Limitations: Length

Comment: So many sizes to choose from, and so many straws to pick; but I took the one displayed next to the Super Big Gulp cup.  Except for being a super foot long, this was a great straw to use.  Wrapped in clear plastic to show off its bright red color. 

·         8 1/4” tall cup, 8” deep

 ·         12” tall straw

 ·         4” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Sweaters

…Thank Heaven.  It’s 102 degrees again today.  

Don't take a quick bite of hot cheese and grab your Diet Coke expecting to get a fast quenching of the burn.  That straw's going to be way down in the lid.  Send those straws on down to Chuck e Cheese for the kid e drinks.  Pizza was great.  Owner must drink coffee--not sodas.  This is why I rate straws, folks.  Take your Whataburger or Dairy Queen straws with you.  You'll be a 1000 degrees happier.  

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Everything was classic, too bad the old-fashioned soda straw had to be, too.  The over-sized plastic glass was a delight, except the delicate straw was swallowed up and barely managed to float above the rim as shown here in the photo.    

Who Likes This Combination?  The Funky Neighborhood

…Classic diner…Flo Rosa, the server, delivers up fried eggs, egg whites with gravy salsa.  

Baby Acapulco...Baby Straw...plenty long, but typical for many restaurants to be too thin, too narrow.  

The flimsy clear straw floated up a bit above the rim of the cup for this photo op.  Maybe those chop sticks are to reach down into the drink to fetch out the straw.  That's it.  Next time I'm getting two pairs of chop sticks.  One for the moo goo and one for the straw draw.  

Cozy ice cream shop with Diet Coke for breakfast.  Was the straw too long or the cup too short?  

Limitations: Gauge, Length

Comment: Had the place to myself in the early morning.  With such a long straw, one must be cautious not to poke an eye while reading the paper.    

Who Likes This Combination?  The recyclers who conserve the paper in the cups and the Arizona water conservationists saving on the ice in the smaller cups

Limitations: Length

 Comment: Disappointment.  Had to settle for iced tea—no Diet Coke.  Probably one of the worst bar-b-q places in Austin—weak sauce.  Strong straw that deserved a little better cup and some loyal company coloring.  Diners have to go back to cash register to ask for refills.  That was the last straw—so to speak. 

                 7” tall cup, 6 3/4”  deep

 10” tall straw

 3 1/4” differential

 Who Likes This Combination?  Single Fillers

 …Good place to stock up on straws to take other places 

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Attractive design and color coordination can’t help the undersized cup and little straw.  (Straw actually looks longer in the photo.  Maybe I took this in the rear-view mirror.)  This just plays to one of my biggest pet peeves—designers whose creations don’t function for the users.  Worst result was that when I picked up the cup around the top, the sides collapsed and the drink spilled out.  The flimsy paper cup and thin lid couldn’t hold up to a hurried diner on the go. 

·         6 3/4” tall cup, 6 1/4”  deep

·         7 5/8” tall straw

·         1 1/8” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  The Designer

…Sit down at the table, be careful, and admire the design.

Fled to Bolt Burger in DC from the Convention Center & Marriott where only Pepsi is sold.  BB had Diet Coke in this decent cup with a 9 straw.  Just needed to be a bit sturdier for my trek back to the hotel and reuse through the night.  Haven't yet determined how the server thought my name was "Gland" instead of Glynn.  All's forgiven since BB has a self-serve drink machine with free refills.  BTW, I took a couple of extra straws back with me.  

Limitations: Length

 Comment: Offered wrapped in paper in a length that exceeds necessity, these straws require the drinkers to pull the cups off the edge of the table toward themselves and lower them toward their laps. Alternatively, the cup can be tilted at an angle that tests the “water-tightness” of the lid.  Overall, the straw performs well.  If one brings along a pair of scissors for a quick trim, this would make for quite a pleasant drinking experience. 

 Who Likes This Combination?  Eclectic Pragmatists

 …Maybe in New England the ice wouldn’t melt in two minutes in this cup.

