Comments on: On dining out…

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:49:47 +0000

My brother used to be a waiter, and he and my dad always get into it when we go out to restaurants. My dad wants things the way he wants them, and he wants his food cooked right and served in a timely fashion. My dad also leaves very generous tips. My brother, however, feels that anytime my dad says anything about the service, that he’s being rude. It’s very entertaining to watch them go at it.

I tip generously if service is good, but otherwise I leave 10%. Once, a waiter was so rude to us, that we actually left nothing. The manager stopped us on the way out of the restaurant and told us that leaving no tip was unacceptable! Needless, to say, we don’t eat there anymore.

By: Stevie

Stevie — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:22:38 +0000

I absolutely love it when I can leave a large tip for my server, but it happens so rarely. I have no problem leaving a below average tip for a below average server. My grandmother taught me that TIPS stands for To Insure Proper Service and it used to be that tips were ONLY given when the service was above and beyond exceptional, and if it was just regular service, then no tip should be given. I wish that were still the case. I know the service industry has changed in that regard, and it sucks getting a lousy tip (I’ve worked in the restaurant industry, too) but maybe you should stop and think “Hmmmm, maybe there’s a reason I was given a crappy tip?”

But oh, how I love going out to eat. I love cooking and cook almost every night, but there is just something so relaxing about having everything done for you.

By: Stephany

Stephany — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:35:12 +0000

This post was perfect. PERFECT! I always think I’m just very, VERY hard to please but maybe I’m not!

One of the things I hate and it’s been happening more and more frequently, is when I sit at the table with an empty drink for 10 or more minutes. Once, I got a refill AFTER the waitress handed me my check. I had been sitting there for at least 15 minutes, with my drink at the edge of the table, waiting for a refill. I was half-tempted to refill it myself. So annoying!

Also, I hate when I’m asked after 2 bites of food, how it is. Honestly, I don’t know yet. I’ve taken two bites! I haven’t even touched my other food. And, usually, the waitress will ask that question and then disappear for 10-15 minutes.

And I definitely tip based on service. Usually, it’s 10%. A couple of times, I didn’t give a tip at all. Awful service = no tip. Sorry but a tip isn’t REQUIRED. If you make me want to give up on eating out because of your service, you don’t get a tip! Awesome service usually grants 20% but it’s rare that I ever give that much.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:28:09 +0000

Seriously, can we ONLY have Ray Romano as our server when we go to our bi-monthly appt. at RR? And people who allow full body parts ESPECIALLY THEIR ASS to touch you when they’re maneuvering out of their table and either don’t acknowledge it or move or apologize, SHOULD BE LOBOTOMIZED IMMEDIATELY.

By: Nora

Nora — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:36:06 +0000

It makes me CRAZY when I’ve just taken a bite of my food and they ask me how it is. When my mouth is full.

My mom taught me NOT to talk with my mouth full so apart from a nod I can’t say much.

I also don’t like over zealous servers or bus boys who try to take my plate when I’m not done or if they make a comment about my plate being clean and ask if I’m still hungry with a smile on their face. That’s kind of rude if you ask me.

I also can’t stand it when people feel the need to invade my space during my dinner. So frustrating. This entire post resonates with me!

By: Samantha

Samantha — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:13:30 +0000

You’re definitely not ridiculous! My husband is a fairly consistent tipper no matter the service, but I’m always the one who bases tips on the service. No one is perfect, and sometimes, even when one or two mistakes are made, if the server is friendly and efficient about it, then I still consider that good service. But waiting long lengths of time for a menu or to order or never getting drinks refilled really annoys me!

Did that lady even say sorry for sticking her butt on you and in your face? I’m guessing not! After the fact, it’s a pretty hilarious story, but at the time, I would have been so irritated as well!

By: Ari

Ari — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:25:30 +0000

I’m so stingy with tips. If the service was good, then I tip like Daddy Warbucks (ok – not really, but its still like 20% or so) but if the service is bad I have a hard time leaving any tip at all. I’ve noticed that servers (especially young ones) forget that a tip is extra – they just expect you to tip and to tip well no matter what type of service they give you. It kills me.

By: The Maiden Metallurgist

The Maiden Metallurgist — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:05:10 +0000

I was a server and a bartender all through college- and man, bad service just chaps my ass. I can get past the wow-they-look-really-buys-she-forgot-to-refill-my-water bad service, but we’ve-been-here-20-mintues-and-we-still-don’t-have-menu’s-now-were-going to-miss-out-movie-bad-service-infuriates-me. Just ask for help.

By: P T

P T — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:47:41 +0000

Finally!! Someone who thinks like me. Hubby thinks I complain too much and as per him I should ‘let things be’…

But I just can’t sit down and wait for them to appear at my table when it suits them! I’m paying for the service. Unenthusiastic waiters/resses get on my nerves too. If I’m not satisfied I wouldn’t leave tips…period. I know but why would I pay extra when you ruin my night huh? I don’t see any common sense in that..

Anyway here I was, thinking I was the only one who ‘notice’ those ‘petty stuff’…

Hi-five girl!

By: verybadcat

verybadcat — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:42:09 +0000

I hate it when the waitstaff actually holds a conversation with my date. HELLO? Back off, already.