Should You Tip Your Barista? The short answer is yes. Whenever you are purchasing a coffee drink that a barista is preparing for you, it's customary to tip just as you traditionally would in other food-and-beverage establishments, no matter if you're being served at a table or waiting in line for to-go.
Legally it's voluntary but if you slink out of a restaurant without leaving a gratuity of between 15 and 25 per cent, you're likely to be chased by a waiter demanding to know why. To help you avoid tipping anxiety (and disgruntled waitstaff), we explain how to tip in the United States.
The amount is up to you — and, no, a handful of change is not an insult, or shouldn't be — but if you're a regular somewhere and want to keep getting especially good service, it's probably not a bad idea to throw something in the can.