Strange Starbucks Locations That Actually Exist
From inception, coffee chain Starbucks has always been open to big ideas and out-of-the-box decisions. Named for a character from the classic novel Moby Dick, the first Starbucks location opened in 1971 in Seattle's historic Pike Place Market, according to the Starbucks website. The brand carries the spirit of its original location with it still today, and is focused on pairing high quality, ethically produced coffee with an inclusive environment.
Starbucks strives to nurture the human spirit and treat its employees with dignity and respect, as they view them as the heart of the Starbucks experience. The company states that they like to consider their locations as neighborhood gathering places for people to feel connected to and inspired by one another.
There are over 30,000 Starbucks locations worldwide. That's a lot of coffee. From that massive list of locations, we found five Starbucks cafes we want to visit ASAP, ranging from historic buildings to eco-friendly farms — and everything in between.
Geneva, Switzeland: Starbucks on a train
Need your coffee to-go? Check out this Starbucks on a train! Business Insider reports that this mobile location will shuttle you from Geneva Airport to the city of St. Gallen, both located in Switzerland. The train car has two levels and can seat 50, with the ability for customers to order at the counter or have the beverages delivered to their seats. The store is something of a design marvel, with Liz Muller, Starbucks' Concept Director, stating that they had to account for a variety of factors to ensure the safety and comfort of guests and staff.
New Orleans, USA: Nestled in the French Quarter
This Starbucks, located in New Orleans' historic French Quarter, takes you back to the turn of the 20th century, paying homage to the city's vibrant music scene, as well as its history as a coffee trading port, as reported by Luxpurists. The front of the shop is fashioned to mimic an old apothecary, complete with floor to ceiling shelves lined with products. The rear area, mostly devoted to seating, invokes a merchant's home, where wooden school chairs surround a 12-foot table created from a fallen tree. Pay special attention to the art and decorations inside this cafe, which are all created by local artists, and don't forget to look up for awe-inspiring chandeliers crafted from wrought iron gates and vintage horns.
Bangkok, Thailand: Tastefully-designed coffee shop
If you find yourself in Bangkok, Thailand, make sure to check out Starbucks CentralWorld. Lifestyle Asia notes this location boasts a Starbucks Reserve Bar and nitrogen-infused drinks, called Drafts. They praise the relaxed atmosphere created through a palette of organic browns and tans, and the artful golden ceilings, designed with wavy patterns inspired by natural landscapes. The illustrations of plants native to Thailand adorn the walls, many of which were hand-painted by local artists, complete this open, serene environment, allowing customers to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Starbucks in a bank
Located inside the bank vault of Amsterdam's historic Amsterdamsche Bank, this Starbucks location is sure to encourage creativity within all its visitors. Inhabitat claims this spot, referred to by locals as "The Bank," was designed with the purpose of showcasing theater, music, and coffee tasting experiences, and is inspired by the slow food movement, containing its own in-house bakery. When designing this location, Muller added touches influenced by 17th-century Dutch coffee traders, Delft blue ceramics, and repurposed oak, and worked with local artists and craftspeople to ensure they captured the spirit of the area.
Poas Volcano, Costa Rica: Where the coffee beans come from
Ever wonder where Starbucks signature coffee bean blends come from? Well now you can visit one of their farms and see for yourself, according to the Hacienda Alsacia Visitor Center's webpage. Located on its 240-hectare coffee farm in Costa Rica, Starbucks opened up the Hacienda Alsacia Visitor Center to allow fans to learn about the brand's commitment to sustainability. A $30 ticket includes a tour of the farm and free coffee tasting and is offered in both Spanish and English.