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This past year, the land of free (er, $5) flowing coffee has tested all kinds of fancy new features like delivery, coconut milk and small-batch cold brew. But Starbucks might have just outdone itself with this new move.
Amidst cries of outrage from some neighborhood residents, the coffee chain's Williamsburg outpost (154 North Seventh St) will unleash a weekly "Starbucks Evenings" on Wednesdays after 4pm, serving wine, craft beer and small plates including truffled mac n cheese and bacon-wrapped dates. The Evenings program—variations of which are also being implemented in Denver, Miami and Northern California—will source brews from local favorites Brooklyn Brewery, and pour a range of wines including prosecco and Malbec.
Starbucks came under fire from Williamsburg's community board last October when it announced plans to add boozy offerings. Detractors, including an number of independent coffee shops, have cried foul, citing potential loss of revenue for local businesses. The State Liquor Authority, however, approved the license for the mega-chain, whose reps insist that the additions will only create a vibrant destination for creative groups and artists to gather.
So...Starbucks in Williamsburg will be fueling your next happy hour. Now there's a phrase none of us expected to write.