If you are long-time readers of the Sun Day, it might come as a surprise to none of you that I attended opening day of the world’s largest Starbucks. The four-story (five stories, if you count the rooftop patio) Starbucks Reserve Roastery was unveiled on November 15 of this year at the corner of Michigan and Eerie.
To be fair, I didn’t plan on doing this.
Of course I knew that the world’s largest Starbucks was being constructed in Chicago, however I had decided to show some restraint. But when my friend Michelle texted me that she had taken the day off on November 15 (purely a coincidence that it was the day of the grand opening) and asked if I wanted to go there with her, I knew what I had to do.
A few Metra and Uber rides later, it was 12 p.m. on Friday the 15th, and there we were. And we were in luck – the line to get in the door (which snaked around nearby hotels and office buildings) – was clocking in at a mere 40 minutes.
Once we had endured the elements and were finally allowed into the palace, it became clear this was not your normal Starbucks. Immediately to your right, a gold, spiral escalator ascends heavenward, flanked by tubes of beans shooting toward the sky and into the ceiling. A greeter hands you a map (“Is this Disneyworld?!” Michelle asked.) Other employees offer you information at concierge desks stationed throughout the first floor.
Gone is the green and white color palette. The Starbucks Reserve color story is black and gold, complete with a logo comprised of a capital “R” and a gold star.
Each floor of the building serves a different purpose. The ground floor sells merchandise and features the coffee bar. The second floor is the Princi Bakery and Café. If you’ve ever wanted Starbucks-style pizza and gelato, you are in luck. The third floor holds an air of mystery – it’s called the “Experiential” floor (if you can think of anything that sounds more “Millennial,” let me know). Here, you can watch baristas brew “rare” coffee breeds. You can taste these never-before-seen brews, too, but get in line: the wait was pushing 60 minutes, so Michelle and I took a pass. By the time you make it to the fourth floor, you think you’ve seen it all. Then, the concierge at the top of the escalator asks if you would like to wait for a table at the Arriviamo Cocktail Bar. Pro tip: you do. The view of Michigan Avenue and the meat and cheese board are worth the wait.
Menu highlight reel:
Dark chocolate mocha, only available at the Reserve
Meat and cheese board
Sparkling Sakura Allure – Starbucks green tea/Japanese whiskey/prosecco
When we did finally leave the Roastery about three hours later, this still wasn’t the end. The Starbucks Reserve experience continues even after you conclude your visit and set foot outside of the building.
“Did you have a magical experience?” asked the “greeter” stationed at the exit, never breaking the fourth wall, like a seasoned performer.
We weren’t prepared for that, but we didn’t have to be. The well-trained greeter didn’t leave room for an answer, wishing us well, as we ambled into our Uber ride.
Although my younger cousins let me know that visiting the world’s largest Starbucks on opening day was “the most Millennial thing” I could do, I can live with that achievement, and I’m glad I did it. And when that patio opens for the summer – your girl is going back.
