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

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. But besides Starbucks, what other coffee shops in the US are worth visiting? In this issue, FrontStreet Coffee takes you on a tour of American coffee shops.

Starbucks

Founded in 1971, Starbucks is arguably the largest coffee chain in the world. Its signature is launching different coffees for different holidays, with the cups changing to match the season.

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

Beyond the fixed menu, they actually have a secret menu each year, but not every barista knows how to make those drinks, so be sure to ask before ordering.

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

McNally Jackson

In the bustling metropolis of New York, besides Starbucks, why not try the unique coffee shop McNally Jackson?

This bookstore café features distinctive interior design, with walls decorated with books and lighting. Order a coffee and sit quietly here, and you can enjoy not just coffee and good food but the sensation of being surrounded by books.

Moreover, the coolest thing about this shop is its Espresso Book Machine, where you can custom-publish your own book on the spot.

If you like black coffee, order a cup, pick a book you love, and settle in for some wonderful time—a fine choice indeed.

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

Ogawa

Ogawa is known as an internet-famous coffee shop in Boston. Does the name sound Japanese? That's right—this is a mid-to-high-end Japanese-style coffee shop.

The shop sits in a small corner in the center of Boston. Having afternoon tea here, catching up with a few friends, or reading for a while are all great ways to pass the time.

Walking in, you'll feel their sincerity and quality in every detail, from decor to food to service.

Their signature offering pairs their classic latte with a cup of black coffee—enough to keep you happily drinking the entire afternoon.

Besides food, the shop also stocks many books about Japan, introducing Tokyo's folklore, unique Japanese culture, and history.

Blue Bottle Coffee

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

Simple design, classic style—each cup carries only a small blue bottle as decoration, looking particularly elegant in hand.

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

Blue Bottle's coffee speed is far behind Starbucks, but every cup is made with great care, and the taste is genuinely sweet, fragrant, and rich.

Their principle: they would rather let guests wait an extra minute than sacrifice the layered taste of the coffee. So, friends, if you get the chance, give it a try.

Sightglass Coffee

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

The hope is that every customer will quietly savor the flavor of the coffee, or read a book for an entire afternoon without distractions.

The bean roaster stands in a very prominent position: they want customers to see the whole journey of how each bean becomes a cup of coffee.

Walk in and the floor tiles will catch your eye, too. The unique design relaxes your mood—and with a cup of coffee, all your troubles seem to disappear.

Stumptown Coffee

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

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

FrontStreet Coffee once had their coffee in Seattle; the service was especially warm, and the staff were great at joking around.

Beyond the coffee, we also find their cups particularly interesting. Buying one to take home as a souvenir is a meaningful gesture.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation: Bring the Café Espresso Home

If these shops inspire you to upgrade your home espresso, FrontStreet Coffee's blends are a great place to start. The Classic Blend—built on the traditional "Mandheling plus Brazil" formula with a touch of Robusta—pulls a thick, golden crema with butter, nuts, toast, and dark chocolate aromas, making latte art easy even on basic home machines. FrontStreet Coffee's Premium Blend pairs Cerrado Brazil with Huila Colombia for classic almond, chocolate, and caramel notes with gentle acidity—the same character behind nearly a decade of café drinks. The 100% Arabica Black Cocoa Blend adds Yunnan's ripe-plum acidity and a creamy chocolate aroma, balanced enough for signature specialty drinks. And for single-origin shots, the Brazil Queen Estate SOE, roasted medium-dark, yields butter cookie, macadamia, and toasted-bread sweetness.