Why try to imitate that famous Seattle coffeehouse without being better at least in one category? Caribou should differentiate itself by doing at least one thing better. The pastries are absolutely awful, especially the cookies. The coffee isn't very good, mine tasted burnt or like it went through a dirty filter. And the ad campaign has a negative first impact -- it looks like someone is lost in a storm on Mt. Everest. With the cute reindeer logo, why not have something more visually appealing than a cold-gray mountain? It doesn't evoke that lodge feeling, except maybe making you thankful you're not the one lost on that mountain. The ambience is decent though--there's plenty of places to sit.
Pros: Ambience
Cons: Bad pastries and coffee
more