A big developing city really isn’t complete until you have as many Starbucks stores as the amount of times you’ve said “screw it, I’m going to watch Netflix and eat bread.” I mean, it’s not a bad thing – per every two Starbucks shops you see in a two-kilometer radius you are 100% more likely to want to be productive and do all of your laundry as soon as you get home*. Before this gets anymore off track, I’d like to announce that there’s a new Starbucks shop that opened up in the Byward Market. That’s right! Where Fat Tuesday’s used to be, the double decker Starbucks that planted itself on York Street ensures that Holiday shoppers will constantly be able to acquire their favourite drink while walking the (almost) snow-covered streets. Not only is this Starbucks winning in the available floor place and classy-never-trashy department, but it also sells wine. Now the decrepit holiday shopper can easily rejuvenate their hollowed out souls, after five hours of shopping, with mommy’s special grape juice.
*Okay I lied, that wasn’t a real study. However, you can’t deny that the feel of coffee shops makes you want to get back on top of your life and do your laundry, although no one wants to see the jeans you’ve been wearing for the past 3 weeks.
We can’t really deny it anymore: Ottawa is becoming a pretty well-known city in Canada. So much in fact that it became home to Canada’s very first Starbucks Reserve Coffee Bar. Basically, it’s really fancy and I shouldn’t be here in sweatpants. Walking in, the first thing I noticed was a bar-like area where tons of people were sitting, obtaining alcohol and coffee, with a background of a modern-style map of the world. I’m not going to lie; I’ve found my new study space. I can’t study in dead silence and require outside noise (aka: coffee shop background sounds). The fact that it’s already so busy is just adding to my pleasure. At first, I was afraid that they wouldn’t sell the regular Starbucks favourites here, but to my happiness, I received my first peppermint mocha of the year.
This new Starbucks is introducing the nitro cold brew. This treatment comes at the heartbreaking price of $10 for a grande version, making it one of the newest drinks on their menu. However, to my surprise, it doesn’t come with gold plated flakes and diamond-encrusted espresso shot glasses (sad face). After 4PM, the Starbucks becomes my new predrink spot as they start to crack open the bottles of wine and beer, which is fantastic news for students everywhere. Just when we thought Starbucks couldn’t get even more awesome, the baristas… erm… coffee masters are the best of the best and will always make your visit memorable, and also educational, as they go through the process of making specially brewed coffee.
Do you know what time it is? That’s right, it’s rating time. As I sit here in the most bourgeoisie Starbucks I’ve ever gone to, I can’t help but feel the ambience soak in my body. On the other hand, it might be the coffee I just spilled everywhere, but I truly do believe that this Starbucks has the best background feel. It’s the perfect size and has just the right amount of change that Ottawa needed. The decorations, staff, and even the girl I’m obnoxiously typing next to are warm and personable. I would definitely recommend everyone to at least try this establishment out once before the New Year creeps around the corner.
So, in conclusion, I give this Starbucks a rating of 10 venti soy non-fat non-whip peppermint mocha California style lattes out of 10!
In loving memory of Fat Tuesday’s, the restaurant I never went to. Your sacrifice for peppermint mocha lovers everywhere is greatly appreciated and will never go unnoticed.
Sources: Cover Photo (Jesse Lesniowski), 1, 2
Editor’s Note: This article is not sponsored and reflects the opinions of the author.