In my opinion, this is one of the finest Starbucks locations in the city. With its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s an ideal place to think, work, or meet with others.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
K Johar
I just stopped by to buy on pambking loaf handed the cashier $50 bill at the Starbucks in 12179 darnstown rd.she told me she doesn't have a change. Which I found not convincing. I purchased from before with a different cashier and i didn't have any issues. Starbucks need to be more professional and put sign said that no change for $50 bills. One day it's ok and one day it's not ok Is depending who is the cashier is profiling and that's is completely wrong.
주은아
I ordered decaf, but after I consumed the coffee, my heart rate raised up than usual by 10 bpm and I felt my heart beating. This is typical reaction of my body when I consume caffeine.
Samuel Edwards
I’ve been a loyal Starbucks customer for over 20 years, consistently ordering the same drink — a decaf coffee Frappuccino — without issue at numerous locations nationwide. Unfortunately, my recent visit to the Potomac Valley Shopping Center location in Gaithersburg, MD (on 08/09/2025 at 8:22 AM EST) has made me question that loyalty.
After placing and paying for my usual order, the store manager (name beginning with “J”) interrupted the barista mid-preparation to inform me I would now be charged extra for the espresso shots in my drink. She stated that “no such drink exists” and claimed other stores — including this one, which I frequent — had been preparing it incorrectly for years.
Despite calmly explaining my ordering history, the manager was dismissive, argumentative, and unwilling to listen. She did not offer an apology when I requested and received a refund, and later approached me again, insinuating I had been rude. She then insisted on reviewing my Starbucks app history to verify past charges, which clearly showed I had never been charged extra for this drink. The conversation continued to be confrontational, so I chose to end it and leave.
When my family’s drinks were ready, the barista who originally took my order apologized directly to them for the situation — a courtesy I never received from the manager.
As a former manager of a large-scale company, I found multiple areas where this interaction fell short of acceptable customer service standards:
Once a drink has been ordered and paid for, staff should not intervene in a way that disrupts the transaction without a critical reason.
It is unprofessional for a manager to debate with a customer in full view of other patrons.
Managers should prioritize empathy, active listening, and resolution — none of which were displayed in this encounter.
For contrast, on 08/10/2025, I visited the Kentlands Starbucks, where my drink was made exactly as ordered — without hesitation, extra charge, or issue. The barista there confirmed, “three shots, of course,” and provided exceptional service. This demonstrates the inconsistency between store practices and the significant impact leadership has on customer experience.
I hope Starbucks will review this feedback seriously and consider additional customer service and leadership training for store management. This incident has been disappointing and disheartening, and it will influence my decision on future visits.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Sireen Argubie
I love Molly so much, she’s so sweet and kind. She welcomed me and she helped me pick out a drink when I didn’t know what to get, and omg her smile radiates
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
River Anne
I was on my way to place an order at this location, but no one was at the cash register. I decided to use the restroom first. Manager did not want to give me the code to the restroom because I did not 'look' like a customer, perhaps because I was dressed in my young adult son's sweatshirt and a baseball hat? Oh, and I am brown. I frequent the location often, as I live nearby. Other customers overheard her and apologized on her behalf, stating that in this time of discontent in our world, it's time that we all be more compassionate. I agree. Despite the humiliation, I did go ahead and place my order. The barista was very friendly and professional, thus the 2 stars. Nonetheless, I will take my business to my closer location in Kentlands, from here on.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Joe White
A Starbucks with a single restroom "out-of-order" for customers (and staff)?! Does this represent the new CEO's new more customer friendly drive?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Shannon Hill
We are here every Friday and always have exceptional service from Alex. He is very courteous and welcoming. Makes a damn good latte!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Morgan Cheripko
We had Larry taking care of us at the counter and he was amazing! So so friendly and helpful!
It's a Starbucks.... Nothing to get too excited about. Good service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Joseph McGowan
Tables, need to be wiped better as well as the chairs.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Moe
Rude, I greeted them and said thank you at the end, no response.
Chirag Shah
While there, I had to receive a call. The music was playing loudly, so I requested the staff to may be turn the volume down if possible, but they did not.
Point is, for a coffee shop (and this is applicable to other locations as well) the music should not be so loud as a night club that people hear music over ones voice.
I think Starbucks is becoming more rigid and full of attitude because they don’t care.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 3
Mary Massoumi
Enjoying a delicious coffee at Starbucks. It's the perfect way to kickstart my day!
