Americans love to pick on Starbucks, even though most of us spend part of our morning waiting in line there for our morning pick-me-up. Even if you're in love with your non-fat mocha Venti latte frapp, you know the complaints people like to trot out: the coffee is too expensive, the drinks are bad for you, and the chain is popping up everywhere. Well, that last one is definitely true. Starbucks is an American brand, but it's gone global.
Since the first Starbucks opened its doors in Seattle in 1971, stores have spread to every corner of the globe, and some of them are pretty interesting.
Check out 13 of the most unique Starbucks locations from around the world.
1. The Starbucks Train
The Swiss federal railway unveiled this rolling Starbucks location in 2013. Travelers crossing the country can enjoy all the comforts of home (in a tiny carriage).
2. USS Boxer
This fully functioning battleship features its own Starbucks staffed by crew members, to make them feel at home every morning. This is the only Starbucks that has live torpedoes nearby (we hope).
3. Shanghai, China
Like other locations on this list, this Starbucks had to blend in with a historic location, in this case the Yu Yuan Garden. Designers copied the garden's historic style for the coffee store.
4. Daizaifu, Japan
Designer Kengo Kuma took inspiration from the nearby Tenmangu Shrine for this Starbucks, featuring a wooden sculpture made from over 4 kilometers of wooden sticks. Just don't try to stir your coffee with them!
Keep reading to find out where Pippa Middleton grabs her coffee!
5. Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai
Location, location, location! This Starbucks is smack-dab underneath the domed ceiling of the mall's recreation of the Shah Mosque. The perfect place for an Instagram picture of your latte!
6. Corner of Shepherd and West, Houston, Texas
We've all heard the joke about the Starbucks across the street from another Starbucks, but how about this: 3 of the coffee shop on the same corner.
Customers say they like to use each location for something different. One has a drive-through, another is good for relaxing, while the third is a good place to get some work done.
7. Ubud, Bali
Look for this location's cheeky sign on the gong outside. It matches the temple outside, and shares a beautiful water garden where you can enjoy your coffee in peace.
8. Tukila, Washington
Starbucks is famously eco-friendly, but they took things to another level with this store. It's made from 4 "up-cycled" shipping containers, but still has a working drive-through.
9. Squaw Valley, California
There's a regular Starbucks at the mountain base, but also a "ski-through" location on the peak. I wonder, does coffee taste different 8,000 feet in the air?
Click the next page to see the Starbucks inside a bank vault!
10. Amsterdam
With a huge space to work with in this empty bank vault, Starbucks got very creative. The lounge they created is full of impressive touches, like the 18,76 hand stained and cut wood blocks that form the company's logo when seen from below.
11. Martins Lane in Convent Garden, London
This upscale version of Starbucks is right at home in London's poshest neighborhood. The city's elites, including Pippa Middleton, are known to grab their coffee here.
12. Kyoto, Japan
Starbucks's newest location opens later this month in a 200 year old building. The company kept the outside intact, so they wouldn't disturb the city's historic district. This location has its own relaxing garden patio.
Share this list with someone you know!
