Amy M.
Google
Because this is the world-famous first Starbucks shop — opened in 1971, selling coffee beans, tea, and spices — this is a tourist attraction, featuring historic brown signage with awkward original illustration of a dual-tailed siren. This is NOT a Starbucks where a local would go for coffee. (Former Starbucks barista, grew up near Seattle👋) Although it used to be more of a “coffee shop”—at least 22 years ago, you could walk in, no wait, and order, buy some unique merch, and sit at a table.
Queue to enter, supervised by a Starbucks partner. Was about a 20-30 minute wait on sunny, cold weekday afternoon in December during winter break. Upon entering you go to the line to order & pay — if you want any of the exclusive merchandise only sold at this location (e.g., mugs, cups, ornaments, decor, key chains, Pike Place Blend coffee beans in special packaging), decide now (big sale after Christmas!). After purchase, move to the next queue to wait for your finished drinks.
The whole process inside was efficient and fast. Drink menu here is more simplified than a modern Starbucks. My daughter ordered off the “secret menu” (she found ideas online). So you can get most any customized drink you desire, as long as they have the ingredient-supplies.
Baristas were friendly, courteous, and experienced — the “A Team” of older baristas; no rookies or college students on break here.
I didn’t order food—can’t even recall if there were any food/bakery items. I don’t think so, because that would slow down the process—and there are plenty of nearby market vendors with great food options, including Piroshky Piroshky.
If you simply want Starbucks for the “I ordered/drank Starbucks at the Seattle waterfront” experience, there is a small shop location off Alaskan Way that also does mobile-ordering (using Sbux app) and even has a small seating area (but no customer bathroom).