When I posted a simple article about our favorite places to eat in Key West, I made what I thought was a harmless admission: when we’re there, we usually grab our morning coffee from the Starbucks near Mallory Square.
I didn’t say it was the best coffee in Key West. I didn’t gush about it. I just mentioned it, mostly to explain why there weren’t a lot of breakfast spots on my list — we’re simply not breakfast people. Sometimes we’re out late, sometimes we’re working early, and sometimes both.
And for the record, it’s not like we’re married to Starbucks. In New York, we’ll head for Pret a Manger. In London, we’ll pick Costa Coffee over Starbucks every time. It’s not about brand loyalty — it’s about finding a decent cup of coffee without having to launch a full-blown expedition before 9 AM.
Still, that one little mention of a particular green-logoed coffee chain made some people lose their collective minds.
Apparently, mentioning Starbucks while traveling is the equivalent of personally destroying the soul of Key West. Who knew?
The Great Coffee Controversy
OMG, did people lose it. The post set a record for the number of people who felt the need to comment and tell me I didn’t know what I was talking about.
First were the ones just calling me stupid for my coffee choice.
What A Stupid Review to Place a Starbucks On Your List! They are On Every Street Corner. You guys Dont Deserve to Give this Report
and lacking credibility because of the brand of coffee I drink.
Starbucks???? You have ZERO cred.
Oh, and the one who called me an idiot.
Oh boy, I’m getting on a plane in Boston tomorrow just to try that place called Starbucks in Key West. It sounds so original and definitely worth a 1700 mile trip. Idiots!!!
By this time, I was enjoying reading the comments, even though I know the first rule of the internet.
OK, I’m a tourist. Where do the locals get coffee?
Anyone that lists Starbucks as a top choice in Key West should probably vacation in Miami and keep your chain joints away from us. Starbucks iant even the best coffee in KW as there are at least 3 locally owned coffee stops that have a true welcoming KW feel and great coffee.
To end things, I found out now I have this to worry about:
Really have to agree with the protesters!. This piece is such a huge disservice to sweet KW’s multitudes of delicious eating spots
Protesters? Really, it was just about coffee.
The Real Coffee Question: Chains vs. Local Spots
Reading all those comments got me thinking. Perhaps it’s worth laying out the real pros and cons of choosing a chain coffee shop versus hunting down a local spot while traveling.
Here’s how it usually shakes out:
Chain Coffee (Starbucks, Dunkin’, Tim Hortons, etc.)
Pros:
- Consistency. Your Blonde Roast in Key West tastes like your Blonde Roast at home. No surprises.
- Convenience. They’re everywhere. Sometimes you find one without even trying.
- Speed. Especially if you mobile order. Less time waiting = more time exploring.
- Predictability. No worrying if you’ll get burned (literally or figuratively) by a bad cup of joe.
Cons:
- No Local Flavor. You could be in Key West or Kalamazoo — it all feels the same.
- Missed Opportunities. You might pass right by a fantastic, quirky coffee shop.
- The Judgy Looks. Some people really care where you get your caffeine fix. Trust me.
Local Coffee Shops
Pros:
- Local Vibe. You get a literal taste of the place you’re visiting.
- Unique Menus. Fun seasonal drinks, funky pastries, maybe even the best latte of your life.
- Supporting Small Business. Always a good thing when you can swing it.
- New Experiences. Sometimes the local coffee shop ends up being a highlight of the trip.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Quality. It could be a hidden gem… or it could be absolutely terrible.
- Time Investment. Researching, finding, waiting — it all adds up.
- Speed? Not a Priority. A lot of local shops aren’t exactly in a rush. If you have 15 minutes to wait for a beautiful latte in a handmade mug, go for it. If you just need caffeine now, that’s time you’ll never get back.
- Risk of Disappointment. Nothing worse than needing coffee now and getting a burnt mess instead.
Hotel Coffee (A Category of Its Own)
Pros:
- Free (usually). If you’re at a Hampton, Holiday Inn Express, Hyatt Place, etc., you’ll usually find a pot of coffee in the lobby.
- Convenient. Sometimes you don’t even have to leave the building (or put on real pants).
- Surprising Bright Spots. Occasionally, you’ll stumble onto something great, like at the Moxy Times Square, where hotel guests get free coffee from the first-floor shop. It was so good, we’ve thought about stopping by for a cup (read: paying for it at the shop) even when we’re not staying there.
Cons:
- The Taste Lottery. Hotel lobby coffee can range from average to brown water to something so offensive you don’t even want a second sip.
- Limited Options. Usually, it’s just basic drip coffee — no fancy espresso drinks here.
Final Thoughts: Your Coffee, Your Rules
So yeah, maybe I missed out on Key West’s indie coffee scene that time. Maybe next time I’ll put a little more effort into finding a funky, local spot. Or maybe I’ll still beeline to the familiar green sign of Starbucks and order my Blonde Roast like a grumpy tourist who just wants coffee now.
Because here’s the thing: Travel is about choices.
Sometimes you want to slow down, wait 15 minutes for a beautiful handmade latte, and soak in the local scene. And sometimes? You just need caffeine in your hand fast so you can start your day, not spend half of it waiting for a cup.
It’s not about brand loyalty. It’s about finding something good, quick, and dependable wherever you happen to be — whether that’s Starbucks, Pret, PJ’s, Costa, or a local café that just nails it.
Guess the corporate coffee haters finally got their way.
The Starbucks near Mallory Square — the one that caused all the drama — has since closed. In its place is Caribbean Coffee Roasters, a local shop with all the island vibes you could want. (So maybe now the streets of Key West are safe once again.)
Neither choice is wrong.
(But if you do judge people for their coffee habits… maybe sip your artisan latte and move on.)
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