Restaurant Pet Peeves

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  • Waiters in England get min wage too, trust me it doesn't make them better at their job. The management add % automatically to the bill for a service charge, WTF. What I don't get though is that it's the staff in the kitchen that work the hardest and they don't see anything extra.
  • nilbogger
    nilbogger Posts: 870 Member
    I don't see it as asking for a tip because 9 times out of 10 they haven't even looked at the cash when they ask this question. For all they know there isn't even enough to cover the bill!

    Why would they give their server not enough to cover the bill? That makes no sense what-so-ever.

    It doesn't matter what amount. They shouldn't try to shorten their job. They should be WILLING to do their ENTIRE JOB without asking to shorten it. It's almost saying "Do I have to make an extra trip to get your change for you?" To me, that's like complaining that they have to do WORK.

    Do you honestly think no one has ever intentionally or unintentionally not put in enough to cover the bill? Which is not even the point, anyway. I think you take things too personally, Cookie.
  • When people you go with get annoyed with the food and try to take it out on the waitress by not tipping her. I have a group of friends that won't tip the waitress if they are unhappy with their meals...I'm not down for that. It's not their fault that the food is not to your liking. I understand maybe if the service isn't great - but either way, you should always tip!

    I disagree that you should ALWAYS tip. There have been two times in my life in which we have not tipped because the waitress/waiter forgot about us. Once we just had drinks, no order taken for 15 minutes. The other time we didn't get to order until twenty minutes later after finding our waitress in the back chatting it up. Sorry, I am not tipping someone who ignores me. I shouldn't have to go hunt someone down who should be doing their job instead of socializing. Of course now we just walk out if it's been ten minutes without a word from anyone. Someone rude will also get tipped less. And we tend to tip pretty well, especially to those who do a great job.
  • 12skipafew99100
    12skipafew99100 Posts: 1,669 Member
    When they bring you a fresh drink and leave the empty glass on the table. I really don't like that. It shows laziness on their part (I know sometimes they are very busy) and makes you look gluttonous.

    I'm happy to to tip well for service.
  • Springs131
    Springs131 Posts: 56 Member
    I have control issues because I wouldn't get worked up and freak out if a server brought a glass of water I didn't ask for?

    I don't want people wasting my time. I want what I want for my money. Who goes to a restaurant let's say during their lunch break, only has that hour(let's say work is right next door, so you don't have to drive anywhere), you really want your server taking MORE TIME to do things you don't want, honestly? That could make you late getting back to work. That's not nice of the server to not think about your feelings and your time as a customer. For example, I don't tell my server I am ready to order if I am not ready. If they ask and I am not ready, I tell them. I am CONSIDERATE about their time, they should be CONSIDERATE of OURS.

    Also, at times we have been seated at small tables or been super crowded between the people we are seated between, especially with the menu holder advertisements already in the way as well as the ketchup bottles, the salt and pepper shakers, so if it's a restaurant that serves bread you need room for that, then appetizer plates if you order appetizers or just plates for the bread, others that are ordering water and a bar drink, etc. Get what I am saying here? WE NEED THE ROOM FOR THINGS *WE* *DO* want. Think about our confined spaces and how we are getting affected by something we don't need at our table. Even if we have a large table or just 2 people at a 4-seater booth, still, why have something on the table that is in the way that's not wanted? Also, why have someone go do that when I want a coke instead? If I want to order my food, but they just filled 4 glasses of water while I sat waiting to order. That's not fun, that's not good service if nobody at the table wants water. That's wasting our time, our server's time, and other people's time that the server is wasting that our server could be at their table getting something that is actually wanted.
  • My #1 is when I hand the server my check and cash and am asked "do you need change?"

    How about "I'll be right back with your change," which gives me the option of telling him/her that we're all set.

    Why not just ask me if you can keep the change? You're asking for a tip, which is rude.

    Disclaimer: I usually tip 20%, but this just sets my teeth on edge.

    Or when they bring you back change that you need to break again. I think one waiter expected us to tip him in ten dollar bills.
  • Springs131
    Springs131 Posts: 56 Member
    [Do you honestly think no one has ever intentionally or unintentionally not put in enough to cover the bill? Which is not even the point, anyway. I think you take things too personally, Cookie.

    This doesn't make sense. It doesn't matter what amount they have. It only matters that they are trying to get out of doing the FULL JOB(BEING LAZY).
  • When you go twenty minutes after being seated and are way past being ready to order and have to go hunt down your waitress, who you find in the back chatting with a co-worker. :-/

    After 15 minutes, I'd leave the restaurant or after 10 minutes, go to the hostess stand to try to find a server. They have already gotten zero if it's 20 minutes before they even started.

