Coffee at Breakfast Buffets

Your morning coffee usually comes served in a small pitcher. Problem solved.

Sometimes in a pitcher, as said above, no problem.

Sometimes a self-serve machine, no problem.

Sometimes served at the table, ask for another, I often do, or they will offer, no problem.

That's the advantage of the (sometimes expensive) buffet.

I have found that often when there is a pitcher of black coffee on the table there is an espresso machine somewhere out back. Often when asked if I would like tea or coffee, or just asked if I would like coffee, if I ask for a cappuccino it will be brought with a smile.

In Germany, coffee traditionally comes in a small, 2 cup pot, called a Kännchen. It comes in a pot that size because they have special appliances that make it fresh in that amount, not in a 40 cup urn. They can always make another. At a breakfast buffet, I have never had a problem getting a second Kännchen. At a restaurant, I'm not so sure.

Gail,

You didn't say which countries you'll be travelling in, but in any case you shouldn't have any trouble getting more than one cup of coffee at breakfast.

Depending on the country and the individual hotel, you may be served:

• Vending machine coffee, with each cup freshly ground and brewed by the machine (I've found these to be increasingly common).
• Each cup prepared by the staff (such as Café Americano or Cappucino).
• Freshly made coffee served in small stainless steel pots (which hold about two cups).
• Drip coffee, same as at home.

I've never had any problems getting refills, regardless of which method they use for serving. Be sure to get your fill of coffee at breakfast, as you'll likely be paying for every cup at lunch or supper.

Happy travels!

In restaurants or cafes, free coffee refills are rare. In fact, free refills of anything is very rare. However, in B&Bs, hotels with breakfasts, etc., refill are available. However, we try to limit our liquid intake at breakfast because of the restroom situation when out and about.

Not a single exception comes to my mind throughout Europe as to second cups of coffee at breakfast buffets. All offer. But as noted and like another beverage, "You can never buy beer; you just rent it." Archie Bunker