How Not To Get Decaf Coffee Somewhere When You Order Regular Coffee

Coffee is important to me.  As a former barista of 5+ years, I would never deprive someone of glorious caffeine as requested.  However, a more spiteful barista may do so.  Even some restaurants might.


Here's how to get regular coffee at a cafe or restaurant - in fact, here's how to get excellent service in general.


DON'T BE A WEIRD ASSHOLE.

People make a lot of dumb comments and ask a lot of dumb questions of people in the food service industry, and subsequently become indignant about their dumb comments and questions when they don't receive the answer or response they were looking for.  I've seen it a lot, despite the fact that I have an uncanny nack for "saving face" in a situation where someone might otherwise feel like an idiot.


If you have a severe lack of social skills, please stay home and do not attempt to communicate with other human beings.  Especially not while they're at work.  At least be apologetic about it if you do.


When you go to a cafe, the barista in front of you is at work.  Doesn't that suck?  If you're starting an unnecessary fight with a restaurant server, bartender, barista, or even a cashier somewhere, it's because you know they can't fight back.  Maybe you're not consciously thinking about that, but that is why you're starting a fight with them.  Their employment depends on their restraint from fighting back.


However, some of them might slip you some decaf coffee without your knowledge.


On the other hand, those who are capable of ordering normal things on a menu without trying to convince someone who's trying to do their job to charge you less money, and those who know how to speak properly, and those who leave decent tips... they all get preferential treatment when they return to a restaurant.  Maybe even a free drink now and then.  Sounds like the best option to me.