So jelly!

Belongings are people, my friend!

This doesn't count as line cutting. Shut up.

First world problems. Shut up and stop whining.

just go sit at the table with your coffee, since you'll be there first. Move their backpack, or pee on everything.

"The next time you see this happening, put on your best Larry David impersonation and politely ask them if they would like to cut in front of you. When they get that puzzled look just let them know that since they've already claimed a table, it is pointless for them to wait in line with everyone else."

So how come you didn't do this? Oh yeah, cause you're a huge pussy.

Must not have gotten the memo.

How is this different from going to the movies, getting your seats staked out and then going back to get in line at the snack bar?

You should thank that seat-stealing bane to civilized society for committing such an affront. Look at the fresh new first-world problem/horror you get to gnash your teeth over and poke at your Macbook about.

I'm with the OP. It's different from staking out a seat at the movies, because by that point you've already paid for your ticket and getting a seat is the next logical option. Getting snacks is optional. At a coffeeshop, though, you're not a customer until you've ordered -- so grabbing a seat while other people are waiting to order is just rude. If it's not a crowded coffeeshop it's maybe not that big of a deal, but if there are limited seats, it's as bad as cutting in line.

There are a number of restaurants in Portland that explain this pretty clearly - don't take a seat until you've at least ordered, and maybe gotten your order. Anyone that's been to Pine State (i.e. everyone) knows this.

It is more awkward at a coffee shop, where customers generally linger longer, but the idea is that by the time you clear the line someone else has left. At most places, it works.