I honestly never thought I'd be writing a review like this about Starbucks, but today's experience was incredibly disappointing and honestly just sad. All I asked for was a small cup of ice because I had my own container with me. I wasn't asking for a drink, a refill, or anything complicated--just a little ice. Instead of a simple act of kindness, the store manager, Jackie, immediately shut it down and told me I couldn't have ice unless I made a purchase because of some "store policy" that's supposedly been in place for a year. The thing is, I've been to countless Starbucks locations and have never once encountered this issue. Not once. So being called out and refused over something so small felt unnecessary and honestly embarrassing. What made the situation even more frustrating is that another customer overheard what happened, placed an order, and kindly offered to get the ice for me himself. That simple gesture from a stranger showed more customer service and humanity than what I received from the staff. It also left me wondering: How does anyone know whether I had already purchased something earlier at another location that day? How does anyone know if I'm a regular customer who comes in multiple times a week? To deny such a small and harmless request felt incredibly disheartening and distasteful. As the only Black person in the store at the time, the whole interaction also felt uncomfortable enough that it raised questions about whether I was being treated differently. Whether that was the intent or not, that's unfortunately how the situation came across. So if you are African-American, just know you could be treated in different at this location. I'm also someone who believes in second chances. In fact, I've removed negative reviews in the past when businesses made things right or showed some level of understanding. I truly prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt. But sometimes actions simply don't warrant a second chance, and unfortunately today felt like one of those moments. It's unfortunate that experiences like this push customers to Yelp to share their dissatisfaction, but perhaps that explains why this location already has such a low rating. A moment that could have been solved with a tiny bit of kindness instead turned into a very disappointing experience. Sadly, this might be another chain I have to cross off my list Looking at these other reviews, it looks like a pattern of someone else being discriminated against and horrendous treatment from a customer service standpoint. Do some people just feel entitled in a position of management? You are young and you still have time to correct your ways. I wish you and your staff the best. read more

Starbucks - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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We have been to Starbucks all over the World and always have warm and friendly baristas, good treats, and the best. Sadly, the Starbucks closest to our home is the ONLY Starbucks that has a few unfriendliest baristas we've ever encountered. Many are friendly and provide excellent service but the few that aren't are downright rude & spoil the experience. Seeing the many bad reviews this Starbucks has encountered on Yelp, I can see we are not the only ones who feel this way. read more

This Starbucks location is a reliable spot for grabbing your favorite coffee or tea. The seating is comfortable, and there's plenty of space to work, relax, or catch up with friends. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the drinks are consistently well made. It's a solid choice for a quick caffeine fix or a casual coffee break, with a familiar, welcoming atmosphere every time you visit. read more

Starbucks - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Used this Starbucks for a mobile pickup when in the area. Super convenient location in the Torrey Hills Center with lots of parking available. My drink was delicious and prepared quickly. The interior has a number of small tables, mostly filled with customers working. Staff was pleasant. read more

Clean, friendly , quiet and convenient! Excellent Starbucks! Made sure I had water for the warm weather. read more

Starbucks - Offered water prior to existing and I really appreciate the gesture! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

They were doing free samples when I came in and it was delicious. It was a matcha peppermint drink, very thick and creamy. I also ordered a custom drink and they made it very nicely, filled it very full and lots of whip cream! This location is very big and easy parking. Thank you! read more

Starbucks - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I visit this Starbucks very frequently, and it's usually such a warm and welcoming place. Today, however, I was genuinely disappointed. I politely asked for a cup of warm water for an urgent medical need, explaining that I would place my order afterward. Allison, the employee who said she was in charge, coldly refused and insisted I order immediately, showing no flexibility or empathy. Being told I could "go ahead and file a complaint" felt dismissive and upsetting. I understand policies are important, but in a community-focused store, situations involving immediate medical needs deserve care and compassion. This experience was very unlike the friendly, supportive environment I usually love about this location. read more

The entirety of my hot tea spilled just outside of the Starbucks before I left the area. I walked back inside, explained the situation, and asked if the drink could be replaced and the staff refused. Terrible service! read more

Delaney gave me an excellent customer experience. I am on the road a lot and visit many Starbucks locations in socal and she really stands out. Thank you for the wonderful service! read more

Starbucks - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Dear Starbucks, I am writing to express my concern regarding my experiences at my local Starbucks. I've felt discriminated against and humiliated I am requesting that the Starbucks manager, Samantha partain is held accountable for her bad customer service, lack of empathy and understanding as a store manager. I feel like she played a big part in influencing her fellow coworkers to hyper focus on me and give me a hard time when shopping at my local Starbucks. I was just trying to come and buy a cup of coffee and of course I want to enjoy it and have a good experience just like every other customer without the white fragility and humiliation on the way out. She told me to never come to that location again. Cool I will share my experience on all social platforms until I bring awareness to this type of treatment read more

