If you’ve been to Italy, then you probably know that a “bar” isn’t a 21-and-over establishment—it’s more of a convivial, kid-friendly gathering place that serves more than just alcohol, one of which is arguably the most important aspect of the day: morning coffee.
If you’ve ever dropped in during the morning rush, no one would fault you for feeling intimidated by the din of the crowd, four or five deep huddled around the bar—everyone pushing and shoving their way to a cappuccino and, possibly, a brioche breakfast pastry.
The first time I ever walked into a bar at peak breakfast time, I immediately turned around and left—I found the crowd and the clamor a tad bit too suffocating. Plus, I have no patience so I really didn’t want to wait for what seemed like forever. Then came the first time I mustered up the courage to ask and pay for a cappuccino in the hectic morning rush—I gave up. I vigilantly tried to make my way to the bar, but I felt anxious and overwhelmed. Pushy just wasn’t my style so I left without ordering the cappuccino I had purchased (which, by the way, costs significantly less here, 1.40€ at most).
Six years have flown by. Honestly, it didn’t take long to master the morning bar ritual and I learned it’s really not as daunting as it seemed.
Here are some tips to help you get the hang of it:
* At any bar, whether or not you should pay first can always be a bit confusing. When it’s crowded, pay first and keep your receipt in hand. Paying for the cappuccino doesn’t necessarily mean it’s been ordered—that also falls on you.
* Push your way up to the bar. In general (and I mean this with all the love in the world), most of Italy is immune to the concept of an organized line. Don’t get frustrated—if you can’t beat them (and you won’t), join them. Once you arrive at the bar top, don’t signal to the baristas or speak to them unsolicited, just rest your hand on the bar, grasping your receipt so that it’s in the barista’s line of sight, then stare him or her down. But don’t be too much of a creepster. If the barista is, say, putting down some saucers and spoons in anticipation of a near-complete order, maybe gaze away. The best time to catch the barista’s attention is just after the goods have been served, the moment he or she looks around ready to fill another order.
* Drink up—you’ll notice the temperature isn’t piping hot and you can down it three sips. The cappuccino is traditionally enjoyed standing at the bar, so it’s a quick and easy ritual before getting on with your day. (Though nowadays, there are exceptions and there are some coffee shops where you can sit and linger with your java.)
* Last but not least, don’t let the crowd put you off. Per the previous point, coffee is a quick ritual so you’re likely to be in and out in just a few minutes—though, while you’re standing there, it can feel much longer.
Italian 101 for anyone looking to hone his or her language skills
If you’re ordering a cappuccino, the barista will ask if you want cacao o cannella (cocoa powder or cinnamon). In the early days, this always threw me for a loop, never failing to burst my I’ve-ordered-my-breakfast-in-Italian-perfectly bubble into bits. Obviously, I now know it’s coming and am always ready to respond, “Niente, grazie.“