Starbucks

Highlights of this cafe:

With an expansive, menu of coffee and tea drinks—from its iconic Frappuccino to holiday-flavored lattes—Starbucks is America’s favorite coffee house. Customize your tea or fresh-roasted whole bean coffee drinks with flavors, size and add-ins just the way you like, and grab a sandwich or pastry to go.

The Starbucks Coffee backstory:

Now a daily stop in millions of morning commutes, Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Company has grown into an explosive conglomerate with thousands of locations for java lovers on the go. What began in 1971 with a small menu has mushroomed into an extensive list of creations (lattes, smoothies, espressos) that can be made just the way its regulars like by its friendly baristas. Practically a religion for serious coffee drinkers, Starbucks is now the premier retailer of specialty coffee, with stores in 62 countries and its own product line.

Expert Tips:

• Popular drinks include the hot caramel macchiato with extra caramel—and with flavors from mocha to salted caramel and cinnamon dolce, the frappacino is as American as apple pie. Ditch the whip cream to save more than 50-100 calories.
• Every drink is customizable, from extra coffee or syrup to decaf shots to milk preference.
• The cake pops and pumpkin bread (served year round) are a perfect mid-day sweet treat.