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Why do people still give them money?
I get the sentiment, but most places don't have even halfway decent coffee shops. Everyone gives starbucks shit (rightfully so), but the fact is if you walk into a random cafe in America, it will most likely be inferior to starbucks. The level of quality in American coffee is just abysmal. And if you're traveling, you won't know if the cafe you take a chance on is a hidden gem (spoiler, it never is). I was in Austin one time and I found this hipster place that had great reviews on google. The interior was really nice, nice place to work, spacious, etc. The coffee tasted like dog water. It wasn't mediocre, it was trash. I'm sure Austin has great cafes, but unless you live there how will you know? Starbucks is a consistent mediocre coffee.
Reviews are a bit of a shit show with everyone being used to Starbucks as the "standard" now. I still give the local places a shot when I travel. I find them rarely worse than Starbucks for a latte and quiet often better. Plus, you know not giving money to Starbucks and their horrible anti-union leadership...
I guess living in Seattle has spoiled me.
The coffee may suck but the whisky is great!