3 Times Starbucks Customers Went Too Far

Love it or hate it, Starbucks continues to dominate the American coffee market. Much of Starbucks' appeal can be attributed to its accessibility and reliability, which the chain's dedicated staff helps make possible. Yet the truth is, Starbucks employees don't always have the best working environment. The reasons for this range from low pay to ceaseless demands on workers to satiate the corporate overlords. One challenge that all Starbucks employees must face is the customers. Not all patrons at the coffee chain are terrible, but every so often, riled-up customers take things way too far.

Baristas frequently highlight customers' bad behavior, like complaining about long wait times and honking in the drive-thru. These are comparatively minor transgressions when compared to the ways some customers blow their proverbial tops during a Starbucks run. We compiled some of the most outlandish examples of Starbucks customers pushing their luck, including an angry outburst over a misspelled name, a monstrous drink order, and multiple bear cup dust-ups. If you want to avoid finding yourself on a list like this, there are rules you should know before ordering at Starbucks – and being kind is one of them.

If you've ever been miffed about Starbucks spelling your name wrong on a cup, don't take it personally. Baristas usually resort to the most generic spelling in the interest of efficiency, although good luck telling SARAH WITH AN "H" that (via Instagram). This aggrieved customer was apparently pushed over the edge by one too many misspellings and let her high-decibel anger be known to a resigned barista.

On Reddit, a self-proclaimed Starbucks barista shared a picture of what they termed "these horrifying crazy drinks." The cup instructions feature an impressive scroll of additions, including cookie crumbles, caramel drizzle, macadamia syrup, and golden foam, which is vanilla sweet cream cold foam mixed with extra virgin olive oil. If you've ever wondered what your Starbucks order says about you, customized drink orders like this one probably mean you're memorable for the wrong reasons. 

Starbucks special release cups are no joke, especially when the vessel is shaped like a beanie-wearing teddy bear. Every time the coffee chain rolls out a limited number of these coveted "Bearista" cups, it throws customers into a frenzy. In a video posted to Facebook, a verbal spat ensues when one customer accuses another of attempting to snag their Bearista cup before they could pay for it. The arguing parties accuse each other of physical assault, and the growing line of customers becomes an unwitting audience to the Bearista custody battle, offering the occasional one-liner, including "She didn't hit you" and "Idiot."