Which Coffee House Do You Prefer? Starbucks or Cup O' Jo's?

Out and about in town Monday, Clayton Patch asked residents a question that is perhaps familiar to many Claytonians:  or ?

With only two coffee houses in its city limits (Peet's Coffee is technically in Concord), people in Clayton have just two options if they want to go out with friends for coffee.

Starbucks and Cup O' Jo's are different, of course. Whether you live in Clayton, Cleveland or Copenhagen, you probably know Starbucks and what it has to offer. On the other hand, Cup O' Jo's, tucked into a small building downtown, isn't well known outside the Clayton/Concord area.

But which one do people in Clayton prefer? We asked four people at Starbucks, three at Cup O' Jo's and three people around town where they like to get their coffee. This is what they said ...

Krista Parker, 38: I like both! Today, I have to sit and work, so I chose Starbucks because I can use the Wi-Fi and sit on a comfy couch. But I do like the coffee at both places. And I like that Cup O' Jo's has a kids' room, which is nice, speaking as a mother.

Becky Krause, 18: Cup O' Jo's is really nice and has a more homey feel, while Starbucks is a lot more busy. We also went (to Cup O' Jo's) a lot when we went to and we got to know the owner. But we live closer to Starbucks so it's just easier to come here.

Nathan Aljuma, 35: Starbucks. For one, the Wi-Fi, and also we see more of a variety of people. Also,  just the nature of it being a Starbucks. It's a preference. I wouldn't go to the other place.

Mike Buckman, 37: I like Cup O' Jo's, but I come to Starbucks because I know everybody. Cup O' Jo's does have a nice cafe and deli, though.

Scott Maynard, 42: I do not like Starbucks and I like the sandwiches (at Cup O' Jo's). Starbucks coffee is too weak, too much milk and sugar.

Max Renner, 14: Personally, I like Cup O' Jo's over Starbucks. I like the atmosphere better and I like the owner. Starbucks seems more hostile and here it's more inviting.

Ray Vignola, 61: I like the sandwiches and, I don't drink coffee, but I like the hot chocolate. (Cup O' Jo's) is a good meeting place for my friends on a slow day like this. It has that atmosphere.

Stephanie Morano, 41: You know, I go to both. But I like to go to Cup O' Jo's to support a local business.

Butch Kerr, 49: If you need a cup a of coffee, go to Starbucks. If you need a teenager, go to Cup O' Jo's.

Tom Reinhart, 40: Starbucks. It's more convenient because I live down the street.