    We definitely do that now. I guess we never thought something like that would happen. And it shouldn't.
  • Springs131
    Springs131 Posts: 56 Member
    Or when they bring you back change that you need to break again. I think one waiter expected us to tip him in ten dollar bills.

    First off, it's *YOUR* responsibility if you don't have other cash on you to *******TELL YOUR SERVER YOU WILL NEED SMALLER CHANGE. Are they a mind reader? We have smaller bills on us. If you give smaller bills, to me that shows how you are fishing for a tip and I hate when servers give you all ones let's say like when I have bought a daiquiri before and they could have given me a $5 bill for my change. That's when I started to tell them to give me a $5 bill back. Why don't you do the same, DUHH?

    Secondly, how is the waiter supposed to know that you have no small bills on you?

    Thirdly, who said that he expected that. He was just giving you change. If he gave you 10 one dollar bills, you'd be pissed that he was in a way asking for his tip by giving you all one dollar bills.

    If you want change a certain way, *SPEAK UP*. How does the waiter know you need small amounts of change? I have other money on me besides just what I gave. How does he know you don't? He doesn't have x-ray vision.

    I think the server should *ASK* if the customer doesn't say anything since it seems a lot of customers don't SPEAK UP.
  • I agree with the below! They do become houdini when it's time for the check. Another time is once they serve you and quickly disappear never to be seen until you flag them down somewhere.
  • Springs131
    Springs131 Posts: 56 Member
    We definitely do that now. I guess we never thought something like that would happen. And it shouldn't.

    We go to the hostess's stand usually. Sitting there beyond 10 minutes is ridiculous.
  • getinmabelly
    getinmabelly Posts: 23 Member
    As someone who also spent a good deal of my formative years waitressing, I have several bugbears, both from waiting staff, and customers! So, in no particular order....

    1. Waiting staff taking plates away from some people before the remaining members of the party have even finished eating! Give us a chance! Makes the remaining people eating feel like they are inconveniencing the waiting staff or their fellow diners, and have to eat faster. Very rude.

    2. Customers who don't know how to use or even hold a knife and fork! What's with this holding a knife like a pen thing?

    3. Lack of manners (on both parts!) A 'please' and a 'thank you' cost nothing! That really does go for both waiting staff AND customers!

    4. Silent, miserable or arrogant waiting staff. Had one of those the other day. The waitress wouldn't give eye contact and just shoved our food down in front of us.

    5. Overpriced food, just because it's served on a chopping board instead of a plate - or has the word 'artisan' in the description somewhere.

    6. Customers talking or texting on their mobile phones while placing an order, or just while they have a friend sat opposite them.

    I could go on, but then it might get a bit venue specific, and that's what TripAdvisor is for ;-)
  • Or when they bring you back change that you need to break again. I think one waiter expected us to tip him in ten dollar bills.

    First off, it's *YOUR* responsibility if you don't have other cash on you to *******TELL YOUR SERVER YOU WILL NEED SMALLER CHANGE. Are they a mind reader? We have smaller bills on us. If you give smaller bills, to me that shows how you are fishing for a tip and I hate when servers give you all ones let's say like when I have bought a daiquiri before and they could have given me a $5 bill for my change. That's when I started to tell them to give me a $5 bill back. Why don't you do the same, DUHH?

    I assumed he expected it because he got a sour look on his face when we asked for smaller change back.
    Secondly, how is the waiter supposed to know that you have no small bills on you?

    Thirdly, who said that he expected that. He was just giving you change. If he gave you 10 one dollar bills, you'd be pissed that he was in a way asking for his tip by giving you all one dollar bills.

    If you want change a certain way, *SPEAK UP*. How does the waiter know you need small amounts of change? I have other money on me besides just what I gave. How does he know you don't? He doesn't have x-ray vision.

    I think the server should *ASK* if the customer doesn't say anything since it seems a lot of customers don't SPEAK UP.
  • Or when they bring you back change that you need to break again. I think one waiter expected us to tip him in ten dollar bills.

    First off, it's *YOUR* responsibility if you don't have other cash on you to *******TELL YOUR SERVER YOU WILL NEED SMALLER CHANGE. Are they a mind reader? We have smaller bills on us. If you give smaller bills, to me that shows how you are fishing for a tip and I hate when servers give you all ones let's say like when I have bought a daiquiri before and they could have given me a $5 bill for my change. That's when I started to tell them to give me a $5 bill back. Why don't you do the same, DUHH?

    I assumed he expected it because he got a sour look on his face when we asked for smaller change back.
    Secondly, how is the waiter supposed to know that you have no small bills on you?

