You can improve on Starbucks by adding a spoonful of instant,but nothing beats your own blend of beans, ground just before use. Most centers now have a good variety of beans. Tastes vary widely. In New Orleans it's dark roast with chicory. The French like burnt roast and further ruin it with milk. Many Europeans prefer Espresso in its various forms.
In Canada, the attack by Second Cup on Starbucks has ended in STALEmate .