There’s a fine line between being a loyal regular and being the main character in a barista’s horror story.

As someone who goes to coffee shops on a very (and I mean very) regular basis, I have to admit that I have a few favorite baristas. I mean, if you frequent a coffee shop enough, you start to become familiar with who is working and who makes the best drinks. 

You can make the argument that if a coffee shop is truly good, the drinks will be consistent no matter who is making them. However, even when you’re following a recipe, there are a few little things that make each barista’s drinks special. The order in which a drink is made, how much ice is added, and drizzle/topping amounts all alter the final taste. And honestly, some baristas are just better at perfecting the little details than others. But that’s beside the point.

Anyways, just because you have a favorite barista doesn’t give you the right to be a creep about it. There is a very thin line between showing support and being a stalker.

For example, you should NEVER stalk your local barista. This includes asking about their schedule, tracking the days they take off, and calling their place of employment to ask if they are working today. If you’re not close enough friends with your barista that you can text them to ask if they are working, you shouldn’t be asking what days or times they will be behind the bar.

You may think I am being dramatic, but yes, people actually stalk their preferred baristas. I have had people call the coffee shop while I was working to ask if/when my coworkers were coming in, and I always told them that I didn’t know or lied and said the schedule wasn’t out yet.

If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I will not be assisting someone as they stalk or harass someone, especially if their target is my friend. 

Having a bias towards your favorite barista is all fine and dandy as long as you don’t make it weird. Feel free to leave a Google Review about how your favorite barista always makes the best drinks, but don’t track their schedule and refuse to order a drink unless they are working. 

Also, while we’re at it, don’t be disrespectful to your barista. Just because you were hoping to see a different face behind the counter doesn’t give you the right to be rude. Making comments like “oh, I wish XYZ was working today” is honestly kind of mean. Especially because if you’re not happy to see the barista, they probably are not happy to see you either.

I am not saying being rude to your barista will make your drink taste worse, but I am also not denying the power of sugar-free syrups and decaf espresso. Just saying.