Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room
Seen on design blogs, Starbucks Reserve has been on my list (or the only thing on the list) of places to visit in Seattle whenever I plan that trip.
The chance came unexpectedly during my travel to Alaska, as I had an accidental day-long layover in Seattle. Perfect situation to do that one thing I wanted to accomplish in this city.
Sipping an Iced Sparkling Espresso with Mint at a comfortable height bar, listening to the bean spin in the toaster, and flip-letter board turn and spell out todayâs roasts.
My gut reaction to this place was: this is a Disneyland of Starbucks.
Super friendly, knowledgeable staff throughout the space.
Multitiered machines are constantly in motion and interesting to watch against the clear fences. Tons of adults ask questions to the staff members about the process - the spatial layout brings curiosity in adults.
Just like Disneyland was built as a theme park near the studio where actual Disney was being created, Starbucks Reserve is a modern flagship only 9 blocks away from the original Starbucks.
Features I noticed:
1. Built on slope
Seattle, I found out, is very hilly. Youâd never guess whatâs inside from this quiet, regal exterior.
2. Intro
As you later find out, this place is like a coffee museum. Every exhibit needs an intro wall.
3. Market-inspired retail space
Upon entry you walk into various kiosks and carts of merchandise. Clusters rather than massive counters make the experience inviting.
4. Starbucks Reserve original eats
Sandwiches and salads by Serious Pie (restaurant inside this space), baked goods by âŠuh⊠Dia bakery (?). Anyhow, I was tempted by Espresso Shortbread, which now is in my belly.
5. Siphons
On the lower level, you can cop a cup of siphon coffee. Gorgeous equipment!
6. Coffee Library
Also on the lower level is a small room thatâs named âcoffee library.â Walled with bookshelves and a window onto the roastery, it seems to induce focus. Cheers to Starbucks for not dismissing the work-at-cafes culture.
7. Roastery with Direct Connection
The roasted beans directly get transported to these elegantly shaped vessels via copper tubes! Baristas then dispense these beans to brew unique coffee beverages.
8. Roastery Exhibit
There are many coffee shops these days with their roastery behind the bar filling the space with coffee aroma. So whatâs different? Starbucks exhibited the roastery instead of hiding/exposing behind the counter, by fencing them off from visitors with clear panels. Roast masters inside the fences are open to sharing knowledge.
9. One-of-a-kind drinks
Along with the food selection, the drinks are not your typical Starbucks cups. You may not find your grande vanilla latte with an extra shot. They donât even have the same syrups. Be ware, no complains, enjoy the experiment.
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