Stuff that bugs me in restaurants

[Anonymous]

Tom Sietsema of Washpost started a list in his last chat...

"Stuff that bugs me in restaurants: Hosts that don't seat me until my entire party is present (trust me, they're coming!) ... overly-detailed menu explanations ... helicopter waiters ... "



Anything else?

Mine is: Removing plates before we are done.

[Anonymous]

On the same line as waiting until everyone is there before seating us, if we are seated, waiting until everyone arrives before taking a drink order.

When wait staff are too busy watching a game that they don't come by the table often enough to refill drinks and take orders for additional food.

[Anonymous]

"Fresh pepper?'

Go away.

[Anonymous]

Clearing my glass before I finished my drink too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Fresh pepper?'

Go away.

I'm the other way around. I don't mind saying "No thanks" but my peeve is the server who comes by seconds after you sit, asks if you need a minute, (uh, yes, we just sat down and haven't opened the menu) and then disappears for 15 minutes and when you try to find them, they are either nowhere to be found or walk all around your table just far enough away you can't politely call them, but also won't make eye contact with you until you regret having sent them away.

[Anonymous]

Slow service is the only thing that bugs me.

As someone who served tables myself, I know you can't please everyone. "I hate when servers don't clear the table fast enough when we're done." "I hate when servers take my plate before I'm done." "I hate when severs ask 'are you still working on that?'" It's impossible to please everyone. Courteous prompt service is really all that matters to me.

[Anonymous]

Waitstaff who ask how I like the food before I've had a chance to take a bite

[Anonymous]

Hard butter.

[Anonymous]

Neglecting drink refills.

[Anonymous]

Taking my used utensils off my appetizer plate and placing them on the table for me to reuse for the entree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Taking my used utensils off my appetizer plate and placing them on the table for me to reuse for the entree.

I'm 22:01, and I could not agree with you more. If they are removed from my plate and put on the table, I replace them onto the plate and ask for new ones.

[Anonymous]

The entree auction - "who had the salmon?"

[Anonymous]

Have you dined with us before? What difference does it make?

[Anonymous]

Improper timing of the first and second course. Dont bring out the main course when I am still eating the first.

Clear the plates promptly. I place my silverware properly when I am finished. There should be no confusion.

Huge portions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Waitstaff who ask how I like the food before I've had a chance to take a bite

This happens all the time! It's just put in front of you and the server says "how is everything?". I don't know yet!