Massive quantities of drinks, people, and restrooms.  Plenty of Diet Coke.  8 is not a generous rating, but the cup and straw could just be a bit more gigantic like everything else at Buc-ees.  I wanted to walk away with enough Diet Coke for the rest of the day.  I was able to last until the next Buc-ees rest room.  

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber

Comments: Gauge and caliber hold this one back.  The length is right on for the somewhat undersized cup. 

 Who Likes This Combination?  The Lunch Crowd

…Don’t overthink the name of this place—or the logo.

Limitations: Length

Comment: Really, Burger King, of all places, you should be getting this right.  Your straws are too short for your large drinks and too long for your small drinks.  Doesn’t the manager eat there?  My chin was resting on the lid when I drank from the large cup.  I think the small cup and straw go well with a big red nose and clown shoes, don’t you?  (I was surprised to see on the door a sign warning patrons not to solicit or take videos or photographs inside this Burger King.  I wasn’t caught.)  Straws are served in paper wrappers. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Pug-Nosed Teens

…One size misfits all.

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: The drink is served with a paper-wrapped straw.  Drop it in and it floats up to appear longer than it really is.  Eventually as you drink, the reality sets in, and your nose is down into the glass.  As the diner, I just don’t get it.  Does the server never mention the short straw to the manager?  Does the manager never sit down with a soda?  When your drink comes in one of these old, chipped plastic glasses, a straw is a necessity. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Accountants

Limitations: Gauge

 Comment: Pretty good for a restaurant, actually.  Would have been rated higher if it had been a bit sturdier.  Delivered wrapped in paper.  I ate at the bar, so getting refills was easier.  With restaurant sodas, one must be wary of the trick where they fill the glass with ice, and you get about four sips. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Diners with Real Dinnerware

…West coast ambiance precludes a sturdy, striped straw.

Limitations: Gauge, Tip-Wrap

Comment: “Fastest Straw in the West!”   Upgraded to a 10 when the Corporation replaced their 9 clear straws with this red one.  Well matched with the large cup and corporate color scheme.  I just can't understand why someone has to strip the paper off the straw and leave the tip on it, then stick it into my lid for me.  Really?  Let me have a fully wrapped straw, please.  You'd never leave a spot on those chicken nuggets without breading where your fingers held them when they were dipped in the batter.  I'm thinking the corporate giants think we'll steal a bunch of straws if they don't give us just one at a time already stuck into the sippy cup lid. Well, they are right.

Who Likes This Combination?  Souls Looking for Fundamental Quality

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Paper cup.  Paper-wrapped straw.  Be prepared to get your chin and nose wet and cold when you drink from this short straw. 

7” tall cup, 6 9/16”  deep

7 9/16” tall straw

1” differential*

*The lid has a high rim and a depressed center that makes the straw even lower below the edge of the cup. 

Who Likes This Combination?  The Competition

…Maybe Taco Cabana sneaked in and replaced the regular straws with these doll-house miniatures. 

Limitations: Unwrapped

Comment: Now that’s a perfect match.  The straw was sturdy, tall, and, oh no, delivered unwrapped, already in the glass.  I’m certain the server washed his hands after the last visit to el bano. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Everybody but Howie Mandel

…Ignore the image of 100’s of straws unwrapped in the kitchen next to the tortilla chips.

Limitations: None

Comment: DQ offers two sizes of straws, so I got the long one I needed and the young ‘uns could have the shorter ones.  Neatly paper wrapped and blue to match the color accent on the foam cup. 

8 3/8” tall cup, 8 1/8”  deep

10 1/4” tall straw

2 1/8” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Pick-Up Drivers

…If this could have been deep fried, it would have been perfect. 

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Classic hamburger joint, but they could have a classier cup and straw combo.  I was directed to this bantamweight straw that’s clearly intended for sodas, but down the counter was a box of thicker straws (same length) apparently reserved for shakes.  The rating here is for the soda straw.  Sorry, Dan.  You might have earned an 8 if I had found the shake straw before my meal. 

