Restaurant Pet Peeves
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When a child throws macaroni and cheese in your hair and his mother is checking her pinterest.:huh:
Well everyone knows their smartphone is more important than making children act like civilized human beings. Come on, times are changing - gotta change with them!
That was extreme sarcasm, just in case anyone missed that.
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Sometimes the best parents end up with kids who are just very ... energetic. lol But good parents with kids like those don't take them out to eat.When a child throws macaroni and cheese in your hair and his mother is checking her pinterest.:huh:
I have 6 children and 5 grandchildren. I guess they have always known that acting poorly means a babysitter next time, so they didn't and don't. It helps to have a talk in the car before heading into the place. Also, you are out for the evening, leave your phone in your purse if with good company.
I like the way you think.
As a non-parent I often err on the side of being overly understanding about kids in restaurants. But when I go out with my friends who have kids, and see that their kids actually know how to remain seated and aren't hanging over other diners' booths chatting and giggling and chewing on the upholstery or having meltdowns...I realize there is such a thing as good parents and good kids ;-)0 -
I got through most of the pages but just can't take the fighting anymore.
As a patron:
Copping out on refills with a pitcher of water/tea/soda left at the table. (Especially soda since it gets watery). These items plus an app plus app plates and other glasses, salt/pepper, and decorations take up so much space.
Reaching over me to grab any item from the person farther into the booth. (My husband once said something about armpit cheese and that was it for me).
At a Breastraunt (Hooters, Twin Peaks, etc) I can't stand when the waitress is oozing over the 2 guys at a table and forgets about me. I like good service and friendliness, too.
Children-- I understand better if they cry; it happens. However- DO NOT let them bounce or kick the booth and peek over getting their cracker-y hands in my face and hair. And for lord's sake, please keep them near your table if they insist on not being in their chair.
Not picking up my plate when I'm done. I normally move it to the end of the table so I don't have to look at it or smell it. It doesn't bother me to be the last person with a plate if I'm not finished.
Giving me crap about asking for A-1. I don't care how good the steak is, I love A-1. And maybe I won't use it, but i'll ask anyway, just in case. So don't say "Oh, you won't need that..." or pull a face at me. Just don't.
Grown women who talk like we are children or have a child-like voice when speaking. It's not cute.
As a server (formerly):
Shaking the ice in your glass to announce you were so thirsty you gulped your 24 oz to go cup in .5 seconds BEFORE even looking at the menu. Slow down there, killer - you'll give yourself indigestion.
Children + Crackers. Or breadsticks. Or the worst was the cornbread. That stuff gets EVERYWHERE!!
During a normal lull period (ie: 1:30-3:30pm) normally only 2 sections are open and you want to sit in an unmanned area, normally way in the back all alone. I can tell you that is one of the best ways to be forgotten
Just so some of you know, ordering water instead of drinks can make you seem cheap. Especially if you order water + lemons and ask for "extra sugar." Why not please just spend the $1.25 on a dangum lemonade????
And we do love it when you remember our name and sit in our section next time. So don't complain when we sign the check with our name and a smiley face.
And I say "you guys," but I don't use "dude" when referring to a woman. "You guys" is the same as "ya'll." But "ya'll" makes you sound too country (and I'm in Texas!).0 -
Some people order water because that's what they like to drink. Not because they're cheap.0
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And I say "you guys," but I don't use "dude" when referring to a woman. "You guys" is the same as "ya'll." But "ya'll" makes you sound too country (and I'm in Texas!).
I didn't read through, but if someone complained about this, it's probably regional/cultural. I grew up in the Northeast and it's a common expression there, so I wouldn't bat an eye. Someone unfamiliar with it might be offended by it (though that person might not be the nicest, either, to get so upset about something so small).Just so some of you know, ordering water instead of drinks can make you seem cheap. Especially if you order water + lemons and ask for "extra sugar." Why not please just spend the $1.25 on a dangum lemonade????
Because I drink water ...
I drink water at home, I drink water when I go out. It isn't to save money, it's because it's what I drink. I don't care for soda and I don't want to waste calories on something like lemonade.0 -
Pet Peeve: Restaurant staff who are more concerned about yapping to other restaurant staff about who got more drunk the night before, how Sue slept with Joe, complaining about their job etc. Ummmmmmm . . . I thought you were there to serve me? Isn't that why I'm paying for my meal to begin with?
