This Starbucks is right next to Indiana University so is primarily populated with students, faculty, and staff. There is especially a large undergraduate presence here that can be seen studying at tables, but there are also more than a few graduate students and faculty who hang out here to grade papers/exams and meet with students as well. Since this is such a popular studying and meeting spot because of its close proximity to campus, that also means that you don't always get your first choice about where you want to sit. My favorite place to study/work are the row of marble tables along the side that can fit two people and have a cushioned bench on one end and a chair on the other. There are also electrical outlets right below the bench which makes it easier and comfortable to plug in your phone and computer. The service at this location is very good as well. In general, this is a great spot to study or work if you spend a lot of time near the IU campus. The only reason I can't give more than three stars is because Starbucks is a massive chain which makes it pretty impossible for any one location to have a unique character. Still recommended though.
(3)
K K.
Do not commit to the drive thru unless you have 25+ minutes to wait (and there is no way to bail from the queue)
(2)
Genna P.
Nice college spot. It's still a Starbucks but off a nice street near by some shopping and restaurants and main spots on campus.
(4)
Nate W.
Good coffee, hey it's Starbucks! Only problem I saw is very busy and only.open until midnight. They advertise online 24 hours.
(4)
Thomas C.
Yes, it's corporate, yes, the espresso always tastes slightly burnt, yea, it's too crowded... But I keep coming back. It's right next to campus, the staff is awesome and the energy in the store is perfect for studying or socializing.
(4)
Nanon E.
Starbucks (Indiana) In a town that prides itself with its various locally-owned coffee ships, it's impressive that a chain can still have a line of students that reaches the door on a daily basis, and throughout the day, and evening! I frequent this location daily. As a member I get to enjoy free refills, and when I've enjoyed enough of them, I get a free beverage or treat--definite plus. The regulars here keep to themselves, mostly, which is another reason why I am drawn to this location. Since nearly everyone has had a Starbucks in and around their mouths, I won't comment on the drinks, except to say that they're good day in and day out. Instead, the atmosphere and location takes precedence. The only better location would be where the IU Varsity Shop is, which is on the corner of Indiana and Kirkwood, just a few doors down from this sweet spot. Still, a gorgeous fall view of the Maurer School of Law awaits you right across the street. The exterior is lovely, its historic B-Town look blends right in with the rest of the limestone buildings. (I believe there are actual apartments above this location, how lucky they are to awake to freshly ground coffee.) The interior is plastered with IU memorabilia. With a wall sized B-Town map of the city, and arrows pointing to historic locations, to an actual Lil 500 bicycle mounted on the wall, and bike gear adjacent to it, the interior leaves an IU student filled with pride. Furthermore, there are plenty of places to sit, which range from long tables with outlets to leather couches, if you're not too sweaty to stick to them, to independent study tables near the back next to the bathrooms--yuck. Consider yourself lucky if you get an outdoor seat, however--great place to people stare, I mean watch. Speaking of bathrooms, it is fair of me to say that since I am here daily for at least a couple of hours, the bathrooms, as well as the rest of this location, are usually an unbreathable mess. I've once left to use the restroom at a near campus building to avoid the current state of the bathrooms. The "unbreathable" part doesn't apply to the rest of the interior, however, but it is still a mess. Unless, you consider the smell of coffee "unbreathable." If that is the case, then get the fack out. One last comment: shouldn't there be a designated order and pick-up line? During peak times it is difficult to maneuver around. Even with the scattered persons trying to maneuver about one another, and the constant state of the bathrooms, only minus 1. I'll give an update a month from now with the hope of the staff seeing this review. If one of the two have changed for the better, full 5 stars; if not, minus 2. One Elite member gave a rating of only 3 stars. Her reason: Because Starbucks is a chain, so it monopolizes the area which prevents further coffee shops from opening. My comment: first, this is an unfair rating in two ways. (1) There are many coffee shops within blocks and they are usually quite busy as well, so monopolizing isn't a problem for this location, and, (2) why a 2 start deduction? Why not 1? This seems too harsh of a rating just because it is a chain.
(4)
Liz G.
I have tried for three weeks to get my favorite drinks and each time they are out of the ingredients. They continuously say that they thought one of my drinks was seasonal but I came in yesterday to see it listed on their new fall menu and had the guy rudely tell me they were out of two of the main ingredients. The quality is also crazy inconsistent so I'd sooner recommend enduring the line at the Memorial Union for the sake of consistency and quality.
(1)
Otis H.
