The Great Chicago Starbucks Census: A Caffeinated Investigation
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, of broad shoulders, and, apparently, of an insatiable thirst for fancy coffee. But just how insatiable are we talking? How many Starbucks locations are there actually cramming cold brew into our veins and pumpkin spice lattes into our souls?
Fear not, fellow caffeine fiends, for I, your intrepid latte Sherlock Holmes, have embarked on a quest to uncover the truth!
By the Beans and the Grind: Our Investigative Methods
Now, you might be thinking, "Isn't there an app for that?" Well, sure, there probably is. But where's the fun in that? We needed a method with panache.
So, I decided to combine the thrill of the hunt with the joy of a good walk (because, let's be honest, all that coffee needs to be balanced out somehow). Armed with a trusty map, a questionable sense of direction, and a stomach full of determination (and maybe a pastry or two), I ventured forth into the urban jungle.
Dodging Double Shots and Deciphering Drives Thrus: The Trials of a Caffeine Cartographer
Let me tell you, folks, it wasn't easy. Between the sheer number of Starbucks and the ever-present construction zones, I nearly became one with the drive-thru line myself. At one point, I swear I saw a barista with three arms, expertly juggling Frappuccinos like a caffeinated octopus.
But through it all, I persevered. Every mermaid logo was a badge of honor, every venti Pike Place a victory cry.
The Big Reveal: Chicago's Starbucks Saturation Point
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for (or maybe just the moment you scrolled down to for). According to my highly scientific investigation (and a quick double-check online because, hey, accuracy matters), Chicago boasts a whopping 186 Starbucks locations.
That's right, folks. Enough caffeine to fuel a small army (or a very large study session at Northwestern).
So, What Does it All Mean?
Does this mean Chicago has a problem? Are we a city ruled by the siren song of the Caramel Macchiato?
Well, that's for you to decide. But hey, at least you now know that no matter where you wander in this fair city, you're never too far from your next caffeine fix.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a venti Americano and a whole lot of unanswered emails.
