Fall brings out every store’s own interpretation of what is representative of the cozy season. We chose four different cafés that have their own variations and distinctive touches on their fall specials to compare: Tatte Bakery and Café, Fresh Baguette, Peet’s Coffee and Starbucks.
Tatte Bakery and Café – 4/5
The Iced Tahini Pumpkin Oatmilk Latte is a delicious drink, but it’s not for everyone. The flavor profile of this latte was both unique and complex. Both the pumpkin and tahini flavors shined in this beverage, while the taste of the coffee was more subtle. The drink had the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering. However, it tasted very rich, and we were unable to finish the drink in one sitting. Additionally, the texture was slightly thick as a result of the combination of the oatmilk and tahini. Still, at $6.35 for a one-sized drink, this latte was well worth the price. The bakery was the furthest of the locations we reviewed from McLean, taking around 20 minutes to reach the destination. The picturesque interior more than compensates for the added drive. With cute decor and ample seating, the bakery serves as a perfect fall study spot. This drink is a delicious choice and deserves a score of 4/5 stars. While some might find the tahini flavor to be too strong, for those looking for a unique take on the classic pumpkin spiced latte, this drink is the perfect choice.
Fresh Baguette – 3/5
Just five minutes from McLean, Fresh Baguette is serving their own version of the Pumpkin Spiced Latte. Unfortunately, this is a version that goes way too hard on the coffee, with minimal pumpkin flavor. If you are looking for a drink that you can add to your fall catalog, Fresh Baguette may not be your place despite its convenience. The drink’s name misleads you into tasting a simple, creamy coffee that lacks the iconic pumpkin spice every fall beverage needs. The missing pumpkin gives more emphasis to the nice balance of sugar, milk and coffee, but it just doesn’t live up to the fall spirit. If you really want that pumpkin spice, the $5.75 might not be worth it. But, if you’re just looking for a cup of well-made coffee and a quiet place to hang, Fresh Baguette’s intimate but cozy seating offers a lesser-known place for a study session.
Peet’s Coffee – 1/5
Out of the four drinks we tried, the Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte from Peet’s Coffee was by far the most disappointing. The drink was $5.80 and much smaller than the other lattes we tried. Additionally, it was around a 20 minute drive from McLean to reach this location. Keeping an open mind, we took our first sips of the latte and were immediately disgusted. The drink managed to be both watery and overpowering. The pumpkin had an artificial taste comparable to that of a pumpkin scented candle. The coffee was also too strong, and did not offer a good flavor either. While the drink was the most aesthetically pleasing of the lattes we purchased, that was about all it had to offer. The weakness of this drink is that it prioritizes style over substance.
Starbucks – 4.5/5
Starbucks lives up to its established popularity with their seasonal Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte. Compared to Fresh Baguette, the name of the drink actually reflects what you purchase. The pumpkin flavor accompanied every sip of the drink, and it still managed to have the ideal ratio of pumpkin to coffee. This allowed us to savor both flavors simultaneously, with the pumpkin taste overlaying the coffee. If you are into beverages on the sweeter side of the spectrum, this would be the perfect drink, although it can be a little overwhelming. The topping of whipped cream sprinkled with pumpkin spice added more sugar into the mix, but it also provided an aesthetic touch. The four minute drive from McLean makes the drink even more worth the try, but you might have to act fast if you want to dine in because seats fill up quickly. Overall, the $6.45 beverage may be more expensive, but it definitely fulfills the expectation of a seasonal fall drink.
