English: Ordering at a Cafe

Level: A2. A cafe is one of the easiest places to practise real English: the conversation is short, polite and repeats the same few phrases. Learn the ordering frame once and you can use it anywhere coffee is sold.

By the end of this page you can…

…order a drink or snack politely, understand the staff’s common questions, ask the price, and pay — all in a natural, short exchange.

Ordering politely

The polite way to ask for something is Can I have …? or, a touch more formal, Could I have …? Both are far better than I want …, which can sound like a demand.

• Can I have a coffee, please?
• Could I have a slice of cake, please?

Always add please. Put the size or number first, then the item: a large latte, two teas, a small orange juice.

What the staff will ask

Cafe staff use a small set of questions. If you recognise them, you will never be caught out.

• What can I get you? / What would you like? — they are ready to take your order.
• For here or to take away? (American English: For here or to go?) — do you want to sit in or carry it out?
• What size? — small, medium or large.
• Anything else? — do you want to add to your order?

Short answers are enough: To take away, please. · A medium, please. · No, that’s all, thanks.

Asking the price and paying

To ask what something costs, use How much is it? for one thing or How much is that altogether? for the whole order.

When you pay, hand over your money or card with Here you are or Here you go. The staff may say Here’s your change and Enjoy! You can finish with Thank you.

A short conversation

Server: Hi, what can I get you? You: Can I have a medium latte, please? Server: Sure. For here or to take away? You: For here, please. How much is it? Server: That’s 4 dollars 20. (illustrative price) You: Here you are. Server: Thanks. Enjoy!

Example sentences

Press play and copy the rhythm — cafe English is quick and friendly.

Quick recap before you practise.

Practice

How to say it

Cafe words carry a few sounds English learners often miss. Listen and copy.

• latte is said “LAH-tay”, stress on the first part, with a clear ‘ah’.
• cappuccino has a hard double ‘c’ in the middle: “kap-oo-CHEE-no”.
• please has a soft, buzzing ‘z’ sound at the end, not a sharp ‘s’: “pleez”.
• receipt has a silent ‘p’: say “ri-SEET”.
• water softens its ‘t’ — “waw-tuh” (UK) or “wah-der” (US).

Quiz

Next

• Next lesson: English: Shopping & Prices
• Previous lesson: English: Food & Drink Basics
• New here? Start with Start Learning English Here