Dining out is one of life’s great pleasures, but a bad experience can ruin your evening. With foodborne illnesses on the rise, it’s important that we take extra care of ourselves. And how is that? Through learning to spot the warning signs of a poorly run establishment. We’ve dug into the recent expert opinions and studies to bring you the 11 signs you should walk out of a restaurant immediately.
11. The Parking Lot and Entrance Are Filthy
First impression goes a long way. Take a look at your surroundings, which means the parking lot and entrance. Notice anything filthy? We’re asking about overflowing dumpsters, trash littering the ground, and even dirty windows. If yes, these are clear signs that an establishment isn’t focused on cleanliness. Better back out early!
10. The Building Is in a State of Disrepair
There’s a big difference between character and neglect. If you notice that the establishment looks run-down with stained ceiling tiles and torn wallpaper, then it’s already in disrepair. It’s an indicator that there’s a lack of attention to detail that can even extend to the kitchen. If the owners aren’t investing in keeping the dining area inviting, then it means that they aren’t investing in maintenance, like the ice machine or kitchen equipment.
9. Seafood Restaurant Smelling Fishy
Believe us, a seafood restaurant shouldn’t smell overwhelmingly fishy. That strong odor indicates that the seafood isn’t fresh. When you cook fresh fish, your surroundings should smell like a beach than a fish market. That smell may come from a layer of bacterial buildup on their seafood as they let them sit on ice for too long. It means that when they cook the fish, the bacteria are also cooked, which causes the odor.
8. The Restaurant Has Too Many “Themes”
Have you entered a restaurant with a pirate-themed dive bar on one side and a beach shack on the other? Sure, all that decor can be fun, but it can be a major red flag. This simple observation indicates that there is a lack of clear vision and attention to detail that may extend into the kitchen. If they can’t decide on their identity, then how can you trust them to execute a safe menu?
7. The Menu Is a Mile Long
By a mile-long menu, we meant a ten-page one with offerings of Italian, Chinese, and Mexican food. That’s a clear sign that the restaurant didn’t master any single cuisine, and they rely on frozen and pre-packaged ingredients. If a restaurant offers 101 dishes, then how often is each one ordered? Also, the ingredients from your dish may have been sitting in the back of the freezer for months. Basically, the restaurant lacks a specialty at all.
6. The Staff Can’t Answer Your Questions About Allergies
It’s important for establishments to train staff on their knowledge of food allergies and dietary restrictions. If they can’t confidently answer your questions about potential allergens, then run away. A server must know the menu and clarify questions with you to know the severity of your allergy. This suggests that their staff aren’t properly trained and act with a casual attitude towards life-threatening issues.
5. The Comfort Room Is a Mess
One of the most important cleanliness indicators of an establishment is its comfort rooms. If you notice that soap dispensers are empty and the toilet paper is running out, then it’s a big mess. Not to mention the sticky and wet floors. A neglected comfort room shows that the staff isn’t attending to their cleaning duties. If they can’t keep that area clean, then imagine the kitchen where your food is being prepared.
4. Your Food Arrives at the Wrong Temperature
That lukewarm dish they just served is a serious health risk, more than you imagine. According to the FDA, the “Danger Zone” for food is between 40°F and 140°F, a temperature range where bacteria can double in number in as little as 20 minutes. If your food arrives either warm or cool, then it’s a cause of improper cooking or faulty equipment. It’s one of the most common causes of Salmonella, so it’s better to send them back.
3. The Staff Show Signs of Poor Hygiene
Pay close attention to the staff walking around. Check if they’re constantly touching their face or hair. See if they handle cash and touch food, or if their uniforms are dirty. Those simple signs raise major red flags as they could easily spread bacteria and viruses to your food. If the staff’s hygiene is low, then expect the establishment’s overall food safety to be low too.
2. Sick Staff Members on Shift
A sick employee is a walking health hazard. If you see your server coughing, sneezing, or looking sick, then it’s a red flag. The most common culprit lurking around is norovirus, which spreads rapidly through food contact. While it’s true that many restaurant workers don’t get paid sick leave, a responsible manager will never allow a sick employee to handle food. It’s a sad reality that the hospitality industry’s lack of worker protections means many employees feel pressured to work while ill.
1. The Restaurant Lacks a Certified Kitchen Manager
It’s a red flag you can’t see, but it’s the most important one of all. A restaurant with a certified kitchen manager is less likely to have health code violations. Why? Managers are trained in food safety and are equipped to prevent mistakes that may bring about foodborne illnesses. While you can’t ask to see a manager’s certification, you can often find a restaurant’s inspection reports online.