We all try to be good customers when we dine out, believing we’re polite and low-maintenance. But as a former server, I can tell you that there are dozens of small, seemingly harmless habits that can make a waiter’s incredibly difficult job even harder. You might not even realize you’re doing them, but these actions can disrupt the flow of service and leave your server secretly fuming. Improving your restaurant etiquette can make a world of difference to the people taking care of you.
The Seating and Ordering Sins
Your dining experience starts the moment you walk in, and so do the potential faux pas. Waving your server down when you’re ready to order is incredibly frustrating; a good server knows their tables and will be with you shortly. Another pet peeve is trying to seat yourself or asking to move to a different table after you’ve already been seated, as it messes up the section rotation. Finally, please don’t say “we’re ready” and then make the server wait while your entire party decides what they want.
The Mid-Meal Misdemeanors
Once the meal is underway, a new set of challenges arises for your server. While you might think you’re helping by stacking your own plates, it can actually make them harder to carry and disrupts the server’s system. Asking “what’s good here?” is an impossibly vague question; instead, ask for specific recommendations between a few dishes. Also, try to be mindful of the mess you make, especially with children, as someone has to clean that up. This is a basic tenet of good restaurant etiquette.
The Payment and Departure Don’ts
The end of the meal is the final frontier of potential frustration. Asking to split a check twelve different ways on a busy Friday night is a logistical nightmare for your server. A far better approach is to have one person pay and have the others send them money via an app. Another major issue is “camping” at a table for hours after you’ve paid, which prevents the server from getting new customers and making more tips. This directly impacts their livelihood.
The Tipping Traps
Tipping is a crucial part of a server’s income and a huge area of contention. If a manager graciously comps an item from your bill because of a mistake, you should still tip on the original, pre-discount total. The server still did the work and shouldn’t be penalized for a kitchen error. The same rule of restaurant etiquette applies when using a gift card; you should always tip on the full amount of the bill, not just the remaining balance.
Ignoring Common Courtesy
Beyond the specific actions, a general lack of awareness can be the most grating thing of all. This includes not making eye contact or saying hello when your server greets you, or continuing your phone conversation while they are trying to take your order. Remember that your server is a human being performing a demanding job. A little bit of acknowledgment and basic courtesy goes an incredibly long way in making them feel respected.
Small Changes, Big Impact
No one is expecting you to be a perfect customer, but being mindful of these common issues can drastically improve the dining experience for everyone involved. Good restaurant etiquette isn’t about rigid rules; it’s about empathy and acknowledging the hard work that goes into service. By avoiding these “harmless” habits, you not only make your server’s life easier but also ensure you receive the best possible service in return. A little consideration is the best tip you can give.
Are you guilty of any of these habits? Share your own restaurant pet peeves in the comments!
Read More:
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10 Things You Should NEVER Touch at a Hotel (Even If They Look Clean)
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