Is Your Coffee Shop Etiquette Up To Snuff or Are You Annoying the Barista?

Are you accidentally annoying your barista? Many of us commit small blunders at the coffee shop without even realizing they’re faux pas. If you're doing one of these things during your daily caffeine trip, it may be time to take a good look at your behavior and make some changes.

Barista making coffee.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Asking For Another Shot After You’ve Paid

This last-minute request can disrupt the flow, especially during busy hours. It complicates the billing process and can delay subsequent orders, creating a domino effect of waiting customers. Figure out your caffeine needs before you order.

Using All the Change In Your Wallet To Pay

While using up your spare change might clear out your pockets, it slows down transactions tremendously. Quick, efficient payments help keep the line moving and reduce everyone’s wait time. No one needs to wait while you count out $.67 in pennies.

Saying “Ex-presso”

It might just slip out, but consistently mispronouncing “espresso” can be a pet peeve for coffee professionals. Taking a moment to pronounce it correctly shows respect for their craft and expertise. Say it with me: there’s no “x” in espresso.

Staring At The Barista While They Make Your Drink

While it might be fascinating to watch your drink being made, maintaining intense eye contact can make baristas feel scrutinized and uncomfortable. It’s best to give them some breathing room while they work. Imagine if someone stood at your desk watching intently as you typed away. Weird.

Woman watching barista.Photo byPhoto credit: Depositphotos.

Ordering Like You’re At Starbucks When You’re Not

Each coffee shop has its own menu and lingo. Using Starbucks-specific terms in a different café can lead to confusion and frustration for both you and the barista. When in Rome, do as the Romans do—adapt to the menu of the place you’re in.

Talking on the Phone While Ordering

This not only slows down the ordering process but also comes off as rude. It can lead to miscommunications about your order, frustrating both parties involved. Give your full attention to ensure accuracy and respect. Better yet, don’t get in line while you’re on the phone or simply put your phone on silent until you leave.

Not Knowing What You Want

Hesitating with your order can hold up the line and pressure the barista during peak hours. It’s always best to decide before you reach the counter or even get in line, keeping the flow smooth for everyone.

Throwing Liquid Filled Cups In The Trash

This creates a messy situation that nobody wants to deal with. It’s unpleasant for the barista who has to change soggy, dripping bags of trash. Always empty your cup into a sink or designated bin first. Better yet, drink all of that $7 caffeine concoction you paid for.

Being Cheap and Making Your Own Latte

Ordering a simple espresso and using the free milk at the condiment station to create a latte is just cheap. It’s seen as taking advantage of the café’s resources—order the drink you really want instead. If you can spend $4 on espresso, you can spend $6 on a latte. If not, stay home.

Pouring milk into coffee mug.Photo byPhoto credit: Depositphotos.

Not Specifying Your Preferred Milk

Assuming the barista knows your milk preference can lead to incorrect orders. Always specify whether you prefer whole, skim, almond, or another type of milk to avoid confusion and wasted ingredients.

Grabbing The Wrong Drink From The Counter

This mix-up can disrupt service and annoy everyone involved. Pay attention when your name is called, and make sure you’re grabbing the right cup to keep everything running smoothly.

Disappearing After You Place Your Order

If you wander off to browse nearby shops or take a call, you risk delaying the service when your order is ready. Stay within earshot to collect your drink promptly, helping the barista maintain order efficiency.

This article first appeared on Running to the Kitchen.