6 5/8” tall cup, 6 1/2”  deep

7 11/16” tall straw

1 3/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Dan

…Loyal patrons probably know to go over and get a shake straw.

Austin's classic bowling alley dining room with decor from past years--and a menu to match.  Thank goodness for a sippy cup lid.  Straw got a generous 6 for sticking out of the lid just enough.  You don't want your bowling hand's fingers to be getting damp pulling at a soda straw between frames.  Imagine missing a 6-10 split because the gap between your 6 straw and a perfect 10 straw made your thumb slippery.  Oh my, that's a handicap no bowler would tolerate.  

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comments: Straw came paper wrapped but didn’t earn any credits for being a winner.  Even with the medium glass, the little straw seems to hide inside the drink until it floats up a bit like in this photo.

Who Likes This Combination?  The Distracted Gamer

   …Carded?  It’s just Diet Coke. 

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber

 Comment: Unique, tasty food accompanied by one-size, generic cup and straw.  This is definitely not a 10 despite the number assigned by the establishment.  (Please excuse the background in this photo.  The other patron’s “background” is a bit overexposed.)

 ·         5 1/4” tall cup, 8 1/8”  deep

 ·         7 5/8” tall straw

 ·         2 5/8” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  The Two Batos

…Did the owners know I, the Straw Guide, was rating their straw and tried to influence me subliminally with the order number?    

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length, Tip-Wrap

Comment: Classic Tex-Mex food, but straw protocol is a bit short.  Typical restaurant straw, thin, narrow diameter, delivered already in the glass. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Servers

…The little sleeve of paper on the end is a sign.  What could it mean?

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comments: Firefighters should have a better sense of gauge and caliber for tools used to transport liquids.  This straw is just too undersized in every dimension for the job. 

8 1/8” tall cup, 7 7/8”  deep

9 1/2” tall straw

1 3/8” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Volunteers, Not Veterans 

…Hold the jalepenos; the fire hose is too small to douse the heat. 

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Freaky long straws for the medium-sized Styrofoam cups provided.  

Who Likes This Combination?  Nobody

…Too many trips to the fountain

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber

Comment: Elegant Mexican food accompanied by a well-matched straw and glass.  Only slightly understated, the classy black straw coordinated with the ambiance of its surroundings.  In fact, a larger one might have emptied the glass too quickly for the speed of the service.  (That was not a compliment.)

Who Likes This Combination?  Dates

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber

Comment: Good match with the glass even though the straw was rather narrow.  Paper wrapped.  Hopdoddy’s clearly can buy appropriate straws.  Just look at the giant one they provide with their shakes. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Burger Elitists

…attention to details at the bar, in the kitchen, on the menu, in the shake, but not in the drink.

Limitations: None

Comment: Extra-large drink tested the single-length straw to its limits, but it still was adequate.  Stripe matched the company color—red.  Straws are served in paper wrappers.  Scroll down to read the Bible verse reference inside bottom edge. 

7 1/2” tall cup, 7” deep

8 11/16” tall straw

1 11/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Neat N Tidy People N a Hurry

…The sodas are drawn up by you; the design is drawn up for you. 

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Tall glass, way too tall straw; I had to hold the glass in my lap to drink because I was laid back in the cushy recliner.   No, the straw has not floated up in this photo; it’s really that long.  Thank goodness the theater was close to sea level so there was some atmospheric pressure to help push the Diet Coke up the full length of the straw.  This was one case when the thinner circumference was an advantage. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Giants

…so glad the flash didn’t go off.

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: I’m looking for the crank on the side of the cup to play the music until the straw pops up to a decent height. 

