Not always. I wasted a day interviewing at TrueCar (well, some faction of TrueCar) and paid for my own lunch. Never heard back from them or the recruiter. Talk about a real waste of time (with footnote I clearly learned I never want to work for TrueCar).
I had a very negative experience with them some years ago. I'd rather not divulge it because it would identify me, but suffice it to say, I'd strongly recommend no-one waste their time on these folks.
I don't do coffee or alcohol.
After doing a number of "coffees" there, I can disclose that Blue Bottle also has a good hot chocolate.
I just want to talk over Thai iced tea damn it! Screw this coffee and/or beer! Thai iced tea!
Can you not get a juice or water or something else whenever you have these meetings?