Starbucks in Santa Monica

“I'm here currently at 6:28 AM Tuesday January 14, 2025 during one of the worst wildfires in LA history. I'm going to ask everyone I know to patronize this location. Definitely come here to grab a coffee, frap, etc. They've been giving free beverages to local Firefighters on their way to the Palisades. I also saw one of the employees consoling a gentleman that you can tell lost everything. This has been tough on the entire community and seeing how the staff here this morning has gone above and beyond to serve others during this crisis show they're truly exceptional staff members. Thank you Starbucks staff of Santa Monica for your dedication to service.“

“This is one of my favorite Starbucks in the area. They remodeled, and the place looks so neat. The line moves quickly, and the employees are very attentive—indoor and outdoor seating.Great place to get some work done or meet friends or family for a coffee. They have free parking in the back. I'm trying to understand why some reviews here criticize their parking situation- I drove here twice already, and both times, I could find free and easy parking in the back; no validation is needed.My new favorite Starbucks drink is the 30" unsweetened green iced tea with peach. Delicious and refreshing. They got both my name and my order right :)“

“When the Doors Close: Starbucks, Survival, and Losing a Lifeline

For most people, Starbucks changing its policy to restrict non-paying customers or making you pay for water might seem like a minor inconvenience. Just another corporate decision to tighten things up. But for someone like me, this isn’t minor—it’s a gut punch. Starbucks wasn’t just a coffee shop to me. For years, they’ve been my go-to for something as simple and vital as water. A resource that, when you’re living on the margins, can mean the difference between making it through the day or not.

This isn’t just about losing free water; it’s about losing one of the few places I could turn to without judgment. Starbucks was more than a business—it was a refuge, a creative hub, and a lifeline. It’s where I’ve created countless videos. It’s where I’ve gone to write (like this review) recharge, and find a moment of peace in a chaotic world. For someone like me, who has no permanent place to be, Starbucks has always been one of the few constants.

Now? That’s gone. And sure, some might say, “Just buy something.” But it’s not that simple. When every dollar counts, when you’re stretching nothing into something, even a $3 coffee feels like a luxury. And beyond the cost, it’s about what this change represents. It’s a hard shift away from the inclusivity that made Starbucks a beacon for so many people in need.

I remember back in 2018 when Starbucks opened its doors to everyone after that high-profile incident in Philadelphia. Two Black men were arrested for sitting in a Starbucks without buying anything. At the time, I thought, This is going to blow up in their face. I imagined bathrooms turning into shooting galleries and stores overrun by chaos. But to my surprise, Starbucks handled it with real class. They leaned into the challenge and showed that a business could be both accessible and functional. For someone like me, who relied on that accessibility, it was a game-changer.

Starbucks became a place I could always count on. Whether I needed water, a restroom, or just a moment to catch my breath, they were there. They didn’t just talk about inclusivity—they lived it. So this policy reversal isn’t just disappointing—it feels like a betrayal of the very principles that made me rethink my entire view of the company.

Before I came to California, I used to bash Starbucks all the time. I mocked their “woke” policies and liberal ideals, rolled my eyes at their inclusivity, and dismissed them as another corporate giant trying to buy goodwill. But when I got here and started relying on their open-door policies, I saw the other side. I realized how vital those policies were—not just for me, but for so many others.

Now I have to ask myself, where do I go from here? The library? Let’s be honest—libraries these days feel more like holding pens for homeless people than spaces for creativity and peace. They’re monitored and controlled, not welcoming. Starbucks was different. They gave you space to exist without demanding anything in return. That kind of freedom, that kind of respect—it’s hard to find, and it’s even harder to lose.

For someone like me, this is more than just a policy change. It’s the loss of stability in an unstable world. It’s the loss of a little bit of hope, a little bit of humanity in a world that already feels like it’s closing its doors tighter every day. Starbucks was a place I could count on, a place that said, “You belong here.” Now, that door feels a little less open. And that, for me, is a much bigger loss than just water or a seat. It’s losing one of the last places that felt like it saw me.“

“At op Blvd in Santa Monica Gabriella’s kindness went over and above. The patron behind me was extremely rude to me for asking a question instead of fast ordering. While I waited for my order Gabriella called mw over, apologized for the rude patron and I now am so happy for the rest of my day. Thank you Gabriella!!!“

