The Top 4 No- No’s For Restaurant Etiquette
We are eating out more than ever before and that means we have to act a certain way to show we are civilized people not barnyard animals. With that in mind we present the Top 4 No-No’s For Restaurant Etiquette. These are not very difficult to adhere to, but would you be surprised to see any of these etiquette faux-pas? Probably not.
It is certainly a sign of the times that we need to be reminded how to be human beings. We all have seen things happen in restaurants that make us shake our heads or even say something beneath our breath.
YouGov did a survey asking what is acceptable at a restaurant and what isn’t . Here are some of their findings:
Flirting with the staff. 23% say it’s acceptable. 57% say it’s not. And 20% “aren’t sure” whether it’s cool to openly flirt with the staff these days. (???)
Taking an “extended period of time” to decide what to order. 48% say it’s acceptable. 34% say it’s not.
Asking for a table near a power outlet to charge their devices. 51% say it’s acceptable, 29% say it’s not. 20% are “not sure.”
Asking to be seated before their entire party arrives. 69% say it’s acceptable, 13% say it’s not.
Sending back a dish that wasn’t made as specified. 84% say that’s acceptable, 7% say it’s not.
Here are the Top 4 No-No’s
4. Snapping their fingers to get the waiter’s attention. 11% say it’s acceptable. 81% say it’s not. We need to know who these 11% are that think it’s okay to snap your fingers at anyone. This is only acceptable if you want to get a dog’s attention.
3. Debating menu prices with the staff. 8% say it’s acceptable. 84% say it’s not. The server doesn’t set the prices, their job is to take your order and answer any questions about the menu, if you want to discuss with the manager that’s another thing. However, it is okay to ask what the “market price” is or the cost of that day’s special that isn’t marked.
2. Allowing their children to roam freely. 5% say it’s acceptable. 90% say it’s not. 5% are “not sure” if anyone cares that their kids are running around. It’s never okay to let your children run “free range” through a restaurant. It’s dangerous for all involved and very disruptive to everyone.
1. Saying they won’t pay for a dish they didn’t like . . . but ate. 4% say it’s acceptable. 90% say it’s not. And 6% are “not sure.” My wife worked as a hostess for many years at an upscale restaurant and would have to tell people that you cannot return a half eaten meal and say it wasn’t what you expected. You get one or two bites max to decide if you like the meal or there is something wrong with it.
These all look like no-brainer no-no’s but for a lot of diners that don’t know the rules of dining, they are worth going over. Bon appetite!
(YouGov)