Dan T.
Yelp
I visit this location every Friday morning. For the most part it is well-staffed, busy, and they have yet to get my order wrong. This location, by all definitions, deserves five stars. So 5-star review, right?
Hell no.
My favorite drink was discontinued for a while- the Vanilla Chai. In most ways this drink is an affront to nature and an abomination. It's gravelly-textured from the amount of sugar in it, and tastes nothing like "tea". But I loved the damn thing- it was piping hot loveliness for those of us who don't particularly like the taste of coffee. But eventually it gave too many people diabetes, and they took it out of all locations.
So I go there this morning, and along with some new latte options the chai is back on the menu!! Can you even begin to understand the pheromones that coursed through my body in anticipation of this radioactively sugary treat? I don't think you can, Yelp reader. So this morning I was elated. Next thing I do- I order some up in an XL cup, thank you very much! I said,
"Excuse me, but did you bring back the Vanilla Chai? Can I order it now?!"
"Yes sir!"
"Awesome! Extra large, please!"
"I'm sorry sir, we only offer Vanilla Chais in medium."
Perplexed, I blinked at the menu. Sure enough, they had removed the prices for all sizes other than medium.
"But... but why? The medium costs the same as a medium latte, and the cups are right there, why can't you just charge me for an extra large latte and pour it into a cup from that giant stack right there? Are you low on chai mix?"
The manager, a nice man who I have seen running around helping at peak hours, overheard me as he walked by and stopped to intervene.
"Sorry sir, it's a marketing technique we're trying. Only medium chais."
"Just... marketing?"
"Yes sir, we want to push the medium size only."
"Well, then give me a medium latte."
"You don't want a medium chai?"
"No, your marketing technique is stupid, and I won't play along on principle."
Shocked, the manager made me the latte personally, shaking his head and offering me whipped cream on top.
"Do you normally put whipped cream on top?"
"No sir, but I thought I would offer given your dissatisfaction."
"Well thanks for improvising on the fly like that!" I said, but my ironic tone was lost on them. Perhaps you can understand this, Dunkin' Donuts:
FOUR STARS.
The carmel latte is pretty good.