    Thirdly, who said that he expected that. He was just giving you change. If he gave you 10 one dollar bills, you'd be pissed that he was in a way asking for his tip by giving you all one dollar bills.

    If you want change a certain way, *SPEAK UP*. How does the waiter know you need small amounts of change? I have other money on me besides just what I gave. How does he know you don't? He doesn't have x-ray vision.

    I think the server should *ASK* if the customer doesn't say anything since it seems a lot of customers don't SPEAK UP.


    We assumed he was expecting it because he had a sour look on his face when we asked for smaller change back.
  • lodiloohoo64
    lodiloohoo64 Posts: 60 Member
    It must be the way some treat you when you order water. I only drink water and tip well. Still, I have had a waitress or two who are all grins and giggles over telling me about the special, then I order water and the person waiting on me just switched to an alternate personality. Not right....not at all. Oh, and children who are not well parented. :noway:
  • Or when they bring you back change that you need to break again. I think one waiter expected us to tip him in ten dollar bills.

    First off, it's *YOUR* responsibility if you don't have other cash on you to *******TELL YOUR SERVER YOU WILL NEED SMALLER CHANGE. Are they a mind reader? We have smaller bills on us. If you give smaller bills, to me that shows how you are fishing for a tip and I hate when servers give you all ones let's say like when I have bought a daiquiri before and they could have given me a $5 bill for my change. That's when I started to tell them to give me a $5 bill back. Why don't you do the same, DUHH?

    Secondly, how is the waiter supposed to know that you have no small bills on you?

    Thirdly, who said that he expected that. He was just giving you change. If he gave you 10 one dollar bills, you'd be pissed that he was in a way asking for his tip by giving you all one dollar bills.

    If you want change a certain way, *SPEAK UP*. How does the waiter know you need small amounts of change? I have other money on me besides just what I gave. How does he know you don't? He doesn't have x-ray vision.

    I think the server should *ASK* if the customer doesn't say anything since it seems a lot of customers don't SPEAK UP.

    And rather quick to judge that we didn't ask afterward.
  • Springs131
    Springs131 Posts: 56 Member
    1. Waiting staff taking plates away from some people before the remaining members of the party have even finished eating! Give us a chance! Makes the remaining people eating feel like they are inconveniencing the waiting staff or their fellow diners, and have to eat faster. Very rude.

    Sorry I 100% DISAGREE with you here. I personally don't want my dirty plate in front of me if I am finished. If you are a slower eater, blame it on the faster eaters, not on the staff. Also, if everyone felt like you, the wait for a table would DOUBLE because there would be no clean plates for the next people. You seem SELFISH just thinking about yourself. Why should dirty plates not be taken so they can be used for OTHER PEOPLE? Why should that bother you if the people are finished eating and what good does it do to talk when the dirty plate in front of me so now I can't put my hands even in front of me on the table even?

    No one is making you feel rushed but *YOU*! The other diners aren't having to eat faster.

    The one thing that makes me feel rushed is if the server is asking about dessert while others aren't finished, *THAT* pisses me off to no end. The taking the plates though is for OTHER PEOPLE IN THE RESTAURANT. Also, I really don't want a dirty plate in front of me. I PREFER to have them take it. My husband is a faster eater than me in general and I truly don't mind and actually like when they take his plate. It doesn't make me feel rushed at all. I know they need that plate for other people in the restaurant. Why have him sit with a dirty plate longer? What good does that do anybody? Also, the longer they wait to take his plate, the longer our server takes to get our check or whatever we ask for refills, etc.

    Asking about dessert is rude because how do we know if we want to a dessert if one person isn't finished and also usually courses are eaten together so why ask about dessert? That asking is rushing me. Taking dirty plates is not rushing me.

    You shouldn't take it as rushing. The restaurant is LOSING MONEY if the customers leave because they had to wait too long to get seated. WHY don't you look at it like that from a MONEY standpoint? Also, you can refuse as a customer to not let them take your plate if you choose. SPEAK UP!
  • ARDuBaie
    ARDuBaie Posts: 378 Member
    I am pretty tolerant about restaurant issues since I used to be a waitress. As a mother, I am pretty tolerant of children, too. The one thing that I am not tolerant of are restaurants that believe that their patrons are stupid and unable to understand a menu. I have a gluten allergy and will ask if a restaurant has a gluten-free menu. One restaurant, Cracker Barrel, insists on having their manager read the gluten-free menu to you at your table. I can read prefectly fine, thank you. And thank you for making everyone around my table believe that I can't read or comprehend a menu.
  • candacet36
    candacet36 Posts: 353 Member
    I am a mother of 4 so I remember the days of little kids but I don't think it is ok to bring them to a nice place and then just let them run loose. If they can't sit and eat and have manners get a babysitter.
  • Springs131
    Springs131 Posts: 56 Member

    We assumed he was expecting it because he had a sour look on his face when we asked for smaller change back.

