Dunkin’ Donuts is a phenomenon as omnipresent on the east coast as Starbucks is here in the West. And with the empire they’ve built, it was only a matter of time until they began to expand into the Rocklin area.

The new coffee shop in Roseville is one of over 10,000 Dunkin’ Donuts across the U.S. Now, after sampling the morning coffee enjoyed by businessmen from Boston to Philadelphia, we were decidedly unimpressed.

The coffee itself was pretty good, but most of the options for teas and sweetened drinks offered by places like Starbucks were absent. Dunkin’ is more old-fashioned, and prefers to let its coffee speak for itself, though milk and sugar are offered. If you go to coffee shops expecting milkshakes with some coffee added, this isn’t the place for you.

However, Dunkin’ offers more than coffee. The franchise’s namesake donuts were, much like the coffee, decent. They were cakier and less sweet than typical dessert donuts, and complemented the coffee well. Without the coffee, the donuts would not be worth buying over other local options.

The shop is small, no place to hang out with a group. Tables are cramped and there is very little alternative seating. Dunkin’ seems built for the working class: it’s meant to serve people who want to come in during the morning to grab a quick bite before work.

Dunkin’ Donuts, like McDonalds or Burger King, isn’t popular because it is especially delicious. It’s successful because it’s fast and easy. While not offering any tastes or specialties that deserve mention, Dunkin’ offers convenience for a rushed morning.

But that doesn’t mean it’s bad, that just means it serves a different purpose than other local places. In the end, it’s a worthy alternative to both Starbucks and Dutch Brothers, and which one is best is all personal preference.

If you want to grab a quick cup of good coffee and a snack with no bells and whistles, then Dunkin’ is probably the best place for you. If not, feel free to avoid it. You aren’t missing anything particularly special.