Cafés are our go-to spots for everything from first dates to freelance work. But as much as we like to think of these cozy spaces as our second homes, they’re still shared spaces with some pretty clear rules.
Here are some essential coffee shop etiquette tips if you want to continue being welcomed at your local café.
Ordering and Paying
1. Know What You Want Before Reaching the Counter
Nobody wants to get stuck in a queue because someone else is reading the menu after they’ve reached the front. We understand that there’s a pressure that comes with standing in line at a café with a crowd behind you and the barista waiting with pen in hand.
Take a moment to scan the menu while you are in line or, if possible before you enter the café if it’s posted outside.
And if you find yourself in front of the line and are still not sure what to order; no problem! Just step aside for a moment and let others go ahead while you decide. It shows consideration for the staff and those behind you.
2. Don’t Ask for Off-Menu Items During a Rush
Yes, your local café says they’ll whip out anything you ask of them. Pretty considerate of them. But a morning rush is probably not the best time to test their creativity.
When the queue goes till out the door, keep it simple. Baristas work hard to keep things moving, and custom or off-menu orders slow everything down.
Special requests are perfect for off-peak hours when the café isn’t slammed. You’ll most likely get a better drink because they’ll actually have time to make it right.
3. Be Ready to Pay
As a queueing etiquette, have your cash, card, or payment app ready before you reach the register. Fumbling for your wallet or starting to dig through your pockets is an irritating way to stall the line.
It’s a simple habit that keeps the line moving and shows courtesy to the barista and those behind you.
In the Café
4. Don’t Hog Tables
Everyone loves the corner seat with the perfect lighting and charging outlet. But you can’t call dibs in a coffee shop. It’s a shared space.
If you are alone, try not to occupy a table of four during the busiest part of the day. Some people even spread their belongings across multiple chairs.
It’s okay if you need to stay a while. Just stay compact and choose a smaller table. If someone politely asks to share your table, consider saying yes. A little spatial courtesy goes a long way.
5. Don’t Bring Outside Food
Chances are, your café doesn’t allow food from the outside. It is a business, and it makes money from what it sells.
When you bring food from outside, you use their space without supporting what keeps them running. It’s rude and inconsiderate.
6. Be Patient During Rushes
During rushes, your coffee might take longer than anticipated. This is normal. Most coffee shops, especially the independent ones, often operate with small teams juggling multiple roles.
At times, the barista is taking orders and managing the register simultaneously. They are doing their best to have your order delivered. Instead of tapping the table or constantly checking your watch, take this time to check emails, scroll your feed, or just be.
7. Phone Calls
Yes, taking a phone call in a coffee shop is perfectly acceptable. But you cannot shout at the top of your voice when doing so. Coffee shops are shared spaces where people come to relax, work, and enjoy quiet conversation.
Keep your phone conversations low, or better yet, step outside if it’s more than a quick reply.
8. Using Charging Outlets
The only thing standing between you and a dead battery is that precious wall outlet. But be considerate of others when you do so.
If the outlets are limited, don’t monopolize them for hours on end. If you’ve been plugged in for a while and someone else is looking around hopefully, be ready to surrender the spot to them.
Second, don’t unplug anything that doesn’t belong to you; be it someone else’s charger or the café equipment. Ask first before doing so.
Finally, keep your setup neat and unobtrusive. Nobody wants to trip over your charging cable on the way to their seat.
9. Using the Wi-Fi
Many cafés will offer complimentary free Wi-Fi for their customers. If you plan on spending several hours online, order something periodically to avoid occupying the space without contributing.
If the café has a time limit or asks you not to use the Wi-Fi during peak hours, respect these policies. They are in place to keep things fair for all guests.
Leaving
10. Respect Time Limits
It’s easy to lose track of time in a café, especially when deep into work, but know when to wrap things up. If you see the staff begin to clean, adjust chairs, and lower the lights, take it as a gentle cue that the day is ending.
The café’s opening and closing times are posted at the entrance. Aim to leave 10 to 15 minutes before this.
Similarly, don’t walk it a few minutes before closing time and place a custom, complex order. The staff are already shutting down equipment and prepping for the end-of-day tasks.
11. Clean Up After Yourself
It’s not your responsibility per se, but leaving your space as tidy as you found it is basic manners. Once done with your meal or drink, wipe up spills and crumbs, dispose of trash, and return used trays and dishes to the designated areas.
It’s the staff’s job to maintain the space but they are already juggling a million tasks. It is good manners and a sign that you value the café and the people who keep it running.
12. Leave a Tip
Don’t be that person. Leave a tip.
13. Leaving Reviews
Feedback is invaluable for cafés. As a business, it helps them improve and thrive. If you had a positive experience, tell the staff how much you enjoyed their service and leave a thoughtful review online. They’ll appreciate it.
On the other hand, if things didn’t quite hit the mark, drop a polite note or politely chat with the manager. It’s way more helpful than leaving a one-star rant and allows them a chance to fix it.
Final Sip: It’s All About Respect
If you want to keep being welcomed with a smile, a little courtesy goes a long way. The staff will likely remember kind regulars and treat them with extra care.