This nice medium-sized Starbucks location has good baristas and good service with some indoor seating and ample (but unsheltered) outdoor seating courtesy of the shopping plaza it's in. It usually does not get too crowded inside. Indoors there are plentiful power outlets and strong AC. The hours here have changed a lot in the last couple years, currently they are open very early and close in the early evening. I think many people including myself just wish they were open later. read more

Starbucks - Plentiful outdoor seating: shared with the neighboring quick service restaurants. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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February 12, 2025 Concerning: Starbucks 4645 Carmel Mountain Road San Diego, CA 92130 I visited the above mentioned Starbucks yesterday, February 11th, 2025, to order my normal grande caramel macchiato. I walked up to order and was met by a cold, non-communicative, condescending and rude Starbucks employee. I gave her my order and tried to use the nice friendly approach in hopes of humanizing her. She was, however, non responsive to this and became more introverted with her rudeness. At this point I lost my appetite for coffee and just walked to a table to complete some work on my computer. As I turned to walk away she made a comment in the most abrupt condescending way. I confronted her on her nasty demeanor and unfounded rudeness, then I asked her if I can speak to her Supervisor and as I did she rolled eyes without a response and ventured off to a side of the store. She came back and said she was the supervisor. I then asked for an address and number to the cooperate office to report a complaint. Everyone behind the counter ignored me as if I was not there, but after I showed a bit more frustration the real supervisor came out from the side of the store. This Supervisor asked me to leave, but I did not due to the injustice of the treatment towards me. I felt so threatened by this that I called 911 non-emergency dispatch to come to the store to help sort this out. While awaiting for the non-emergency dispatch to arrive, I became convicted and asked to speak to the supervisor, but none of the employees behind responded to my request and totally ignored me by not even making eye contact with me. The Supervisor finally came out and I apologized for any mistaken contribution I made have adding to cause this crescendo of a conflict. I thought I might be the better person with this approach. I even offered to buy lunch for the entire employee staff. I did not receive an apology back for the treatment I received by this store. I proceeded to leave the store to receive the non-emergency dispatch team. I am a retired, black medical doctor and over the 35 years of practice I have never received this type of dismissiveness from an organization as I did at this Starbucks. Of course, in the back of my mind, I thought this might be a discriminatory/racial issue; but being a loyal patron of this Starbucks since it's conception I did not want to think this was the case. Nonetheless, speaking for the hundreds and thousands of physicians/first responders throughout our great nation, I sure would be taken back by the rudeness, dismissiveness and just the lack good, old genuine customer service that was received. I will definitely let my colleagues and counterparts know about the unfortunate, exhausting endeavor I have experienced. Sincerely, Robert Butler. MD rlbutler1229@aol.com 858-342-8400 Cc: Brian R. Niccol - CEO and Chairman 610 Newport Drive, Suite 1100 Newport Beach, CA 92660 Press@starbucks.com Cc: Perez Director - General Transaction Services 240 Utah Avenue South Seattle, WA 98134 Andrea.s.perez@baml.com Cc: Attorney General's Office * California Department of Justice * Attn: Public Inquiry Unit * P.O. Box 94425 * Sacramento, CA 94244-2550 read more

It's starbucks and a great place to relax and study...wifi is a bonus. I don't have any interaction with staff since I order in my app and my drink is magically waiting for me =) they have never messed up my order...then again I order simple. My daughter comes here more than I do but I sometimes meet up with her read more

This sbux is by far the FRIENDLIEST in Carmel Valley! Omg. Everyone here is so incredibly nice and they do a great job making the drinks and making you feel valued as a customer. Great vibes overall. read more

Met a friend at Crust pizzeria in the same center and we stopped by this Starbucks afterwards for a coffee to go. They're located in same plaza as Vons so there's plenty of parking. This SB also has designated 20 min parking spaces right in front of their location. The interior is HUGE. Gosh, so spacious and clean! It wasn't terribly busy around 2p. Ordering was a cinch. The cashier quickly placed our order for an iced coffee as well as an espresso shot with sweetener. The order came out QUICK! Loves. My iced coffee was already waiting for me by the time I paid for the order, took pics of the interior, and picked up coffee. Baristas were efficient and awesome. Outside also had patio seating so that was great too. Absolutely a great location ! read more

