Keepin' it classy with bikini-clad baristas

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Seattle is well known for its love of coffee. And yes, the rumors are true that a coffee shop (typically a Starbucks) graces most major intersections and destinations. Additionally, there are a multitude of family owned coffee shops in the area and the one nearest to me is called Haven Espresso. They serve a delicious cup of coffee and amazing specialty drinks like caramel macchiatos!

What I find most interesting about this local coffee shop is that they emphasize being a family friendly establishment. Well, of course they're a family friendly shop - they sell coffee and pastries! What could be risqué about coffee and pastries?

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Then, one day when Matt and I were gallivanting around our neighborhood we ran across Sweet Cheeks. This hot pink building had a line of cars at the drive thru and, suspiciously, the patrons we saw were all male. Once we crossed the street to get a closer look, we could see the sign more clearly and realized it was called Sweet Cheeks Espresso (the espresso part of the title being in tiny lettering) and the product for sale was coffee!

We were a little wary of the place with all that hot pink paint, so instead of going inside Matt and I walked home and scoured the internet for more information. That is when we learned about the bikini barista trend that started in Seattle in the early 2000's. A bikini barista is exactly what the title claims - a woman who prepares and serves coffee-based drinks while dressed in a bikini, lingerie or other revealing clothing item.

Seattle is keepin' it classy and innovative with the conception of bikini baristas, who I am sure make business very profitable indeed. The message board at Sweet Cheeks always has something sassy to say like "2 girls for a quickie morning" or "so good you'll come twice a day". Oh and did I mention the drink sizes are "A cup", "B cup", "C cup" and "Money Shot". Really. See the picture below. 

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There are about 60 bikini espresso stands in the Seattle/Tacoma area according to a few internet listings. Some are cleverly named and some are just raunchy: Baristas Gone Wild, Brewlesque, Grab N Go Bikini Hut, Hot Chick a Latte, Java Juggs, Lace n' Lattes, Moulin Brew, Natte Latte, Pink Spot Cafe, Twin Perks Espresso. The list goes on.

The bikini espresso stand nearest us has not been in trouble for any illegal activities, but other stands have been caught in prostitution scandals over the years. Now really, these places are no worse than a Hooter's or Twin Peaks or similar establishment but they still bother me. Below is a music video for the song "Bikini Barista" by a Seattle band called Quickie. The video features baristas from Cowgirls Espresso and gives an accurate depiction of what the craze is all about.

In my opinion, sex is not and should not ever be considered a commodity. While these bikini baristas may feign selling a decent cup of coffee, I cannot help but think they have other "products" that are being purchased more frequently. Sure bikini espresso shops signs boast hilarious innuendos, the names of the coffee creations and stands are cheeky but I still can't agree with the worker uniforms (or lack thereof). People have the right to buy their coffee from scantily clad women if they like, but I am going to vote with my dollar and stick with family friendly coffee shops. Your thoughts?