Pro:

By Katie Wasierski

I stroll in, automatically soothed by the laid-back music and scent of strong coffee. The walls are neutral, the chairs comfortable pleather, and the only sound other than the music is the hushed tones of customers engaged in relaxed conversation. I get in line, and I don’t feel anxious or impatient; in fact, I feel quite the opposite. I don’t think about the appointments or classes I have to get to; I just dwell on the delicious beverage that is about to be created, just for me.

Starbucks has always been my soft spot. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am very serious about my coffee. I like it hot, strong, and personalized with my name on it: all things that are never an issue when I go to a Starbucks. Not only do I enjoy the boldness of their house blends, but I occasionally indulge in a latte or macchiato. Getting one or another with a few extra shots of espresso is not only delicious, but it has helped me get through more than one late-night study session, and kept me going through some tough 18-hour work days over the summer.

One of the notable qualities of the brand is that every store seems to have employees that appear genuinely happy to be there. They don’t move a mile a minute like other franchises’ employees tend to do and they take pride in the beverages they make, putting effort into them so they are something you can savor and enjoy.

The environmental-friendliness of the brand is something I have also always taken note of too. Starbucks is known for their reusable cups, and recycled paper-wear. This is a concept practically unheard of in other nation-wide coffee shops like Dunkin’ Donuts, whose styrofoam cups do not benefit anyone in the long run.

The convenience that comes with Starbucks, while some people find the abundance of them on street corners around the world creepy, is something I have come to appreciate and even admire. Why wouldn’t I want easy access to my favorite pick-me-up anywhere I go? Sounds like a win-win to me.

While I feel compelled to defend my beloved coffee joint, I do understand where the anti-Starbucks-goers are coming from. Yes, it is a massive chain; and yes, I totally understand those who want to put money into local businesses…I work for one myself, whose specialty happens to be coffee. Sometimes, though, I think it is nice to ignore all the politically correct hoopla and use my money to buy something I want, my personal indulgence. And clearly millions of other people feel the same way as Starbucks is a company with a networth of over a billion dollars.

Starbucks may not be a local business and may even be pricier than Dunks, but you are paying for quality, eco-friendliness, and the soothing atmosphere. All this makes me feel like spending the extra buck is totally worth it.

Con:

By Saárah Murphy

Parallel park. Check. Cross the street. Check. Wait in the long line. Check. Order a black, caramel macchiato. Check. And a poppyseed muffin? Most definitely. Check.

You know those moments where you feel whole and like nothing else in the world matters? Drinking my cup of coffee every Saturday morning is when I feel nirvana. Nirvana: a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth–which is ironic because this coffee joint I find myself in happens to be called Nirvana, and it is located on Route 6A in Barnstable Village.

The chalkboard and the bohemian baristas let me know that this breakfast stop is worth all the stress I have during the week. Whether it’s three-hour long drama rehearsals or                                                                                                                                              Mrs. Salley’s dreaded quizzes, I know every Saturday I’ll find my state of nirvana.

After Chelsea (I know, such a barista name) takes my coffee order I can’t resist but to order a grilled poppyseed muffin with extra butter. (If your mouth isn’t watering right now, fix your tastebuds.)

Once I retrieve my cravings I sit down on their comfy brown couches in a naturally-lighted living room with my girls. We talk about life, our dreams, and I begin to slip into my nirvana state.

I don’t feel like I am on Cape Cod when I am at Nirvana; I feel as if I am in some southern state since everyone there is heartwarming and joyous. The customers and the workers help create a welcoming environment that brings a genuine smile to my face.

Instead of going to Nirvana, I could head to the millions of Starbucks that haunt me everywhere I go, screaming convenience and conformity. But I can’t confine myself to their hundreds of different-sized and oddly-named paper cups.

To be honest, isn’t it weird that no matter if you’re at a Starbucks in New York or a Starbucks in Boston the coffee tastes exactly the same? That just freaks me out.

And when you walk into one of these coffee chains everything is distinctly similar. The metallic, cold countertops and the brown wooden decor try to convey that this is an artsy joint not a chain with 21,366 stores around the world. There is also something about the people that go to Starbucks, like it is a great thing to be walking around with a $4 cup of coffee in your hands. Good for you.

Ok, I’m just kidding, I’ll enjoy a Starbucks coffee from time to time, but there’s nothing like helping out your local businesses and treating yourself to a unique cup of joe.

It isn’t just coffee or a warm buttery muffin, it’s the one moment during my week that I have to myself, surrounded by the people who mean the world me, right here, at Nirvana.