Starbucks | 3935 E Independence Blvd

Description: Seattle-based coffeehouse chain known for its signature roasts, light bites and WiFi availability.

Comments: If you're like "oh man Starbucks is boring, why is it on this website, what about the non-chain coffee shops", calm down alright. There's a lot of those on this website. I found myself here out of desperation, the nearby Night Swim closes at 5 PM, and I had a meeting right at that time I needed to be at a laptop for. This was the one of the closest results when I typed in coffee on Google Maps, and it worked quite well.

I would never tell you to go out of your way to come here. It's a cookie cutter Starbucks. But they have good access to outlets, and a decent amount of seating. They have booth style seating with around 8 small tables with outlets near each one. Then 5 or so tables by the window, no outlet access. Then the big table in the middle with outlets underneath it, and some lounge chair style seating. So, marvelous outlet access all around.

On my first (and only) visit here, a family came in and sat in the lounge seating, catching up, chatting, and petting their comically small, but very cute, dog. This place certainly is a third place for them, so it is for me. It's Starbucks, you know what it is. But it works. If you're in this area and want something truly local and nonchain, check out Visart Cafe and Julia's Cafe and Books.

A final note, I don't enjoy Independence Blvd. Having what is essentially a 5-lane highway right next to retail shops with people entering and exiting at wildly different speeds is some sort of masochist masterclass in road design. I came here out of desperation. I will only return under similar circumstances. There is no God-fearing reason to voluntarily sign up to drive on Independence Blvd.