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Pet Peeve: Restaurant staff who are more concerned about yapping to other restaurant staff about who got more drunk the night before, how Sue slept with Joe, complaining about their job etc. Ummmmmmm . . . I thought you were there to serve me? Isn't that why I'm paying for my meal to begin with?
This is actually my salon pet peeve, rather than restaurant. From the nicest to cheapest salon it seems like I always have the great fortune of getting the stylist whose boyfriend just cheated on her and she's planning a night out to drink away the pain...and all of her coworkers are being dramatic as well. No time for that...
Although I've seen it happen in restaurants too. There's a super trendy place in my town where they have about four servers to every diner and it looks like they're just flirting and having drinks at all times (while on shift)...I'd swear they were all just at a party and customers crashed it...ugh0 -
Some people order water because that's what they like to drink. Not because they're cheap.
Yup. Supposed to get those 8 glasses in! ;-)0 -
Wow dude. I feel bad for any server that's ever had the displeasure of waiting on you. I wonder how many people have spit in your food over the years. Do you complain if you have a spoon on your table that you don't plan on using too? You must really lose it whenever they bring out bread or a complimentary soup or salad.Not sure what water has to do with your tip money, but whatever psycho.
Are you dumb? THE TIP IS FOR THE **********SERVICE************, which *IS* part of the service time the server is WASTING, DUHHHH! Not sure WHY ANYONE would have to actual *EXPLAIN* this to you??? I don't want water. I don't want my server wasting my time that they could be getting something *********I*************** want instead. It's MY TIP MONEY, I *RULE* WHAT THEY GET ME, NOT ANYONE ELSE! Just because it's the water is free doesn't mean the service is, DUH!
How do you feel when your server gets you something you didn't want and you were waiting to order something you *DID* want, huh? Not frustrating at all at least a little bit, huh? Especially if you are in a hurry for example such as someone on their lunch break.
Probably goes something like this:
******BREAD?****** HOW DARE YOU!!!!!*** waste****MY**** TIME on FU%^ING complementary BREAD!!!!! >>MY<< TIP money does not go towards BREAD!!!!Not sure WHY ANYONE would have to actual *EXPLAIN* this to you??? ^^I RULE^^ WHAT IS DELIVERED TO **my table!!!!*****IT'S MY TIP MONEY!!! MYYYY TIIIIIIIIP MONEYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
First of all, in my experience if water is standard at the restaurant it's not the server that brings waters, it's whoever is bussing the tables. They put water glasses out with the table settings and somebody comes along with a pitcher or something. I'm sure many places do it differently though. If I'm at a bar or someplace that doesn't really set their table I don't expect water. Pretty simple concept.
Second, chill the hell out and learn how to have a rational conversation.
Third, drink some water, maybe it will help you not to be so constipated and you can relax a little.0 -
I have a couple.
Children: I have a child, I make him sit, talk quietly, once in a while he turns around and tries to bug the people near us...when I see him doing it I tell him to sit back down. If he is being a nudge as children can be sometimes I take him out for a time out...so what I dislike is parents letting their children run around the place and making a scene, it's not needed BTW my son just turned 3. I'm not saying it's easy, my son would much rather be up running around and stuff but if you are going to take them in public and insist on eating a meal out then you make them behave the way they should, nope it won't always be an enjoyable time for you but sometimes (ALL) parenting comes before being their friend.
Rudeness: Now this goes both ways, I don't like getting a server who is rude/short with people. I know you have had a long day, especially if you are working a double but I didn't make it long and I'm not there to make it longer, I am always nice and try to be understanding, you should to I live in the US I know your tips are a big part of your living, so suck it up. But that being said I HATE when people are rude to servers, there is no need! They are saving you from not only making you dinner but the clean up as well. Appreciate all they do, servers have more then one table so be aware of all they are doing and times it by 5, it's hardd *kitten* work. Being rude to a server grates on my nerves, most are ding it for a reason other then making a living too. Some so they can be home for their kids during the day, or to go to school themselves. Most know it's not what they want to do forever but it's a way to pay the bills.
Tipping: Oh man, I usually give 20%, because I know how expensive it is to live around where I do. I give more if they server has been super nice, or done her job very well. I hate cheap people! I think that's it.0 -
Ha! I know EXACTLY where that is. I love that area. I live in Lithonia. :happy:
This was in reference to the VORTEX in Atlanta. Doh!:grumble:0 -
I've never personally experienced this but I read somewhere that a group of people from a church went for Sunday lunch after their services. When the waiter came to their table, one woman said, "I want to tell you beforehand that we will not be tipping you because we don't believe in working on Sundays."