I've spent many of nights and mornings here, simply because the Starbucks inside IMU can't scan your app for payment so they have to hand enter it into the system. Yes, you get the star for purchase but no gold card discount. As for this location, for as many times as I've been there the drinks are just very inconsistent. So, feel free to take it back to the counter and ask for another. Also, it's kind of funny to sit back and watch the employees talk about the different customers that come into the store
(3)
Vox V.
This is possibly the most popular Starbucks in Bloomington, and for good reason. The ambiance of the historic location as well as the nice mix of students, townspeople, university staff and faculty make it a unique experience. The location is full of windows that affords great opportunities for people watching. In warmer seasons, outdoor seating is especially pleasant. The staff are usually friendly and efficient and the coffee good (perhaps it's because Starbucks offers employees health benefits so they have reason to smile.) I've noticed there's not much turnover in staffing, with many familiar faces working throughout their undergraduate years at Indiana University. A favorite spot to read the paper or study, it is free of the annoying hipster vibe of local shops.
(4)
Dea A.
The chairs don't smell like stale hippies like Soma does. Good place to study as you have access to IU wireless from the building above. Personal fan of the green iced tea lemonade -- unsweetened. So refreshing. It's also a good place to sit outside and watch for Honda Accord Guy (now Toyota Corolla guy? oh how times have changed).
(4)
Yvonne M.
Biggest Starbucks in town and crowded all the time.
(3)
Puja G.
I love local coffee shops but they generally fail to have adequate seating, or nice/helpful staff. I can generally be found here in the mornings and I feel as though I know the baristas and those around me. Familiarity breeds comfort. I like this Starbucks; close to campus, strong coffee, and plenty of electrical outlets.
(5)
Dan S.
The place is nice and friendly. It's you're typical starbucks. The desk area with a surge protector is a really nice addition for people looking to get some work done on their computer. It's a super popular joint open very good hours and service is always top notch. Sometimes you even get discounts just for a smile. However it's just a starbucks. If you want a more "bloomington" experience try either Soma's on grant street or The Pourhouse on kirkwood. They offer a more unique coffee drinking experience.
(4)
Kyle H.
Yeah it's another Starbucks, but I swear this one makes the best coffee. They make both their hot and iced coffee good and strong. I've been to other Starbucks in Bloomington where the iced coffee looks more like iced tea.
Regina W.
This Starbucks is right next to Indiana University so is primarily populated with students, faculty, and staff. There is especially a large undergraduate presence here that can be seen studying at tables, but there are also more than a few graduate students and faculty who hang out here to grade papers/exams and meet with students as well. Since this is such a popular studying and meeting spot because of its close proximity to campus, that also means that you don't always get your first choice about where you want to sit. My favorite place to study/work are the row of marble tables along the side that can fit two people and have a cushioned bench on one end and a chair on the other. There are also electrical outlets right below the bench which makes it easier and comfortable to plug in your phone and computer. The service at this location is very good as well. In general, this is a great spot to study or work if you spend a lot of time near the IU campus. The only reason I can't give more than three stars is because Starbucks is a massive chain which makes it pretty impossible for any one location to have a unique character. Still recommended though.
(3)K K.
Do not commit to the drive thru unless you have 25+ minutes to wait (and there is no way to bail from the queue)
(2)Genna P.
Nice college spot. It's still a Starbucks but off a nice street near by some shopping and restaurants and main spots on campus.
(4)Nate W.
Good coffee, hey it's Starbucks! Only problem I saw is very busy and only.open until midnight. They advertise online 24 hours.
(4)Thomas C.
Yes, it's corporate, yes, the espresso always tastes slightly burnt, yea, it's too crowded... But I keep coming back. It's right next to campus, the staff is awesome and the energy in the store is perfect for studying or socializing.
(4)Nanon E.
