Not like today where the menu looks like the control panel of the space shuttle or a nuclear reactor.
well, if you go somewhere that specialises in different kinds of coffee (like starbucks) they'll have a load of 'em. if you just go to a cafe and order a coffee, they'll still bring you a standard coffee.
i think starbucks is pretty much the only place where it's complicated. i've actually never been to starbucks, but i've heard a lot of comedians and a few hippies complaining about how hard they make it. anyway, most coffeehouses i've been to still have regular coffee and have no problem selling it to you, even if they do have a large selection of fancy coffees as well.
Starbuck's is the most complicated. A similar thing has happened with fast food. McD was simple in its early years. Just hamburgers, fries, and cola. It was like the John Belushi Chizbooger sketch on SNL. Now its menu board is like that of the NY Stock Exchange. McD has even made an effort in recent years to simplify its menu.
1971- I'll have a black cup of coffee please. 2012- I'll have a black cup of coffee please. real fuckin hard
starbucks coffee is complete shit. i understand how people can get confused - what's a machiato? florentine? americano? chemex? lot of different ways to create coffee, each of which creates a unique flavor and caffeine extraction.
Unless you go through a McDonalds Drive-Thru, after you ask for a black coffee they ask, "Would you like cream and sugar?" It's happened a few times to me.
Simple solution chaps - don't go for coffee. I am a total arse about coffee! I hate going to cafés because I always think it will be shit. I have different coffees at home for morning, after dinner etc. You can't beat a good columbian in the morning
My old boss treated all us employees to starbucks one day. She asked me what I wanted and I said coffee. She said "You don't go to Starbucks and just order coffee! Pick something else!" I want coffee bitch, just fucking coffee. I dont want your stpuid mocha latte nonfat raw sugar faggy fag 10 dollar fancy drink. I want a fucking coffee. She picked something for me. It didn't taste like coffee.
Sometimes it's more about the whole social concept of going to a cafe and talking over a cup of coffee.
starbucks has some excellent whole bean coffees that you can buy in their store. i have my own coffee grinder and french press to make coffee. some of it is really delicious. like the Sumatra blend or the Casi Cielo blend.
I've heard it said that the coffee emporiums of today are like the soda fountains of slightly before my time. Highly customizable, strong customer service... @azucena...I feel the same way. The most exotic that I get is a double espresso. I've trained the Starbucks that is convenient to understand that "coffee" means coffee. I've learned "Pikes" in self defense against their newer servers. I've also learned to fear "Holiday Blend" or "Special" because they might have cinnamon or some other spice added.