If you don't believe in working on Sundays, then don't go out to eat on Sundays and then waiters won't need to work on Sundays!!!! :grumble: I have no problems with what people believe but don't cop the "holier than thou" attitude. You earn 0 points that way ...0 -
A gratuity is ordinarily only added to large parties
Not necessarily.
I have been to plenty of restaurants where I've caught the added gratuity at the end of the check and it's just my husband and I. In cases like that we don't even leave an extra tip because you've already assumed you were getting one and added it to my bill.0 -
And for the record, TIPS means "To Insure Prompt Service". There was a time where the server was tipped before they waited on the patrons and however much the patron left ahead of time determined the quality of their service.0
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I've never personally experienced this but I read somewhere that a group of people from a church went for Sunday lunch after their services. When the waiter came to their table, one woman said, "I want to tell you beforehand that we will not be tipping you because we don't believe in working on Sundays."
If you don't believe in working on Sundays, then don't go out to eat on Sundays and then waiters won't need to work on Sundays!!!! :grumble: I have no problems with what people believe but don't cop the "holier than thou" attitude. You earn 0 points that way ...
^^I actually have been on the receiving end of this type of rationale...and more than once.
As a former server Sunday lunch was by far the WORST. Once I had enough seniority I vowed I would NEVER work a Sunday afternoon service again.0 -
I've eaten in restaurants where the server automatically brings water and in restaurants where the server does not. I have never noticed a measurable difference in the time spent between the two.I love how all of your complaints in this thread are so serious they require capital letters and the Internet equivalent of screaming them at the top of your lungs, but you belittle others' complaints and tell them they're wrong.
There is a time difference. Every minute, every SECOND they are wasting if you don't want water is TIME. You are wrong. No matter what you say, time is time.
How can you say it's not a measurable difference? Let's say you just arrive, 5 MINUTES by the time your server gets to you(You are in a party of 12), WHY? Fixing 12 waters that nobody wants at the table. Could have been at your table in 2-3 minutes. You have NO CLUE OF WTH you are talking about.
Even just printing the check is wasting my time if I want something else. That's TIME, TIME IS TIME. We have had servers before give us the check only for them to have to adjust it and print it all over again. Time is time.
Anything wastes time if you do it for nothing. Are you stupid?
Why don't you just SAVE SOME TIME and go eat at a FAST FOOD RESTAURANT where you can HAVE IT YOUR WAY? You will save TIME TIME TIME!!!
You sound like such a lovely individual. You're probably one of those people who talks loudly on the phone during dinner as well because IT'S YOUR TIME!!!!0 -
I've never personally experienced this but I read somewhere that a group of people from a church went for Sunday lunch after their services. When the waiter came to their table, one woman said, "I want to tell you beforehand that we will not be tipping you because we don't believe in working on Sundays."
If you don't believe in working on Sundays, then don't go out to eat on Sundays and then waiters won't need to work on Sundays!!!! :grumble: I have no problems with what people believe but don't cop the "holier than thou" attitude. You earn 0 points that way ...
^^I actually have been on the receiving end of this type of rationale...and more than once.
As a former server Sunday lunch was by far the WORST. Once I had enough seniority I vowed I would NEVER work a Sunday afternoon service again.
This is truly sad. I have never heard of this, but that is the most ridiculous thinking. So, you don't believe in working on Sunday, but you believing eating in a restaurant on Sunday? Do they not understand people need to WORK to serve them? How can their brains not wrap around that concept?
I can't believe this is actually a thing people say.. That's probably the saddest thing I've heard on this whole thread. Next time I eat at a restaurant on a Sunday, I'm doubling my tip!!0 -
Servers have to bring a fresh glasses each time, for health reasons, but they DEF shouldn't be leaving the glass if its completely empty unless their hands were full from picking up platesWhen 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.0 -
I haven't read all of the previous pages, but I hate when I have a reservation and still have to wait a long time. One time my husband and I were traveling and were going to be driving through his aunt & uncles town around dinner time. They made a reservation for the 4 of us to have dinner. We got there right on time and they were packed - it was 7PM on a Friday night. They refused to tell us how long until our table was ready. After waiting for 20 minutes, one of the hostesses finally told us that they were just beginning to seat people who had 6PM reservations. We immediately left and went elsewhere. We were hungry and still had 2 hours to drive to our hotel. We weren't going to wait for another hour!0
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I've never personally experienced this but I read somewhere that a group of people from a church went for Sunday lunch after their services. When the waiter came to their table, one woman said, "I want to tell you beforehand that we will not be tipping you because we don't believe in working on Sundays."