8 1/2” tall cup, 8 1/4”  deep

9 3/16” tall straw

15/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Fast-Food Junkies

…Fits car’s cupholder despite its size

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comments: If you brag about being freaky fast, you can’t also be proud of being freaky short.  Everything at Jimmy John’s comes fast, including your disappointment with having to press your nose or chin against the lid of your cup to drink your soda.  Don’t press too hard while sucking or the straw will compress as well.  I got to the 28th stop on my tour, and this is only the 2nd paper cup.  (The first was from a grocery store deli.)  I’m not sure that’s “eco-plus” or merely goes along with the theme of “drink up fast because your cup is going to biodegrade right in front of your eyes.”  The straw’s sanitary paper wrapper twisted neatly into a figure 3—just like the rating. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Office Workers

…Short straw protects those of us who poke their straws up and down through the ice to keep it loose from poking holes in the bottom of this paper cup. 

Limitations: Gauge

Comment: The only reason this rating is not a 10 is that the straw was a tad flimsy and the cup’s bottom was pooched up such that it kept sliding around and going deeper into the cup; thus, appearing to be shorter than it was.  Kudos to Krispy Kreme for providing their straws wrapped in paper and in two lengths for different sized drinks.   

7” tall cup, 6 3/4”  deep

8 3/16” tall straw

1 7/16”  differential *

*The straw actually extends 1 ½ “ above the lid, an extra 1/16” because the top of the lid is lower than the top edge of the cup.   Because cup lids vary so much in their design and the features that protrude above them, the cup rim was chosen as a standard point for determination of the differential. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Austin’s Finest

…Sugar, Sugar, Pour your sugar on me, Honey.

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Wide body glass with an over-achieving straw trying to peek over the edge. 

Who Likes This Combination?  No One Yet

…Don Quixote’s straw is overmatched against the large glass of La Mancha.

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Yet another Mexican restaurant with a poquito straw and a grande glass.  The straw politely floated up to appear longer, but that didn’t help offset its flimsiness or lack of height as the level of the Diet Coke fell. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Anyone Whose Next Drink is the Margarita

…Mimosa and margarita drinkers apparently never notice unimportant details like the designated driver’s straw. 

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber

Comments: Typical restaurant fare with an under-sized straw being almost adequate for a modest-sized glass.  A generous 8 is bestowed mostly because the glass was small enough to allow the little straw to perform OK. 

Who Likes This Combination?  4:00 PM Senior Diners

…Whole pies for $4.99, but a large drink with a sturdy straw would be priceless. 

Comment: Excellent thickness and sturdiness for sucking.  Could be a bit longer to achieve the ultimate enjoyment of drilling to the bottom of the ice while keeping one’s nose safely above the cup. 

·         6 7/8” tall cup, 6 5/8”  deep

 ·        8 1/8” tall straw

 ·         1 1/2” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Busy Moms

 ……Every drink is a buck, but a buck doesn’t buy you a very large drink at McDonald’s anymore, does it?

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Oh, my, this is the largest cup, and they have the nerve to use the adjective “Mighty” in their name.  The straw would have been a satisfactory length in a decent sized cup.  On the other hand, the caliber and thickness were lacking.  Customers do get to pick their own straw, neatly paper wrapped. 

5 9/16”  tall cup, 5 5/16”  deep

7 11/16”   tall straw

2 3/8”  differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Millennials

…One of the smallest “large” cups in the fast-food industry.

Limitations: Cup

Comment: Malcom Baldrige winner for quality—but apparently not for quantity.  The only drink size is pretty puny compared to their rivals.  However, the straw is unquestionably well matched to the moderate cup.  Raises the question of whether Goldilocks should reward Mighty Fine’s straw for being a big fish in a small pond.  I reserve the 10s for the truly fine straws presented in the mightiest of cups. 

5 3/4” tall cup, 5 1/2”  deep

7 3/4” tall straw

2 1/4” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  The High & the Mighty Fine 

…”Best burger in Austin,” Zagat

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber

Comment: Modest-sized glass not made for a generous-sized straw.  Did come wrapped in paper.  Lost its rating by being a bit too thin, narrow, and long.  With sodas having less caffeine than coffee, a mighty straw could help make up for the amount of liquid one must drink to wake up in the morning.  Not bad for a regular restaurant, though. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Early Risers

……Many breakfast      combinations go with this combo.

