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13 Things Baristas Won’t Tell You

Gourmet coffee and skilled baristas may raise coffee prices but we still need them for the perfect cup. Here are some of your baristas’ secrets.

By Jennifer Steil
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1. 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.

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2. 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.

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3. 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.

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

They are LOADED with white sugar.

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5. 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.

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6. 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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7. 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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8. 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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9. Drinking two quad-shot, 22oz, vanilla lattes every day is bad for you.

Very, very bad for you.

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10. 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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11. 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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12. 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. 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.

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

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Your Comments

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sheila-Coffey/1756997208 Sheila Coffey

    really?

    • HockeyLady96

      Yes, absolutely true.  There is much more that goes on behind the counter than the
      customer knows.

      • Ctjordan93

        No I work am there. Yea hrs hard to learn but we don’t go to some special school for it. Ha

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sheila-Coffey/1756997208 Sheila Coffey

    yes…….so true

  • Joe

    Thats funny. All the middle eastern customers would say “give me mocha, and give me caramel cake”

  • Babu Brar

    Say please and leave a tip for a cup of coffee
    what the f… is wrong with the coffee at my local 7-eleven
    if I don’t like the taste just toss it and get a new one
    For under a buck-fifty

    • Pgh Barista

      Then go ahead and do that.  Please don’t ever stop by my shop.  If you all are happy with the swill from 7/11, by all means keep drinking it and I can save the good coffee for people that do care.

      • Anonymous

         Too bad there isn’t a Barista School. They might have taught you to not send customers elsewhere just because they don’t tip for your overpriced coffee.

        • JoeAustin

          Expecting a tip for counter service is insulting. Why don’t you go and beg on the street?

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Stephens/100000611713913 Mark Stephens

          Starbucks discovered a $7.50 an hour barista was a joke, so they went to super automatic machines. Push a button, and the drink makes it’s self. of course, Their latte and cappuchino are the same thing. When I had my coffee shop, Starbucks sent some of their people in to check us out. The next day, three of them came to me and asked for a job. Anyone who likes McDonald’s coffe should keep drinking it. They obviously have no palat. If you appreciate fresh coffee ( different from fresh made), and enjoy the artistry of it’s creation, the extra money is worth it. Arabica coffee is 3 times more expensive than robusto ( which is what McDonald’s, 7-11, etc. serve).

    • Pgh Barista

      Then go ahead and do that.  Please don’t ever stop by my shop.  If you all are happy with the swill from 7/11, by all means keep drinking it and I can save the good coffee for people that do care.

    • YeahYou

      its actions like that that further prove you are the typical American consumer/waster

    • Temberjade

      It’s funny we spend our lives teaching our children to say please and thank you for “everything” yet you balk at saying it to a barista like they are put here just to serve you. Ridiculous!

  • Gladbag13

    i am a starbucks store manager and have been for 6 years, although we train our baristas well, there is no such thing as barista school.

  • Gladbag13

    i am a starbucks store manager and have been for 6 years, although we train our baristas well, there is no such thing as barista school.

    • HockeyLady96

      You are correct, there is no Barista school, however, you are trained within the store. As a Store Manager, then you know that most are trained incorrectly.  You should also know that because
      of the change Starbucks has experienced within the last 3 years, they are no longer the employee
      friendly company they once were.  If you were employed 6 years ago, you know what I am talking about unless, the level at which you are along with your young age, you are probably glad to just have a
      job.  Anyone with a long history of management would know precisely what I am referring to.  No, I am
      not bitter.  I loved working for Starbucks because I am a people person.  However, I no longer supported their change of behavior when they began to overwork their employees. No doubt that their change was
      not in the best interests of their employees, it was strictly about making money.

      • Satunian

        what change happened?

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/David-Kitchen/10002487 David Kitchen

          Bad economy = raising prices on their products (since most of them are decently high quality). Add that to an increase in affordable alternatives (dunkin donuts, McDonalds) = smaller revenue. Therefore, Stock options and healthcare are not given to part time employees (and many managers purposefully cut hours of employees to make sure they STAY “part-time”). Overtime is probably strictly prohibited for baristas- I overheard one barista and manager conversation where the barista was sent home mid-rush because he was approaching overtime. 

          • olwhatshisface

            These are common practice at all big companies. Giant Eagle grocery stores, Chase bank and others all do not allow overtime, keep employees under 30 hours so they are part time (and therefor not eligible for benefits).
            Is it fair or ‘right’? Of course not. Welcome to the world.

