The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is finally opening for business, and we got an insider sneak peek.
Starbucks is legendary for more than the popular PSL. Since they opened in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks has expanded across the globe, curbing caffeine cravings across the U.S. and even filtering into Japan and Europe. Of course, this espresso-fueled ride never stops, and Starbucks is officially hitting the gas on their most ambitious project ever.
Chicago’s very own Starbucks Reserve Roastery is the largest Starbucks in the world at a whopping 35,000 square feet, and we got a sneak peek!
On Friday, November 15, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery opens its doors. And once you cross the Roastery’s threshold, you’re in a totally different world.The aroma of coffee swells like music, and everywhere you look there’s something delectable just calling your name.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery boasts four floors and a rooftop. You can choose from three coffee bars (and one bar bar) and seven unique brewing methods including espresso, pour-over, coffee press, siphon, Chemex, Clover and cold brewing. (I tried the Clover and let me tell ya—you’ll be begging for more than one mug.) The coffee is roasted by Starbucks’ Coffee Masters, who are the go to’s for any questions, from bean origins to smoothest sipper.
Inside you’ll find stunning feats of architecture, murals and the Roastery’s centerpiece: a 56-foot roasting cast. The cast allows you to see all of Starbucks’ process in action and doubles as a vehicle to get beans where they need to go via long pipes that run across the ceiling.
You’ll find all of your classic beverages, like lattes, cappuccinos and cortados on the main bar’s first floor. Before you order that PSL, you should know the Starbucks Reserve Roastery doesn’t serve the typical Starbucks menu. The sweet drinks you’re used to will be available at other neighborhood stores, but this one is reserved (no pun intended) for people who enjoy more traditional espresso drinks.
On the second floor, you’ll find Princi, the prize of the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Founded by Italian baker Rocco Princi, the bakery and cafe offers fresh breads, cornetti and focaccia. You can also find your fill of cakes and tarts there, too.
Need to grab your meal and get out the door? Princi has a conveyer belt that delivers your order to the first floor for you. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is all about luxury and experience, so there’s no hiking stairs or needless elevator rides involved.
If you’re craving the classic experience of coffee, look no further than the Experiential Coffee Bar. This coffee bar is where you’ll find most of your unique brewing methods, like siphon—a vacuum-style brewing method. You can also purchase flights of your favorites paired with delicious chocolates and savory goodies in this area. This bar also serves Roastery creations you won’t find anywhere else, so if you can only get to one bar, make sure it’s this one.
Courtesy Starbucks
Barrel-Aged Coffee Bar
The fourth floor literally takes coffee to the next level, combining your favorite rich flavors with a special barrel-aging brewing method. Enjoy a spirit-free coffee beverage made the way whiskey is, aged to perfection in barrels. This bar features classic cocktail copycats, like the Smoked Cold Fashioned or Minted Cold Brew.
The 4th floor Arriviamo serves hand-crafted, alcoholic cocktails made by local mixologists. The menu includes your bar go-to’s as well as some local beers and wines. What sets this bar apart from others you might find downtown is that the specialty cocktails contain Starbucks Reserve coffee and tea, giving your caffeine boost an extra, well, boost.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is definitely an attraction you’ll want to check out. It officially opens on November 15 at 9 a.m., so be at the doors ASAP. Besides, where else are you going to get your hands on coffee this good?
Enjoy a Little Bit of Italy at Home with Our Starbucks Copycat Recipes
Indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink with this caramel mocha recipe. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut
My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon pound cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Expecting brunch company, but short on time? My quick, delicious and beautiful parfaits are the perfect solution. Feel free to mix and match your favorite berries. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
The winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, Illinois
This is a great alternative to regular hot coffee and is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa
Moist and scrumptious, these scones come out perfect every time. I savor the chewy dried cranberries and sweet orange glaze. There's nothing better than serving these remarkable scones warm with the delicate orange butter. —Karen McBride, Indianapolis, Indiana
An enticing aroma wafts through my house when this tender cake-like pumpkin bread is in the oven. I bake extra loaves to give as holiday gifts. My friends wait eagerly for it every year. —Linda Burnett, Prescott, Arizona
This is not your ordinary sandwich! Everyone loves the combination of chutney and chopped peanuts. I like to make this when I have company in the afternoon or at night after a game of cards. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
This is our daughter's favorite hot chocolate recipe. It may look like ordinary cocoa, but a touch of vanilla sets it apart from the rest. And the melted marshmallows give it a frothy body you won't get from a cocoa packet. —Jo Ann Schimcek, Weimar, Texas
Muffins are one of my favorite things to bake, and these are the best. I always keep some in the freezer for breakfast on the run. I can zap one in the microwave before I head out the door. —Kelly Kirby
Westville, Nova Scotia
This quick bread is a family favorite, so I always try to have ripe bananas on hand for this recipe. I'm sure your family will love this tasty, nutty bread as much as mine does. —Susan Jones, La Grange Park, Illinois
Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
I love the versatility of egg salad, especially with this recipe. You can serve it on a nest of mixed greens, tucked into a sandwich or with your favorite crisp crackers. —Cynthia Kohlberg, Syracuse, Indiana
Who has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I love serving this blueberry scone recipe to visiting friends and family. I always make sure a have a few in the freezer. Just pop a frozen scone in the microwave for 20 seconds or so. —Joan Francis, Spring Lake, New Jersey
Wake up your taste buds with eye-opening breakfast sandwiches featuring spicy sausage, fluffy egg, tomato and creamy avocado piled high on a flaky croissant.—Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
There’s no better feeling than waking up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, fruit and spices in this homey meal cook together while you sleep! —Valerie Sauber, Adelanto, California
Everyone likes this tasty chicken breast sandwich. Flattening the chicken breasts helps them cook faster, and the mango chutney and other toppings make them better than anything you could order in a restaurant. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Most store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Olive lovers are sure to rejoice over this stacked sandwich! Stuffed and ripe olives are marinated in white wine vinegar and garlic before using them to flavor these speedy salami, ham and provolone subs.—Delores Christner, Spooner, Wisconsin
Why settle for ordinary grilled cheese when this is so easy to fix? Pair the sandwiches with your favorite soup for a fast, satisfying meal. —Arlene Reagan, Limerick, Pennsylvania
Having a passion for writing her whole life, Laurie joined the Taste of Home team to bring together her two favorite things—creative writing and food. She spends most of her time playing with her dog, drafting up short stories and, of course, trying out new recipes.