Wow - i must say, it's rare for me to give a shoutout and write a review for a Starbucks. You can count on one hand how many times I have. My preference wherever I go, especially on vacation, is to NEVER set foot into one lol but rather to find the cool, indie, mom and pop cafes and shops that serve the best lattes - read my reviews. Buttttttt....my goodness, the times I've been to OBX since this Sbux opened its doors (during off season), the place looks like a ghost town! Uncanny and strange. I mean, nooooo one locally wants a Starbucks? Who was the Starbucks genius executive who did the market research that resulted in Starbucks breaking ground and building a WHOLE BIG BEAUTIFUL STANDALONE BUILDING in KDH, I ask? Maybe just maybe the business that's generated at this loc just during busy season pays for itself for the entire rest of the year?? Because every time I drive past this place and having stopped in at the drive-thru twice in the last 10 days, I saw zilch zip nada people inside. I was floored when I saw them constructing this standalone Sbux a couple years ago right on the main drag (Croatan Hwy) - had to do a literal double take (similar to my disbelief that an actual Target (also big and beautiful) was about to open on the Outer Banks - there's a Starbucks inside the Target as well). Btw, shoutout for their Pistachio Latte. Both times, I ordered a hot Pistachio Latte and both times I must say they were BOLD, FLAVORFUL, PIPING HOT AND DELICIOUS. IF YOU'RE A SWEET & SALTY FAN like I am, GET THE PISTACHIO LATTE. It's the best latte flavor on the menu imho. Even better than the seasonal classics (pumpkin slice, gingerbread). I do also love their Iced Sugar Cookie latte - also seasonal, sad face. Andddddddd - the way this KDH shop makes their Pistachio Lattes is THE BEST I've ever tasted at ANY of the Sbux locs I've ever been to - a deeper richer more flavorful latte. Not exaggerating. Seriously good - TRY IT. Truthfully, can't get any better than this Starbucks as far as Starbucks go. * Stand-alone building is HUGE * Convenient drive-thru * AMAZINGGGGG and FRIENDLY CUS SERVICE * Quick in and out service * Their own huge parking lot - no fighting for spots! * Familiar, reliable, consistent Starbucks quality * And no crowds or lines (at least not during the off season) - so it's like having the place to yourself! In a pinch when I'm out and about and in the area, if I need a quick latte pick-me-up, this place will be on my hit list. :) (I also really love Morning View Coffee House - further south on Croatan - an awesome, quaint indie coffee shop that roasts its own beans! Check out my review.) read more