I have been to countless Starbucks locations over the years, but I’ve *never* encountered such unprofessional and hostile treatment as I did this past weekend.
On Sunday, between 1-2 PM, I visited this location with my children and a family friend. We ordered drinks and politely requested an extra cup and lid to share, as one of the drinks had chunky ingredients requiring a wide straw. The barista handed us a small-opening lid that clearly didn’t fit, so I kindly asked for a wide-opening lid instead.
What happened next was appalling.
Instead of simply disposing of the lid, the barista *angrily threw it into the trash* — a clear act of frustration and disrespect. I was shocked but chose to overlook it at first. However, while we were seated inside (and we were the only customers in the store at the time), she continued to glare at us, shaking her head and whispering to another barista while looking in our direction.
We tried to ignore her behavior, but it didn’t stop.
Eventually, we decided to leave the store. My husband, clearly disturbed by her continued attitude, went back in to ask her name and why she had acted that way. Instead of answering, she told him *he was making her feel threatened* and demanded that he leave the store. She even threatened to call the police — over simply being asked about her unprofessional conduct.
And yes, she actually did call the police. Even the officers seemed baffled by the situation when they arrived.
We’ve already reported this incident to Starbucks corporate and requested that they review the store’s security footage — because everything we experienced can be clearly confirmed.
This location was completely out of line. If this is the level of service Starbucks allows in its stores, especially on a weekend with families and children, something is very wrong. We felt disrespected, humiliated, and unwelcome — all because we asked for a lid.
**Avoid this location at all costs. The barista’s behavior was not only rude but completely unacceptable for any customer-facing role.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
JJ Luo
WiFi not working. Plug-in no electricity.
Valarie Kliza
The team members at this store are on the ball and so helpful and fun! I enjoy starting my day here when I get the opportunity. The sweet cream nitro cold brew is my jam. It's semisweet and strong!
Sarah Ta
Great location near Westcliff University Irvine CA, near other stores, lively space specially at night
Food: 5
Service: 5
George Wang
Came here earlier today trying to get my $100 bill for some change.
However the staff told me that there is not enough cash at the register, and she could not change it for me. I went back to the store and overheard that staff whispered to another staff saying that this guy tried to get some change for $100 bill. This made me feel unwelcomed and discriminated.
I understand that it is not a bank but what if I ordered a cup of coffee with my $100 bill. Not sure how this place is running its business. But I had to say that not the best.
Even my work is right close by this location, but I would never come back to this location again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Abeer Shaban
Great coffees love the ginger lbread holiday coffees
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bruce Blumberg
Regular corporate
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Chris Lucas
Great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maker Daddy
The food quality at Starbucks is definitely consistent, as expected from such a well-known brand. However, I was surprised by the lack of enthusiasm from the staff. When I asked to have my food heated, the employee seemed unwilling to do it, which left a negative impression.
I hope there can be more focus on training the staff to improve customer experience. It’s the small details that can really make or break a visit!
Really cool people work here, amazing stuff! Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Claire Sage
Visited twice in four days and bathroom needed cleaning and out of toilet paper both times. General cleaning poor, floor has bits of paper all around even after watching young man “sweep” and doors fingerprinted and dusty. Good service but not a good feel of general cleanliness. It was not busy at all so no reason for this.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sergey Pronyushkin
Rude staff, don’t use this store….
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Ramon alsharhan
Stevie thank you for your kindness and amazing service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Benedict Caterinicchio
workers are not polite half the time , the coffee is good the orders are quick
I have been to countless Starbucks locations over the years, but I’ve *never* encountered such unprofessional and hostile treatment as I did this past weekend.
On Sunday, between 1-2 PM, I visited this location with my children and a family friend. We ordered drinks and politely requested an extra cup and lid to share, as one of the drinks had chunky ingredients requiring a wide straw. The barista handed us a small-opening lid that clearly didn’t fit, so I kindly asked for a wide-opening lid instead.
What happened next was appalling.
Instead of simply disposing of the lid, the barista *angrily threw it into the trash* — a clear act of frustration and disrespect. I was shocked but chose to overlook it at first. However, while we were seated inside (and we were the only customers in the store at the time), she continued to glare at us, shaking her head and whispering to another barista while looking in our direction.
We tried to ignore her behavior, but it didn’t stop.
Eventually, we decided to leave the store. My husband, clearly disturbed by her continued attitude, went back in to ask her name and why she had acted that way. Instead of answering, she told him *he was making her feel threatened* and demanded that he leave the store. She even threatened to call the police — over simply being asked about her unprofessional conduct.
And yes, she actually did call the police. Even the officers seemed baffled by the situation when they arrived.
We’ve already reported this incident to Starbucks corporate and requested that they review the store’s security footage — because everything we experienced can be clearly confirmed.
This location was completely out of line. If this is the level of service Starbucks allows in its stores, especially on a weekend with families and children, something is very wrong. We felt disrespected, humiliated, and unwelcome — all because we asked for a lid.
**Avoid this location at all costs. The barista’s behavior was not only rude but completely unacceptable for any customer-facing role.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
WiFi not working. Plug-in no electricity.
The team members at this store are on the ball and so helpful and fun! I enjoy starting my day here when I get the opportunity. The sweet cream nitro cold brew is my jam. It's semisweet and strong!
Great location near Westcliff University Irvine CA, near other stores, lively space specially at night
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here earlier today trying to get my $100 bill for some change.
However the staff told me that there is not enough cash at the register, and she could not change it for me. I went back to the store and overheard that staff whispered to another staff saying that this guy tried to get some change for $100 bill. This made me feel unwelcomed and discriminated.
I understand that it is not a bank but what if I ordered a cup of coffee with my $100 bill. Not sure how this place is running its business. But I had to say that not the best.
Even my work is right close by this location, but I would never come back to this location again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great coffees love the ginger lbread holiday coffees
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Regular corporate
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food quality at Starbucks is definitely consistent, as expected from such a well-known brand. However, I was surprised by the lack of enthusiasm from the staff. When I asked to have my food heated, the employee seemed unwilling to do it, which left a negative impression.
I hope there can be more focus on training the staff to improve customer experience. It’s the small details that can really make or break a visit!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
Service was bad. Bathroom is still an issue.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Really cool people work here, amazing stuff! Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Visited twice in four days and bathroom needed cleaning and out of toilet paper both times. General cleaning poor, floor has bits of paper all around even after watching young man “sweep” and doors fingerprinted and dusty. Good service but not a good feel of general cleanliness. It was not busy at all so no reason for this.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rude staff, don’t use this store….
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Stevie thank you for your kindness and amazing service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
workers are not polite half the time , the coffee is good the orders are quick
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 2
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