One of the first places I made sure to check off my list of things to do while I'm home in Chicago was to visit the world's largest Starbucks, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. From what I always saw on social media, were a line of people wrapped around the building, waiting to get in. As you know, it's cold in Chicago so I was dressed and prepared not to freeze, while I waited in line. As I approached the building around 10am, I didn't see a line and walked straight in. To my understanding, the line outside is mainly during the morning rush hour and of course when the roastery first opened.
According to Starbucks, "Starbucks Reserve is a selection of the rarest, most extraordinary coffees Starbucks has to offer. It’s where we push our own boundaries of craft, developing a unique roast for each individual lot before experimenting with coffee as an art form—brewing, aging, infusing and blending it into imaginative and often surprising creations. Through our Roasteries and bars, we share our discoveries and the enjoyment of exceptional coffee with the world."
Floor 1: Reserve Coffee Bar
The first floor is mainly for those who are just stopping in to grab coffee on the go. There's no seating areas either. On this floor, you can also purchase your coffee and other trinkets to take home with you.
Floor 2: Princi Bakery & Cafe
The second floor is where all the sweets are. This floor has seating areas for you to enjoy your pastries while you work or engage in conversations with others.
Floor 3: Emeriential Coffee Bar
On the third floor was the beginning of my joyous trip to me. I spent some time, watching the baristas whip up drinks in beakers like we used in our science and chemistry classes. I enjoyed tasting coffee (black with no cream or sugar), that wasn't bad either. This floor had the most seating areas to me, between the first three floors.
Floor 4: Arriviamo Cocktail Bar
Now if you know me, then you know that my favorite floor of them all was the fourth floor because of the cocktail bar. I really enjoyed the nice views from this floor and the space was more open than the other floors and that probably was the case because of the time (10am). If it has happy hour, I'm sure that the floor would've been packed with people. Now let's get into why I gathered you all here lol........
Cocktails: Cold Creations
I love Knob Creek bourbon whiskey and to see it paired with coffee, I was instantly intrigued and convinced to try it out.
Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew
The Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew is delicately sweetened with barrel-aged vanilla syrup.
It was served with a huge block of ice with an engraved "R" on it for Reserve. It reminded me of drinking chocolate milk. It doesn't give you a buzz because the ingredients are proportioned well.
Old Fashioned
Next I had an Old Fashioned because I was ready to pick up the pace for my day and walk back through the cold streets of downtown Chicago, to board my train back to the south side. This was exactly what I needed and I believe this will be my cocktail of choice moving forward. I'm not into taking shots and drinking "hard liquors" anymore. Now that I'm older and a little bit more considerate of my liver, I mainly just drink wine and beers. This drink includes whiskey, Demerara Syrup, Aromatic Bitters and orange bitters. It was nice and smooth to savor. Overall, I really enjoyed my first trip to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. I didn't bring my laptop or anything to do work because I was really there to just enjoy the experience. The next time I visit will probably be a work day and I will definitely indulge in some pastries and more cocktails. If you're visiting Chicago, I highly suggest that you add this Starbucks on your list of places to visit in the downtown area.
646 N Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611
312-283-7100
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