If you don't believe in working on Sundays, then don't go out to eat on Sundays and then waiters won't need to work on Sundays!!!! :grumble: I have no problems with what people believe but don't cop the "holier than thou" attitude. You earn 0 points that way ...
^^I actually have been on the receiving end of this type of rationale...and more than once.
As a former server Sunday lunch was by far the WORST. Once I had enough seniority I vowed I would NEVER work a Sunday afternoon service again.
I am so, so sorry! I say that in all sincerity. I've heard a horror story or two of the after-church crowd being horrible customers. It should never be that way and I hate that some waiters/waitresses have to deal with rudeness like that. If someone doesn't believe in working on Sunday, they should throw some lunch in the crockpot on Saturday night and eat at home!0 -
I've never personally experienced this but I read somewhere that a group of people from a church went for Sunday lunch after their services. When the waiter came to their table, one woman said, "I want to tell you beforehand that we will not be tipping you because we don't believe in working on Sundays."
If you don't believe in working on Sundays, then don't go out to eat on Sundays and then waiters won't need to work on Sundays!!!! :grumble: I have no problems with what people believe but don't cop the "holier than thou" attitude. You earn 0 points that way ...
THere was a pastor who had a large group go out to a restaurant after sunday church and when the bill came she saw there was 18% grat added because it was a large party, so she croseed it out and put "I give god 10% what makes you think you deserve 18%" and stiffed the server. The server posted it on facebook or something like that, then the pastor found out, called applebees and demanded they fire that server, which they did, then so many people boycotted that applebees until they hired the girl back lol0 -
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.
^^^THIS. I've had so many tables (especially 7-8 tops) try to cheat me on the check. I even had one table of NINE pay cash, and leave the second I turned my back....they didn't pay gratuity...but WORSE they didn't even pay the d**n sales tax. So I ended up PAYING THEM TO EAT!!!! So yes....I check and then say "I'll bring you your change!!0 -
#1 has to be screaming children...I mean not a crying child who is just cranking or hungry. I mean the little brat throwing a fit and screaming at his parents while they pretend not to notice...ok so the parents too!!great idea!!
I agree 100%! If you can't control your kid, then ask for a to-go bag so I can enjoy my meal.0 -
#1 has to be screaming children...I mean not a crying child who is just cranking or hungry. I mean the little brat throwing a fit and screaming at his parents while they pretend not to notice...ok so the parents too!!great idea!!
I agree 100%! If you can't control your kid, then ask for a to-go bag so I can enjoy my meal.
If we go to a restaurant and the hostess is steering us towards a table near children we will ask them to please seat us elsewhere.0 -
Why don't you just SAVE SOME TIME and go eat at a FAST FOOD RESTAURANT where you can HAVE IT YOUR WAY? You will save TIME TIME TIME!!!
You sound like such a lovely individual. You're probably one of those people who talks loudly on the phone during dinner as well because IT'S YOUR TIME!!!!
You sound mean and have no issues with people controlling your money. I don't want someone telling me how to spend my money.
:laugh:
I'm sorry but when I go out to a nice restaurant I'm actually not under a time constraint. It's in the evening and I'm relaxing with my husband over drinks and a nice dinner. In fact there are far too many times where our food comes out too fast and if we know that the particular restaurant we are at does this we will spread our ordering out. Never had a problem telling the server that we're in no hurry, we're just going to order appetizers for now and if we're still hungry then we'll order our meals.
I read your posts and sorry to say it but you're the one that sounds extremely ornery and rude. I feel sorry for anyone that has to wait on you.0 -
Why don't you just SAVE SOME TIME and go eat at a FAST FOOD RESTAURANT where you can HAVE IT YOUR WAY? You will save TIME TIME TIME!!!
You sound like such a lovely individual. You're probably one of those people who talks loudly on the phone during dinner as well because IT'S YOUR TIME!!!!
You sound mean and have no issues with people controlling your money. I don't want someone telling me how to spend my money.
