB's blended drinks one day. This one sounds like it's right up my alley, as it features coffee with rich mocha-flavored sauce blended with milk and ice. It actually sounds pretty similar to the "Java Chip" Frappuccino, but without the chocolate chips. I'm sure I'd like it if I ever tried it. read more