A few weeks back, I wrote a piece for Bourbon and Boots entitled Top 10 Restaurant Pet Peeves; the list was written from a diner’s perspective (that being me). While many folks agreed with my choices, a few thought I should never again enter a restaurant. But the best part … I had several people in the restaurant industry tell me I should make a list from their perspective.
In fact, one person stepped up and wrote the list! This individual has spent more than two decades in the business. And for the sake of this write-up, they will be known as Anonymous. Thank you so much for writing this piece. Hope you enjoy!
Baby, It’s Cold Inside
Sorry, we don’t issue Snuggies at the door. You seriously should have brought a sweater. If you want to warm up, head back to the blisteringly hot kitchen and prepare your own food. We’re trying to keep the ice cubes from melting, people.
Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to be Bag Ladies
Leave the aisles open, folks. That’s where your server needs to put their feet when serving your food and drink, unless you prefer it on you, rather than in you.
The Hit and Miss
Don’t flirt with your server while your wife is taking the kids to the restroom. We just throw away the business card you leave with the check, so just don’t bother.
The Verbal Tip
“You are just the best lil’ server. We love you. We want to sit in your section every time.” Then they leave you a whopping 10% tip. No thanks, this is an actual job, not a hobby.
Time Crunch
This is when a family of four comes into a full-service restaurant on a time constraint during peak times. This is so ludicrous it doesn’t even require an explanation.
No Crybabies Allowed
Somebody stick a muffin in his mouth! Take the kid outside. There’s any number of things you could do in this situation. Ignoring your little one may be one of your talents, but we may not all have such refined skills.
Junior on Parade
The unattended child running around the restaurant is liable to cause a collision, I admire your laissez faire parenting, but Junior just got hot soup spilled on his head.
El Cheapo
This one eats their entire meal, only to complain when the check is presented that they didn’t care for their food. They usually belong to a certain breed of customers, who is notorious for modifying their order (so ridiculously) that I’m not surprised it doesn’t taste very well. You could have offered up that information when I asked, “How is everything?” These folks are usually just looking for a free meal. This one leaves a really bad taste in a server’s mouth because these people never tip.
OK, restaurant people…did we leave one out? Let us know in the comment box.
8 Comments
When a table yells at you across the restaurant when you are speaking to your other table…NOTHING is that important unless you need 911…usually its just ketchup.
Katye…the way you ended your comment made me laugh. “Usually its just ketchup.” So very true!
Don’t take the kitchen’s mistakes out on the server. Sure, the server should work with the kitchen to make sure the right items are on the plate, everyone gets served at the same time, etc. But their are certain things that are simply the kitchen’s fault, and your server doesn’t deserve to lose money because of it (ESPECIALLY if she was instrumental in making it better).
Just don’t be condescending. I’m a server, yes. It’s not because I drew some short straw in life. There could be a number of reasons I’m doing it, one might be that I LIKE doing it. I love food & wine, I love meeting new people, I just plain like being a server. Don’t pretend that you are more of a human being than I am because of this. Be appreciative, because without servers you wouldn’t be able to go out and have someone cook and cater to you. That being said, be understanding. Yes, there are some servers that just don’t need to be in this industry. I get that. But if you get me, 99% of the time you’re going to get phenomenal service. But, just like you, just like everyone, I can have a bad day. Maybe I’m concerned about a late house payment, maybe my girlfriend just broke up with me, maybe I’m getting sick (though don’t worry I don’t serve when I’m contagious). There’s a number of different reasons that I can be off my game. Face it, you have the same problems at your work. Here’s the difference, I still have to be at work. The nature of the industry doesn’t give me time off to take care my problems, If I don’t get to work I don’t get paid. We’re all in this world together, we’re all part of the system. Let’s make it better for what it is.
One trip wonders. If you are in a large group and the server asks if you need anything, your server can carry more than one item usually. We can refill more than one drink at a time. We can carry crackers, salad dressing, and probably several other things. We do not want to refill all the drinks at your table one at a time.
That was very enlightening. Having been on both sides of the counter, I can relate to both lists. I will definitely keep it in mind when I go to the next eatery. Thanks for sharing
I agree with all this. Especially not taking out bad food on a server. If the food is bad and the server is great, they always get a tip. Additionally if I get refunded part of my meal, they get the tip off of the original amount, not what is remaining after being refunded.
On the flip side I’ve had an awful waiter who disappeared for the entire meal. The chef himself brought out the dinner after it sat in the window for 5 minutes and the bus boy gave us drink refills. I walked a tip into the kitchen to the chef directly because the food was fantastic.
Love this list! I admire restaurant servers. I could never do it…
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