13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (2024)

Updated: Nov. 28, 2022

    Spoiler: don't order like you're at Starbucks if you aren't.

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    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (1)

    iStock/PeopleImages

    If you’re not at Starbucks, don’t order like you are

    If you want a Venti Caramel Frappuccino, you’re in the wrong place. Order from our menu. This is the one Starbucks where they’ll never ask your name.

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    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (2)

    iStock/loveischiangrai

    A bigger cup doesn’t mean more coffee

    Starbucks’ Venti (20 oz) and Grande (16 oz) each contain two shots of espresso. The Venti just has more milk. So if it’s caffeine you’re after, size doesn’t matter. Find outwhy Starbucks sizes aren’t small, medium, and large.

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    There is an art to pulling a perfect shot of espresso

    The ideal shot takes 18 to 22 seconds to pull. I have to make sure that the espresso grounds are packed to just the right firmness, that the right amount of water filters through, and control the temperature. If a shot isn’t perfect, I won’t serve it. This is what happens to your body when you drink coffee every day.

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    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (4)

    iStock/TommL

    Just because they’re vegan doesn’t mean our cakes are good for you

    They are loaded with white sugar.

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    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (5)

    iStock/Lisa Gagne

    Yes, I went to school for this

    Starbucks sends employees to barista school for two weeks, where they study the history of coffee, the entire coffee menu, and how to turn milk into velvety foam. Find out what Starbucks employees really get paid.

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    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (6)

    iStock/nuiiko

    Latte art isn’t merely decorative

    If a heart or a pinwheel design holds in the milk it means that the consistency of the foam is good and the shot was pulled well. If you’re at a place that does foam artwork, and you don’t get a good picture, that means your drink is not well made.

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    Please believe me

    If you asked for decaf, I gave you decaf. You don’t need to ask me repeatedly. I am not out to get you.

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    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (8)

    iStock/MarianVejcik

    Sometimes the owners of independent coffee/espresso carts buy cheap coffee and sell it as a respected brand

    Not that any of our customers noticed.

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    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (9)

    iStock/RobinVanStraaten

    Drinking two quad-shot, 22oz, vanilla lattes every day is bad for you

    Very, very bad for you. This is the one coffee drink you should never order at Starbucks.

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    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (10)

    iStock/Catherine Lane

    Tip

    I know your coffee is already overpriced, but a dollar bill in a tip jar earns you infinite goodwill. I’ll carry that happy feeling over to my interaction with my next customer. Karma works, and it only costs you a buck.

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    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (11)

    iStock/monkeybusinessimages

    You are the reason for the wait

    When there’s a line to the door, I hate it when customers spend the whole time talking on the phone and only think about what they want when they get to the register. They are the reason the line takes forever.

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    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (12)

    iStock/teksomolika

    A real macchiato has just a stain of milk foam and no sugar

    Because Starbucks uses the names of authentic espresso beverages for sugary, milky confections that bear no resemblance to the real thing, they confuse people. I’ll make someone an authentic drink and they’ll say, where’s the milk? Where’s the syrup?

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    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (13)

    iStock/PeopleImages

    Be nice

    No matter how tired you are, it’s nice to say please when you’re ordering your first coffee of the day. “I’ll take a…” or “Give me a…” is not “please” in anyone’s language.Learn about21 more pet peeves your Starbucks barista has.

    Originally Published: October 03, 2018

    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (14)

    Originally Published in Reader's Digest

    [Sources: Baristas from Starbucks and independent cafes and coffee carts in Seattle, New York, Pennsylvania, and London, England.]

    13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You (2024)

    FAQs

    What should you not say to a barista? ›

    17 Things You Should Never Say to a Starbucks Barista
    • "I'll have a medium." Even the man on the moon knows what we call drinks at Starbucks, so there's no need to pretend. ...
    • "Can I get your number?" Nope. ...
    • "I bet you're sick of coffee." No, but I am sick of you (and every other person in the tri-state area) saying that.
    Nov 22, 2015

    Is it rude to ask Starbucks to remake a drink? ›

    You can always ask the barista to remake your drink if you don't like it — it is Starbucks' policy after all — just don't be rude when doing so.

    What is a babyccino at Starbucks? ›

    Babyccino. Don't let the name fool you—this frothy beverage is for kids of all ages. Made with just milk, it's like a cappuccino but without the espresso (and the caffeine). It isn't on the menu, though, so you'll have to make a special request. See what else is on the secret menu at Starbucks.

