Most people think they’re being polite at restaurants because they smile, they tip & they say thank you. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of things diners do without realizing they’re making a server’s shift harder, which interrupt the rhythm of service or slow things down when the restaurant’s already stretched thin. Here are thirteen restaurant pet peeves that really irritate servers. They don’t make people “bad customers”—they’re just annoying.
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Rearranging Tables Without Asking
Guests sometimes decide to push tables together to fit their group without asking anyone first, which seems harmless—but it messes with the seating chart & causes problems for the server. One server might end up taking care of way more people than they’re supposed to, while others end up with almost nothing to do. It also creates traffic issues that make it harder for staff to move around, so you should always ask before messing with the seats.
Holding Up the Line to Finish a Phone Call
Some customers walk in talking on the phone & don’t stop the conversation when the host greets them—others show up for takeout and hold up the line while talking. Of course, servers are trained to be polite, but this kind of delay may throw off the flow of their work. It stalls the whole process and makes takeout orders get backed up, while tables aren’t seated quickly. Such a small moment causes a ripple effect that the staff can’t ignore.
Flagging Down the Wrong Server for Things
You might wave over someone carrying a full tray of drinks because your ketchup hasn’t shown up yet—but the thing is, that server doesn’t even work your table. Now they’re juggling hot plates & trying to remember your request for something they’re not responsible for, meaning that ketchup might not even make it to you. It’s one more message in a very full game of telephone that affects everyone’s work.
Asking for Separate Checks After Eating
Splitting the check’s not the issue, but rather, it’s when the server has already printed the check and then someone says, “Hey, actually, we’re all paying separately.” Servers aren’t able to just snap their fingers & make that happen because they have to work out who got the wings and who had the soda. At the same time, another table is left wondering where their food is, creating more problems than it solves. If you’re gonna split, say it early on to make things more efficient all around.
Letting Kids Throw Trash on the Floor
Servers aren’t expecting spotless floors, yet it shouldn’t look like someone hosted snack time under the table, with half-crushed crackers & bits of napkins. Unfortunately, some parents give their kids salt shakers or creamer cups to play with and you don’t need us to tell you how badly this ends up. Servers don’t have time to crawl under chairs collecting debris like it’s a treasure hunt because it delays the next group.
Hiding Silverware or Trash in Weird Places
Used napkins stuffed into water glasses and forks tucked under cushions are the norm for servers, who usually find all kinds of surprises when turning over a table. Beyond being gross, it slows everything down because every weird hiding spot involves more wiping, more hunting & more time until the next table may sit down. Just stacking your stuff neatly is a lot easier for everyone.
Asking What’s “Really Good” With No Context
“So what’s good here?” sounds like a friendly question, until the server receives follow-up statements that are a mix of “No, not that,” “Hmm, I don’t eat fish,” & “I’m not really into spicy.” Servers aren’t mind-readers and that kind of guessing game uses a lot of time that they could use elsewhere. Just say if you don’t like certain food or if you’re looking for something in particular, because it helps the server actually recommend something you’ll like.
Ignoring the “Kitchen Closed” Announcement
Once the kitchen’s closed, it’s closed—the grill’s off, the fryers are cleaned & the staff is already packing up, yet someone always asks, “Think they’ll make just one more burger?” Servers have to play the bad guy even though it’s not their call, which becomes even harder when customers argue about things. It creates an awkward moment when the night should involve winding down instead of ramping back up for a last-minute plate of fries.
Blocking the Server Station to Chat
There’s always that one person leaning on the drink counter like it’s a bar table—except that’s the main place that staff get drinks & pick up food. They might say it out loud, but they’re avoiding you while silently begging you to move. Jamming up that area makes the service slower for everyone else, including you.
Asking for “More Bread” Five Times
Bread is free, sure, but it’s not endless and after the third basket, it starts feeling like you’re trying to skip ordering a real meal, instead of enjoying it as a starter. Some kitchens have to warm it up again and some slice it fresh—either way, when a table’s on their fifth round of carbs & still hasn’t ordered, it eats up time. Servers are stuck in a loop of constantly refilling bread, rather than actually serving other guests.
Making Servers Repeat the Specials Three Times
While one person’s ready to listen, the rest of the group is still on their phones or talking, so the server lists the specials—then again when someone finally looks up & again for the late arrival. Repeat that a few times per table, all night long, and it gets old real fast, especially since specials usually aren’t short. They’re quite detailed and that means by the tenth repetition, you’re bored of saying them.
Taking Forever to Order and Then Asking for Off-Menu Items
Most servers know it’s going to be a challenge when someone takes 15 minutes with the menu and then says, “So, can I get the chicken tacos but with shrimp, no shell, on a plate of fries instead of rice?” Such a customer is creating a custom dish instead of ordering and servers then have to double-check if the kitchen is able to even make it. They have to rewrite the ticket & pray it doesn’t come out wrong, which is certain to slow things down for all staff members.
Talking to Servers While They’re Balancing Plates
People love to be friendly and that’s fine—but asking questions while the server is holding three heavy plates or a tray of drinks certainly isn’t. That’s not the time for “So what’s your name?” or “Is the chef here today?” even though servers usually want to give good answers. They’re literally trying not to drop food on the floor, so they might nod or smile quickly. The conversation can wait for 30 seconds.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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