Six Annoying Habits of Servers

You constantly read pieces about what irritate wait staff at restaurants. Diners are constantly reminded how much they should tip, and often made to feel a little cheap tipping anything less than 20%.

Well, the tables have turned. Here are the six most annoying things that waiters or waitresses do .

1. Ask if you’ve been here before. Unless you’re working in an ‘experience’ restaurant or one where you hunt your own food, you’re essentially asking your customers if sunlight has ever touched their face before. Earls, Cactus Club, Moxies, Milestones, Sammy J Peppers are all the same idea. We give you the money, you give us the food.

2. Reviewing the specials. I know, this is an industry standard, so, it’s not totally the waiters fault. Although, a better name for specials, is, ‘shit that’s just about to expire’. It’s not even like its really discounted in price, just in its best before date. Scrap that spiel, instead, mention your favorite appy or dish.

3. You know that whole bit where you swing by to ask if everything is tasting ok? That’s nice. Why do you have to ask us when our mouths are full of food? Seriously, without fail, it’s like these stealth ninjas in short black dresses lie in wait for you to bring a morsel to your lips. Let a dude chew!

4. So, you haven’t said a single word to our table the entire night. The bill comes, you pass the portable payment terminal, and, suddenly, you give a shit. ‘any plans for tonight?’, ‘oh, your little one is so cute’, ‘gonna go out and enjoy the sun now?’. Waitresses and waiters of the world, you’re essentially pan handling at this moment. You may as well just sit down on the ground during the process. If you’re not going to have some small talk throughout the night, don’t ‘turn it on’ at the end. It makes you look dirty and cheap.

5. Dealing with a huge group? You know the gratuity is automatic, don’t mail it in. Few things make a night out for dinner with a big group better than a great waitress. Be attentive, friendly, helpful, and flexible. And, we’ll promise not to play musical chairs throughout the night.

6. This goes hand in hand with number 5. If you know the gratuity is included, make sure your guests know too! No one wants the waiter that hopes you don’t properly read the bill and leave a tip on top. Make it known, no sense in trying to take advantage of people.

Of course, no annoyance can be bigger than rudeness, on either part. Should be common sense to be respectful, and polite whether you’re serving or being served.