Starbucks Mitaka Musashisakai Dori

Brand new Starbucks. Love the outdoor seating (great if you want to sit outside with a dog!). Employees were very friendly. Lots of indoor seating on the first floor, but it is usually pretty busy!

(4.5÷5 stars)
Beyond Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — 37/​?
As my Elite Unilocaler buddy Hiromi O. already reviewed in Japanese the key points of this newest addition to the Starbucks chain, I’ll try to touch on a few different details while covering some of the main points in English.
This location is a welcome addition to the neighborhood as it is fairly close to home for me. It is also unique in that it is not adjacent to a major train station like most of the other outlets, but instead, in the middle of a residential neighborhood along a fairly busy thoroughfare that is currently being widened and modernized.
One other unique feature is Starbucks shares the same building as a dentist that occupies part of the second floor. Pay attention to the note about the elevator below.
Other Highlights:
+ Design/​layout: 4.5÷5 stars
— First floor
Drive-​thru (rare!)
Friendly staff (expected!)
Spacious feeling, bright but comfy lighting (1^st floor)
Sofas, small tables, large tables w/​AC
Wifi (Starbucks proprietary network)
— Second floor
Outdoor terrace
No wifi, AC
BGM piped in (volume adjusted up to cover ambient noise of traffic passing by)
Comfy sofas (5 singles, one double)
Two round tables w/​4 chairs each
Fantastic 180 degree view to the south
+ Service: ⁴⁄₅ (young, energetic and friendly staff — hopefully the spirit won’t fade as the business settles into a rhythm)
+ Ambiance: ⁴⁄₅ (newer, more modern design that fits into the residential surroundings nicely, both inside and out)
+ Menu: 3.5÷5 (slightly lower rating for the food items that haven’t seemed to improve much over the years, although old stand-​bys like cookies and scones are pretty consistent with other locations)
+ Access: 4.5÷5 (very good access for customers arriving by car, bus or bicycle. Plenty of parking for cars and bicycles — always seems to be quite full at nearly all hours though)
Note: Avoid the elevator — goes directly to dentist’s office patient lobby that shares the 2^nd floor — use the stairs instead
You’ll find the first floor crowded. There are tables for couples, two large «working» tables with AC under the edge, a long sofa along the north wall — generally there’s quite a busy buzz in the air as nearly all the seats are full at all hours of the day.
So I usually escape to the 2^nd floor terrace where there are fewer/​no other people. The single lounge style chairs (short tables included) are comfy. On good weather days, the sunlight streaming in from the south makes it quite toasty, even though we are at the beginning of winter here. Secret highlight: Hit the terrace in late afternoon to watch the sunset (if it’s a sunny day). Surprisingly, the sound of cars passing by on the busy street below is nicely balanced with the volume of the BGM.
Other features:
+ Outdoor tables/​chairs (1^st floor): Along the south side left of the entrance; there’s a dog leash hook on the wall; three tables with about six chairs
+ Outdoor tables/​chairs (2^nd floor): As mentioned above, comfortable lounge style chairs, lap blankets available, standard wrought iron tables and chairs for small groups. NOTE: The 2^nd floor is open to the elements but fairly well-​protected by the design layout and glass barriers. Not sure how popular the space will be during the winter but it’s spacious and completely different in feel compared to the hustle-​bustle of the 1^st floor.
+ Drive-​thru: Rare for this area, although many customers will choose this option
+ Wifi: None on the 2^nd floor; available inside on the 1^st floor but it is non-​secure. Better to use your own portable wifi router, if you have one
+ AC outlets: Limited to seats along the two long tables on the 1^st floor only; none on the 2^nd floor
If you’re interested in a hip neighborhood place to chill while enjoying your favorite menu item, this will save you a trip to the nearest station if you live or work in the area.