          • olwhatshisface

            These are common practice at all big companies. Giant Eagle grocery stores, Chase bank and others all do not allow overtime, keep employees under 30 hours so they are part time (and therefor not eligible for benefits).
            Is it fair or ‘right’? Of course not. Welcome to the world.

          • olwhatshisface

            These are common practice at all big companies. Giant Eagle grocery stores, Chase bank and others all do not allow overtime, keep employees under 30 hours so they are part time (and therefor not eligible for benefits).
            Is it fair or ‘right’? Of course not. Welcome to the world.

    • HockeyLady96

      You are correct, there is no Barista school, however, you are trained within the store. As a Store Manager, then you know that most are trained incorrectly.  You should also know that because
      of the change Starbucks has experienced within the last 3 years, they are no longer the employee
      friendly company they once were.  If you were employed 6 years ago, you know what I am talking about unless, the level at which you are along with your young age, you are probably glad to just have a
      job.  Anyone with a long history of management would know precisely what I am referring to.  No, I am
      not bitter.  I loved working for Starbucks because I am a people person.  However, I no longer supported their change of behavior when they began to overwork their employees. No doubt that their change was
      not in the best interests of their employees, it was strictly about making money.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Stephens/100000611713913 Mark Stephens

      That is because Starbucks discovered that their ” barista’s” were not worth the price of a bag of sugar. So Starbucks went to super automatic machines. Push a button, and the machine makes the drink. Lattee and cappuchino are the same , and most mixed coffees are a thing of the past. Two shots in a 20 oz. drink? We put 3 in. And we sold 5 times as many 16 oz drinks as 20′s. Our people were aware that their coffee would go bitter in 20 minutes once it was in the cup. Of course, Starbucks coffee is bitter when it hits the shop. Quality is waaaay down, and that is why Starbucks is struggling.

  • Holli

    NO!!!!!!!! i work at starbucks and was never sent to school,.

    • Moria636

      I worked for Starbucks 4 years ago and on top of store training I was sent to barista school in downtown Dallas. I think it just depends on where you were hired. It’s sad they don’t offer medical to part timers anymore. Sounds like I quit at a good time.

      • Melia

        They still offer health benefits and stock option to part-time employees. I work just over 20 hours a week and receive both. They have always offered heathcare at 20 hours a week

  • JXN barista

    Another thing….when we ask if you prefer whole or skim milk….yes is not a correct answer :)
    If you ask for extra, be prepared to pay for extra…..

    support your local barista

  • ChiC

    #1 was “If you’re not at Starbucks, don’t order like you are”, then in #2, the article goes on to discuss “Venti” vs. “Grande”. The writer certainly does not walk the talk.

    • Deathatsea

       seriously? #1 was about people ordering drinks from the starbucks menu at a coffee shop that isn’t starbucks. the writer is obviously referring to the ridiculously named concoctions created by and only available at strbucks. (not to be confused with the confused frustration felt by starbucks customers when they go to another coffee shop, order what they get at starbucks, and insist the drink was made wrong, as described in #12)
      #2 was about how at practically any other coffee chop on earth the larger sized espresso based drink that you get, the more shots of espresso are in them. at starbucks that isn’t always the case. the writer was telling people not to use the starbucks size names at someplace that isn’t starbucks. people used to always do that to me when i worked at a barista and would often get mad if i didn’t know the names of various drink sizes at someplace i don’t work or shop at.
      so yeah, none of what you said made sense. sorry.

  • http://profiles.google.com/clscreenname Will B

    These lists would be great, if the page didn’t have to reload between each item, and if…just perhaps…they put a next button somewhere on the page. This is why I’m logged in under Google, Yahoo blows goats.

  • Tiff

    Tip? Really? I do not tip at McDonalds, Jack n Box, etc…why would I tip for just COFFEE???? Bring it to my table and I will tip.

    • Pgh Barista

      It’s more than just a “cup of coffee”.  Like the other poster, please continue to visit these establishments and never ever go to a real coffee shop.  We laugh at people like you.

      • Anonymous

        You laugh at people taking their business and money elsewhere? Strange.

        Too bad there isn’t a Barista School. It might teach you how to listen to your customers instead of telling them to go away.

        • Satunian

          By listen, do you mean listen to customers laugh at the idea of tipping you?
          I have to agree, if our service is that laughable, then go buy your coffee at McDonalds.  We won’t miss you, and neither will our registers.

