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.

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)

Easter is March 31st this year and you are probably looking for a great lunch restaurants on the South Shore. Don't worry I've selected five of the best spots for you and your family to enjoy a nice meal after Easter service.

Easter was always a big deal in my family. I grew up in Wrentham and we would always go to church on Easter Sunday. My sister and I would dress up in gorgeous white dresses and flowered headbands. After the service ended we got in the car and went down the street to the Lake Pearl Ballroom. They always had a massive Easter buffet and it was packed with people coming from church. Sometimes there would be New England Patriots players in the restaurant too, which was really cool!

I don't live in Wrentham anymore. I live in Weymouth (on the South Shore). But, I'm hopeful that these post-Easter lunch spots will be helpful to anyone who also lives on the South Shore!

I was on the Facebook group called Weymouth Foodies and someone asked the community where the best place was for Easter lunch. I love this Facebook page because it allows people to ask questions about food and tell the community about a great meal they had. Just having this group of food-lovers encourages me to try new places.

Tori Mahoney asked the group, "Looking for recommendations for restaurants for Easter lunch. Thanks in advance!" The responses flooded in with opinions. I personally have been to almost every restaurant recommended so I will personally choose my top five for Easter lunch.

You will read about why these are my favorite spots. You'll learn if these places take reservations for Easter lunch. I will give you addresses and phone numbers for each establishment. Whatever I can do to make your life easier, I will!

Scarlet Oak Tavern
1217 Main St, Hingham, MA 02043
www.ScarletOakTavern.com
(781) 749-8200

Scarlet Oak Tavern is one of the nicest restaurants on the South Shore. My husband and I only go there on special date nights. It's located in an old barn. There's a gorgeous, cozy fireplace right when you walk into the restaurant entrance. They have a wonderful dish called the "Seared $10k Tuna." It's called that because the restaurant won $10k in a competition for the rub that they use on this tuna dish. It would be a wonderful place for an Easter lunch. But it will be an expensive tab.

ALBA on 53
2053 Washington St, Hanover, MA 02339
www.albaon53.com
(781) 789-5527

ALBA Restaurant
1486 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02169
www.albaquincy.com
(617) 376-2522

ALBA is one of my favorite restaurants because we love the food and we love the owner, Leo! He is proud of his upscale dining. Our favorite dish is the Bolognese pasta dish. It's delicious every time! On Sundays they open for dining at 3pm. Keep that in mind if you're looking for a late lunch or early dinner.

https://www.albaon53.com/

The Tavern At Granite Links
100 Quarry Hills Dr, Quincy, MA 02169
www.granitelinks.com
(617) 689-1900 ext. 3

According to their website, they are taking Easter reservations! There will be brunch in the grand ballroom. Seatings are at 11am and 2pm. It's $56 per adult and $26 per child. Just be aware that it's only for parties of four or more.

https://www.granitelinks.com/home-page/easter-at-granite-links

Sorelle Bar & Grill
1400 Bedford St, Abington, MA 02351
www.sorelleabington.com
(781) 421-6156

I have nothing but amazing things to say about Sorelle! But let's start with the bread. Is it made with an addictive drug in it or something or is it really just THAT good? (Hint: it's SO good). We love their mussels and chicken Statler and drinks. This restaurant takes reservations, so I encourage you to call ahead and get your spot for Easter.

Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant
64 Washington Ct, Quincy, MA 02169
www.baypointewaterfrontrestaurant.com
(617) 472-3200

Bay Pointe is in Quincy and has amazing views of the water. They are now accepting Easter reservations and have a special menu. They were honored to be recognized as the "Restaurant of the Year" by the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. Definitely worth a visit!

https://country1025.com/listicle/thirsty-heres-every-brewery-and-winery-on-the-south-shore/

https://country1025.com/listicle/best-irish-bars-on-the-south-shore-where-to-get-the-perfect-pint/

https://country1025.com/2024/02/ayla-brown-i-just-found-my-favorite-bbq-place-in-massachusetts/