The Best Starbucks in the Gold Coast to People Watch

It seems there is a Starbucks every other block in Chicago's Gold Coast. Many of these Starbucks are great places to people watch, but the very best people watching occurs at the café on Rush Street just south of Oak Street.

This Starbucks, located at 932 N. Rush Street, attracts all different kinds of people. It's located next door to Barneys New York and a half block from the upscale shopping of Oak Street. As a result the ladies from the Gold Coast, carrying bags from Barneys and Hermes, strut in to take a break from a hectic day of shopping.

At the table next to a lady wearing a $2000 leather jacket may be a half hung over college student from nearby Loyola University. This Starbucks is a popular place for groups of students to meet, study and figure what bar to go to that night.

Then there are the men who seem to spend all day, every day at this Starbucks. They are locals, who live in the surrounding Gold Coast area. They are constantly talking politics, sports and stocks. No one is sure exactly how they made their money, but they must have made a lot since they are at Starbucks all day instead of an office.

If you hear a commotion by the front door it's probably a gang of tourists walking in. They most likely wandered off Michigan Avenue and got lost. They can be easily recognized by their Garrett's Popcorn shopping bags.

Of course it would not be a Starbucks without the handful of people that treat the café as an office. The laptops are set up next to their short coffees that will last them the next three hours while they type up proposals, send emails and video conference with their clients.

If you happen to be in the area and need a shot of people watching with your latte be sure to stop by this Starbucks. Grab a chair by the fireplace, sit back and take in the eclectic mix of people that walk through the door.