    You could have PREVENTED that by TELLING HIM you need some smaller bills like 5's, some 1's.
  • CookNLift
    CookNLift Posts: 3,660 Member
    When they :

    a.) Don't have an immediate refill of my beer
    b.) Are no where to be found when I am looking for a refill / sauce / condiment of some sort but are surprisingly there when I take a huge mouthful of food to ask me if I need anything and I can't chew quick enough to answer them.

  • We assumed he was expecting it because he had a sour look on his face when we asked for smaller change back.

    You could have PREVENTED that by TELLING HIM you need some smaller bills like 5's, some 1's.

    So we're supposed to be mind readers when most people bring back $5 and $1s? I have no problem asking for change after. I do have a problem with someone giving me attitude afterward.
  • Springs131
    Springs131 Posts: 56 Member
    So we're supposed to be mind readers when most people bring back $5 and $1s? I have no problem asking for change after. I do have a problem with someone giving me attitude afterward.

    You never go by what "MOST PEOPLE" do. That's your problem. Why don't you just simply *TELL YOUR SERVER* that you want some smaller bills? What is soooo HARD about that?

    You are acting like the waiter is supposed to JUST KNOW that you have no small bills on you.
  • lodiloohoo64
    lodiloohoo64 Posts: 60 Member
    Knowing that the oil in the tall blue bottle, mixed with sundried tomatoes and such for dipping my bread in is really not olive oil as claimed makes me cranky. It is God's way of telling me that bread should not be a choice for me anywhooo, nor the fancy, not so fancy oil. Note taken Sir.
  • bperkins88
    bperkins88 Posts: 357 Member
    I am a mother of 4 so I remember the days of little kids but I don't think it is ok to bring them to a nice place and then just let them run loose. If they can't sit and eat and have manners get a babysitter.

    Wow, you look excellent for being a mother of four! :love:
  • So we're supposed to be mind readers when most people bring back $5 and $1s? I have no problem asking for change after. I do have a problem with someone giving me attitude afterward.

    You never go by what "MOST PEOPLE" do. That's your problem. Why don't you just simply *TELL YOUR SERVER* that you want some smaller bills? What is soooo HARD about that?

    Why do you have a problem with me? We did ask for smaller bills after. What's sooooo HARD about not having an attitude about it?
  • So we're supposed to be mind readers when most people bring back $5 and $1s? I have no problem asking for change after. I do have a problem with someone giving me attitude afterward.

    You never go by what "MOST PEOPLE" do. That's your problem. Why don't you just simply *TELL YOUR SERVER* that you want some smaller bills? What is soooo HARD about that?

    You are acting like the waiter is supposed to JUST KNOW that you have no small bills on you.

    Actually, I'm not acting like that at all. You're perceiving that I am, however. I had no problem asking for smaller bills after. What I had a problem with was his having an attitude about it.
  • Why do you have a problem with me? We did ask for smaller bills after. What's sooooo HARD about not having an attitude about it?

    My main point is that you should have TOLD HIM WHEN YOU GAVE HIM THE CHECK AND THE MONEY said " Can we please gets some small bills in our change, please?" Why not do that from NOW ON? I don't want 4 5's if I could have a $20 bill personally if I have 5's and 1's already on me.

    I'm guessing you have a problem with asking for change afterward. I'm certainly not taking advice from someone so rude. If I need smaller bills afterward, which I have only needed maybe twice because most people bring you back change you can tip them back with, I will ASK.
  • OllyReeves
    OllyReeves Posts: 579 Member
    I really hate it when only half of the order comes out and the rest of the table has to wait 10 minutes for their meals. Happens pretty often down here in Aus and it makes me bonkers. Servers here don't have the same incentive to do well as servers in the US do.

    I think that's half the reason that service in the UK is generally so poor. Noone in the UK knows how to tip. I always reward good service, and return to the same places!
  • What I had a problem with was his having an attitude about it.

    He had a right to be pissed that you were making him GO BACK when you should have told him to begin with. I think it's a combination of both that he expected a large tip and he also didn't want to go back again doing more work, because *YOU* didn't specify you need more. Telling your server when you pay will help not make a server do DOUBLE the work. So I would be pissed too that you made me do double the work more than the tip I would have thought I would have gotten.

    You really are a drama queen. He took the check so quickly I couldn't ask for smaller bills. But hey, I guess I should have gotten up and chased him down, right?