Starbucks (Indiana) In a town that prides itself with its various locally-owned coffee ships, it's impressive that a chain can still have a line of students that reaches the door on a daily basis, and throughout the day, and evening! I frequent this location daily. As a member I get to enjoy free refills, and when I've enjoyed enough of them, I get a free beverage or treat--definite plus. The regulars here keep to themselves, mostly, which is another reason why I am drawn to this location. Since nearly everyone has had a Starbucks in and around their mouths, I won't comment on the drinks, except to say that they're good day in and day out. Instead, the atmosphere and location takes precedence. The only better location would be where the IU Varsity Shop is, which is on the corner of Indiana and Kirkwood, just a few doors down from this sweet spot. Still, a gorgeous fall view of the Maurer School of Law awaits you right across the street. The exterior is lovely, its historic B-Town look blends right in with the rest of the limestone buildings. (I believe there are actual apartments above this location, how lucky they are to awake to freshly ground coffee.) The interior is plastered with IU memorabilia. With a wall sized B-Town map of the city, and arrows pointing to historic locations, to an actual Lil 500 bicycle mounted on the wall, and bike gear adjacent to it, the interior leaves an IU student filled with pride. Furthermore, there are plenty of places to sit, which range from long tables with outlets to leather couches, if you're not too sweaty to stick to them, to independent study tables near the back next to the bathrooms--yuck. Consider yourself lucky if you get an outdoor seat, however--great place to people stare, I mean watch. Speaking of bathrooms, it is fair of me to say that since I am here daily for at least a couple of hours, the bathrooms, as well as the rest of this location, are usually an unbreathable mess. I've once left to use the restroom at a near campus building to avoid the current state of the bathrooms. The "unbreathable" part doesn't apply to the rest of the interior, however, but it is still a mess. Unless, you consider the smell of coffee "unbreathable." If that is the case, then get the fack out. One last comment: shouldn't there be a designated order and pick-up line? During peak times it is difficult to maneuver around. Even with the scattered persons trying to maneuver about one another, and the constant state of the bathrooms, only minus 1. I'll give an update a month from now with the hope of the staff seeing this review. If one of the two have changed for the better, full 5 stars; if not, minus 2. One Elite member gave a rating of only 3 stars. Her reason: Because Starbucks is a chain, so it monopolizes the area which prevents further coffee shops from opening. My comment: first, this is an unfair rating in two ways. (1) There are many coffee shops within blocks and they are usually quite busy as well, so monopolizing isn't a problem for this location, and, (2) why a 2 start deduction? Why not 1? This seems too harsh of a rating just because it is a chain.
(4)Liz G.
I have tried for three weeks to get my favorite drinks and each time they are out of the ingredients. They continuously say that they thought one of my drinks was seasonal but I came in yesterday to see it listed on their new fall menu and had the guy rudely tell me they were out of two of the main ingredients. The quality is also crazy inconsistent so I'd sooner recommend enduring the line at the Memorial Union for the sake of consistency and quality.
(1)Otis H.
I've spent many of nights and mornings here, simply because the Starbucks inside IMU can't scan your app for payment so they have to hand enter it into the system. Yes, you get the star for purchase but no gold card discount. As for this location, for as many times as I've been there the drinks are just very inconsistent. So, feel free to take it back to the counter and ask for another. Also, it's kind of funny to sit back and watch the employees talk about the different customers that come into the store
(3)Vox V.
This is possibly the most popular Starbucks in Bloomington, and for good reason. The ambiance of the historic location as well as the nice mix of students, townspeople, university staff and faculty make it a unique experience. The location is full of windows that affords great opportunities for people watching. In warmer seasons, outdoor seating is especially pleasant. The staff are usually friendly and efficient and the coffee good (perhaps it's because Starbucks offers employees health benefits so they have reason to smile.) I've noticed there's not much turnover in staffing, with many familiar faces working throughout their undergraduate years at Indiana University. A favorite spot to read the paper or study, it is free of the annoying hipster vibe of local shops.
(4)Dea A.
The chairs don't smell like stale hippies like Soma does. Good place to study as you have access to IU wireless from the building above. Personal fan of the green iced tea lemonade -- unsweetened. So refreshing. It's also a good place to sit outside and watch for Honda Accord Guy (now Toyota Corolla guy? oh how times have changed).
(4)Yvonne M.
Biggest Starbucks in town and crowded all the time.
(3)Puja G.
I love local coffee shops but they generally fail to have adequate seating, or nice/helpful staff. I can generally be found here in the mornings and I feel as though I know the baristas and those around me. Familiarity breeds comfort. I like this Starbucks; close to campus, strong coffee, and plenty of electrical outlets.
(5)Dan S.
The place is nice and friendly. It's you're typical starbucks. The desk area with a surge protector is a really nice addition for people looking to get some work done on their computer. It's a super popular joint open very good hours and service is always top notch. Sometimes you even get discounts just for a smile. However it's just a starbucks. If you want a more "bloomington" experience try either Soma's on grant street or The Pourhouse on kirkwood. They offer a more unique coffee drinking experience.
(4)Kyle H.
Yeah it's another Starbucks, but I swear this one makes the best coffee. They make both their hot and iced coffee good and strong. I've been to other Starbucks in Bloomington where the iced coffee looks more like iced tea.
(5)