I got a bone to pick. Simply put, I think some people need a lesson on etiquette in restaurants. I see so many horrible habits that just annoy the hell out of me, and Im here to clear some up so you dont make an ass out of yourself next time you find yourself dining out…
1. If I seat you at a 2-top table because your party is only two people, please dont move to a table for 3 or 4 people! We placed you at the best table for the amount of people in your party and we need to reserve larger tables for larger parties.
2. Do not walk past the “Please Wait To Be Seated” sign and just help yourself to any random table. Just because one is being set up or wiped off, doesnt mean its for you. It could be for a reservation coming in soon, or that section is closed, or a party is waiting ahead of you for that exact table you sat yourself at.
3. Do not stand next to other tables while waiting for your own, you are bothering them and getting in the way of a clear path for the servers.
4. If I tell you I dont know how long the wait for a table is, please dont ask me to estimate again, do not ask me to tell you which table is the closest to being finished, and most definitely do not leer or linger near a table that you think is finishing soon.
5. When calling in about reservations, if I tell you we are full for the evening, please do not repeatedly ask if you can come in earlier, or later – WE ARE FULL ALL NIGHT WITH RESERVATIONS PLACED LONG AGO! If you want to come in and ask a reservation to leave, so your party can take their place, be my guest, but also dont be mad when I kick you out for it.
6. When ordering To-Go, please tip a $1.00 at least. Really… Someone cooked your food while it was busy during lunch, packed it up nicely, and served it to you. Someone likely stopped serving their tables to give you the food and to ring you up. Please appreciate the service and understand that To-Go is a service many nice sit down places DO NOT OFFER!
7. If you are expecting a large party, and not all parties have shown up..Please do not carelessly order “water” for the whole table. Most people believe it or not do not want water, and it puts more work on us that we could better put to serving you actual things you want.
8. Maximum 2 Credit Cards per table. Asking for separate checks does not mean separate tables, and 2 credit cards still apply. This is non negotiable. You dont have the money, leave your drivers license and go to the ATM and get cash.
9. Asking for “Hot Water” or “Hot Water with Lemon” does NOT mean I will also bring you a spoon or a sugar caddy. Matter of fact, I know what youre trying to do, and I wont bring you one for the reason youre trying to be cheap.
10. Please dont play alpha-male, or alpha-female and order for everyone at the table, or call me over and ask me for things for other people at your table. They are big boys and girls and can ask for things themselves if they want them.
11. Dont come out to eat if you cant afford it. That includes the tip. Standard is 16-18%, 15% if youre cheap. If your bill is $30, dont leave $2. Thats insulting and I basically worked for free. Ill remember this and serve your table last and “forget” your drinks. I am not required to give you more then you need since youre stealing from me.
12. Dont order the cheapest thing on the menu and then share it, and then bitch about the “share plate” charge. You’re getting more food when you split it anyway, and that costs more.
13. Please keep in mind our restaurant is small, do not “park” yourself at a table when many others are waiting. You wouldnt want them doing it to you would you?
14. When I ask if I can get you drinks or anything else, do not ignore me and have conversations on the phone, with your partner, or keep reading your paperwork. When you ask me for something, Ill keep talking to my coworker and ignore you.
This list will be updated further….
