Overheard a barista say my order was 'too complicated' and it stuck with me

I was at a local shop in Portland last week and heard the barista whisper to the new hire that my usual drink was 'too complicated' when I walked up. I just get a cortado with oat milk and a little cinnamon on top, I didn't think that was wild. It made me wonder if I'm being that annoying customer without realizing it. Do you guys ever adjust what you order based on barista vibes or is it their job to deal with it?

2 comments

2 Comments

kai56415d ago

Good grief. A cortado with oat milk and cinnamon is "too complicated"? That's barely a drink, that's a normal Tuesday order. Next time just tell them you'll take a black coffee and a side of smugness since apparently that's the only acceptable order. Sounds like that barista needs a vacation or a new profession, not a simpler drink menu. Some of these coffee shop types act like you're ordering a surgical procedure when you ask for anything beyond basic drip. Don't change a thing, just find a shop where the staff can handle a sprinkle of cinnamon without needing a pep talk first.

jakeperry15d ago

My friend Sarah once ordered a flat white with an extra shot and a splash of vanilla at this spot in Denver, and the barista actually sighed loud enough for half the shop to hear. She still talks about it two years later. Some people just get weirdly precious about their coffee jobs, like you asked for a pour-over with a side of their firstborn.