One Venti To-Go
With the ever-increasing complexity of drink orders and unlimited options to choose from, it's no surprise that most baristas are rolling their eyes whenever someone lists off an essay to order their drink. Jokes aside, here are some etiquette tips to keep in mind next time you’re lined up at the local Starbucks.
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1. Holding the Line
You’re eager to get your caffeine hit, but so is everyone else. There’s nothing baristas hate more than someone standing at the counter and staring at the menu for five minutes while the line gets longer and longer.
2. Secret Menu Items
A secret menu is a fun way to feel like an insider at your local café. However, if the barista doesn’t seem to know what you’re talking about, then it’s best to let it go. Some secret menu items are so secret even the café staff aren’t familiar.
3. Leaving Trash
It’s important to clean up after yourself. Don’t leave your stir sticks or tissues on the table or, worse, mere inches from the actual trash can. Not only is this wasteful and rude, but when it’s busy, the baristas might not have time to pick up after you immediately.
4. Complaining About the Wait
No one likes waiting, we get it. But complaining about it is much worse, especially when the barista is swamped and doing their best. Giving them a hard time about things outside their control won’t make them work any faster.
5. Overly Complicated
You should be able to order exactly what you want—after all, most of these hand-crafted lattes aren’t cheap. But if your order takes multiple sentences and leaves your barista wide-eyed, then you might want to find a way to shorten it.
6. Asking Dozens of Questions
When you arrive at the counter, it’s totally okay to ask a question or two. For example, you may want to know what a certain coffee tastes like, or if they have any soy milk left. But keep it to a three question limit, especially when there’s a line behind you.
7. Assuming They're an Expert
Lots of baristas adore coffee and have done their research, but for others, crafting drinks is simply a job. Don’t burden your barista with deep and complex coffee questions when they clearly aren’t an expert. Worse yet, don’t shame them about it either.
8. Flirting
It’s easy to fall in love with your local barista, especially if they’re the source of your daily coffee fix. But remember to keep things professional. If things become awkward between you and your barista, you’ll probably have to find a new café.
9. Self-Serve
Most cafés have a self-serve section full of straws, tissues, lids, and more. This space is meant to make things easy for both you and the barista, but don’t abuse the privilege by leaving straws on the floor or tossing tissues all over the place.
10. Explosive Reactions
When it comes to busy cafés, it’s not uncommon for baristas to make a mistake preparing your drink. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask them to fix or replace it, but getting angry and throwing insults is never appropriate.
Now that we’ve discussed the “don’ts” of café etiquette, here are 10 things you can do to quickly become your local barista’s number one customer.
1. Being Polite
Most of us grow up being raised with politeness in mind. Simply saying please and thank you goes a long way, and your barista will appreciate your kindness and understanding, especially when they’re in the weeds.
2. Tipping
While some people complain about tip culture, lots of baristas are making minimum wage and every little bit counts. If you have the means to tip, or if your drink is extra delicious, be sure to offer a little monetary thanks.
3. Reusable Cups
If your café sells reusable cups, then bringing them back for your daily fix is a great way to show your barista your values. Not only does this support the store, but it also supports the environment.
4. Practicing Patience
When the lines are extra long or a lunch rush kicks in, being patient is the best thing you can do. Stand idly in line and wait your turn rather than complain and grumble. The barista is doing their best and will appreciate your patience.
5. Order Efficiently
Knowing what you want to order before you reach the counter makes things go faster for everyone involved. It helps the barista keep on top of orders and keep the line moving, which is vital during those morning rushes.
6. Dispose of Your Trash
After you unwrap your straw or use your tissue, be sure to dispose of your trash appropriately. Don’t leave it at your table, or worse, drop it on the floor. If you don’t see a garbage nearby, ask your barista where you can throw it away.
7. Accept Mistakes
When unavoidable drink mistakes occur, be understanding rather than angry. Most baristas are more than happy to make you a new drink, but they will be less inclined if you yell at them in front of everyone. Mistakes happen.
8. Ordering Ahead
Lots of cafés leverage technology by letting people order ahead on their apps. Save your barista the hassle of taking orders and getting modifications wrong by submitting your order easily online.
9. Offering a Hello
When you are face-to-face with a barista, be sure to treat them like a human and offer them a greeting. A frequent hello every morning can quickly get you onto a first-name basis. Then eventually you’ll be walking in at the usual time only for them to have your drink pre-prepped.
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10. Appreciate the Effort
No matter what happens, show your barista appreciation. They are doing their best in an often-thankless job, and every little bit of praise goes a long way. If your drink was delicious, let them know. If they’re swamped in orders, give them a reassuring thumbs up. If you appreciate them, they’ll appreciate you.
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