Any customer-facing job is a tough task to handle. Having to deal with multiple customers with attitudes ranging from kindly passive aggressive to outright confrontational is something not everybody is suited for, but if you work at a Starbucks, you just have to deal with this. This particular Starbucks is located inside MarketFair. It has two entrances: one from inside the mall and the other from the parking lot closest to Route 1 South. Those who are familiar with the area will know that there is another Starbucks over at Nassau Street in Princeton - and this is by far the superior of the two. The space between the counter and the wall is not wide enough - this is crucial especially during peak hours and it can be a hassle trying to figure out where the line starts or where to wait for your order. Regarding peak hours, even though the inside can feel cramped, the baristas do a decent job of getting the orders out. Also, be aware that this is where stay-at-home moms and retirees frequent and they do an excellent job of clogging up the lines, both at the cash register and at the pick-up, because they're fumbling with cash/credit cards in line while trying to push their stroller/trying to shorten the leash on their children or because you have old ladies trying to figure out if the order is theirs by tasting the order that's not theirs without waiting for a barista to let them know. Where they get major points off is the staff. This experience can be a hit or miss depending on who is behind the counter. One would assume that going during a crowded time would mean that's when the baristas would screw up. I'm happy to say that they don't, certainly not when I've gone there. The particular time I went was a Sunday morning with no crowds - this was before 8am. Only two folks were waiting for their orders waiting in front of me. I put in my order and waited. 3 people were behind me and they all got their orders before me while I waited by the counter. Even the online order got theirs first. As I stood in front of the counter waiting for my order, the jolly barista with the lumberjack gray beard didn't bother to notice that I'm just standing there patiently. I definitely knew something was up because after he was done and there were no more folks in line, he turned away and went to the back. And there I was, confused. The girl who took my order asked if I was waiting for something and I told her yes, with no passive aggressive tones like the ones I've included in this review. She took less than 30 seconds to make my order and I said thank you and left. Now I'm a patient man. Why didn't I speak up and say "hey, where's my order?" like those stay-at-home moms and retirees would? Because I know what it's like to work a job like that. I also frequent this place and don't want to make a name for myself. Eventually I would've asked, but the girl did notice although late. In retrospect, the girl probably just forgot to get the cup ready. Whose fault it was is a moot point. What I do have an issue with is graybeard, who was the barista making all the orders, failed to notice a customer patiently waiting even after the line disappeared. He turned away, as in went to the backroom turned away. I guess it's common for people to just wait by the counter there for giggles. Why don't I just go to the Starbucks in Princeton? It's a matter of convenience. If I'm closest to this one then I'll settle for it. Overall, this place is tolerable. I think turnover might be an issue with this Starbucks. They're not always consistent with their specialty drinks (i.e. anything that's not just regular coffee) and it's noticeable. I think the staff in the late afternoon is much more accustomed to handle the hustle and bustle of the place than the ones in the morning. This particular experience of mine supports that. This is the first time I've had my order totally forgotten. If you have a chance to go to the one at Nassau Street, by all means do so. If you don't, it's not a big deal. Just have some patience for these folks. read more

Great location. There is almost always a table open to work at, you can use the mall wifi as a backup, and it definitely has its regular crowd. Also, the baristas are all very friendly and get to know their regulars by name. Would come here all the time if I was ever in the Trenton area for work again. read more

When I first tried this Starbucks 2 years ago it was delicious EVERY time. Since then it has been going downhill and is down right disgusting now. The baristas have no courtesy for what you ask for. Every time I ask for light ice it seems they get a kick out of putting a ton of ice in. I've tried various flavors of coffee and flavor shots and every time it just taste like water...it's sad how low they've come in the past years. If you can go to another Starbucks do so. read more

The only reason I'm not giving this place five stars instead of four is because of the design of this particular Starbucks. It is super awkward and doesn't offer a lot of seating. It almost smacks of a rest stop type Starbucks instead of a full-fledged store. With that said, this Starbucks makes the BEST drinks ever. Compared to the SB on Nassau Street, I can not believe how well they make my drink every single time. I purposely drive out of my way (10 minutes) to visit this SB instead of walking to the one on Nassau Street because they make my drink properly. And the staff are actually friendly and very accommodating. read more

Uber-friendly staff, great fresh coffee. Space seems a little too small for the surrounding area, but overall one of my favorite Starbucks around. read more

I've worked in MarketFair for a couple of months now, and Starbucks has always been my favorite place to get coffee.. this team takes the experience to a whole new level. Not only are they nice and personable, but they are fast and accurate in their service as well. After a couple visits they knew my name and my drink! Keep up the great work guys! read more

Very fast and friendly..its really nice to see the employees stay so happy and excited even though they are dealing with people who are sometimes impatient and rude read more

I have to say I usually receive pretty good, consistent service no matter what Starbucks I enter. However, I have had a series of bad experiences at this location. The most prominent situation occurred today. I placed a mobile order and when I arrived the employee MICHELLE made the incorrect drink (Even though the tag clearly stated white chocolate mocha frap). So I waited for her to remake my drink. This time the frap had HUGE chunks of ice. (I thought she may be a new employee, but she said she had been working here for 2 years.) Given this would be the third drink, I just asked for a chai tea latte. I was here to do schoolwork; however, there were no seats available, so I sat right outside the Starbucks in the mall area on one of the couches to consume my drink and do schoolwork. After a seat became available, I sat in Starbucks for about 3 hours. I went back to the register for the free refill of Starbucks coffee (just regular coffee and leave room for milk is what I asked for) a perk for Gold members. Michelle argued with me that it was not free because I have to stay in the Starbucks to consume the drink. I kindly informed her I had been sitting there for 3 hours doing schoolwork. Then she says oh, you can only get free refills of the same drink you had before, regular coffee. They don't offer free refills if you ordered a frap earlier. THIS IS A LIE! I went to Starbucks website and showed her the rules. She was unapologetic and kept defending her stance that she has been working there for 2 years and that's how it has always been done. I have been coming to this particular Starbucks for over 2 years and I have never had this happen before. I receive my free coffee only to notice she has filled the cup to the brim with coffee. Sigh. Michelle is an incompetent employee who doesn't seem to follow simple directions, and makes up her own rules about Starbucks rewards. She needs additional training. It is very unfortunate to have to deal with employees like this when I have to frequent this location for Starbucks given its proximity. Sigh.... read more

I have been here few times and it's always busy. Staffs are friendly and polite. So I don't mind to wait if I'm not in rush. Compared with other coffee stores or coffee boutique, I still hook with Starbucks coffee. Also, There's more seats inside the market fair mall or outdoor! read more

Best Starbucks in the area. They get pretty busy especially in the morning rush. Staff is always friendly. Deb, Nic, Sage and Kris to name a few of the veterans. They know many regulars names and drinks and often have them ready prior to even ordering. High quality drinks with a top notch staff in a convenient location right off of Route 1 South in the Marketfair Mall. read more

Staff was surprisingly rude on my last visit; I won't be back. I used to love this place - was there a couple times a week and I've walked back in to say how good the drink was and an extra thank you. But lately they seem mixed up. They don't bother to check for mobile orders, so if you try it be sure to ask for yours as soon as you arrive so they will check the printer. read more