How to Be a Favorite at Your Local Café
If you’re a regular at your local coffee shop, you probably have a good understanding of the norms—when to bus your table, what the busy hours are, and your go-to order. However, if you frequently switch between different cafés, you might not be familiar with the unspoken rules that make you a favorite among the staff. Here are five essential tips to help you become a well-liked customer.
1. Be Honest About Allergies
Food allergies are a serious matter for both you and the barista. If you have an allergy or intolerance, such as to nuts, dairy, or gluten, it’s important to mention this before your order is prepared. This ensures that your drink won’t pose any health risks.
Nam Ho, co-owner of Horizon Line Coffee in Des Moines, Iowa, emphasizes the importance of transparency. “In today’s world where alternative milks and vegan pastries are common, food allergies have become more of a focus,” he says. “If you’re allergic to nuts or lactose-intolerant, let the barista know before they start making your drink. We’re happy to accommodate, whether it’s re-sanitizing the milk pitcher or ensuring the steam wand is free of residue from previous orders.”
2. Know Your Order Before You Get to the Front of the Line
It’s perfectly fine to take a moment to review the menu, especially when visiting a new café. However, by the time you reach the front of the line, you should already have your order decided to avoid holding up others.
Ho suggests that a good café will have a detailed menu available for customers to review before they get to the counter. “Take the time to look over the menu, ask any questions, and be ready with a backup option if your ideal choice isn’t possible.” If there’s no line, step aside from the counter to take a few minutes to decide your order. This allows others who know exactly what they want to move through the line more quickly.
3. Order Something if You Plan to Stay
Some coffee shops may discourage people from staying for long periods, especially if seating is limited. In such cases, it’s best to find another spot. However, many cafés welcome individuals looking for a quiet place to work.
When you do stay, be respectful of others around you. This means sharing access to outlets, using headphones if you’re on calls or listening to music, and not taking up more space than necessary. It’s also a good idea to order something, preferably multiple items, if you plan to stay for several hours.
Ho shares his perspective: “I don’t mind when people spend a long time in the shop working. It feels good to provide a comfortable environment for them. However, I think it’s better if you order something every couple of hours, especially on busy days.”
4. Leave Your Pets at Home (Unless It’s Allowed)
While some coffee shops offer outdoor patios where pets are welcome, most do not allow animals indoors unless they’re service animals. It’s best to leave your pet at home unless you’re certain the café is pet-friendly.
Ho explains, “Don’t assume all shops are pet-friendly. While we love seeing your pets, it puts the barista in an awkward position to have to ask you to leave your pet behind.”
5. Clean Up Before You Leave
Most coffee shops have designated areas for disposing of trash and clearing dirty dishes. Make sure to clean your table to reduce the workload for the baristas.
“A general rule is that unless your order is being taken tableside, there’s likely a bus bin somewhere,” Ho says. “Before leaving, look for the bin or ask the barista where used dishes go.” Even if there’s no bus bin, it’s always good to tidy up after yourself. This could mean wiping crumbs off your plate or simply pushing your chair in.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your visits to the café are pleasant for both you and the staff. Being considerate and respectful goes a long way in building a positive relationship with your local coffee shop.