          • http://www.facebook.com/britta.grant Britta Grant

            agree

          • JoeAustin

            Yes, I normally do go buy my coffee at McDonald’s because, in case you don’t check out the competition, they have consistently good coffee, it costs $1, and they don’t give me a freaking attitude! If you don’t like people, you should get a job in the White House so that you can get away with complaining about everyone else. Do you even pay your required taxes on those tips?

          • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Stephens/100000611713913 Mark Stephens

            Joe, Austin, At Mc Donald’s, you get robusto coffee. At a good coffee shop ( that leaves out Starbucks, Gloria Jeans Joe Mugs, etc.) you get arabica coffee. Arabica coffee is naturally sweet, not bitter like robusto. And ” gourmet ” coffee costs 3 times as much per pound as the junk.

          • Comment Master

            LOL- silly “man”. Be quiet and go back behind the bar and whip up a nice late. (or however you spell it. I spell it wrong because it DOESN’T MATTER and is completley irrelevant to society.)

          • jenjen

            Dude, you’re a barista. . .

      • Comment Master

        Shut up. If it wasn’t for “people like me” you would be out of business and would not haev a job. I bet since you posted this 2 years ago, you have bene long since fired and now flipping burgers at McDonalds. Moron!!!!!

    • http://dukeofurl.myopenid.com/ Anthony

      Table?  Where are you getting your coffee?  I can’t name a coffee shop that is full-service like that anyhow.

  • Cherylkf

    Comment #8: 8. 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.

    Please, read the SOMETIMES. I own one of the carts and it NEVER crossed my mind to be so deceptive. I use only high quality espresso roasted beans.

  • Joan Flint

    What a snotbag this writer is.

    • Mail

      You’re obviously a snob. You’re the person who gets a shot of saliva in your coffee.

      • M4hornets

        Or a dead shot :)

      • Grazzz

        Trust me this happens …

  • Tinkitten70

     Yep. I have a friend who works at Starbucks and yes, they are sent to “school” to learn that

  • Ndys2001

    Learn to make great coffee at home and buy a thermos.

  • ColeenyTheMeany

    ummmmmm no they don’t. I was trained by someone who doesn’t even DRINK coffee.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IZQUOTBXDQE6FB5TSJ4CGMRGHI PAT

    Actually the best coffee is made at my house, and the best tip I get is a smile.

  • Sam

    I hate all the airs they put on. I shouldn’t have to order something in C++ gobbletygook at 7:00 am

  • CaliCali

    A lot of this is nice, but it seems a bit directed toward Starbucks. Being a barista at an independent coffee shop, I see a lot of these things, especially people ordering in starbucks lingo. It however is pleasant when people are polite in the mornings; believe me, I’m as tired and crabby as they are and I have to be pleasant even though I got there an hour before! 

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Liz-Rozas/1105560897 Liz Rozas

      I remember one time after a hurricane we had no electricity at the shop.  We were trying to transfer our milk and perishables to another shop as well as do a little housekeeping.  The door was open for ventilation and we were in ratty clothes not our usual polos and slacks with aprons.  We had a customer come in and try to order some fancy drink.  It was very obvious that we had NO electricity but he insisted on trying to order.  He finally decided he’d just settle with regular coffee.  I’m not sure what he did not understand about We are not open for business due to the hurricane that’s closed most other businesses in town.  He left the shop empty handed and very upset…and he was a regular!

    • Toobzymom

      yes,but you are getting paid to be there

       

      • guest

        Yes, but how am I supposed to use my machine that requires electricity if there’s no electricity? You can always brew a cup of coffee, all you need is a filter and hot water. But how do I steam milk? Use your brain.

  • J.Tate

    I also say please or thank you but rarely say both in one ordering. Does a smile count for please? I want them to know that I’m happy.

  • J.Tate

    I also say please or thank you but rarely say both in one ordering. Does a smile count for please? I want them to know that I’m happy.

  • Miss Mac

    excellent points. I did not know my favorite drink at Starbucks, Venti Caramel Machiatto,  had more milk than the grande, but not more caffeine. I usually order a triple shot, anyway to get it stong enough. Usually it is not sweet, and is a dark caramel color. I usually add my own sweetner, Sweet & Low, to make it to my taste.  Glad I consistently tip and am usually nice to the Baristas…I know them by name, and I talk to people using the name on their name tag. I let them call me by my first name, too.  It is what makes the coffee worth the price, a friendly face on a Monday morning….priceless. Sometimes, I have grumpy days, and they are nice to me, probably because I am normally really nice to folks…and they ask how I am doing and know my name. It feels good, and I apologize for being grumpy and uncaffeinated. They fix that for me.  I work all day in customer service, too. 

