Starbucks is combating outbreaks by making all their orders to go.
Starbucks Is Temporarily Switching to ‘To Go’ Orders Only—Here’s How to Order
Updated on Jan. 03, 2024
We’re all thankful for Starbucks on mornings we need a caffeine pick-me-up. But in light of recent events, it’s harder to get your fill of the spring menu, which rolled out only a few weeks ago. Starbucks, like other restaurants, is doing its all to protect customers and employees amidst the outbreaks.
Starbucks has made the bold choice to switch to to go and carry-out orders only. But don’t worry—that doesn’t mean you can’t get your fix.
What’s Changing at Starbucks
According to the latest Starbucks blog post, indoor and outdoor seating areas will be closed for the time being. The coffee chain is embracing a ‘to go’ model which began on March 16. You can still step up to the register and order your drink for carry-out, or you can use the drive-thru, order ahead of time with the app or order for delivery. Starbucks is also expanding to grab-and-go (picking up at the counter) and entryway pick-up at some locations on May 4, so you can go totally contactless.
Starbucks is also modifying its condiment bars and hand-off areas on a store-by-store basis, so things might look different in each cafe. If you’re a Starbucks Rewards member, we’re happy to announce expirations on rewards points will be delayed. You have until June 1, 2020, to get your all out of the app.
When you’re ordering Starbucks to-go, make sure you pick up a limited-time Lemon Cake Pop!
Some Locations Are Reopening
Even though precautions are being taken, Starbucks has opted to reopen some stores in high traffic areas. Closures that hit locations in the US and Canada have a tentative open date of June, primarily those in malls or on university campuses. If you’re not sure whether your local Starbucks is still open, you can always check the store locator on their website. Hospital locations have stayed open to serve first responders.
If you do visit a Starbucks location, it’s best to leave your new spring tumbler at home. Right now, Starbucks is only using disposable cups to avoid any contamination. You can also order Starbucks delivery with Uber Eats, Postmates and DoorDash.
Indulge in Starbucks at Home with These Copycat Recipes, Too!
Inspired by: Starbucks Egg BitesYou can substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss and ham for the bacon, or add in small-cut veggies to these copycat Starbucks egg bites. I also like to bake these in small Mason jars for fun single-portion presentations. Serve with avocado slices and fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast. —Maria Morelli, West Kelowna, British Columbia
Inspired by: Starbucks Caramel FrappuccinoI love caramel frappuccinos from Starbucks, but they get too expensive. I now make my own, and they are just as good. If you blend the milk with all the other ingredients, it gets too foamy—instead stir it in with a spoon after all the ice is crushed. —Heather Egger, Davenport, Iowa
Inspired by: Starbucks Roasted Ham, Swiss and Egg SandwichOn a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Editor
Inspired by: Starbucks Cold Brew CoffeeCold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Or if you rather buy it at the store, our Test Kitchen team found the very best options to kick start your mornings.
Homemade BagelsOur easy bagel recipe lets you skip the store and make a dozen homemade bagels right in the comfort of your kitchen. Customize them with your favorite bagel toppings like everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds or Asiago cheese.
Inspired by: Starbucks Salted Caramel MochaIf you crave cafe-style coffees at home, here's a recipe for caramel mocha. You can make this decadent, sweet recipe within a few minutes and have a drink that rivals what you'd get at a coffeehouse.
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon LoafMy family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Honey Oatmilk LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Berry Trio ParfaitHomemade granola layered with fresh fruit and yogurt makes a superb breakfast. Sometimes I skip the parfait step to enjoy it on a hikes or picnics.—Donna Speirs, Kennebunk, ME
Pumpkin Spice LatteYearning for a pumpkin spice latte but can’t wait for fall? It’s always PSL season with this pumpkin spice latte recipe, which uses real canned pumpkin for authentic autumnal flavor.
Inspired by: Starbucks Double Chocolate BrownieCoffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Starbucks Caffe MochaWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Inspired by: Starbucks Toasted Coconut Cold BrewCold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin BreadSkip the line and bake Starbucks's pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe is better than the original! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Hot ChocolateEach winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Special Banana Nut BreadThis extra-special banana bread makes a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors. The recipe makes two loaves, so I can serve one and keep the other one in the freezer to use as a last-minute gift. —Beverly Sprague, Catonsville, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Black Tea LemonadeI have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this irresistible thirst-quencher takes it one step further. The lemonade gives this refreshing drink a nice color, too. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina
Inspired by: Starbucks Blueberry SconeSave your precious summer blueberries for these blueberry scones! They’re so good, you’ll be thankful you get 16 scones out of the recipe.
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese MuffinI first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe.
—Wendy Stenman
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint White Hot ChocolateMy soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
The Ultimate Chocolate Chip CookieEveryone has a favorite type of chocolate chip cookie—a little crispy, a little chewy—but they all have to begin with a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe. This is the best place to start! —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
