I’ve been drinking coffee for about four years now and last year I discovered Starbucks coffee. After months of undecision, I finally coughed up 5 dollars and tried my first Starbucks drink. And with no experience what so ever, I chose the fanciest name on the menu. And like a Starbucks virgin, I said "I’ll have a large Carmel Macchiato, please." Of course the barista replied back "Oh, you mean a Venti?" With language aside, I tried the carmel macchiato, and it immediately became my favorite drink. I than saved up and purchased an espresso machine, syrups, a starter kit, espresso beans, and a lot of milk and I began making my own espresso drinks.

But after reading A LOT of information online, I’ve heard a lot of people saying Starbucks sucks, and that there is better coffee out there. I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a coffeeshop or place that would be worth trying, that might have better coffee/espresso than Starbucks?

Oh, and no starbucks bashing please…I enjoy their coffee and I only want answers and responses on where I can get a good cup of joe outside of Starbucks. Also list why you think it’s better than starbucks, and what you think about starbucks…but NO bashing. This isn’t a bashing starbucks forum. I just want good coffee.