    • Toobzymom

      tmi

    • JoeAustin

      So, you usually order the same thing, the baristas know your name, but they don’t even bother to make it exactly the way you like it – and you still tip?
      What’s wrong with this picture?

    • Guest

      You “let them” call you by your first name?!  LOL
      Just so everyone knows, I “let” my butler be my footrest when I’m tired!  Hahaha!

  • HockeyLady96

    All is pretty much true, except for one.  I have worked at several Starbucks.  If you ask for Decaf
    and the Barista accidentally pressed a regular shot, if they do not like you, if the line is long or
    if they are angry at management (which happens often), regular is what you will get.  Young
    adults do not understand what regular coffee does to some people.  They just know that this
    is a short term job and you will not know the difference.  It is a common practice even if they
    do not admit to it and corporate denies it.  I have for 5 years witnessed it many times.  I
    would stop it when I could but the practice continues!  Decaf people beware!

    • michael

      Yes, while it can really screw someone up to give them decaf instead of regular (while that never happens, wink wink) it can screw someone up even worse to give them regular when they can only have decaf. 

  • V.U.Barista

    #3 is a BEAUTIFUL pull of Krema, Yes I’am a Barista and I was taught by the company who sold us the coffee beans,then to turn around and teach everyone after me and all the students that work with me, I’ve been a Barista for 17 years and you get to know your regulars and what they drink and how they drink it,and for the smiles well I know our  students have been up all night studying for tests or finales so I hope my drinks make them wake up and feel better…*;*…

  • V.U.Barista

    #3 is a BEAUTIFUL pull of Krema, Yes I’am a Barista and I was taught by the company who sold us the coffee beans,then to turn around and teach everyone after me and all the students that work with me, I’ve been a Barista for 17 years and you get to know your regulars and what they drink and how they drink it,and for the smiles well I know our  students have been up all night studying for tests or finales so I hope my drinks make them wake up and feel better…*;*…

  • Margaret Morningstar

    Generally tip a dollar just for plain black coffee.  I always say please and thank you.  Try to learn the first names of the baristas.  I know it is a job I wouldn’t be very good at.  When I hear the combinations people want for their coffee and spill it out like the baristas should have gotten all of ingredients. It drives me crazy and I’m not even working.  

  • Tobyrien

    School? It depends which company you work for. In Wilmington , NC, Port City Java sends all it’s new trainees to school for weeks to learn the trade. I however work in one of their independent franchises & learned on the job. It’s different everywhere- but one things for sure, it is not an easy job. It really is an art form. Just like a chef or good bartender. So tip well, if you can.

  • Kissy Pizza

    Be nice? The people who work at these places are unfoundedly haughty. They try to correct me when I pronounce caramel correctly. There’s more than one way to pronounce it and I don’t need some delusional twerp pretending he’s better than anyone by pronouncing it the way he does. You’re a servant. Get a grip.

    • Becka Boo

      They aren’t servants at all, just because they work in the service industry doesn’t make them servants. You, my dear, sound more haughty than any Barista I’ve ever met.

    • PghBarista

      Yeah….we’re the haughty ones. 

    • PghBarista

      Yeah….we’re the haughty ones. 

    • Juliet_king

      Boy, do I agree with you! That’s why I make it at home! I don’t need some snotnose punk telling me what’s what! Whatever happened to respecting elders?

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/David-Kitchen/10002487 David Kitchen

        What does it have to do with “respecting elders”? 1) My barista at my local starbucks probably has 20 years on me but still shows me respect and is sweet as can be. 2) Respect needs to be earned, and it is not earned simply by aging. I know 16 year olds that blow my mind with their maturity and wisdom, and I know some “elders” who need a slap across the face, and a nice helping of humble pie. 

      • tipsoidontspitinyourdrink

        sweetie, i had a 50 something year old woman throw an egg at me while at work. and 40 something year old throw coffee cake across the coffee shop. if you treat me like crap, ill treat you the same, what happened to being nice people in the food industry you do realize that youre basically just drinking stuff on the faith that i haven done something to it? david kitchen is right, if youre a aughty hjackass that believes youre better than others who work in the servie industry based on sme 100 year old idea about socal status then yea, im gonna be a jerk back. and dont be surprised if your coffee consistently tastes like crap.