Limitations: Length

Comment: Impressive straw, equivalent in every way to Wally’s. The reason it soars about 3 ½ inches above the cup itself is that the cup could be larger.  This is the quintessential designer cup and straw for a high-end eatery.  I regret giving this one anything but a 10, but that straw is just so long for the mid-sized cup.

6 13/16” tall cup, 6 3/4”  deep

10 3/16” tall straw

3 7/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Conspicuous Consumers

…Can I take my cup into Talbot’s after we eat? 

Limitations: None

Comment: Paper cup of moderate size for a large drink, but the straw fit perfectly to rate a 10. 

7” tall cup, 6 3/4”  deep

8 7/16” tall straw

1 11/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Drive-Through Advocates

…Throw-back a soda at a throw-back burger stand.

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Get your own wrapped in paper.  The mismatch with the glass is considerable.  Then the straw itself is lightweight. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Stirrers Who Hold the Straw with Their Thumb, Index, and Middle Finger When They Drink Directly from the Glass

…let it float up to a decent height.  Go get a free refill when the glass is half empty—or half full.  When you pei, have it your wei. 

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber

Comment: Where to begin?  First, they serve this funky Maine Root soda; so I tried the Mexicane Cola—not an adequate substitute for real Diet Coke.  So to the straw…small, thin, but long enough for the small cup that serves as Phil’s only size.  Oh, my.  I guess one must venture out and try these places once in a while.  (9/16/2014) 

5 11/16” tall cup, 5 9/16”  deep

7 5/8” tall straw

2 1/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Parents Herding Young-Uns

…Go back for refills, but go home with just a few sips.

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Thanks to my sippy cup lid, the straw was raised in my estimation just high enough.  However, the diameter is still too small to deliver the wash of cold beverage one desires on a hot summer day in Austin.  Just remember, this is why adults get that sippy cup lid—to gracefully hold that puny straw upright. 

6 5/8” tall cup, 6 1/2” deep

7 11/16” tall straw

1 3/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Octogenarians with Coupons

…I’m not catering to this straw.

Limitations: Gauge

Comment: Excellent try with this really huge cup, Randall’s.  You just missed with this thin clear straw.  Awesome differential achieved.  (8/15/2014)

8 1/4” tall cup, 8” deep

10 1/8” tall straw

2 1/8”  differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Hurried Shoppers

…The cup is paper, not plastic.

Limitations: Length, Unwrapped

Comment: The straw itself was impressive—sturdy and long.  The one major drawback was that it came unwrapped, already inserted into the glass.  In fact, the glass was the limiting factor here—a stemmed goblet that also reduced the amount of soda served.   In fact, considering how much ice is in the glass, the straw holds a high percentage of the actual soda served. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Happy Hour Business Execs

…The bottom of the glass doesn’t go all the way to the table.

Limitations: Length

Comment: The straw is long enough for this large-size drink cup, because the cup could be larger.  Refillable and returnable for a $1 refill on future visits, this cup is a bargain.  The paper-wrapped straw is red to match the company’s main color.

6 3/4” tall cup, 6 1/4” deep

10 1/4” tall straw

4” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Hearty Eaters

…Eat in and refill…take out and run out…come back and refill, again. 

So close to Chic-Fil-A's 10.  Maybe the whole airport ambiance and the smaller plastic cup made the whole team ranking lower.  Sammy did offer as many free refills as desired--which is a mixed blessing just before a 3 hour flight.    

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber

Comment: So close…but that clear plastic wrapped straw is just a bit too thin and narrow.

8 1/4” tall cup, 8 1/8”  deep

10 3/16” tall straw

2 1/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Native Austinites

…lotz to like about the cup

Limitations: Gauge

Comment: This is the exception to the Mexican restaurant rule of getting an oversized plastic glass with an undersized straw.  Had the sucker been a bit more sturdy, this could have been a great match. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Salsa Dippers

…Bite the straw…you get a new one with each refill.

