A lot of the time, you want to eat something you made but you want something else on the side, maybe a dessert or coffee, well many people think about the possibility of bringing their own food to a coffee shop so that they can have a piece of both worlds, unfortunately not every coffee shop allows this.
So if you were wondering about doing this at Starbucks then you will find the answer in this article!
Does Starbucks Allow Outside Food?
Yes, you can bring outside food to Starbucks, but there are some conditions. You have to pay for something while you’re there and you shouldn’t be bringing in large amounts of food and drinks even if you are a paying customer.
Although Starbucks allows outside food, you can’t just walk in with a homemade sandwich, sit down and have breakfast, because this would mean that you are not a paying customer.
However, if you purchase a coffee, then that is all you need to enjoy your stay, even if you bring outside food.
But as mentioned, you can’t bring drinks or large amounts of food, meaning you won’t be able to eat a whole McDonald’s combo at Starbucks. It’s very likely the staff will ask you to leave if you do.
If you want to know more about the pros and cons of bringing your own food or any outside food to a cafe, then keep reading, you might learn something useful.
Can I Eat My Lunch at Starbucks?
As long as you purchase something, and you don’t bring a very big meal you are allowed to eat something from outside of Starbucks.
Can I Bring My Own Food to a Cafe?
It depends on the cafe. As we just learned, Starbucks is very friendly about it, and you can bring any type of food and eat in the cafe as long as you buy something as a customer.
Why Can’t I Bring My Own Food to a Cafe?
Some places won’t allow you to bring outside food, and these are some of the most common reasons.
- Local Health Regulations
- Not enough paying customers
- Busy Cafe
Can Starbucks Kick You Out?
In most situations, Starbucks employees won’t kick you out, meaning that if you are just there to use the wi-fi, you are free to stay, or if you just want to meet someone there and then be on your way, it’s perfectly fine.
This used to be a little different before they changed their policy, but thankfully now they try to accept as many people as possible, with a welcoming polite spirit.
However, if there is a situation that really crosses the line, employees still have the duty to maintain order so that other customers can enjoy their time, so as a customer, try to be polite and follow the rules, even though they are quite flexible about it.
For example, if you go to Starbucks with two pizzas, a group of friends and you start moving around tables, that would probably be unacceptable and you’ll be kicked out, so as long as you’re a good customer they probably won’t have any reason to kick you out.
Can I Sit at Starbucks Without Ordering Anything?
Yes, Starbucks is a lot more than a cafe or a food chain. The idea is that it can be a place to meet with people, an alternative to a home office, and more.
So if you want to go to a Starbucks to enjoy the smell of coffee and maybe that sweet-free wi-fi without ordering any drinks or food, you are welcome to do it and you can be sure you won’t be kicked out even if you stay there for hours.
it’s always recommended to order something in exchange for the free wifi and ambiance, but the chances of anyone asking you to leave if you don’t are slim.
Conclusion…
If you plan on having lunch at Starbucks, just because you like to be there but not because you want to actually buy their food, then you can but, you have to be discreet and not bring large amounts of food, otherwise, they won’t let you stay.
A lot of the time, they’ll let you have outside food but you have to at least buy some coffee and there won’t be any problems.
Still, if you are in doubt, the next time you want to bring outside food to a Starbucks, just ask if it’s ok to do it and they will give you a clear answer.