Anonymous wrote:Especially higher end restaurants?
My spouse and I have noticed this recently. As soon as we only order water, and usually a water that you must pay for, not simple tap water, it's like the waiter writes us off and doesn't give as good service. We're polite people and not demanding at all. We don't have any allergies or dietary restrictions. We don't make modifications when ordering. We always tip at least 20% even if the service is so-so and usually tip 30% because we were both servers in college. We simply aren't alcohol drinkers or even soda drinkers.
It's like as soon as the waiter realizes the bill isn't going to include the extra $$ from alcohol sales, they don't try as hard and focus on other tables. Our waiter yesterday evening only checked on us once, near the end of our meal and didn't even ask if we wanted any dessert or coffee. That would have been an easy up sale from me because I did in fact want dessert and coffee, but I was a bit annoyed at their dismissive attitude, so we paid the bill and went to another favorite nearby for dessert and coffee. Our dinner for two without any alcohol included was still $160. I left a $35 tip and was going to leave a $50 tip because it's the holidays.
I doubt it.
Are you friendly? Do you smile? Do you say please? Or are you cold and transactional?