Time for a reality check springs, you sound mean yourself, and you are talking about people with control issues, when you are legit a control freak and are telling everyone here how they should think or feel.
Now please do the world a favor and either get the stick removed from your booty, or crawl back under that bridge you came from and don't come out until it's feeding time.0 -
Some servers *ASK* if we want some of the complimentary things. I don't feel any server should be giving that without asking, because it's not up to the restaurant manager if I want some food that is free or not, because that manager is not paying the tip, *WE* are though, so it's up to *US* ONLY!
So what? Seriously, what the frick is the big deal if they put something on your table like say a basket of bread with olive oil and vinegar to dip it in? If you don't want it DON'T F*CKING EAT IT!First of all, in my experience if water is standard at the restaurant it's not the server that brings waters, it's whoever is bussing the tables.That's at fine dining. I am not talking about those type of restaurants. I am talking about non-fine dining restaurants like Applebee's, Chili's, Outback, Red Lobster, etc.
Ahh. That explains a lot.If I'm at a bar or someplace that doesn't really set their table I don't expect water.WHY the hell would you *******EVER*********** ***EXPECT*** something you NEVER ONCE ORDERED, HUH? I don't expect that, WHY should anyone?
And again, DON'T DRINK IT IF YOU DON'T WANT IT! I have never been to a restaurant where someone didn't come by and fill my glass up with water and you know what? IT NEVER BOTHERED ME EVEN THOUGH I NEVER ASKED FOR IT BECAUSE EVENTUALLY I'M GOING TO WANT IT! Don't you think that by filling up your glass ahead of time you're saving yourself your ever precious TIME TIME TIME! by NOT having to flag them over and ASK THEM for WATER?
But then again I don't eat at Chillis, Red Lobster, or Outback. I prefer fine dining where they give me water and bread and any other "freebie" that they might have WITHOUT MY ASKING FOR IT!0 -
You are very mean and love control apparently.
Project much?0 -
:laugh:
Seriously Springs131. You are cracking me the f-up. You're talking about places like Denny's Chilli's, IHOP, Outback, Applebees like they're "fine dining" establishments.
Oh, and I happen to like it when my server puts a cute little thank you note on the check with their name.0 -
:laugh:
Seriously Springs131. You are cracking me the f-up. You're talking about places like Denny's Chilli's, IHOP, Outback, Applebees like they're "fine dining" establishments.
No, they aren't. That's why I rather them, because I am not FORCED to get water and I also like the food better at those. You also get A LOT MORE FOOD for your money than at fine dining.
We also have had much better service at non-fine dining. Fine dining we have had some bad service. Why do you act like where the place is that means that the server is going to be a hard worker and care about you more? We have tipped 25% at IHOP even. It depends on the *PERSON* that serves you, NOT how expensive everything is. We went to a restaurant me and my husband spent almost $300 before tip where the cheapest entree at the time(2011) was $89 a plate, our waiter forgot my margarita from the bar and he didn't even say he was sorry even, which I wasn't mean or anything just nicely reminded him about it. It took 8-10 minutes just to get a coke and another 8-10 minutes to get a refill of coke. For spending $293, we should have had ZERO problems, NONE what-so-ever. We should have had a soft drink under a minute as we have had a chain restaurants before. We should have had an APOLOGY for a forgotten drink that we have had a chain restaurants before. You sure don't know much or go out much it sounds like, do you?
I go out all the time . I'm not sure what that has to do with anything. Sure I've had bad service at some places but the amount of times that I have vs haven't is minimal. We had a server forget to put in our order and then say that it was the computers fault which we knew it wasn't. Were we a little bit mad? Sure. Did we cause a stink and berate him and demand an apology for it? Nope. We just ordered another round of drinks, listened to the music and waited for our meals and now when we go there we either request to not be seated in his section or we let the other servers know that we don't want him waiting on us. Problem solved.
I also don't care if they give me water at when I didn't order it, place bread or something special that the chef made on my table when I didn't ask for it, go into a bit more detail on the menu items when I order something when it's printed on the menu, and are genuinely nice people to me. I've been to restaurants where the server who had us previously sees us come in and requests that we be seated in her section. Sure I expect zero problems anywhere I go but the fact of the matter is that there will be problems, there will be servers who are lack-luster and don't pay attention to you and mess things up. It's going to happen any place you go.
Just throwing it out there but perhaps it's your attitude that dictates the kind of service you get at any restaurant.0
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