What bugs you about dining out?

vegmebuff

seltzermint555 wrote: »

When 30% of the menu is "unavailable right now".

I hate this even more when I'm with someone with special dietary preferences (vegan, pescetarian, whatever) and it's the ONE veggie-friendly or fish option that they don't have.

yes and when the vegetarian or vegan menu item(s) offered are pathetic 'empty' salads with no protein or much added to them...

BIGFNROB

When its dead and you still wait 25min for the food!

Essenzook

Really hard chairs. I’ll be squirming and fidgeting after 20 minutes with hip and back pain.

bdgfn

There are actually two answers for me. One for dining out in the States, the other for dining out in Europe.

In the States, it bugs the hell out of me when the server keeps coming back every few minutes to ask if everything is okay, especially when I have just taken a bite of whatever I'm eating. Then, they usually bring you the check before you're done eating, and if you don't pay in a short period of time, may keep coming back. I understand the restaurants need to turn tables, but c'mon, you don't need to be pushy about it.

In Europe, it's the exact opposite, at the end of the meal. The servers are attentive but not obtrusive. And once they are sure you are happy, they pretty much disappear unless you flag them down for something. Which you have to do just to get the check. In the majority of restaurants, there is no expectation that you finish eating and leave in a set amount of time. If you have a table, it is yours as long as you want it, even if that is all night and you don't order anything else. Dining in Europe is a very casual affair and dinner can last for hours. But if you happen to be in a hurry, it can be a bit taxing.

Unknown

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seltzermint555

natty_or_not wrote: »

hud54014 wrote: »

I don't like gratuity added to the bill. I can figure out percentages and I know how to tip well.

I don’t like tipping whatsoever even though I do. It’s the responsibility of the cheapskate owner of the place to make sure his/her employees are compensated for their work, not mine. This whole tipping system is their way of expecting the public to subsidize their business.

I do not like the tipping system (U.S.) either. I tip of course, but I think it's pretty ridiculous the way things work.

About ten years ago I was on an internet forum where servers were talking about their tips and that made me even more annoyed. They would make fun of people who didn't tip at least $10 on their bill even if it was a $6 lunch. They were vicious. If I'm eating a quick $6 lunch I'd be likely to leave $4 as tip which I feel is plenty generous. I get that they have to live off essentially tips but I just feel like their expectations were nuts especially for people who work in cheaper restaurants (places that would have $6 lunches).

vegmebuff

going to a restaurant where the bathrooms are not kept well...and you notice some dirty things...only to return one year later and those 'dirty things' are still there!!!gross