Thread: 100 things waiters/waitresses should never do

verbose wrote: My pet peeves aren't on there! When I ask for a non-smoking table, I mean that I don't want to breathe any smoke at all. The host often gives me grief after I refuse to sit at a "border" table. I realize that in some parts of the country, this is now academic, but not where I live. I live in NJ and I thought this issue was academic here now until my family and I dared to sit outside once in patio...

jebmke wrote: Don't go to Belgium... Great "white beer" (yes, been there - going again next June). Having more of the "mussels from Brussels" ... - Ron

verbose wrote: My pet peeves aren't on there! When I ask for a non-smoking table, I mean that I don't want to breathe any smoke at all. The host often gives me grief after I refuse to sit at a "border" table. I realize that in some parts of the country, this is now academic, but not where I live. Thankfully, where I live, they made it against the law to smoke in restaurants and most bars about 3 years ago.

Alex Frakt wrote: Exactly, removing plates while companions are still dining was invented specifically to increase turnover - it creates a not-so-subtle signal to the remaining eaters that they are supposed to hurry up and finish. It's amusing that people are so used to it that they now consider it to be the standard. For those who prefer to have their plate removed, do you do that at home, too? Now I'm confused. I've always...

Babakhani wrote: grok87 wrote: Well I do if I'm eating with someone else and they're not finished yet. The waiter's implicit message to the unfinished person when he removes their companion's plate is "hey buddy, you're eating to slow. How about chowing down your food so we can turn over this table more quickly." Fortunately there is no need for confusion between waiters and diners as to whether a...

I can second number 16, particularly on the cheese part as more and more restaurants seem to make their waiters grate the cheese right onto your plate rather than brining it on a side dish: Quote: 16. If someone requests more sauce or gravy or cheese, bring a side dish of same. No pouring. Let them help themselves.

Hated it. In part because I've been a waiter and can't imagine having this guy as a manager/owner, in part because it's just not that hard to enjoy yourself while people kiss your ass and bring you food . . . supposing something is just a tiny bit upsetting to someone . . . whatever happened to noblesse oblige? Suck it up, be a hero, and generously donate that 30 seconds of your day to hearing about the specials.

Opponent Process wrote: I don't know. a lot of these you could get yelled at either way, you can't please everyone. I for one liked to be rushed out the door in restaurants. I usually have my credit card out on the table before the check arrives. I hate waiting after I'm done eating. for #17, 50% of the people are going to wonder why the waiter isn't clearing their plates so they can have more room. the other night my wife...

Quote: for #17, 50% of the people are going to wonder why the waiter isn't clearing their plates so they can have more room. Those are probably the same people who start eating before everyone is served. Also a pet peeve of mine.

gad I guess most folks just need something to complain about if most of this list is important. Glad to see many here thought it a bit over the top in most cases. Yep I also hate wobbly tables but mostly blame mgmt for lacking a policy to keep tables level.