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: The straw got a higher rating because the “large” cup was not so large compared to other fast-food establishments.  Long enough by far, but rather skimpy in diameter and sturdiness, this straw would not be a galaxy winner.

6 3/4”  tall cup, 6 1/2”  deep

9 3/16”   tall straw

3 1/4”  differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Ad Junkies

…Jared, did you insist that the straws be skinny, too?

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber

Comment: Generous size cup, long straw, but its thin sides and limited caliber reduced its rating. Paper wrapped, thank goodness, because one must be sure not to select a wet one from among all those in the stand-up display near the soda dispenser and counter, which is seldom wiped off.  This is one establishment where a thicker straw would be a blessing because the thin, non-insulated cup lets the drink’s ice melt away fast.  Sucking velocity is an advantage en La Cabana. 

8 1/4”  tall cup, 8” deep

10 3/16”   tall straw

2 3/16”  differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Reformed Taco Bell Goers

…No Pesi for Belushi here

Limitations: Caliber, Length

Comments: Paper-wrapped straws in two sizes to match their drink options—good move, Target.  However, these are just about the narrowest straws ever—3/16 “ in diameter.  With a bit of middle school geometry, I calculated this 10” straw holds 60% of the soda that Whataburger’s 10” straw holds.  Clever…if the cup also holds about 60% of the soda, then Target’s large drink might last about as long as Whataburger’s large drink.  Eureka! This is the secret to reducing calorie consumption for regular soda drinkers everywhere—thinner straws!  The Target Soda Diet 

7” tall cup, 6 5/8”  deep

10” tall straw

3 3/8” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Cart Pushers Not Wanting to Bend Down

…Maybe it was supposed to be a bendy straw. 

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber

Comments: One just can’t get over the fact that there’s only one size cup—very medium.  So the quite modest straw sticks out over 2” from the lid, but it’s still puny as can be.  A thirsty patron could be found standing at the dispenser refilling a cup over and over.  Are these the straws and cups they use in Philadelphia?  These certainly aren’t Texas size. 

c6” tall cup, 5 3/4”  deep

7 11/16” tall straw

2 1/8” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Munchkins, Maybe

…This combo is cheesier than the sandwiches. 

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber

Comment: Typical restaurant fare, clear straw, half-wrapped, already in the glass, and under sturdy.  This one is long enough.  Unfortunately, the drink was Diet Dr. Pepper to avoid quaffing Diet Pepsi. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Folks Who Don’t Mind Getting Their Fingers Wet Unwrapping a Straw

…Is the straw half-wrapped or half-unwrapped?

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Everything was great, paper-wrapped straw, iced drink.  The straw kept floating up in the glass, so getting a fair picture of it took some time.  As with most of the pictures taken at this angle, the straw looks a bit longer than it really is.  The only negatives are its diameter and thin walls.  Oh, yes, those are crucial negatives for a straw, aren’t they! 

Who Likes This Combination?  City Dwelling Kickers

…Classic glass for a float—but it was the straw that floated.

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: Oh, my.  This was such a bad experience.  The teriyaki chicken had parts that were unrecognizable.  No wonder their cups are anonymous.  The straw is generic to match the cup.  Even in a shopping mall, this was unacceptable. 

Who Likes This Combination?  The Food Vendors on Either Side

…All that’s missing is a black & white bar code on the side of the cup. 

Limitations: Length

Comment: Gas station/convenience store—noted for their huge drinks.  I got the 44 oz, not the even bigger ones that don’t fit in my car’s drink holder.  Great straw, but yes, one can be a bit long, especially when driving along in a car. 

8 3/8 ”  tall cup, 8 1/4”  deep

12 ” tall straw

3 3/4”  differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Construction Workers

…$2.99 with two chili dogs

Limitations: None

Comment: Right across the street from Anderson High School and scores a perfect 10 on this 44 oz. cup with a straw that can stand up to any high schooler’s braces.  Unfortunately, the price of perfection is $2.79, over $3 with tax—ouch.  There’s even a larger size cup, and two sizes of straws for different sizes of drinks.  Kudos, Wally. 