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I stopped by this Starbucks on a North County rendezvous. I had some time to kill so I came to get some work done via their free Wi-Fi and ordered up one of their famous Snowman cookies and a Grande Cold Brew. I asked them to add a touch of cinnamon and they happily obliged. The cold brew was terrific as usual with a smooth robust flavor with hints of chocolate. I have to admit, I have not had a bad snowman short bread cookie from Starbucks and I take them down every winter season they come out. They always have that great buttery moist slightly texture and light vanilla flavor. Always a great treat to eat with whatever drink I happen to get. Service was much friendly at the register were you order, but at the counter where you pick up your drink, not as much. The store was well organized and clean for the most part and has a lot of inside space. read more

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Does this look right to you. Cascara nitro ? I have ordered this all over the United states and this was just bad. All foam and barely any coffee. Come on team you can atleast make it look like the picture. Please read more

Starbucks - 4.95 and it was all foam....not the normal fill you get when ordering this. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Great friendly service! Fast too! Always greeted with a smile and great food/drinks, They always aim to please and get the order right

This used to be my favorite location to pick up from but lately the quality and consistency of the beverages has been lacking. I made the mistake of ordering cinnamon in my drink at this location. Seems the barista took it upon themselves to pour half a cinnamon shaker inside my drink. read more

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Last few times I was here they were closed. No specific reasons. Just closed. For a while it was closing early, then closing half day, then closing on Sundays. Now it's just closed. Wondering if they are out of business. Things have never been the same since the former manager Stephanie left for another location. It's been very poorly managed in the last few years, even before the pandemic. read more

As much as the cashier was super nice, the cleaning girl was just so rude and hateful. The shop wasn't even closed when she was mopping everywhere and yelling at everyone. I didn't come to be yelled at and be told to get out. People like that should not work in public places! read more

This is what you need for a delicious and super healthy lunch --- Zesty Chicken & Black Bean Salad Bowl Such a decent portion bowl of yummy salad is only 300 calories, lots of protein from the quinoa and white chicken meat, and fiber from the veggies. Perfectly filling for a small eater like myself. Try to get the salad a little earlier of the day, they always run out after lunch hours. Their salad is always fresh, they usually keep it on shelve for a day or at most two only. By the way this strip mall doesn't have any decent restaurants. If you are here already, might as well get a salad from this Starbucks if you are hungry. read more

Starbucks - Delicious - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Is the most consistent Starbucks I've ever been to. My drinks are always delicious and they are never out of any bakery items I want. Staff is super quick and kind any time I come in. My favorite location by far! read more

Closed early today because the staff wanted to leave. A lame excuse. Does the surgeon say "I'm not going to sew you up because I want to get in nine holes before my massage" No!! I hope Starbucks corporate staff read this. read more

Starbucks - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This is my favorite location. The staff is so friendly and always smiling. My drink is always correct and tastes great. The store is clean and plenty of seating inside and out. Great spot to meet up and have coffee! read more

Enjoyed this location. The baristas were friendly. It's roomy on the inside and there's a nice outdoor seating area. Most importantly my drinks were perfect every time. read more

Friendliest Starbucks in the area. This location constantly has the best customer service in my area. They always say "hello" when I enter and greet me no matter how busy they are. I really appreciate the staff whenever I am picking up my order. Thanks so much morning crew! read more

Friendliest baristas in town! Everything I've ordered has been quick and yummy. Clean restrooms too!

This is a top notch Starbucks. Great location in a Ralphs shopping center. Service and drinks are great, the employees are friendly and best of all: One is able to enjoy a warm or iced drink outside while still receiving wi fi! This is a great little Starbucks tucked away in a residential area near the Sorrento Valley corridor. read more

The gentlemen working the 6am shift was incredibly rude and apprehensive. He gave me two grande dark roasts when we ordered two venti. We ordered the same thing three days in a row same price yet somehow he fixes the coffee and says "next time try specifying what size". Yeah we did maybe he should learn how to listen and not disrespect the customers who are paying $4 for a regular coffee. Would never come to this location again. read more

Nothing too special about this Starbucks. For a brand new location it looks to be at least 2-3 years old inside. Depressing dark brown earth colors and low level lighting abound inside. Just trying to order your coffee here is an adventure as you must maneouver around the tons-o-crap (tm) that they place in the middle of your aisles in the way to the order stand. Limited seating at this location which seems more devoted to retail than coffee and being a coffee shop. No drive through as this is in a strip mall. If it is nice out you can enjoy your coffee on the large outdoor patio, a nice touch. Nothing really special here to make it stand out other than it is the only one we have (currently) in Torrey Hills. Plenty of parking here and close to the dog park behind the mall. read more

Starbucks - from www.starbucks.com - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

