Lattes…and Beer

Starbucks has responded to the competition of entities such as McDonalds and has decided to try something new. A handful of stores Starbucks stores in the greater Seattle area have started serving regional beer and wine, along with a gourmet artesian menu. Some of the criticism is that the caffeine brings people up and the beer and wine bring them down.

Well, maybe it is. As a wine and espresso lover, I love this whole idea. It’s like one stop shopping!

The Starbucks near my house has revamped into serving wine and beer. They added a contemporary looking bar area down the middle, and just updated the design in general.. The wine and beer prices aren’t cheap. One glass of wine will run you about $7. They start serving wine and beer that is local to the area after 2pm.  The artesian menu is not too expensive. It has a distinctly Mediterranean feel to it with lots of olives and cheese.

The Starbucks near me advertises live bands and events on weekend nights. They are reaching out to try to make it feel like more of a bar and lounge setting. It may be challenging to be both – the powerhouse coffee company and this new venture. So far, they seem to be pulling it off. The locations in Seattle, as well as Portland, are test stores to see how things go.

So far, I will give it a thumbs up simply for putting together so many things that I adore.