5 Things Your Local Coffee Shop Barista Wants You To Know

It's no secret that in the United States, we love our coffee. We love our coffee a lot, in fact; so much so that in 2017, about half of the population (about 150 million Americans) drank espresso, lattes, cappuccino, or iced/cold coffee. There are currently 24,000 coffee shops across the country, and even more baristas at those shops to get you a morning cup of joe or craft you a latte. Sure, they greet you with a smile and a hot coffee, but do we really know what our baristas are thinking? Here are five things your local coffee shop barista wants you to know:

1. Not every coffee shop is Starbucks.

As a barista working in a locally-owned coffee shop, there's nothing quite as disheartening as having a customer come to the register and order a Caramel Macchiato without first reading the menu or even saying "hello." Sure, some shops might have one on the menu or be able to recreate one, but a Caramel Macchiato was created by Starbucks. Most coffee shops try to follow the trends but they also offer a diverse menu of traditional coffee drinks and blends. A lot of shops even have a signature drink! Local baristas take pride in giving you a quality drink, so waiting times might be a little longer too. It's good to know what you like, but there's nothing wrong with trying something new either, and no matter what, your barista will try their hardest to make you the perfect drink.

2. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Whether you're wondering what the Wi-Fi password is or if it's okay to get extra espresso in your latte, there's no reason to be afraid to ask the baristas. It's their job to serve you. If you want or need a dairy alternative, ask. If you want to know if something is vegan or not, ask. If you want to know if you can have Vanilla and Caramel syrup in a drink, ask. Your barista would definitely rather you get what you want than you be disappointed. However, nothing is more frustrating than having a line of drinks and customers coming up to ask if theirs is done after they've just ordered. Which leads to number three:

3. Quality takes time.

Baristas do what they do because they love coffee culture. They want to produce a tasty, superb drink, and sometimes that means taking the extra time to weigh out the beans for a pour-over or measuring the syrup in a latte. Depending on the shop, every single drink is hand-crafted with care. Your baristas want it to taste right, and are willing to sacrifice a few moments on making a latte. Most local shops are pretty quick, but again, they aren't Starbucks. Your drink probably won't be done as soon as you finish ordering, and you might even have to sit down and wait for it, but know that it is being specially crafted with quality in mind.

4. We love tips (even if it's just a few quarters!).

Being a barista is rewarding in many ways. It's a great feeling to hand someone a drink, watch them take a sip, and then tell you how wonderful it is. It's also a great feeling to see the tip jar flowing freely with change and dollar bills. Baristas work hard to make sure you have a great coffee experience from the first moment you enter their shop to the moment you say goodbye, and a great way to show them you appreciate their work is by tipping. Remember, even a few quarters are better than nothing, and your barista will surely thank you.

5. Baristas are human, too.

While it's easy to view a barista as simply a behind-the-counter server or as a coffee superhero (and let's be honest, they kind of are!), they are also just human, like you. They will make mistakes, and that's okay. Everyone does sometimes. Forgetting an extra pump of syrup or accidentally making the wrong size will happen. All they ask is for patience and kindness. Most baristas will gladly add to a drink if they forgot something you wanted or completely make it over again.

People become baristas because they love coffee, art, and connecting with others through the craft that is coffee-pouring and latte-making. Baristas are kind of coffee superheroes, but ultimately, they are humans too with a passion for making your coffee right. Remember these five points next time you visit your local coffee shop and your barista will be ever-grateful, and will make sure you have a great experience and quality coffee!