Starbucks Etiquette Fails: 19 Rude Things Some Virginians Just Can’t Seem to Stop Doing
Some Virginians treat Starbucks like a five-star spa, others like a fast-food drive-thru. But the worst offenders act like they’re the main character in a soap opera called As the Latte Brews.
From changing their order five times to blasting Zoom calls while folks are just trying to sip in peace, these rude behaviors would make any barista consider a career change.
Grab your drink and brace yourself—we’re spilling the tea (and coffee) on the most cringeworthy Starbucks moments.
Holding Up the Line While Still Deciding
We’ve all been there—standing in line, half-awake, trying to figure out if we want a caramel macchiato or a cold brew. But some folks take it to a new level by reaching the register and acting like they’re reading a novel instead of a menu.
Meanwhile, the line behind them snakes out the door.
The poor barista is standing there, smiling through the pain, while everyone behind is checking their watch.
The menu hasn’t changed much in years. If you’re new, that’s one thing, but if you’ve been to Starbucks a few times, you probably already have a go-to.
And if not, step aside, let a few people go ahead, and take your time without slowing the entire store down. There’s no shame in not knowing.
The worst is when someone finally picks a drink… and then wants to ask 20 questions about it. “Is the vanilla syrup made with Madagascar beans?”
This isn’t a coffee tasting tour. Just pick it and sip it.
Making Messes and Leaving Them
One of the rudest things customers do at Starbucks is treat it like their personal kitchen and then leave without cleaning up.
Empty cups, straw wrappers, napkins balled up like snow—some tables look like a mini tornado passed through. And, without fail, the trash can is just a few feet away, completely ignored.
Spills happen, sure.
But if you knock over your drink or drop a muffin, at least try to clean it up or tell a barista so they can help.
What’s not cool is pretending nothing happened and walking out like you’re royalty.
Treating Baristas Like Personal Servants
Starbucks baristas have a hard enough job already. They’re dealing with long lines, loud blenders, and folks who want their drinks made just right or else.
But some customers act like they’re above everyone else, snapping their fingers or barking out orders like they’re running the place.
If you’re saying things like “Hello? I said extra hot!” in a tone that would make Gordon Ramsay flinch, it’s time for a kindness check. Baristas are trained to help, not to be yelled at like they forgot your limo.
Saying “please” and “thank you” isn’t just polite—it’s basic human decency.
Camping Out for Hours Without Buying Anything
Starbucks has cozy chairs, soft music, and Wi-Fi. It’s practically heaven for students, freelancers, and folks dodging their responsibilities.
But some people treat it like their living room and forget it’s also a business. Sitting at a table for three hours with one empty coffee cup from earlier that morning is just plain rude.
It’s not that you can’t hang out—it’s that you shouldn’t do it without at least buying something once in a while.
The seats aren’t free, and the people who actually want to enjoy their drink or grab a seat can’t if someone’s using the table as a makeshift office for the whole day.
And don’t even get us started on those who take up multiple seats, spread their stuff everywhere, and then glare when someone dares to ask if a chair is free.
Bringing in Outside Food Like It’s a Picnic Spot
Starbucks sells food. Is it gourmet? Not really. But they’ve got sandwiches, pastries, and those tiny boxes of fruit and cheese that cost as much as a dinner entree.
So when someone walks in with a giant burger from another fast-food joint or unwraps a tuna sandwich from home, it’s more than just awkward—it’s rude.
The smell alone can throw off the whole café vibe. Imagine sipping your peppermint mocha while someone three feet away is chowing down on garlic fries.
If you’re going to enjoy Starbucks’ free Wi-Fi and cozy chairs, the least you can do is not bring in a full-course meal from somewhere else.
Letting Kids Run Wild
Loud kids in small spaces full of hot drinks don’t mix.
It’s not the child’s fault—it’s the grown-ups who let them turn Starbucks into an obstacle course. You’ll see kids climbing on chairs, tapping on strangers’ laptops, or playing tag around the drink pickup area.
Baristas are carrying scalding hot liquids. People are trying to relax or work. A flying toddler dodging between legs is not part of the expected ambiance.
And when that kid knocks over a tray or spills something?
It’s somehow everyone else’s fault but the parent’s.
Parents deserve a break too. But if your child is running amok, it’s time to step in.
A little distraction—coloring book, snack, screen, whatever works—is way better than letting them turn the café into their playground.
