Starbucks Reserve.

Chances are you may have never heard about this new Starbucks coffeehouse with a unique bar-like atmosphere. Web articles and reviews have boasted of cold brew on tap, exclusive coffee pairings and a more upscale experience compared to your average Starbucks run.  Ever since I first heard about Starbucks Reserve, I knew I had to check it out.

Now, anybody who knows me knows that I love coffee. I've been a coffee drinker since middle school (shoutout to those French Vanilla cappuccinos my mom let me enjoy from the gas station). I've even hosted coffee connect groups in my community to bring like-minded women together to chat about life, faith and making a difference. Well, I decided to see what all the hype was about and visit the Starbucks Reserve location in Plano, Texas at the new Legacy West shopping center, which is gorgeous. And let me tell you, I can't wait to go back. Here are a few reasons why I think you'll love it too.

The unique coffee experience

From the moment you walk in the door, you can tell that this is not your average Starbucks scene. Although it's similar, it's a step above the norm. Notes of world-class espresso fill the room as you stand amidst the beautiful wooden and black decor. A bar-like seating area is filled with coffee connoisseurs enjoying their exclusive Reserve drinks and learning about the process from a knowledgeable barista behind the bar. They're not in a rush, knowing that it's not about a grab and go coffee run, but the experience of quality, crafted coffee. From the affogato to the nitro cold brew float, the coffee pairing possibilities are endless. In other areas, people are studying, conversing, relaxing, typing and just enjoying the vibe. Exclusive Starbucks Reserve gear is for sale in the brand-consistent black, white and wood look. Pretty cool stuff I must say. I'm totally down with it.

The Exclusive Menu

Starbucks reserve has an exclusive, limited menu of drinks from rare small-lot batches of coffee from around the world in addition to the normal Starbucks menu. I love the quality of the menu itself and enjoyed looking through my options. When deciding on my drink for the day, I was stuck between the Iced Hazelnut Latte Bianca and the Cold Brew Malt. Since I'm a Starbucks Rewards Gold Member and had a free birthday drink on my card, I opted for a Starbucks Reserve exclusive drink: Cold Brew Malt. While it cost a hefty $8 for the one-size (tall) drink, the vanilla ice cream, malt and nitro cold brew blend made for a tasty drink, and the barista welcomed me to come back to the bar for more nitro cold brew on tap if needed. Ummm...yes please. Plus, it came in a cool reusable cup that I've been using ever since. 

It's family friendly

I took my daughter and son during the afternoon and it was great. Seeing other young families with kids the same age as mine reassured me that I was in good company to bring the kids. Grace got her usual Vanilla Bean Frapp and I enjoyed my malt.

All in all, I think Starbucks Reserve is a great new coffee experience for coffee lovers of all ages and stages. I've visited many coffee houses around DFW and this has to be one of my favorites. While I wish there was a location in Fort Worth near my home, driving to Uptown Dallas or Legacy West will be worth the trip. 

I hope you've enjoyed hearing about my experience and that you'll plan to make a visit too. 

Happy National Coffee Day!

Emonne Markland