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While we already knew that those who work in the food service industry have had experienced nightmare shifts, there are still so many faux pas that customers continue to commit at restaurants across the country. Here's everything your server won't tell you (but probably should) that you should never say or do during your visit.
1. "Thanks, sweetie/honey/baby/sugar."
Using any kind of pet name or nickname is highly inappropriate. We don't know each other. And we're definitely not your pet.
2. "You can still seat us, right?"
After dropping in 10 minutes before closing time, when the kitchen is virtually packed up and the half the line cooks have already gone home.
3. "Can I have a hot tea?"
It sounds simple but really it takes forever to pull together. Especially when there's a basket of brews to choose from, a mug and saucer to balance, and a piping hot mini kettle to juggle along with it. Worst yet is when you honey *and* lemon with it.
4. "I'll take..."
Don't demand your meal, ask nicely for it. "I'll take" and "Give me" implies entitlement. A simple "I would like..." or "Can I have..." instead. And don't ever forget to say "please" and "thank you." It sounds obvious, but you won't believe the number of times simple manners aren't expressed.
5. "What's your favorite thing on the menu?"
Believe me, you don't want our honest opinion. We're here so often, we're sick of everything on the menu. Plus, you and I are not the same person so we're going to like different things anyway.
6. *whistling*
Yeah, no. We're not your servants. Treat us like fellow human beings.
7. *snapping*
Again, not okay for any reason. If you need our attention, make eye contact or slightly raise your hand.
8. "Susie, tell her what you want."
Sorry, but we don't have all damn day to wait around while your 4-year-old mumbles, whispers, and gets distracted by her coloring page menu while trying to order her chocolate chip pancakes "like a big girl." Just tell us what she wants so we can get it right and be on our way.
9. "Can I have ______ and _______ instead?"
If you truly don't like American cheese and would rather have Swiss, we understand and we'll help you out. But as soon as you start making multiple changes, your order is bound to get screwy in the kitchen and you're not going to be happy when it arrives. Take the menu as is or go elsewhere.
10. "We're in a rush—can you get our order in first?"
I don't think you understand how restaurants work. If you don't have time to dine in, then you shouldn't be here. Get some Mickey D's and call it a day.
11. "This costs HOW MUCH?!"
Servers don't control the prices so don't make a big deal when we tell you the market price on the sea scallops or fresh-caught lobster. If you want to pinch pennies, hit the supermarket and prepare everything yourself.
12. "Take this cash and put the rest on the card."
This is only problematic when you forget what your total bill was (say $90) and we only get tipped on the portion that was charged to the credit or debit card (say $40). It feels like a cut to the heart honestly.
13. "We'd like to sit at this very specific table."
When you refuse to sit where the host chooses, you're creating issues for workflow. This means the server may be given two or more parties back-to-back, which can then cause a back-up of orders in the kitchen and a very hungry dining room. Please don't screw with the seating system.
14. "Can you split the check six ways?"
Not everyone carries cash these days, so we understand splitting the bill can sometimes be necessary. But going beyond three ways is excessive (and a total time suck for us). Venmo exists for a reason, people. Hell, you can even pay your friends back on Snapchat and Facebook now.
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