How do you vet out a new coffee shop?

I don't have any hard fast rules but I think for me, first thing I do is look at the equipment to see if they're catering to what I'm looking for. I don't really have any specific criteria, I just kinda go for the vibe and see if it is acceptable. Then I talk to the barista and similarly get a vibe check for how much they....care about coffee. If all that seems all right, I usually ask what drink they recommend for someone who really enjoys the taste of coffee and what the barista's favorites are. Honestly, I rarely actually take their advice there and end up getting a cortado unless it really tickles my fancy, but it's a nice way to engage with the barista.

If I like their cortado, then I'll come back. If not, it's probably on my do not visit list.

Of course, all rules go out the window when going to a shop socially if the crowd has different tastes.