It’s hard to walk a mile in most United States cities without coming across a Starbucks. However, just because it’s easy to find one doesn’t mean it’s easy to work up the courage to go inside. With so many drink options and customization available, it’s pretty easy to become overwhelmed and miss an opportunity to get some much needed caffeine.
Starbucks might be slightly more expensive than a Dunkin Donuts or other coffee shops, but the ordering process is pretty similar. The major difference is their odd naming convention that makes them seem a little more high-class than their competitors. Thankfully, their atypical naming convention is standard across all of their stores and I’ll make sure you know exactly what you’re getting (even if Paul Rudd doesn’t think it makes any sense).
What’s on the Starbucks Menu?
Starbucks has a pretty large menu that varies a little bit around the country. In this guide I’ll refer to menu items from the New England area, but make sure you confirm with your local Starbucks that the menu matches. The drink and food types might change a bit, but you should still be able to follow along this guide and use a similar rendition of our script below to help the ordering process.
Before you go, you should decide what you’d like to order. If you you’re getting a drink, you should know the following information about it:
- The size you want (“tall) which is 12oz, “grande” which is 16oz, “venti” which is 20oz., or “trenta” which is 30oz and only available for cold drinks.)
Don’t worry too much about the nomenclature of the naming. I’ve been to Starbucks plenty of times and there wasn’t a single time that the barista got mad at me when I’ve asked for a “large” instead of a venti. They may correct you, but not maliciously. - Whether you want it hot or cold.
- What type of coffee (or cold drink (frappe, etc.)).
- If you want whipped cream, chocolate syrup, etc. based on what you ordered.
- If you want “room for milk”.
The last one is a little bit weird compared to a lot of other coffee shops. At other coffee shops, Dunkin for example, you might order a large coffee with 2 creams and 3 sugars. The barista will hand you a completed coffee with these specifications and you’d be on your way. At Starbucks, however, the milk (almond milk, skim, etc) and the sugar/syrup are on a side counter for you to put in yourself. It takes quite a bit of stress out of the ordering process and lets you add as much flavor as you want without feeling judged or spending any additional time at the counter.
Once you have all of the information about your future order you’re all set to head into Starbucks.
What to do inside Starbucks
Now that you’re armed with your order ready (you could even write it down if it helps!) you want to head into the store. The store is usually a long counter with a glass display case on one side where the line forms and a pickup counter on the other. The registers are typically just after the glass display.
If you want to double check the menu or look for specific instore promotions feel free to wait a second out of the line and take a look. You can spend as long as you need checking out of the menu as long as you’re not actually in the line. The barista’s might ask if you need help (they’re typically really friendly!) but you can tell them you just need a second and can continue looking or even ask for help if you’re comfortable!
This next paragraph is an outline of the ordering process. A more detailed example script/mad lib is further below if it helps.
When you’re all set, step into line and wait your turn (while staring at all of the delicious snacks in the display). When it’s your turn, you’ll place your order, give your name, pay, and take your receipt. From here, one of two things will happen based on what you ordered.
- If you ordered a drip coffee, the cashier will usually pour it for you from the carafe behind them and hand it to you. The same is true for premade pastries (muffins/lemon loaf/etc) provided they aren’t toasted. Wait for them to hand them to you and you’re free leave (or take a seat and enjoy the ambiance).
- If you ordered any other type of drink, hot sandwich, etc., take your receipt and walk toward the other side by the pickup counter. You can spread out in this area as there are usually other people waiting for their drinks and you might not be the next drink coming out. Listen for them to call your name and grab it off the counter. Double check the name/drink type written on the cup to make sure its yours and you’re good to go!
You did it! You now have some piping hot (or iced cold) caffine to get you through the rest of the day.
I’m proud of you.
The Script
I like to include a script/mad lib that readers can use as a guideline for their order or just to get a better idea of how the ordering process works. These may not be applicable in every situation, but at least they’ll give you a starting point to hopefully make you feel a little bit more comfortable ordering. If you have any suggestions to better the script don’t hesitate to reach out through my contact form on the sidebar!
Starbucks: Hi! What can I get for you today?
You: Hi! Can I please get a (size: tall, grande, venti, trenta) (temperature: hot or iced if applicable) (drink type: Americano, Pike’s Place Drip, frappe, etc)?
Starbucks: Sure! Would you like that for here or to go?
You: (For here, to go) please.
Starbucks: Okay no problem. Do you want room in that?
(This is assuming we’re ordering inside. Asking for room is asking if you’d like them to leave room in the cup to allow you to add milk/cream at the counter after)
You: (Yes please, no thank you).
Here is where you would also ask for anything special you might like done to your drink. For example: “Can I please get an extra shot of espresso?” Or “Can I please have that with light ice?”
Starbucks: No problem. Would you like anything else?
You: (Yes please, no thank you).
Feel free to order a pastry, sandwich, cookie, etc. here. Personally, I highly recommend the lemon cake…although it’s not a very healthy breakfast!
Starbucks: Of course! That’ll be $X.XX please! Can I get your name?
They use your name to call out when your order is ready. They also write it on the cup so you can easily see it when they place the finished drink on the counter. I’d also recommend giving them the first initial of your last name if your name is as common as mine!
You: (First name + last initial). Thanks!
When the barista hands you your receipt you’ll progress as we mentioned above; either to the drink counter to wait for your drink to finish or you’ll be ready to go. Either way, you’ve finished your order and you’re caffeine is imminent.
I’m proud of you.