Scott S.
Yelp
You really need to understand what you're getting into before you try to visit this Starbucks location. First of all, it is virtually always crowded. Most commonly, there is a very long waiting list to get inside. The expected waiting time is well posted and it is not unusual that it's up to two to three hours to get inside. Yes, that's a long time to get in here! Is it worth it?
If I can start out by addressing that issue, your best bet is to get here very early in the morning or on off days. From this, you may be able to walk through the door fairly quickly. Because soon after that, this place fills up, and the waiting list grows and grows.
In terms of the overall experience, this place is highly overrated. It is crowded. It is nearly impossible to find seating. And, the people quite commonly will put their coats, their purses, their backpacks on a seat and take off. Where they go, who knows? But, what happens from this is, that seat and/or table is gone and no one is sitting at them.
In terms of the food and a drink, it's all pretty good. Compared to most Starbucks, I would say it's fairly good. But, that's only in comparison.
I've had a number of things here. The pastries are all fairly tasty and the sandwiches are pretty good. I do, however, find that the lettuce on their sandwiches is a bit old sometimes. Why they can't provide fresh lettuce? That's beyond me? But again, the food is pretty good.
The drinks are also fairly tasty. You should definitely go for one of the more unusual drinks they offer, instead of just the typical Starbucks fare. With this, you will get an overall uniquely, flavored experience, that at least if you had to wait, and are seated at a not very great seat, you will at least enjoy your drink.
The other thing about this place that you need to keep in mind is, it has become a tourist haven. Yes, a lot of local people come here too. But most commonly, you'll find a ton of Westerns. If that turns you off, like it does for me, this may not be your spot.
The way you get in this place is that you have to go to the building next-door, scan a barcode, and then register and you're given a number. Then, you watch it on your phone. My numbers have been as high as two-hundred. What this number means is that groups of either one to five or so are lumped into that waiting period. So again, you may be waiting for a long-long time to get inside.
Overall, this is a very Tokyo experience. Particularly, a modern Tokyo experience. Is it a great fun place? No. But, that's just my opinion.
My belief is that this Starbucks is overrated. It's way too crowded. The wait times are way too long. And, the overall atmosphere and the food and all the rest of that stuff it's minimally interesting at best.