Coffee Etiquette

As with most things in life, coffee and the coffee ordering experience can be improved upon with just a bit of proper etiquette between the person ordering and the barista or coffee connoisseur preparing the coffee.

Lines for coffee are often long and it takes a bit of time to make the varying coffee beverages for coffee enthusiasts in need of their fix. Knowing what you want by the time you hit the front of the line is going to make everybody happy. Hold off on questions about experimentation until you have a relatively slow line and a more relaxed server.

Going along with this, if you're going to alter your order from the norm, make sure you tell the barista immediately, not in the middle of the preparation process. Want an extra shot of espresso? Non-fat milk? No whip cream? Make sure you give them this key information before they get embroiled in your concoction.

Be a good customer...buy something when you're making use of the free wi-fi, newspapers and cozy atmosphere of a coffee shop or cafe.

Moving your phone from ring to vibrate is great, but it doesn't mean much to other patrons trying to unwind if you let it vibrate noisily across the tabletop. Put it in your purse or pocket, so it won't bother others.

Here's an etiquette question...would love to hear what you think. Is it okay to pile your stuff all over a table in a busy coffee shop before you even place an order...putting dibs on the table so to speak? Is this like cutting in line? Or is it just smart? Would love to know.

More fun coffee facts and some coffee history to come later this week. Hope you'll continue to come by and post your comments!

Mallie