Talking on Speakerphone (or Having Loud Zoom Calls)
The only thing worse than loud chewing in a quiet space is hearing someone’s phone conversation—on speaker. Whether it’s a work call, gossip with a friend, or a full-on argument, blasting it across the café is an instant mood-killer.
No one came for a front-row seat to your personal drama.
It’s even more frustrating when it’s a business Zoom call. People whip out laptops, earbuds hanging halfway out, and suddenly they’re pitching a product to their boss like it’s their home office.
Except it’s not. It’s Starbucks. And everyone else is trying to concentrate, relax, or just enjoy their coffee without hearing, “Can you hear me now?” fifteen times.
Starbucks isn’t a recording studio. For the love of all things coffee, keep the noise down.
Snapping Photos of Strangers or Baristas Without Permission
Many people want to show off their fancy Starbucks latte art or cozy coffee shop vibes on social media, but some folks take it too far. Snapping pics of baristas mid-shift or filming other customers without asking is just plain creepy.
Other people didn’t agree to be part of your TikTok or Instagram story.
Baristas are working hard—not posing for the cover of a magazine. It’s super rude to hover over the counter trying to get that perfect boomerang shot of your drink being made, especially when there’s a long line behind you and the barista just wants to keep things moving.
Taking photos of staff or random customers without permission crosses a big boundary.
If you’re dying for that #coffeeaesthetic, go ahead and snap your drink, your book, your laptop—just leave other people out of it unless they say it’s okay.
Getting Too Comfortable With the Furniture
Starbucks chairs are pretty comfy, sure—but that doesn’t mean you should act like you’re in your pajamas binge-watching Netflix at home.
Some people kick off their shoes, prop their feet up on other chairs, or even lie down like they’re about to nap.
It’s a public place, not your living room.
Other customers may need that chair you’re using as a footrest. Or maybe they don’t want to sit next to someone who’s treating the café like a bedroom. And honestly, nobody wants to be sipping coffee next to someone barefoot.
That’s just… gross.
It’s all about reading the room. You can chill without getting too cozy. Sit, sip, scroll—just don’t sprawl.
Arguing Over the Name on the Cup
Yes, Starbucks messes up names all the time. You say “Sean,” they write “Shawn.”
But it’s not a big deal. Getting mad over a cup name and starting a full-blown rant in front of everyone is rude.
Baristas aren’t doing it to insult you. They’re listening fast and writing faster. They don’t need to be corrected with an eye-roll or snide comment every single time.
If your name is uncommon, just spell it out or give a nickname. The drink is still yours, no matter how it’s spelled.
And yelling something like, “It’s pronounced Kay-lee, not Callie!” isn’t going to change much except how awkward it is for everyone nearby.
Deep breath. Grab your drink. Move on.
Leaving a Mess at the Condiment Bar
The milk station shouldn’t look like it went through a blender. But it often does—thanks to folks who treat the condiment bar like a science lab and then walk away from the chaos they created.
Splashed milk, sugar packets everywhere, used stir sticks stuck to the counter… it’s not a great look.
You’d think people would clean up after themselves, especially when the napkins and trash can are right there.
But no, some just leave spilled half-and-half all over the counter, stir their drink like they’re mixing a potion, and then vanish into the crowd like it wasn’t their doing.
Being polite means wiping up your own spills and tossing your trash. It’s not hard. And it makes Starbucks better for everyone.
Asking for “Secret Menu” Items During a Rush
Look, we get it. TikTok told you there’s a way to order a Butterbeer Frappuccino, and now you want to try it. That’s fine!
But asking for five different secret drinks during peak hours—while explaining each one in painful detail—is a nightmare for the workers and the people waiting behind you.
The “secret menu” isn’t actually real—it’s just a bunch of customizations made up by internet users.
Baristas don’t have a cheat sheet for “pink drink remix with extra dragonfruit and double mocha swirl.” So if you want to be creative, come prepared with the full recipe. And maybe… just maybe… do it when there’s not a giant line.
Ordering a secret drink isn’t rude by itself—it’s all about the timing and how you go about it.
Be nice, be patient, and understand that a triple-layered frappuccino with six substitutions isn’t a quick job.
Refusing to Move When Drinks Are Ready
The pick-up area is for grabbing your drink and moving along—not for hanging out, blocking traffic, and talking about your weekend plans with your friend.
