Rules of Engagement: Starbucks

Ah, Starbucks. Now, look: I don't drink aside from the social cocktail or two. I don't smoke. I don't take drugs that aren't prescribed – heavily – by my doctor. But I am 100% addicted to the 'Bucks. And since there is one on every street corner, it's only natural that some unwritten rules come into play.

#1: Figure out your order before stepping up.

#2: It's OK to say "small/medium/large". Don't worry about the tall/grande/venti thing and ignore the eye-rolls.

#3: Don't invade the barista's space! Grabbing the soy milk from their counter or, god forbid, grabbing your drink before they serve it to you, is just plain rude.

#4: Do check on your order, but only if a reasonable amount of time has passed. If you just put in your venti green tea frapp and you don't see it within 10 seconds, calm down. Blended drinks take a little longer.

#5: Be nice to your barista. If they like you, they've been known to add a little extra ice or give you a freebie if you've been waiting too long, or whatever.

#6: Don't hog the milk station. Just grab your straw and step to the side. If you need to stir in cinnamon, 2% milk, sugar, and dump 1/2 of that into a grande cup of ice...we hate you.

#7: When ordering: Get. Off. Your. Cell. Phone.

#8: We know you're cyber-commuting on your Mac, sitting at that table there, but if it's super crowded, just pretend you're still drinking that latte. (Confidential to Beard Guy: turn off the porn.)

I feel like I have to clarify #1, about figuring out your order in advance. I think we all have a threshold when it comes to the amount of time we'll wait on line. And as a group, we're patient enough to wait even if someone has a question about the item they're purchasing or wants to change their order.

Continued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for kate-rados

Article Author: Kate Rados

Kate Rados writes her anti-pharmacy rants on IHateDuaneReade, which has been featured on NYTimes.com, Gawker, WSJ.com, and USAToday.com. Her latest project, 'Rules of Engagement,' explores society's unspoken policies.

Visit Kate Rados's author pageKate Rados's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own

Article comments

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for Feb 09, 2010

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for January

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs

Upcoming Stories from Blogcritics
  •