Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks are some of the most popular coffee chains in the world—in my opinion, for good reason. However, with their world-renowned coffee and food services comes a glaring rivalry, and people seem to choose sides: Team Dunkin’ or Team Starbucks. As I sat inside the local Starbucks in my Maryland hometown while writing this article, I wondered; Why must we choose one or the other? Why can’t we love both?
Dunkin’ is like an old friend to me, it is always there. Especially with attending college in Massachusetts, it is ALWAYS there. On every street corner and at every stoplight, there never fails to be a Dunkin’ in close proximity. This easy access is one of the many reasons I love it, however, the thing that separates Dunkin’ from other food chains is its lightning-fast service. Dunkin’ is the one place I can rely on to be a quick pit stop for breakfast before school or work. While the drive-thru line can be long, it goes by fast, and it is just as easy to go inside the restaurant to order. Another thing I love about Dunkin’ is its vast menu and the fact that there is always something new to try. While I usually stick to my vanilla iced coffee and wake-up wrap, the avocado toast is one of my newer favorites. Next on my Dunkin’ must-try list is the new pancake minis, which were added to the menu this past November. People often say that at Dunkin’ you can order the same thing over and over again, but you’ll end up with a different drink every time. While I agree with this statement, maybe it isn’t such a bad thing. Can we really be angry when we order our usual $2 coffee and get a little surprise-in-a-cup when it’s ready? In my opinion, it keeps things interesting. While I have gotten my fair share of not-so-great drinks from Dunkin’, I will always go back and give them another chance.
Starbucks, on the other hand, has a whole different vibe. Starbucks is the place I go when I am looking to treat myself, as getting a drink and a food item usually ends up being over $10. While the menu is clearly more expensive than Dunkin’s, getting a drink from Starbucks always puts me in a good mood. I am a firm believer that people’s Starbucks order tells you a lot about them as a person—for example, if they start their morning with a frappuccino, it might be a red flag. One of my favorite things about Starbucks is its seasonal specials. My favorite drink, the pumpkin cream cold brew, always gets me excited for fall, then when winter comes around, I can move on to peppermint-flavored deliciousness. While its food menu is a bit more limited than Dunkin’s, the Starbucks tomato mozzarella panini is to die for. It also has healthier options, so I can always depend on Starbucks for a good meal at any time of the day. Starbucks also has a distinct social atmosphere, as you can work on group projects or even conduct job interviews there. If I have enough time before class, Starbucks is the perfect place to start my day by sipping coffee with a friend.
Comparing Dunkin’ and Starbucks is like comparing Nate Archibald and Chuck Bass—some people prefer one or the other, but you’ve got to love them both. While Nate would clearly be Starbucks in this analogy due to his consistent nature, Chuck embodies Dunkin’—he may not always be perfect, but we embrace his flaws with open arms. While Starbucks is my go-to for delicious, more intricate food and drinks, Dunkin’ will always be there when I am craving a simple iced coffee and a quick bite.
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