---
title: "Espresso Bar Checklist - Coffee Shop & Cafe"
canonical: "https://peakscaleops.com/checklists/coffee-shop-espresso-bar-checklist/"
---

> Source: https://peakscaleops.com/checklists/coffee-shop-espresso-bar-checklist/

[Checklists](/checklists/) / [Coffee Shop & Cafe](/checklists/coffee-shop/) / Run the Espresso Bar

# Espresso Bar Checklist for Coffee Shop & Cafe

The espresso bar is where a Coffee Shop & Cafe earns or loses its reputation, one shot at a time. These 7 checks keep every shot and every jug of milk to standard through the whole shift, not just at open. Dose and tamp each shot to the set amount, time it to the set window, and taste-check quality as the day runs. Purge and wipe the steam wand before and after every jug, keep milk cold in the fridge until you need it, and wash the jugs between uses.

[Run this checklist - free](/run/coffee-shop/?list=espresso-bar) [Download PDF](/checklists/pdf/peakscale-coffee-shop-checklists.pdf)[Download Excel](/checklists/excel/peakscale-coffee-shop-checklists.xlsx)

The checklist · 7 checks

### Pull a consistent shot

**1\. Dose and tamp (press down the ground coffee) every shot to the set amount.** A consistent dose and tamp keep the shot the same every time.

**2\. Time every shot to the set window.** Shot time affects whether the espresso tastes balanced or bitter.

**3\. Check shot quality through the whole shift, not only when you open.** Grind and dose can drift as the day goes on.

### Handle milk and the steam wand

**4\. Purge (run water through the tip) and wipe the steam wand before you steam milk.** Purging clears old milk from the tip before it touches fresh milk.

**5\. Purge and wipe the steam wand again right after you steam milk.** Dried milk on the wand grows bacteria and blocks the steam holes.

**6\. Keep milk cold in the fridge until you need it.** Warm milk spoils fast and does not steam well.

**7\. Wash milk jugs between uses.** A dirty jug can taint the next drink.

## Frequently asked questions

**What does the Coffee Shop & Cafe espresso bar checklist cover?**

Pulling a consistent shot and handling milk safely. You dose and tamp every shot to the set amount, time it to the set window, and check shot quality through the shift. You purge and wipe the steam wand before and after steaming, keep milk cold until use, and wash jugs between uses.

**Why time every espresso shot?**

A shot outside the set time window is under- or over-extracted, so it tastes sour or bitter. Timing each shot against the window tells the barista to adjust the grind before a whole run of drinks goes out wrong.

**When do you purge and wipe the steam wand?**

Twice for every jug: once before you steam, to clear condensate from the tip, and once straight after, to stop milk drying onto the wand. Dried milk is both a hygiene risk and a flavour taint on the next drink.

## More Coffee Shop & Cafe checklists

[Check Deliveries In](/checklists/coffee-shop-receiving-checklist/)[Open the Bar](/checklists/coffee-shop-opening-checklist/)[Brew Filter Coffee](/checklists/coffee-shop-brewed-filter-coffee-checklist/)[Check the Pastry and Food Display](/checklists/coffee-shop-pastry-food-display-checklist/)[Close the Bar](/checklists/coffee-shop-closing-checklist/)[Weekly Equipment and Safety Checks](/checklists/coffee-shop-weekly-checklist/)

One free app has all of them: [open the Coffee Shop & Cafe Checklists app](/run/coffee-shop/) - offline, no account, add it to your home screen.