From online orders to drive-thru lines, A Starbucks coffeehouse may not be the first place that comes to mind for a dining-in experience. However, recent changes to customer-serving procedures may have you thinking again. From free refills to the much-requested return of the condiment bar, your visit to Starbucks could look different as of Monday. Keep reading to learn how these changes might affect your coffee routine.
Starbucks to offer free refills on ‘for here’ drinks
Beginning January 27, Starbucks customers can enjoy unlimited free refills of brewed coffee or tea when dining in.
Now, instead of a quick caffeine fix from one of the nation’s most popular “grab and go” coffee chains, Starbucks-goes can sit down and enjoy their drink made in a reusable cup or “for-here” serveware.
Customers are even encouraged to bring a clean personal cup from home to participate in the dine-in experience.
Menu restrictions on this exciting new offer exclude Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew, Iced Tea Lemonade, flavored Iced Tea and Starbucks Refreshers from refills.
The return of the condiment bar to Starbucks
Starbucks is also reintroducing condiment bars, marking another exciting 2025 policy update. Free refills aren’t the only new amenity Starbucks is introducing in 2025. Also launching on January 27 are coffee condiment bars at all locations.
Now, customers can further personalize their orders with their preferred milk, creamer and sweeteners.
Starbucks is committed to serving its customers’ diverse tastes and encourages that, “If you don’t see the milk or sweetener you prefer, don’t hesitate to ask a barista.”
The last time the coffeehouse offered condiment bars was before 2020, but they were removed due to COVID-19 health concerns.
Further updates to Starbucks policies
Starbucks is making exciting changes, including free refills on hot and iced coffee or tea for in-café orders, plus the return of condiment bars for personalizing your drink. However, the coffee chain is also updating its policies, requiring purchases to use cafés, patios, and restrooms. Learn more about these updates and how they’ll impact your next visit here.
Other regulations outlined in the new code include explicit bans on panhandling discrimination, consuming outside alcohol and vaping.
The chain is also discouraging giving free cups of water to non-paying customers under these revised rules.
