Final answer:
Counter service is the informal and quick service generally found in diners and coffee shops, where customers order at the counter and may sit there or at nearby tables.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of service described in the question, which is informal and quick, typically found in diners and coffee shops, is known as counter service. This style of service allows customers to order and receive their food or beverages directly at the counter, which is common in casual dining environments. Patrons may sit at the counter on stools or at nearby tables once they have received their order.
In contrast to counter service, American service refers to a style where the server brings food to the table. Russian service is a more formal presentation where dishes are prepared or finished tableside. Lastly, self-serve beverages would imply a station where guests pour their own drinks, which is different from the counter service described.
The anecdote about the language barrier experienced in Bulgaria is an interesting cultural note but does not directly relate to the type of service being asked about. The historical context of European coffeehouses also provides background but does not pertain to the specific question.