Going out to eat should be fun and relaxing, right? Sometimes, we might be doing things that can spoil the experience for others around us and that’s why a few simple courtesies can go a long way. Let’s look at ten common restaurant missteps you might not know you’re making and why you should think twice about them. Save yourself some awkwardness the next time you’re out!
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Late to the Party
We all know that restaurants set aside a table for you when you make a reservation. But how many of us think about what happens when we’re late? If that happens, it can mess up the schedule for everyone else, especially since the kitchen plans its meal prep around reservations. Your tardiness might mean your food—and everyone else’s—takes longer to come out. Try to be on time, or if you’re running late then give a quick call to the restaurant.
Hang Up That Phone
There’s nothing like a phone call or text to kill the conversation at the table, especially since it’s so pretty disruptive to those around you. It’s also kind of rude! Everyone else is just trying to enjoy their meal so why are you making it harder? Next time, just put the phone away and give your friends your undivided attention. The world won’t end if you text back later.
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Mind Your Manners
Despite what you might’ve heard, servers are here to help and not to be bossed around. Giving them a friendly “please” and “thank you” can completely change how your server feels about their job. Even on a busy night, a little kindness goes a long way! They’re people as well. Treating them with respect makes the evening better for everyone.
Don’t Snap, Just Wave
Whenever you need the server’s attention, just remember that a gentle hand raise or a polite wave works much better than snapping your fingers. And it’s definitely a lot better than shouting across the room. Snapping at a server is rude & a bit demeaning. Trust us—servers appreciate it when you treat them like the professionals that they are, doing their job.
Keep Modifications Reasonable
It’s okay to ask for a sauce on the side or to leave out an ingredient you’re allergic to. However, completely redesigning a dish can make things a lot harder for the kitchen. It can even cause delays for the other diners too. Whenever you have a lot of changes, you should check the menu ahead of time or maybe choose a place that best fits your tastes.
Don’t Overstay Your Welcome
While relaxing at your table after a good meal is one thing, camping out for hours while other diners are waiting is just not cool. You need to be aware of how busy the restaurant is. If people are waiting, move the conversation to the bar or a coffee shop. Most restaurants have seating policies based on their peak hours and you should respect that. Do you really want them to choose between rushing you or turning away customers?
Dress for the Occasion
Restaurants have dress codes for a reason and ignoring them will make you stick out like a sore thumb. Going to a fancy place? Keep the shorts and flip-flops at home. If you’re not sure, check the restaurant’s website or give them a call so you know what’s expected. It’ll make the whole experience better for you and the other guests—that’s what you’re there for.
Outside Food is a No-Go
Walking into a restaurant with your own snack or beverage is more disrespectful than most people realize. Essentially, you’re saying, “I don’t trust the chef’s skills,” or that you’re not willing to fully support the business. Worst of all, bringing your own food can cause food safety issues. Most places are happy to cater to your needs if you just let them know what you’re after. Leave the snacks at home!
Tip Fairly
Even though tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s still a huge part of how servers make their living. Give them 15-20% unless the service was really terrible. It tells all the staff “thank you” for their hard work. Better yet, it’ll help the staff take pride in their job so they can keep up the good work. Let them know you appreciate them.
Keep the Kids in Check
Just because you’re dining out with your kids doesn’t mean that everyone else is! Kids running around or being too loud can disrupt the atmosphere and make it tough for other diners & staff to move safely around the space. Most restaurants are kid-friendly but it helps a lot when parents help their kids stick to their best behavior. So make sure yours do!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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