TIL about the two-couch rule for coffee shop seating

So this barista at my local spot in Denver told me I was doing remote work wrong. I always grabbed the first open table and camped there for hours. She said regulars use a two couch rule: if both big couches are taken, you don't stay more than one drink. Something about respecting the flow of the shop. Now I pay attention to the vibe before I even order. Has anyone else gotten unsolicited coffee shop etiquette tips that actually changed your routine?

2 comments

2 Comments

terryk288d ago

if both big couches are taken, you don't stay more than one drink" - that's honestly pretty solid advice lol. I've been that guy who camps out way too long without even noticing the vibe. Now I just order, work for a bit, and leave if it gets crowded. Saves everyone the awkwardness of having to ask.

davis.ruby8d agoTop Commenter

...so I was in this coffee shop last week and there was this guy camped out at a table with his laptop, had three empty cups stacked up and was just scrolling on his phone. I wanted to be talking to the barista but she kept looking over at him like "please leave". She finally had to ask him to buy something or go. I felt so bad for her. It's like people forget coffee shops aren't libraries, you know? Especially when it's busy. Makes me wonder though, is there like a universal signal for when it's time to pack up, or do we just have to be awkward about it?