Coffee culture has grown tremendously over the years, influencing trends, routines, and social spaces. Two popular cafes, Starbucks and Dutch Bros, are big contributors to the coffee community. Both stores attract loyal customers, yet offer very different drink styles and overall experiences.
This has created an ongoing debate about which one comes out on top and how the two truly compare. While Starbucks is known for its consistency and reliability, Dutch Bros is recognized for offering a wider variety of creative and customizable drinks.
Starbucks is arguably one of the most recognized coffee brands in the world. It has over 38,000 locations worldwide, making it accessible and convenient. The company has built its reputation on consistency, whether in New York, Los Angeles, or overseas. This means a person’s favorite drink will taste similarly worldwide.
Starbucks stores have relaxed and friendly environments, perfect for studying, working, or catching up with friends. However, some people think that Starbucks’ menus are boring and lack excitement. “I think Starbucks is a go-to coffee shop that I could buy from on a casual day. Meanwhile, other coffee shops are more unique with their diverse drink menu,” sophomore Leana Asatourian said.
When it comes to the Starbucks menu, there is a combination of classics and seasonal specialties that appeal to coffee lovers worldwide. The staple of Starbucks’ success will always be the classic espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. For people who don’t like coffee, they also offer teas, refreshers, and hot chocolate.
One of the company’s strong points is its seasonal menu, which has brought popular items like the Caramel Brulee Latte, Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, and the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte that marks the start of fall for many customers. “I really like how their seasonal menu changes throughout the year. It keeps things interesting, and there’s always something new to try. One of my favorite seasonal drinks for spring and summer is the peach green tea lemonade,“ freshman Nare Sukiasyan said. Still, while the quality is dependable, the flavor range is somewhat limited, with a focus on coffee-based beverages rather than other options.
In contrast to Starbucks’ more traditional menu, Dutch Bros has taken a different approach, not just in drinks, but also in how and where it’s expanding. Dutch Bros has rapidly expanded across the U.S, now with 1,000 locations.
Starbucks is a 13-minute walk from Clark, making it accessible for students with or without cars. Dutch Bros has no stores in Glendale, and the closest one is a 30-minute drive away. This makes it inconvenient for many Glendale residents who don’t want to travel that far. Most Dutch Bros are drive-thru or walk-up only, although some locations have been built or updated to have indoor seating. Regardless of the store type, many Dutch Bros stores offer outdoor seating.
Dutch Bros’ menu is where its creativity truly shines. While Starbucks lets customers change some things in their drinks, Dutch Bros lets their customers customize nearly everything. Their signature drinks include the Dutch Bros Rebel energy drinks, which can be mixed with dozens of flavors to create unique combinations.
Popular favorites like the “Golden Eagle,” “Annihilator,” and “Caramelizer” are rich, sweet, and flavorful to those who want more zip in their cup. “My favorite drink is a Golden Eagle, with cold foam and caramel drizzle. It tastes really sweet and creamy, like caramel and vanilla mixed together with coffee, especially with the cold foam on top,“ freshman Isabella Hovsepian said. The Golden Eagle is an espresso with sweet flavours of vanilla and caramel, and served hot, iced, or blended.
In the end, both coffee shops have their strengths, and the better choice depends on what kind of experience one is looking for. When comparing the two, Starbucks excels in availability and consistency, while Dutch Bros stands out for its creativity and variability.