But some customers camp out there like it’s their assigned seat. Then they act surprised when they’re asked to scoot over or grab their cup and go.
It forces other customers to do that awkward shuffle so they don’t bump into you.
Plus, if you’re blocking the view, no one else can tell when their drink is ready.
Once you hear your name or see your order, just take it and step aside. It’s not a complicated system. Let the line flow, and let someone else get their caffeine fix without needing to play dodgeball at the pickup counter.
Changing Your Order After It’s Already Being Made
There’s usually a very small window of time between when you place your order and when the barista starts making it. Once that window closes, it’s not cool to come rushing back to the counter yelling, “Actually, make it iced!” or “Wait, can I switch to almond milk?”
That throws everything off.
It’s not that baristas don’t want to help—it’s just that they’re already juggling a dozen other orders at once.
Changing yours mid-process means wasted ingredients, more delays, and frustrated workers who now have to remake something because you had a last-second change of heart.
If you’re unsure, take a breath before ordering. Double-check in your head. Then commit. If you absolutely need to change something, be polite and understanding.
Trying to Use Expired or Fake Rewards
The Starbucks app is great. But every once in a while, someone rolls up trying to redeem a reward that expired three months ago—or worse, showing a screenshot that was clearly doctored to get a free drink.
It’s a fast track to becoming that customer.
Baristas don’t make the rules. They can’t override the system just because someone insists their fake code should work. And arguing over a $2 birthday drink like it’s a legal case in court is not a good look.
It holds up the line and puts employees in an uncomfortable spot.
If you miss a freebie, it happens. Try again next time, or reach out to customer service.
Starbucks is generous if you have a real issue. Just don’t scam your way to a venti mocha.
Cutting in Line Like No One Will Notice
Starbucks lines can get long, especially in the morning. So when someone just strolls in and pretends not to see the dozen people already waiting, it’s basically a slap in the face to every person standing there with tired eyes and zero caffeine.
Some folks do it sneakily—pretending they’re just “looking” at the menu and then sliding into a spot ahead of someone who’s clearly been waiting.
Others are more bold, acting like they were already in line the whole time.
Spoiler alert: they weren’t.
If you’re not sure where the line starts, ask. People would much rather help you than deal with someone cutting ahead.
And if you do get called out, don’t double down. Say sorry and step back.
Ordering for a Group Without Writing Anything Down
You know what makes baristas sweat? When someone strolls in and says, “Okay, I need seven drinks… let’s see…” and proceeds to try remembering an entire group order from memory.
Meanwhile, other customers are watching their morning slip away in real time.
Forgetfulness is one thing, but stumbling through an order while saying “wait, she wanted the oat milk one… no, maybe almond…” creates chaos.
You might think you’ve got it all stored up top, but chances are something’s getting missed, and someone’s going to be sad about their missing caramel drizzle.
Do everyone a favor—write it down or use your notes app. Show it to the barista or read it off clearly.
It keeps things moving and avoids the awkwardness of backtracking four drinks in. Trust us: baristas will silently thank you, and the people behind you will too.
Being Way Too Loud
Starbucks isn’t a library, but it’s also not a sports bar. The noise level usually lands somewhere in the middle—enough for light chatter and background music.
But there’s always that one group that walks in talking so loud it feels like a concert just started.
Whether it’s someone bragging on speakerphone, a loud couple having a breakup, or a friend group cackling over old stories, it breaks the peace fast.
People come to Starbucks to work, read, or escape the chaos—not to feel like they’re in the middle of a party they didn’t RSVP to.
If you’re with friends, awesome! Just keep the volume in check. Laugh, chat, enjoy yourselves—but don’t make the barista crank the music just to drown you out.
There’s a time and place for karaoke energy. Starbucks isn’t it.
Leaving Your Order Behind Without Telling Anyone
It happens more often than you’d think—someone places an order, waits a awhile, and then walks out because it’s “taking too long.”
Meanwhile, the baristas make their drink, call their name, and then stand there wondering where they went.
Leaving without saying anything makes extra work for the staff and delays other customers. They don’t know if you’re coming back or if they should toss it and remake it later.
A simple heads-up—“Hey, I have to go, can I cancel my order?”—goes a long way.
Nobody expects you to hang around forever if there’s an emergency or you’re in a rush. But ghosting your order is rude, especially when baristas are doing their best to move quickly.
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