Visiting the Seattle Starbucks Roastery Reserve, and why you can’t miss it

Starbucks is one of the most well known brands on Earth. A coffee shop turned global caffeine empire. The iconic green siren and her drinks can be seen on street corners around the globe. We went to where it all began, Seattle, to visit the first ever Starbucks Roastery Reserve – and you don’t want to skip it.

Located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill district, the Starbucks Roastery is a large lounge and bar area that sells (you guessed it) coffee and pastries. But it also offers so much more – like espresso martini tastings, live coffee creation demonstrations and exclusive merchandise. The Seattle Starbucks Roastery is a true coffee destination that shouldn’t only be visited by Starbucks super fans.

I don’t love coffee, but the Starbucks Roastery was a city highlight

If you don’t know, Seattle is very well known for coffee. Where Boston has a Dunkin’ Donuts on every corner, Seattle has a local coffee shop or a Starbucks within view at all times. I myself am not a big coffee fan, and I rarely start my day with caffeine. Starbucks isn’t a usual stop for me, but going to the birthplace of this iconic brand, I had to visit.

I went with a group who in fact are major coffee fans. And while I knew I could enjoy this experience, I felt it was definitely a must visit stop for them. Reviews online suggested to avoid the overcrowded “original” Starbucks, and aim for the Seattle Starbucks Roastery Reserve. The Reserve does offer to-go caffeine options and snacks, but is meant for you to sit and stay a while.

Princi, Arriviamo, Experience and Roastery Starbucks Bars

Once inside, there are numerous places to purchase a drink or cafe treat. The signature item? An Espresso Martini Flight. For $25, this flight of three options (whose flavors change seasonally) is a highlight experience. And it is one of many unique tasting options for the location.

In fact, alongside visiting, true Starbucks fans can partake in guided tours and flavor experiences. These are offered almost every day, check the Eventbrite page to stay up to date. While we didn’t use it, there is also a paid reservation option to guarantee you don’t have to search for a table. We had four in our group and it did take 15 minutes, and a bit of luck, to snag a spot.

While some of the coffee bars, Princi, Arriviamo, Experience and Roastery general, share some menu items, you may have to go up to specific location for select items. To be better prepped, check out their menus, which are updated regularly. I got a Cold Brew Malt (an item I didn’t realize was an option until I arrived) and it was one of the best coffee desserts I have ever had. While, as I stated, I am not a big coffee fan, I do love coffee ice cream.

Starbucks Coffee in Seattle, a locals’ treat

It may be odd to think of a Starbucks experience as a locals’ hangout spot. But, as the city that started it all, Seattle can claim this mega corporation as its own. There were plenty of Starbucks in the city, and this location, even with its tourist-esque experiences, didn’t stop locals from visiting.

This large indoor space featured multi-level areas full of lounges, free Wi-fi and seating locations. While busy, that didn’t people from treating this locale just like any other Starbucks – a coffee spot to lounge, converse and work. Even as a non-coffee person, I feel this location could work in more spots than just the three U.S. cities currently hosting Starbucks Roastery spots. Warm bakery smells, reasonable background noise and the familiar coffee infused aroma filled the air.

Starbucks exclusive flavors and merchandise

Another perk of visiting a Starbucks Roastery Reserve is the rare flavors, the social media clout and the hard-to-find merchandise. From tasting samples of Knob Creek exclusive bourbon infused coffee to the subtle Roastery logo branded merch; the Seattle Starbucks Roastery has got you covered.

A warning, you may see some sticker shock at the prices. But for a once-in-a-lifetime visit, that bag or shirt may well be worth it. I purchased a single bag of ground coffee beans for $42. A lot of money, absolutely. But to get an exclusive coffee flavor for a bourbon lover I know, it was worth it.

Shirts, mugs, ground coffee, pins, magnets and more await your visit. If you are looking to save money, buy these items first. If not, you can always be persuaded after an espresso martini or three.

For Starbucks fans traveling the globe, Al Seef Dubai has a coffee spot for you. Serving up Middle Eastern exclusive flavors, this Starbucks makes for a great refresh stop and a photo backdrop.