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000553784702 Christina Folsom McCoy

          I can sympathize with what you are saying and I also agree with you. No matter what age, if you mistreat someone, don’t expect to be treated nice back. My daughter was a barista when she was 17 and some older dude threw his latte (hot) at her back and drenched her because it was not to his liking. Threw it! Took her coworkers to keep her from jumping over the counter and beating his a$$ (she would have), and I would have been right behind her had I been there. No excuse for this behavior!

    • Mary Beth Folger

      Whoa whoa whoa, servant? I cringe. No one is a servant. You want a specialty espresso drink and the person behind the counter provides that to you. This person is the reason your coffee is delicious, not totally disgusting. When a barista doesn’t know what they are doing it’s gross and undrinkable. All they are asking is that you show appreciation for their ability to make that tasty beverage you keep coming back for.  What is wrong with that? If you can’t afford it don’t go.

    • Joeaustin

      I had a Starbucks chick correct me on the name, Pike Place.

    • samantha

      or theyre just saying it back the way they pronounce it.

  • Anonynom

    TIPS: If you want one, stop charging so much money for the dink.  Some of us know that you are paid by tips, but when we are charged a lot of money for a stupid cup of yummy coffee, we can’t afford to pay a buck tip.  You want a tip, okay, here is a tip:  “Don’t charge $4.50 for a stupid, but yummy cup of coffee that we can buy at the 7/11 down the street for only $.99 or $1.25″!  AND we can put whatever we want in it for no extra charge!

    • elizabeth

      and you are aware the baristas have no more control over the price of the product than you do, right?

    • PghBarista

      Do you have any idea how much all of those things cost?
      Coffee, sugar and milk are three things that the prices will continue to rise on and unfortunately we cannot stay in business and eat the increased cost of these materials.  If you can’t afford to tip, then stay at home and make your own coffee.

      • Agustin Coppel

        It’s not good business to tell customers not to go if they’re not going to tip. You won’t get even the base salary if no one’s buying the coffee.

    • AJ

      Then why would you go there? If you don’t like the coffee, you don’t like the costs?

  • Junoj

    get over the “please”.  payment is “please” enough.  serve it with a smile, fake yhe smileif you have to and say thank you to your customer who may be mute and you want please?  payment and your job is enough.

    • Megc215

      You’re paying the company- you’re not personally giving the barista “payment” unless you leave a tip. And you’re not the one employing me, so you’re not doing me any favors by coming in and ordering a triple grande skinny half-calf latte heated to 140 degrees with two sweeteners. So yeah, its nice to hear a please and/or thank you every once in awhile. Especially since we try our best to make drinks perfect (maybe not all baristas, but I sure as Hell try my best to pull a perfect shot, steam the milk to a perfect temperature, and create thick, creamy foam). It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to be polite- and it makes a barista’s day less miserable.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/David-Kitchen/10002487 David Kitchen

        Why just to baristas, or servers, or people in the service industry for that matter? We all have to share space in this world so why don’t we all try a little harder to be kind to everyone, all the time. Imagine if we made EVERYONE’s day a little better!

    • Anonymous

      It’s common courtesy to say “please” and “thank you”…what is wrong with people these days? 

    • http://www.facebook.com/ChristinaLMartin1 Christina Martin

      Manners cost nothing.

  • Guest

    I don’t believe that all starbucks employees go to school. The ones in my town suck, they can hardly pull a decent shot hahaha

  • Misty09

    starbucks has two macchiato the carmel one and the real one, fyi lol

    • AJ

      I’d heard of the carmel macchiato, but didn’t know that Starbucks actually made real ones. When customers see the real ones, do they get really pissed off?

  • Butchmitchy

    Starbucks does not send their barista’s to school any longer. Before they became McStarbucks and actually cared about good coffee they gave baristas 40 hours of actual training. Now it is on the job and barista’s at Starbucks don’t need any actual skill to pull shots due to the wonders of automation. 

  • Brewista

    haha this is so true… especially the Mochiatto. I don’t think i’ve set foot in an American coffee shop that sold an authentic mochiatto nor does the owner of the coffee shop i work at know what it is. My biggest pet peave!!

    • PghBarista

      You should be coming to mine then.  We love it when people want real espresso drink.  Honestly, it makes my day when someone orders an authentic macchiato.

