I have always received superb service at this Starbucks. I spent many morning here during college. The staff is extremely nice and they remember you after a couple of times. They are always there to converse with you if you are feeling up to par. This location is also a world of its own! There are the "usuals" that come here, generally consisting of middle aged stay at home women from Lake Forest. They all came polished up for their morning coffee. It's such an interesting thing to observe, something you usually hear from a small town coffee shop...it applies to this Starbucks location, it has become like a small town coffee shop for the locals. There are also many business men that come here for meetings during the day, or to read their paper. Oh yes, since it is a college town, there are usually a few college students hyping up on coffee to get through their work, but they are generally very quiet. I would try to avoid the place around 3 or 4 pm. When all of the schools in Lake Forest get let out it sometimes becomes a little fussy here and full of kids. It's never too obnoxious, I'm just giving a word of caution.
(4)
Lauren F.
Mickey saved this place, and he deserves a raise. This used to be the worst Sbux in Illinois... There was a two-year period where they never once got my order right. You used to have to wait fifteen to twenty minutes for your drink. Now it's like any other good, well-run Starbucks... But that can't have been easy to pull off for a new manager coming in with mostly the same old staff. The group of old men and young, tarted up women who sit there for two hours every morning are kind of hilarious. It's also fun to watch semi-outsiders try to join their group and get the sixth-grade brushoff. If feel better about my own life when I watch these people, and isn't that as good as any cup of coffee?
(4)
Jennifer H.
A true coffee staple in Lake Forest's coffee square. People gather regularly here for morning chats to business meetings. The staff is superb and are always up for good banter. Take the time to learn the staff -- they'll remember you.
(5)
Michelle S.
I am a Starbucks fanatic and the service is usually great here depending on who helps you. Someone got my order wrong and then got irritated when I asked for my correct drink. Its usually pretty packed, hard to find parking, and in a hidden spot of downtown lake forest but ill do anything to get a starbucks fix.
(4)
Joshua S.
Best staff of any Starbucks I've been to. I'm currently stationed at NTC great lakes and run here once a week. There's actually a running trail that leads from base straight to Lake Forest. It is kind of hidden but is very peaceful. Making it a nice place to sit and relax. Very clean and well stocked.
(5)
MJ D.
The coffee was great as usual. For the first time I tried their Oat Meal and it was good. The staff was also friendly and seemed to keep the line moving.
(4)
Dave L.
This Starbucks Coffee is literally located in what I would considered to be "Small Town America". The location is unlike any other Starbucks that I have ever been to. It is very hidden, even though parking is ample. Great place to study and the crowd is not as noisy as the other Starbucks locations.
(5)
Stacy O.
[Edit 11/3/2013: I added another star. Under new management (welcome, Mickey!), this place is now a well-oiled machine and the baristas seem happier. Maybe it's my imagination? Whatever, I'll take it.] This is truly the best Starbucks for people watching, particularly as the Real Housewives of Lake Forest gather in the mornings and afternoons. It's like a social experiment of yoga pants, caffeine, and eye liner. This location is regularly crowded - I can't think of any time in almost two years I've been able to just walk up to the counter and order without staying in line. Parking can be difficult to find, particularly during their peak hours in the morning. The staff is hit or miss. Some are incredibly friendly. Others will try to make you feel like it was your fault they misheard your order and made the wrong drink. And then remind you should have told them at the register you wanted soy in your Americano. And then you can show them your receipt to show them you did. Avoid this place on Friday afternoons during the school year -- it gets overrun with the middle school students and their desperate need for Frappucinos and Instagramming their friends.
(4)
Joel A.
Just a tad small Starbucks. Rumor has it they will be moving over by Walgreens on Western Avenue to a larger location to compete with the new Caribu Coffee.
Nataliya A.
I have always received superb service at this Starbucks. I spent many morning here during college. The staff is extremely nice and they remember you after a couple of times. They are always there to converse with you if you are feeling up to par. This location is also a world of its own! There are the "usuals" that come here, generally consisting of middle aged stay at home women from Lake Forest. They all came polished up for their morning coffee. It's such an interesting thing to observe, something you usually hear from a small town coffee shop...it applies to this Starbucks location, it has become like a small town coffee shop for the locals. There are also many business men that come here for meetings during the day, or to read their paper. Oh yes, since it is a college town, there are usually a few college students hyping up on coffee to get through their work, but they are generally very quiet. I would try to avoid the place around 3 or 4 pm. When all of the schools in Lake Forest get let out it sometimes becomes a little fussy here and full of kids. It's never too obnoxious, I'm just giving a word of caution.
(4)Lauren F.
Mickey saved this place, and he deserves a raise. This used to be the worst Sbux in Illinois... There was a two-year period where they never once got my order right. You used to have to wait fifteen to twenty minutes for your drink. Now it's like any other good, well-run Starbucks... But that can't have been easy to pull off for a new manager coming in with mostly the same old staff. The group of old men and young, tarted up women who sit there for two hours every morning are kind of hilarious. It's also fun to watch semi-outsiders try to join their group and get the sixth-grade brushoff. If feel better about my own life when I watch these people, and isn't that as good as any cup of coffee?
(4)Jennifer H.
A true coffee staple in Lake Forest's coffee square. People gather regularly here for morning chats to business meetings. The staff is superb and are always up for good banter. Take the time to learn the staff -- they'll remember you.
(5)Michelle S.
I am a Starbucks fanatic and the service is usually great here depending on who helps you. Someone got my order wrong and then got irritated when I asked for my correct drink. Its usually pretty packed, hard to find parking, and in a hidden spot of downtown lake forest but ill do anything to get a starbucks fix.
(4)Joshua S.
Best staff of any Starbucks I've been to. I'm currently stationed at NTC great lakes and run here once a week. There's actually a running trail that leads from base straight to Lake Forest. It is kind of hidden but is very peaceful. Making it a nice place to sit and relax. Very clean and well stocked.
(5)MJ D.
The coffee was great as usual. For the first time I tried their Oat Meal and it was good. The staff was also friendly and seemed to keep the line moving.
(4)Dave L.
This Starbucks Coffee is literally located in what I would considered to be "Small Town America". The location is unlike any other Starbucks that I have ever been to. It is very hidden, even though parking is ample. Great place to study and the crowd is not as noisy as the other Starbucks locations.
(5)Stacy O.
[Edit 11/3/2013: I added another star. Under new management (welcome, Mickey!), this place is now a well-oiled machine and the baristas seem happier. Maybe it's my imagination? Whatever, I'll take it.] This is truly the best Starbucks for people watching, particularly as the Real Housewives of Lake Forest gather in the mornings and afternoons. It's like a social experiment of yoga pants, caffeine, and eye liner. This location is regularly crowded - I can't think of any time in almost two years I've been able to just walk up to the counter and order without staying in line. Parking can be difficult to find, particularly during their peak hours in the morning. The staff is hit or miss. Some are incredibly friendly. Others will try to make you feel like it was your fault they misheard your order and made the wrong drink. And then remind you should have told them at the register you wanted soy in your Americano. And then you can show them your receipt to show them you did. Avoid this place on Friday afternoons during the school year -- it gets overrun with the middle school students and their desperate need for Frappucinos and Instagramming their friends.
(4)Joel A.
Just a tad small Starbucks. Rumor has it they will be moving over by Walgreens on Western Avenue to a larger location to compete with the new Caribu Coffee.
(4)