[hiAndrewQuinn]

What? I'm an American living in the EU, and 4 euros is a little under 5 dollars right now. Last I checked that's still one Costco rotisserie chicken. You should definitely be able to pick up a couple Miller High Lifes for 5 dollars as well if you don't live in like, Times Square or wherever.

[reaperducer]

Even my wife's really frou frou order at Starbucks is in the ballpark. I always remember the price because with the tip, it's $7.77.

Yes, I tip at coffee shops. If you tip a bartender, why wouldn't you tip a barista?

[Ekaros]

I wouldn't tip either. Just have the price include the labour. It is not hard concept. Nearly every single other industry has managed to figure it out.

[sublinear]

Coffee shops aren't usually a "scene" like a bar can be.

Bartenders are often the only adult in the room acting like one. When was the last time you saw fighting, crying, fainting, hit and runs, etc. on the regular at a Starbucks? Bars can be like this in even the nicest neighborhoods.

[reaperducer]

Sounds like you should be tipping the bouncer, then.

[sublinear]

Have you ever worked at a bar or been a regular at one?

Too much or too little security will discourage customers from staying or coming back. The bartender is running the whole circus. It's nothing like serving coffee.