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What Coffee Shops in China Are Similar to Starbucks? Are There Coffee Shops More Upscale Than Starbucks?

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional Coffee Knowledge Exchange For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style) When it comes to coffee, most people probably think of Starbucks, right? As a beloved coffee shop among the masses, it is deeply loved by people in both China and the United States. However, besides Starbucks in the United States, what other coffee shops are worth visiting? In this issue, FrontStreet Coffee

For professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style)

Introduction

When it comes to coffee, most people probably think of Starbucks. As a coffee shop loved by the masses, it is deeply popular both in China and the United States. However, besides Starbucks, what other coffee shops in the United States are worth visiting? In this issue, FrontStreet Coffee will take everyone on a tour of American coffee shops.

Starbucks

Founded in 1971, Starbucks can be said to be the largest chain coffee shop in the world. Their characteristic is launching different coffees for different holidays, and the cups also change according to the holidays.

As a coffee enthusiast, FrontStreet Coffee specially waited in a long line at the first Starbucks store in Seattle last time to buy a cup of coffee. It must be said that no matter where you are, Starbucks' service and coffee quality are truly impeccable.

In addition to the drinks on the fixed menu, they actually have a secret menu every year, but not every barista knows how to make them, so be sure to ask before ordering.

For example, the Marble Mocha Macchiato is actually a mixture of two drinks: white chocolate mocha without milk foam at the bottom, topped with one or two shots of espresso, and then drizzled with rich chocolate sauce - a marble mocha macchiato is ready!

McNally Jackson

In the bustling metropolis of New York, besides Starbucks, you might as well try this unique coffee shop "McNally Jackson".

This bookstore's coffee shop features unique interior design with walls decorated with books and lighting. If you order a cup of coffee and sit quietly here, you can not only enjoy coffee and delicious food but also feel the sensation of being surrounded by books.

Moreover, the coolest thing about this shop is that it has an Espresso Book Machine, where you can privately customize and publish your own books.

If you like to drink black coffee, order a cup of Black coffee. Then pick a book you like to read and sit here to enjoy some wonderful time - it's also a good choice.

Located at: 52 Prince St, New York, NY 10012

Ogawa

"Ogawa" is known as an internet-famous coffee shop in Boston, USA. Seeing this name, do you feel like it's a Japanese word? That's right - this is a mid-to-high-end Japanese-style coffee shop.

This shop is situated in a small corner in the center of Boston. Having afternoon tea here, meeting up with a few friends to chat, or reading a book for a while are all great ways to pass the time.

Walking into the store, you will feel their sincerity and quality in every aspect from decoration, food, to service.

Their Signature Drink is their classic coffee - a latte paired with a cup of black coffee. This combination is enough for you to drink for the entire afternoon.

In addition to food, this shop also provides many books about Japan, introducing Tokyo's folklore, unique Japanese culture, and history.

Blue Bottle Coffee

So far, Blue Bottle has only opened 26 chain stores in the United States (New York, California) and Japan. Its taste, like its color, can be said to be as unforgettable as Starbucks.

Simple design, classic style - each cup only has a small blue bottle as decoration, making it look particularly elegant when held in hand.

The store uses expensive coffee machines and Japanese siphon pots, and each cup of coffee takes at least 5 minutes to make. Compared to Starbucks, their advantage lies in being famous for high-quality coffee brewing and preparation techniques.

Although Blue Bottle's coffee speed is far behind Starbucks, every cup of coffee is made with great delicacy, and the taste is truly sweet, fragrant, and rich.

Their principle is that they would rather let guests wait an extra minute than sacrifice the multi-layered taste of the coffee. So, friends, if you have the chance, you might as well come here to try it.

Sightglass Coffee

"Sightglass Coffee," invested in by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, is an old-fashioned coffee shop. There are no electronic devices, outlets, or WiFi.

This unique coffee shop hopes that every customer who comes here can quietly taste the flavor of the coffee, or read a book here for an entire afternoon without distractions.

The bean roaster at this shop is placed in a very obvious position. They hope customers can also see the entire process of how each coffee bean becomes a cup of coffee.

If you walk in here, the tiles on the floor will also catch your eye. The unique design will also relax your mood a lot. Plus a cup of coffee, and I believe all your troubles will disappear.

Stumptown Coffee

Stumptown Coffee originated in Portland and later opened stores in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Orlando, Chicago, and other places.

Particularly recommended is their cappuccino - the perfect ratio of coffee to milk: steam-frothed milk poured over espresso to create a perfect cappuccino.

Previously, FrontStreet Coffee had their coffee once in Seattle. Their service was particularly warm and they were also very good at joking.

In addition to coffee, FrontStreet Coffee thinks their cups are also particularly interesting. Buying one to take home as a souvenir is also very meaningful.