  • Astor

    if the cakes are loaded with white sugar…they’re not vegan.

    • Toss121314

      since when is sugar an animal product?

      • sugar

        Over half of the cane sugar refineries in the united states use bone char as part of their processing method. Labeling often doesn’t state if it came from such a refinery. Some vegans will not worry about it since there are so many different types of sugar that are labeled as “white table sugar” and do not use bone char. Still many vegans prefer to avoid white table sugar altogether as a cautionary measure.

  • glorialxh

    The first one made me laugh xD I love being a barista :D

  • glorialxh

    The first one made me laugh xD I love being a barista :D

  • M4hornets

    Finally, someone said it, any way to get this to my regulars before my shift today?

  • Michael

    After reading these comments, I can’t wait to find a different job other than Starbucks.

  • missann

    My husband got a job as a shift manager at a newly opened Starbucks a while back with no prior barista experience and I know for a fact there is no such thing as “Barista School”. He got a handbook and an apron and he was off to make drinks.

  • Admiral Dry Rot III

    #10 isn’t “karma”…it’s instant gratification, the same kind that hoarders get when buying things they don’t need at thrift stores. It’s nothing but a dopamine rush.

  • Square Wheel

    Baristas are some of the most fun, intelligent, and talented people I know.  (No, I have never been one.  I wouldn’t qualify!)  I am glad to know of a couple things that might make their work more successful! 

  • Glp1234567

    Most of you all sound like brats.

    Its just effing coffee. If you don’t like serving people quit. If you want people to bend over backwards just to serve you some coffee and get offended when they don’t, then make it at home.

    It’s really not that serious either way.

  • http://www.buymedicalequipment.net Padraig

    I love my local coffee shop. Campbells in Covington, to be specific.

  • Happy

    I’m Stinky Weaselcheeks and this is a post about a whale.  NO!  This is a post about being HAPPY!

    Happy Happy JOY JOY!!! 

    I don’t think your HAPPY enough!

    Happy Happy JOY JOY!!!

    (posted after drinking 4 quadruple expressos)

  • H2O for Life

    I am so glad I don’t drink coffee.  It’s obvious whether your serving it or drinking it it makes you psycho

  • Guest

    I never tip but that’s because the baristas at all the coffee shops here are rude :-(

  • Jared

    Looks like someone has a case of the disgruntled bitters. 

  • Hdvvnhll

    Starbucks does NOT send their baristas to school for two weeks.  We get trained, in store, for two weeks.  

  • Juliet Violette

    Highly doubtful it’s vegan if it’s WHITE sugar. They filter that with bone char.

  • Anon

    We don’t go to school for this.. We don’t do latte art. Most of this is false.

  • LT

    How about “Please” keep the attitude to yourself?

  • LT

    How about “Please” keep the attitude to yourself?

  • Guest

    The one about going to school is pretty funny. I’ve worked at 3 different Starbucks and their “school” is you sitting off to the side reading a book.

  • Jonathan Ware

    actually venti comes with 3 shots.

  • Monica1517

    I dont say please but i do say thanks :)

  • OnlyMe

    No.6 Please give me a break. Well textured milk can easily be poured over a lousy shot. The two have nothing to do with each other. Do your research!!!

  • ash

    99.9% sure this is a pisstake

  • http://facebook.com/Amsyysaurus Amsyy Le Savage

    “Starbucks sends employees to barista school for two weeks…”
    …no, they don’t. o_O

  • SourPatchKids

    hahahaha barista school. What a joke.

  • morriganinoregon

    so, when did ” here ya’ go” start meaning,” thank you and come again”

  • Dan

    Good article, enjoyed it.

    Was about to sound off over tipping, but obviously in America I expect no less.

    I’m incredibly happy to live in a culture where tipping is an actual choice. It’s a shame you guys are paid so little, that you rely on tips to boost your wage.

    And no, I’m not tipping you for this article.

  • Comment Master

    Why are all tehse comments from 2 YEARS ago!?

  • Larry S

    Wait, I thought it should be the baristas who says “thanks” to me for purchasing their coffee. The word “please” is used when asking someone to do you a favour. like “would you ‘please’ pass the salt”, not when doing their jobs.

  • Janice

    If the cakes are loaded with white sugar, then they aren’t vegan! White granulated sugar is NOT vegan (contains animal bones to grind it up. Go ahead, google that!).