It's a 6 AM Wednesday morning debut for the latest Starbucks creation on Capitol Hill. We'll have additional coverage this morning but wanted you to get a look inside. What do you think of the new place?

Roy Street Barrista

Chairs reused from somewhere

Busy morning opening day

Interesting lighting is a must

CHS didn't attend the pre-launch media event on Tuesday night but we did get a few shots from other folks on the outside. Thanks to Aaron Brethorst for sharing this picture via Twitter .

Photo: Aaron Brethorst

And thanks to http://starbucksmelody.com for a shot from the inside at the preview.

Photo: Starbucks Melody (with permission)

Over on the article where we first posted the announcement that Roy St. Coffee and Tea was opening on Wednesday, there's a debate, um, brewing about the good and bad of corporate coffee and indie-styling . CHS goes back and forth between hostility and ignorance about Starbucks' 'Street Level Coffee' efforts. But the company seems to court the controversy with images like this:

Roy Street Coffee & Tea, originally uploaded by SlayerSeattle.

When CHS first walked into Roy Street Coffee and Tea this morning shortly before 7 am, the place was bustling.

See pictures of the opening here.

According to Major Cohen, Senior Project Manager and a key proponent of these "inspired by Starbucks" cafes,  the first group to arrive were the coffee nerds (our characterization - not his).  Many in the group were excited to try the Panama La Esmeralda (CHS sampled this brew and it was one of the best cups of coffee we've had in a while) and other Clover beans.  As we searched for a table, a bunch of them were excitedly discussing coffee, machinery and methods at a communal table.  The morning crowd was composed of Starbucks corporate family members (those visiting from corporate included CEO Howard Schultz ), well-to-do older couples from North Capitol Hill, curiosity seekers, I-5 shores residents and those of us in search of good coffee and free wi-fi.

Starbucks PR agency Edelman emphasized to us that this is the second LEED certified<...

If my interview with Roy Street Coffee and Tea manager Jacob Webber taught me anything, it’s that despite being a much better coffee shop than your typical Starbucks, Roy Street Coffee and Tea is still a Starbucks.

Jacob describes the store as his “pipe dream,” and seemed really excited about all the new features they’re trying out in the store, like their new Synesso espresso machine, and a pull down movie screen to host film showings for local filmmakers.  He said a lot of positive things and really seemed committed to making the concept work.  

On the other hand, Jacob said he didn’t know much about Capitol Hill, he didn’t have much to say about the well established coffee scene on the Hill, beyond “they make great coffee”, and he didn’t offer direct responses to any of the criticism they’ve been getting from many in the community -- namely that it's disingenuous to not display the Starbucks name, and the clipboard observers that were...

New management at PIke Street Fish Fry means more freebies for you.  If you haven't been to Pike Street Fish Fry in a while, give their new french fries a try.  The $2 Fat Tires & Mothership Wit (my favorite in the New Belgium lineup) should be a draw too.  Let us know how the fries are in a review.  CHS apologizes  for the goof last month - hours for the free giveaway are most definitely 5 to 7 this Friday (11/20).