8 things boomers do at drive-thrus that make the cars behind them honk

Ever been stuck behind someone at a drive-thru who seems to be experiencing the menu for the very first time?

Last week, I found myself in exactly this situation. The car ahead of me spent what felt like an eternity at the speaker, then another eternity at the payment window, and by the time they reached the pickup window, I swear I could've grown my own coffee beans.

When I finally got my order and drove away, I couldn't help but reflect on how generational differences show up in the most unexpected places. Having helped my parents navigate everything from smartphones to self-checkout lanes, I've noticed certain patterns that seem especially common among older generations at drive-thrus.

Before we dive in, let me be clear: this isn't about age-shaming. Every generation has its quirks, and we'll all probably frustrate someone younger than us someday. But understanding these behaviors can help us all navigate drive-thrus more smoothly, whether we're the ones doing them or waiting behind someone who is.

1. Reading the entire menu out loud at the speaker

You pull up behind a car at the drive-thru, and suddenly you're listening to someone read every single item on the menu board to their passenger. "They have a chicken sandwich... oh, and a fish sandwich... look, they have salads now!"

While it's great to explore your options, the drive-thru speaker isn't really the place for a comprehensive menu review. Most drive-thrus have their menus posted before you reach the speaker for exactly this reason. The cars behind you are likely people on lunch breaks or parents with hungry kids who already know what they want.

Quick tip? If you're unfamiliar with the menu, park and check it out online first, or use the dining room where you can take your time without the pressure of a growing line behind you.

2. Paying with exact change from the bottom of a purse

There's something admirable about using exact change. Really, there is. But when you're digging through your purse for seven minutes to find that last penny while five cars idle behind you, the charm wears off quickly.

I watched my own mother do this recently, and while I appreciate her frugality (she survived the Depression era mindset of her parents), I gently suggested that maybe the drive-thru isn't the ideal place for a coin inventory. The teenage worker looked grateful when I handed over my card to speed things along.

If you love using cash, fantastic. Just have it ready before you reach the window. Count it while you're waiting in line, not when you're holding up the line.

3. Requesting modifications after already ordering

"Actually, can you make that a medium instead of a large? Oh, and no pickles. Wait, does that come with fries? Can I substitute onion rings?"

Sound familiar? While customizing your order is totally fine, doing it piece by piece after you've supposedly finished ordering creates confusion and delays. The person taking your order has to go back and change everything, which increases the chance of mistakes.

Take a moment before ordering to think through what you actually want. If you're unsure about something, ask before you start ordering, not after you've supposedly finished.

4. Having lengthy conversations with the workers

Look, I get it. Sometimes the drive-thru worker is the first person you've talked to all day. When my father was recovering from his heart attack and couldn't leave the house much, I noticed how he'd chat with anyone who'd listen during his brief outings.

But the drive-thru window isn't the place for catching up on local gossip or sharing your grandkids' latest achievements. These workers are timed on how quickly they serve customers, and their managers are probably watching those metrics closely.

A friendly greeting and thank you? Absolutely. A five-minute conversation about the weather? Save it for inside the restaurant where you're not blocking a line of increasingly frustrated customers.

5. Not pulling forward when asked

"Could you please pull forward to the waiting area? We'll bring your order right out."

For some reason, this simple request often triggers a standoff. "Why can't I just wait here?" Because there are seven cars behind you who just want their coffee, that's why.

The restaurant isn't trying to forget about you or give you inferior service. They're trying to keep the line moving efficiently. When you refuse to pull forward, you're essentially holding everyone hostage to your order of twelve specialty items that take longer to prepare.

Trust the process. Pull forward. Your food will come.

6. Arguing about prices or menu changes

"But it was $5.99 last week!" "You used to have the turkey club!"

Prices change. Menu items rotate. The sixteen-year-old working the window has zero control over corporate pricing decisions or menu planning. Yet I've witnessed countless drivers spend valuable minutes debating economics with someone who just started their shift an hour ago.

If you're genuinely concerned about pricing, take it up with management inside, or better yet, contact corporate. The drive-thru line isn't the venue for your consumer advocacy.

7. Treating the drive-thru like a dining experience

Checking every item in your bag? Reasonable. Unwrapping each burger to inspect the toppings while still at the window? You've crossed into dining room territory.

I once waited ten minutes while someone ahead of me taste-tested their fries to make sure they were "fresh enough" before driving away. The collective honking from our line could probably be heard from space.

The drive-thru is designed for speed and convenience. If you need to thoroughly inspect your food or have specific temperature requirements, consider going inside where you can address any issues without creating a traffic jam.

8. Ignoring modern payment technology

"What do you mean you don't take checks?" "Can't I just give you cash through the app somehow?"

Technology moves fast, and I sympathize with anyone trying to keep up. But many drive-thrus have moved to contactless payment systems, apps, and digital rewards programs for good reason: they're faster and more efficient.

If you're uncomfortable with new payment methods, that's valid. But maybe the drive-thru during the lunch rush isn't the best time to get a tutorial on how the mobile app works. Most restaurants are happy to help you set these things up inside when they're less busy.

The bottom line

We all have our drive-thru sins. Maybe you've forgotten your wallet at the window (guilty) or changed your mind about your order at the last second (also guilty). The difference is being aware of how our actions affect others and trying to be considerate.

The next time you're in a drive-thru, remember that everyone behind you might be rushing to work, trying to feed hungry kids, or squeezing lunch into a packed day. A little awareness goes a long way.

And hey, if you recognize yourself in any of these behaviors, don't feel bad. We're all learning and adapting. The fact that you're thinking about it means you're already ahead of the game. Sometimes the best thing we can do is laugh at ourselves and try to do better next time.

After all, we're all just trying to get our coffee and get on with our day, right?