One of my favorite Starbucks! I came to this mall by mistake (looking for a bagel shop that I thought was in Carmel Mountain, but not this side of Carmel Valley!) and after my sandwich my colleague and I went for coffee here. I love the setting with that pretty big patio that makes gives a very 'village' feeling to this strip mall, plus the chairs are very colorful and cheerful, so it is very pleasant to spend your lunch break just enjoying a coffee and good chat. My short latte was perfect and baristas here are super friendly! Not everywhere you get a short, in some Starbucks pretend they don't have the size, not here. I also like the art in the walls and the spacious inside. Nice location and well made coffee! read more

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Great service here!! VINCE is ALWAYS super friendly, remembers your drink and is just awesome! The whole crew here is great. Consistently good drinks and fast food The is the best Starbucks I've been to! read more

Everyone working on this store are fantastic. Never seen better team in one single store. You see how much they enjoyed there job. They remember your name as well a as your drink. Always with a smile. Orders always on target, great store for your morning Perk. read more

Starbucks at Torrey Hills is amazing. The staff is so kind, quick and really care. The product is yummy and reliable. I definitely miss hanging inside as the community feeling this place creates is heartwarming. Hopefully we can get back to that soon, but for now, grateful they are open and making fabulous drinks! read more

I find it hard to review chain locations that have a very dialed in corporate structure. That being said, I would rate this Starbucks on the above average scale due to their great location, extended menu options (like nitro coffee) as well as their cleanliness. I would highly suggest ordering through the mobile app to avoid wait times. Overall, this Starbucks offers a great outdoor atmosphere; it's convenient and the staff if friendly. read more

This is my local Starbucks and for the most part they are ok. If Stefanie the manager is here the staff rocks but every time she is not around the staff doesn't perform as they should. Today I got really upset as I order the mini bagels which they took forever to be done and the cheese was still frozen Another day my drink took 16 min. To be delivered. I always ask with no foam and my drinks always come with foam I don't understand. Yes they are friendly but as I said if the manager is not around they are just talking in the back laughing around instead of focusing on what they are doing. I have witness how they screw up in other peoples drinks and have them wait I have seen people leave because their drink is not ready. Please make sure there is at least one person in charge specially in the mornings read more

This is a great Starbucks, and one of the few I feel confident trying to experiment with my family's favorite drink flavors. If something's wrong with the taste or it's off, they'll gladly help with a fix or a replacement. Their COVID setup could not be faster or more efficient as well! read more

The staff was too into each other and their personal conversations to care much about the customer standing directly in front of them. I was barely greeted, after paying I stood around waiting for my receipt but their personal conversation was clearly more important so I walked away. When I picked up my drink there wasn't a "thank you", "hope to see you soon" none of that cheery Starbucks employee response that I typically get. I know working with your friends is fun, but don't loose sight of the customer experience you're giving off. This Starbucks is also always busy and parking is hard to find. I only stop by when I'm getting food from one of the nearby restaurants. Prices are higher than most others in the area by a few quarters. read more

The reason I'm giving this location one star, is because I came into the shop happy, and left in tears, feeling ridiculed and belittled for a misunderstanding. I've always felt very welcome at other Starbucks locations, where the people that work there treat you as a friend and genuinely want to help, even when they are 10x as busy as this location was this morning. I came in with a promotional card for their holiday drinks- buy however many grande holiday drinks, and you get a free espresso drink. When I got the card, I had ordered a caramel apple spice. I tried the same here, and was told that it didn't count. That's fine, I totally understand that. It's just the attitude I got for it from step one was not good :( A few snippets of conversation: "No, that's not a holiday drink" "I'm sorry, I just got this card when I bought one of these drinks last, my mistake" "Yeah no, that's not a seasonal drink. So what did you want?" Told her I'll take a tall caramel apple spice (given I had no reason to get a grande now that the promotion didn't work). She said "Oh so you want a tall now?" Cue second register laughing at me. At that point, I of course regretted even asking for my drink. Standing to the side, I could see that they were too busy talking to each other and making jokes with their backs turned to the register to notice the next person in line. I really don't like giving bad reviews about employees, given that I've worked similar jobs, dealing with many people of all kinds of attitudes day in, day out. I get it, I understand how it feels to have potentially rude people in your face all day. I've worked an amusement park ticket office in the middle of summer, I've been called all kinds of names for following company rules, I've worked retail on Black Friday. But to transfer that negativity onto a customer who made an honest mistake, to make her tear up and feel belittled, it's just not cool. Unfortunately, neither employee was wearing a name tag, so I couldn't identify who they are, but if one of you remembers me and reads this, I hope you find some peace and empathy. read more