    Do Starbucks baristas have to memorize all the drinks? ›

    A former Starbucks barista for Insider explains that you're not even allowed to start making drinks for customers until every single recipe is memorized. This also applies to seasonal drinks, like the pumpkin spice latte during the fall season, as well as small details like ice and sweetener levels.

    Is it OK not to tip barista? ›

    For that reason, tipping people who work behind a counter, such as a barista or a cashier, is not a requirement as far as etiquette experts are concerned — even if the tablet suggests otherwise.

    What is barista best answer? ›

    A Barista is a professional skilled in making and serving coffee, often working in coffee shops, cafes, or restaurants. This role requires a deep understanding of coffee brewing techniques, customer service skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

    Is it rude to just get water at Starbucks? ›

    A cup of water is absolutely free, and your local Starbucks employees would be perfectly happy to grab you as much as you need, but make the request when you place your order, not when you pick it up.

    Are you supposed to stir a macchiato? ›

    Do you mix a macchiato? The answer is that it depends on what you prefer, although traditionally, a macchiato is not stirred. The rationale for this is that, unlike a latte, macchiatos are designed to be enjoyed with the foam first, then the milk, and finally the rich espresso at the bottom.

    Can Starbucks refuse to serve you? ›

    There might be a policy in place or the barista might refuse for another reason—but either way, it's their right. Starbucks baristas can also refuse to serve you in general if you are violating Starbucks' Third Place Policy.

    What is a puppuccino? ›

    In simple terms, a puppuccino is an espresso-sized cup of whipped cream that is specifically designed for dogs. The term puppuccino is a play on the word cappuccino, which is a popular Italian coffee drink. Instead of coffee, however, a puppuccino is made entirely of whipped cream and is served in a small cup or bowl.

    What is a pup cup from Starbucks free? ›

    What Is the Puppuccino? The Puppuccino (pronounced PUP-uuh-CHEE-noh) is a short cup or espresso cup full of Starbucks whipped cream. Dogs without dairy intolerances can enjoy a safe and delicious treat whenever you get your own morning coffee. And even better, the Puppuccino is always free!

    What is the 10 minute rule at Starbucks? ›

    The 10-minute rule at Starbucks involves remaining open 10 minutes after the posted closing time and unlocking the doors 10 minutes before the posted opening time.

    Do baristas get free drinks at Starbucks? ›

    In-store beverage and food benefit: Store partners working in company-owned Starbucks stores may consume any handcrafted beverage free of charge while working, as well as seven free food items from the pastry or ready-to-eat case per week.

    Can I sit in Starbucks without getting anything? ›

    Starbucks said Saturday it has told workers to consider anyone who walks into its stores a customer, "regardless of whether they make a purchase." The company said anyone can use its cafes, patios or restrooms without buying anything, but it noted workers should still call the police if someone is a safety threat.

    Should I flirt with a barista? ›

    Usually people are busy at their job and don't want to be flirted with, they want to complete their task and get paid. Be quick, be kind about your interest, ask or offer a phone number, enquire about when they get done so maybe you can talk to them later. Don't waste their time while they are on the clock though.

    How do you approach a cute barista? ›

    11 easy ways to start a conversation with a barista (without being awkward)
    1. Say hi and smile.
    2. Ask about their day.
    3. Ask about their favorite drink.
    4. Learn coffee lingo.
    5. Ask what their name is.
    6. Thank them for the coffee/tea.
    7. Compliment them on their work uniform or accessory.
    8. Joke about how many cups of coffee you had.
    Oct 29, 2022

    Is it rude to ask a barista out? ›

    This is the right answer. It's the same rules as asking out a person in your class, or on your train, or at a house party. It's only weird if you make it weird. and if it's already weird, then hell, go ahead and ask her out.

    How do baristas deal with angry customers? ›

    How To Deal With Angry Customers
    1. 1) Assume The Customer Has A Right To Be Angry. ...
    2. 2) Stay Calm. ...
    3. 3) Let The Person Vent. ...
    4. 4) Listen to The Customer. ...
    5. 5) Don't Take It Personally. ...
    6. 6) Speak With A Soft Tone Of Voice. ...
    7. 7) Express Sympathy For Their Feelings. ...
    8. 8) Smile When You Talk.

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