Restaurants want you to have a great experience, and so does your server. However, customer behaviors might make the job a bit harder for them than it already is. This isn’t about servers being overly sensitive or customers being rude but most of these behaviors stem from simple misunderstandings. The good news? Once you know what creates 10 unnecessary annoyances for your server, it’s easy to adjust your approach in ways that benefit everyone.
8. Ignoring Your Server When They’re Speaking
Servers (like anyone else) find it rude when you’re ignoring them as they speak. When they approach your table and you’re not ready to give your order yet, a simple “give us a minute” acknowledges their presence. This also goes to customers who keep using their phones when trying to order. Remember, they need to serve other tables too, and the time that you’re making them wait gets wasted.
7. Assuming They Control Kitchen Timing
Unless it’s been an unusually long time, your server is probably wondering where your food is, too. Their job is to take your orders and check on what you need. They don’t get to control how quickly the kitchen works or handle an unexpected rush. While it’s perfectly fine (and your right) as a customer to follow up on your order when it takes too long, do so in a nice and calm way.
6. Asking For Everything One Item at a Time
Make sure you ask for everything you need when your waiter asks you if everything’s complete. It can be a frustrating game when you keep calling their attention to something that you forgot to ask earlier. This could be annoying during peak restaurant hours. While it’s not bad to keep on asking your waiter for something, don’t do it frequently.
5. Ordering Before Everyone’s Ready
While you’ve chosen a salmon as your order, wait for your companions to choose theirs. Why? When a server approaches your table, they expect to get everyone’s orders by then. Ordering when half your party is still buried in their menus throws off the kitchen’s timing. It’s also quite disrespectful to the other people at the table, as it feels like you’re rushing them.
4. Snapping Your Fingers and Whistling
This should go without saying, but servers are people, not pets. Snapping, whistling, or using other sounds is disrespectful and creates an uncomfortable dynamic. These behaviors are something you shouldn’t do in restaurant settings where servers are trying to maintain a pleasant atmosphere for all guests. A simple hand raise or eye contact with them is better and much more respectful.
3. Letting Your Kids Roam Around the Restaurant
Leaving your children unattended is a safety hazard for everyone. Servers carrying hot plates need clear pathways to do their jobs safely. Beyond the safety concerns, wandering children can disturb other diners trying to enjoy their meals. Your waiter understands that it’s challenging to dine out with children, but they expect you to keep them seated or supervised to avoid unwanted accidents.
2. Stacking The Plates For Them
While you’re doing this as a nice gesture to your server, they prefer that you leave them on the table. They have a different way of stacking the dishes so they can easily carry them back without any spills. Stacking them takes more time in cleaning the table, so just let them do their job easily by leaving them and thanking your server instead.
1. Camping Out Long After You’ve Finished Eating
Restaurants make money, especially during peak hours. While servers won’t rush you during your meal, lingering for hours after you’ve finished eating impacts their ability to earn money from other customers. If you want to continue your conversation, consider moving to the bar area if available or maybe to a cafe down the street.