20. Peet's v. Starbucks

Around here, you can usually walk not only to a Starbucks on every corner but a Peet's around the corner from Starbucks. I can get to both from work. I even have both in my apartment complex.

This is the kind of thing where you have to pick. Like Pepsi or Coke, Mets or Yankees, Cubs or Sox--you know, you have to have an allegiance. Especially in the event there's no locally owned cafe nearby.

I've heard a few reasons for Peet's. I have my own reasons for rebelling against any major chain. But what do I know about coffee?

But when I walk into Peet's, they are friendly and courteous and try to remember your name from yesterday. Any coffee with a smile is better than mediocre coffee from a snotty empire. Peet's has my vote.