8 1/4” tall cup, 8 1/8”  deep

10 3/16” tall straw

2 1/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Hot Teens

…In the yearbook: “If I only had $3 and 15 minutes to live…” 

Limitations: Gauge

Comment: Wendy’s does everything well.  Fast drive through, paper-wrapped, long straws, lots of napkins.  I trust the straw I got with the jagged edge was a fluke.*  The pinkish stripe didn’t match the red company colors well, but maybe quality control was on vacation. 

*Went to another Wendy’s two weeks later, and the straw had a rugged end.  Where’s the quality control there?  They lost the original weak 10.  Lowered them to a 9, which is fair considering the straw is a bit thin compared to the 10s. 

7 1/4” tall cup, 7 ” deep

8 15/16” tall straw

1 15/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  People Wanting Fast, Not Fastidious

Limitations: None

Comment: Whataburger achieves the ultimate in straw service.  Not only do they provide the strongest one around, but they have two lengths available.  A diner doesn’t have to endure a stubby draw from a large cup or a lofty lip perch above a complimentary senior drink.  Kudos to the Just Right 10 decorated in their company orange and white.   Served wrapped in paper. 

·         8 1/8” tall cup, 8” deep

·         9 7/8” tall straw

·         1 7/8” differential

The second photo is of a Whataburger “senior drink.”  These are free to anyone who looks 55 or over.  Small cup, small bendy straw, many trips back for refills, small price to pay if you’re dining in and not wanting to take a large drink to go.  Don’t put too much ice in it or you won’t get more than a few sips per trip to the spigot. 

Who Likes This Combination?  Goldilocks                               

…The cold standard

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: My, my, this is so sad.  The establishment has four sizes of cups to satisfy anyone, but only one size straw to satisfy the smallest of them all.  This is as close to a cocktail straw outside of a bar as you’ll find anywhere.  The refillable large cup swallows up the dainty black straw even more because the lid’s hole is right along the edge, causing the straw to reach all the way across the bottom of the cup.  Forget it…bring your own straw.

6 5/8” tall cup, 6 1/4”  deep

7 5/8 ” tall straw

1 3/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Bumble Bees

…Just sWICH to your own straw.     

Limitations: Gauge, Caliber, Length

Comment: A typical disappointment, whenever served a soda from a bar, is the puny straw dropped into the glass.  Granted, they are set up to serve mixed drinks that are sipped through those mini-straws or right over the lip of the glass.  This, however, is a rating of straws for sodas, and the rating is that the straw was puny.  This photo even shows the straw floating up higher than its normal length.  (The reception itself was fantastic!)  The straw was offered in a vertical box of unwrapped straws vulnerable to touching by anyone and everyone.  Next time at the bar, I got the mojito and didn’t care about the straw.   

Who Likes This Combination?  Bar Tenders

 ...They don’t need to have more than one type of straw.

ASIDE: Drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages through a straw does not make someone drunk faster.  That’s an old college student tale that’s been proven false by Myth Busters and some universities, probably using our government tax money.  That may or may not be why bars use those tiny straws, however.  They work as stirrers as well as sipping straws.  Bars just don’t cater to soda drinkers. 

Limitations: Gauge

Comment: Perfectly matched with the size of the drink’s glass.  Served wrapped in clear plastic.  Might have been thicker, but then again, this was an airport, and the patron is not expected to use the straw for an extended period of time.  

Who Likes This Combination?  Tired Travelers

     …And the perfect accompaniment for breakfast

Limitations: Length

Comment: Reusable, refillable, bendable.  A bit too long, a bit too thick, a bit too kid-like.  In the category of refillables with reusable bendy straws, this is a winner, however. 

7 5/8” tall cup, 7 3/8”  deep

10 15/16” tall straw

3 9/16” differential

Who Likes This Combination?  Frequent Frugal Friends

…Young ladies come in twos and threes for salads and sandwiches.