It's nice when you frequent a place enough that the staff recognize you. It's even better when they remember your regular order. The staff at 208 Garfield recognize me whenever I come in, but I frequent the shop for more than just the good food: my sister works there.

Some of the other workers there I've become friends with remember my coffee and tea orders, but it's nice to be able to drop the server vs. customer formalities with my sister, because it means I can tell her what I like and don't like about my drink that day. That's how she's been able to perfect it over the multiple times I've ordered from her. She knows when to pull the shots to my preference, how much syrup I like, what temperature is best. She's ruined me for all other cafes. No where else can make my drink as good as she can.

Not only drinks apply though, 208 Garfield serves a surplus of food options as well. I love being able to order 'my salad' and know I won't have to worry about an employee accidentally forgetting to omit the tomatoes I am allergic to. My sister also asks if I want 'my sandwich' in which I substitute some items I can't eat for others instead.

Only workers that are friends or family have ever known I like to drink a 'Vanilla Vanilla Vanilla', because most soy milk is vanilla flavored, but I still want vanilla syrup in my drink if I order a vanilla latte.

Let me tell you, having a sibling to be your server saves a lot of time and breath, and that means I get exactly what I want. I just tend to give her tips by making her dinner that night rather than cash on the receipt.