Servers reveal worst things people do while dining out
Going out to eat is supposed to be a pleasant experience, especially if you’re dining at one of the best restaurants in America. If all goes smoothly, you order, eat and leave without any major disasters — and the restaurant’s staff is working hard to keep things that way.
But while they’re doing everything they can to ensure your mealtime is a breeze, there may be some etiquette mistakes you’re making that impede the process.
We talked to a handful of servers about the worst things you can do while dining out, and these were the most popular responses.
Asking for one thing at a time rather than consolidating requests
Another way to eat away at a server’s time is by not consolidating your requests. When your steak hits the table and you realize you don’t have steak sauce, salt or pepper, be sure to ask your server for these items all at once, rather than making them go back and forth to get you everything you need.
Shaking an empty glass to request a refill
Shaking an empty glass to request a refill isn’t even acceptable when you’re dining at one of the most expensive restaurants in America. No matter how fancy or pricey the establishment is, it’s rude. Your server knows what to keep an eye on, and how full your martini glass is certainly tops their list.
Leaving your phone number on the check
Would you leave your accountant or your real estate broker your phone number? Not likely. So it’s probably a good call to show the same consideration for your server. Failing to respect people’s boundaries is never good practice; in fact, it’s one of the habits of truly toxic people.
Leaving a mess
You would never forget to clean your own dinner table, and the same rules apply while dining out. Servers are there to make sure your meal goes smoothly, but they shouldn’t be responsible for cleaning up the chicken nugget you dropped on the ground or picking up every tiny piece of that straw wrapper you ripped up.
Hanging around long after your meal
We understand that the vibe at your favorite Mexican restaurant is unmatched, and it’s easy to want to stay there forever. But your server has a limited number of tables they serve an hour, and if you’re hanging around with a check