Perfect cup of coffee every time!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
In my opinion, this is one of the finest Starbucks locations in the city. With its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s an ideal place to think, work, or meet with others.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I just stopped by to buy on pambking loaf handed the cashier
$50 bill at the Starbucks in 12179 darnstown rd.she told me she doesn't have a change.
Which I found not convincing.
I purchased from before with a different cashier and i didn't have any issues.
Starbucks need to be more professional and put sign said that no change for $50 bills.
One day it's ok and one day it's not ok
Is depending who is the cashier is profiling and that's is completely wrong.
I ordered decaf, but after I consumed the coffee, my heart rate raised up than usual by 10 bpm and I felt my heart beating. This is typical reaction of my body when I consume caffeine.
I’ve been a loyal Starbucks customer for over 20 years, consistently ordering the same drink — a decaf coffee Frappuccino — without issue at numerous locations nationwide. Unfortunately, my recent visit to the Potomac Valley Shopping Center location in Gaithersburg, MD (on 08/09/2025 at 8:22 AM EST) has made me question that loyalty.
After placing and paying for my usual order, the store manager (name beginning with “J”) interrupted the barista mid-preparation to inform me I would now be charged extra for the espresso shots in my drink. She stated that “no such drink exists” and claimed other stores — including this one, which I frequent — had been preparing it incorrectly for years.
Despite calmly explaining my ordering history, the manager was dismissive, argumentative, and unwilling to listen. She did not offer an apology when I requested and received a refund, and later approached me again, insinuating I had been rude. She then insisted on reviewing my Starbucks app history to verify past charges, which clearly showed I had never been charged extra for this drink. The conversation continued to be confrontational, so I chose to end it and leave.
When my family’s drinks were ready, the barista who originally took my order apologized directly to them for the situation — a courtesy I never received from the manager.
As a former manager of a large-scale company, I found multiple areas where this interaction fell short of acceptable customer service standards:
Once a drink has been ordered and paid for, staff should not intervene in a way that disrupts the transaction without a critical reason.
It is unprofessional for a manager to debate with a customer in full view of other patrons.
Managers should prioritize empathy, active listening, and resolution — none of which were displayed in this encounter.
For contrast, on 08/10/2025, I visited the Kentlands Starbucks, where my drink was made exactly as ordered — without hesitation, extra charge, or issue. The barista there confirmed, “three shots, of course,” and provided exceptional service. This demonstrates the inconsistency between store practices and the significant impact leadership has on customer experience.
I hope Starbucks will review this feedback seriously and consider additional customer service and leadership training for store management. This incident has been disappointing and disheartening, and it will influence my decision on future visits.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I love Molly so much, she’s so sweet and kind. She welcomed me and she helped me pick out a drink when I didn’t know what to get, and omg her smile radiates
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was on my way to place an order at this location, but no one was at the cash register. I decided to use the restroom first. Manager did not want to give me the code to the restroom because I did not 'look' like a customer, perhaps because I was dressed in my young adult son's sweatshirt and a baseball hat? Oh, and I am brown. I frequent the location often, as I live nearby. Other customers overheard her and apologized on her behalf, stating that in this time of discontent in our world, it's time that we all be more compassionate. I agree. Despite the humiliation, I did go ahead and place my order. The barista was very friendly and professional, thus the 2 stars. Nonetheless, I will take my business to my closer location in Kentlands, from here on.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
A Starbucks with a single restroom "out-of-order" for customers (and staff)?!
Does this represent the new CEO's new more customer friendly drive?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
We are here every Friday and always have exceptional service from Alex. He is very courteous and welcoming. Makes a damn good latte!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had Larry taking care of us at the counter and he was amazing! So so friendly and helpful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
It's a Starbucks....
Nothing to get too excited about.
Good service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Tables, need to be wiped better as well as the chairs.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Rude, I greeted them and said thank you at the end, no response.
While there, I had to receive a call. The music was playing loudly, so I requested the staff to may be turn the volume down if possible, but they did not.
Point is, for a coffee shop (and this is applicable to other locations as well) the music should not be so loud as a night club that people hear music over ones voice.
I think Starbucks is becoming more rigid and full of attitude because they don’t care.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 3
Enjoying a delicious coffee at Starbucks. It's the perfect way to kickstart my day!
#Starbucks #CoffeeLovers #CaffeineFix #MorningBrew #StarbucksVibes
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Loading...