It's a Fun Night Out, Not a Free-For-All
Waitstaff put up with a lot daily. From getting yelled at for someone else’s mistakes to customers who won’t tip, restaurants require a certain etiquette, and we’re here to break down some of the rudest things you should never do.
1. Not Tipping
Regardless of your stance on tipping, failure to do so is pretty rude. Waitstaff bring your food, answer any questions, and deal with a thousand other things in one shift—they deserve a little appreciation. Tip appropriately, too! Leaving two bucks on a $300 bill is diabolical.
2. Yelling at Waitstaff
We all make mistakes, especially when we’re slammed. If your server brings the wrong meal or forgets an item you ordered, there’s no point shouting. You look rude and it could easily get you tossed out. If you’re truly appalled at the service, speak with a manager or just don’t go back.
3. Letting Kids Run Around
It’s great that you want to bring little Timmy to this fine dining establishment, but you’re still responsible for him. Letting your kids run up and down the aisles or ignoring their tantrums ruins everyone’s experience. Letting children run amok also puts them in danger of getting hurt!
4. Belching
Some burps sneak up on us and that’s okay—after all, we can’t stop what’s involuntary. However, it’s just rude to intentionally belch after a meal. Burping into your hand or a napkin is one thing, but don’t be someone who makes no effort to disguise it.
5. Sitting Around
Restaurants aren’t a hangout spot, especially if you aren't grabbing drinks. After the plates are cleared and the bills are paid, don’t prevent turnover by sitting around; loitering only prevents servers and the restaurant from making money.
6. Coming in Right Before Close
No one on god’s green earth likes the party that shows up in the nick of time. Arriving ten minutes before closing imprisons the poor waitstaff for at least an hour. Make a reservation to avoid any hiccups.
7. Not Making Space
There’s nothing worse than carrying an entire tray of food to an oblivious table. You may be deep in conversation, but make some space when your order arrives. It’s easier for everyone if you clear the table instead of blankly staring at the server.
8. Interrupting Servers
Interrupting is rude enough, but don’t cut off waitstaff in the middle of their greeting. Not only is it impolite, but you interrupt the specials or any bulletins staff need to inform you of.
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9. Staying on Your Phone
Restaurants are a time for good food and better company, so keep off your phone. It’s a huge distraction that pulls you out of the experience, not to mention a surefire way to ignore those around you.
10. No Greeting
Not greeting waitstaff is just as inconsiderate as interrupting them. You may not be in the mood for small talk but don’t just dive into your order. Servers are more perceptive than you think, and the majority understand when you’d like a quiet meal. You can keep greetings short, but be polite!
11. Calling Out For Staff
Don’t shout across tables for your waiter. Whatever you need can probably wait, and shouting over everyone isn’t a good look. If you need urgent assistance, walk to the server’s desk or locate someone on the floor.
12. Touching Waitstaff
“Keep your hands to yourself” is a simple rule we learn in grade school, but some people forgot the lesson. If you need the waitstaff’s attention, don’t tug any sleeves or grab any hands. They’ll get around to you!
13. Leaving a Mess
Busboys shouldn’t give you license to make a mess. Even if cleaning is part of someone’s job, don’t leave a landfill behind. Make sure you tidy up a bit before heading out, and at the very least, don't leave a mess on the floor around your table.
14. Arguing
Arguing couples sully an evening and can make everyone uncomfortable. Waitstaff is then left wondering if they should approach or if the situation will escalate—save the drama for your mama (we’re kidding—be nice to your mom).
15. Being a Chatty Cathy
Waitstaff is in the middle of a busy service, so try not to anchor them to your table. Small talk on a quiet day is one thing, but don’t engage in long conversations when your server is swamped.
16. Moving Tables
Try not to move tables if you’re unhappy with your current one. Even if a table looks empty, waitstaff may be expecting a large party or have that table reserved for someone else. If you want to move, ask first.
17. Snapping Your Fingers
Snapping your fingers at waitstaff is movie villain behavior—treat them with respect and trust that they’ll circle back to your table. If you’re waiting a long time, consider whether the place is busy. If your server isn’t super attentive, you can always file a complaint.
18. Hitting on Waitstaff
Waitstaff doesn’t come to work to be harassed. Asking an employee if they’re single is already inappropriate enough, but getting aggressive only makes it worse. Let them do their job and don’t make it weird.
19. Stacking Plates
Stacking plates may seem helpful, and waitstaff appreciates the effort, but the gesture actually makes their job harder. Most waitstaff have their own systems for clearing tables and stacking dishes disrupts the flow.
20. Fighting for the Bill
Try not to fight over the bill—it puts waitstaff in an awkward position of having to watch your kerfuffle, and they’re left stranded until someone finally “wins.” Keep things simple by agreeing on who pays beforehand.