“I DROPPED A DOLLAR ON THE FLOOR AND HE PICKED IT UP FROM ME. I LEFT SOME CASH ON THE COUNTER AND SHE TOOK A DOLLAR FROM ME. I WAS PAYING FOR A COOKIE AND MILK. $3.25 CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE AND A PLASTIC TUMBLER MILK THE BBB NETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SHOULD NO WHAT A BAD NEIGHBORHOOD MEANS WHEN BUSINESSES ONLY OPERATE OT SEEMS NEVER OPERATE.“

“I came here around 2pm ish to get a cup of coffee before my 3:30pm appt. The pike I purchase was brewed wonderfully and to help the live data that’s on google, it’s not incredibly busy as google says it is. I am giving you all 5 stars, but, I’m not sure who has to update the data, google or starbucks.“

“It’s your typical Starbucks- the staff is always the star. Friendly and efficient. They took out almost all of the seating at this location which ugh come on Starbucks. I miss cozy Starbucks where you had some community. Almost filled with high school student from across the street which I find so funny and cute gathered with their friends gossiping and laughing.

Wheelchair accessibility: They have a ramp.“

“I have always seen this and always busy when I visit Ralph’s. But today, it is really cold and I need something to warm my cold hands and feet. First time, I order from this busy and small location.Arielle is professional and friendly. The first time I order, it is she and the other old gentleman who serve me and both are nice. The second time I visit, Arielle is the only one there to take order and brew coffee for me. I also find out that she likes video games, which is rare for females in my life circle. She is indeed unique.The coffee is pretty standarized and cannot duplicate at home even with my Breville. I guess I will just have to keep visiting Starbucks and accumulate my points. The place has only counter to order and the seating area is outside. Two times I visit, both are cold and raining, and that is just right for the hot coffee outdoor. Luckily, no one is smoking in the tiny area.Starbucks is not going to give you any surprises when you order. It is always good no matter where you go. And this why they are successful. And the location is really strategic that you visit supermarket, you get a chance to have good coffee.Today I visited again and had a funny yet busy lady who served me. She is funny and I had a very good and relaxed converse with her while I was waiting to get my mocha. Starbucks is good!I know understaff is a serious issue. This branch has been placing only one person here and it has been always slow when you have someone or more than one in front of you. It is taking very long time to get your order. I just waited 12 minutes for a cup of coffee and there was only one girl in front of me.Besides that, they also close early like 6ish pm.“

“Here’s a polished version of your review with a touch of professionalism and clarity:

I love this Starbucks! They consistently make my latte perfectly with oat milk, which I really appreciate. The line moves smoothly every time, and the staff—especially the young team members working the drive-through—are always so friendly and welcoming. Great service all around!

Let me know if you’d like to tweak it further!

Dietary restrictions: Wish they offered vegan food options.

Kid-friendliness: Yes

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“

“Oh, absolutely, because nothing says “birthday celebration” quite like a caramel Frappuccino at the Starbucks on third street. What a way to ring in another year, right? It’s almost like they knew exactly how to make my day special with that overly-sweet, caramel-drenched concoction that probably shaved off a few days from my lifespan. The whipped cream on top? Inspired choice. Just enough to give me a sugar rush so I can really enjoy my time strolling around Santa Monica in the heat. And the service? Top-notch, as always—exactly what you’d expect from the world’s most ubiquitous coffee chain. Just a heartfelt thanks to Starbucks for making this birthday unforgettable.“

“Please provide an update on the situation regarding the 11-year-old who was allegedly told by a barista to “go back to your country.” If this claim is untrue, we urge you to clarify it publicly.

There is a Facebook group called LA Mommies, where the child’s mother is posting about this. Meanwhile, other Jewish moms in the group are encouraging each other to leave negative reviews for this business everywhere.

Please set the record straight—are these claims truthful, or is this misinformation? We all deserve to know the truth. I gave you 5 star because I’m 100% sure that this is not true.

P.S. those poor kids are making up stories because they repeatedly hear these things at home, especially after Kanye West’s ad during the Super Bowl.“

“Normally, I love this Starbucks BUT today I left feeling disrespected. Every day, I order 1 or 2 triple espressos with 1/4"milk and extra foam. It was not crowded, no rush, and I ordered espresso with only foam to make it easier. But one barista, who knows me, said things were changing with the new CEO, my drink took too long to make and would stop, and it wasn't fair to other customers. What??? I sympathized with him the other day when there was a wrong order (not mine) and he got frazzled. As for my order, if someone can't measure 1/4 milk and just eyeballs it, that's not my fault. The crew that has been there is tops and this was a mistake. I don't think it's the vib that the new Speedbucks is supposed to send out. Cathy“