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Not realizing or caring that servers are carrying hot plates -

When the plates arrive at the table, there’s always someone not paying attention while the server is trying to figure out where to set their hot plate down. Don’t be that person!

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Skipping the greeting -

People in the restaurant industry are often treated like robots who only take orders, but it can be pretty dehumanizing if the first thing you say is your drink order. A little hello and a smile go a long way.

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Campers -

“Campers” are what restaurant workers call customers who pay the bill but stick around for a long time chatting. If it’s during a rush, you’re taking up space for hungry people and more tips for servers.

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Letting kids wreak havoc -

Restaurants are actually not daycare, and kids can’t just run around the restaurant ripping open sugar packets and wreaking havoc.

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Saying “surprise me” -

If you can’t do the bare minimum of ordering for yourself, don’t be upset if you get something expensive that you don’t like!

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Last-minute diners -

You’ll probably be able to hear the groans from the back if you enter a restaurant when it’s close to closing time.

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Assuming the server remembers you -

This is especially true if you expect them to remember your order. We’re all the main character in our stories, but the fact is that servers meet dozens of people every day and give everyone friendly service.

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Complaining about paying for extra ingredients -

Servers do not make the rules, they just have to be the smiling face that accepts the brunt of them. If it really bothers you, write a letter to the owners!

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Snapping or whistling at servers -

They’re not animals, and it’s so incredibly rude to snap or whistle at servers that it’s hard to believe it still happens.

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Ordering all toppings and then complaining -

If you weren’t careful enough to ask for something to be left out, and if you didn’t pay attention when the staff listed all the toppings, that’s really a you problem.

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Adults asking for kids menus -

We all love a good deal, but don’t make the server be the person who has to confront you, an adult, about ordering off the kids menu.

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Pretending you don’t like something for a refund -

Look, you’re not fooling anyone when you’ve eaten half of it already.

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Seating yourself -

Just because you see a free table doesn’t mean you should walk past the “Please wait to be seated” sign. There’s a system that you don’t see at work!

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Sitting at a dirty table -

Beyond it being gross, the servers were obviously not ready for you at that table yet and now they have to awkwardly bus the table while you’re in the way.

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Saying you know the owner to get perks -

Some entitled customers will say they know the owner of the restaurant—even if they just learned the name online—to get served first or to get a deal. But the staff know the owner even better, so unless you make a special arrangement with the owner personally, no need to name drop.

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Telling servers you see open tables while you wait -

If you enter a restaurant and are put on a waitlist while you can see tables available, your server almost certainly is aware of it.

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Not tipping enough (or at all) -

This is especially true in the pandemic, if you have a big group, and if you put in a big order. Restaurant staff make so little money that they often depend on tips.

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Applauding when a server drops something -

We’ve all been there, when a server inevitably drops plates and glasses, and some people decide to clap and holler as if it were good fun. It might seem like it’s lightening the mood, but it’s usually mortifying for the person and they’d much rather everyone moved on.

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Not pushing in chairs after leaving -

Servers need to maneuver dining spaces easily, and it’s a huge nuisance to have chairs pulled all the way out. It’s a small thing but it makes a huge difference.

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Lying about allergies -

Many people will cry allergy if they merely don’t like something or want something not on the menu, which is wrong on several levels.

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Throwing drinks in the garbage -

This is too often the case at fast food joints, and people don’t realize that someone is going to have to lift that heavy bag to the garbage, not to mention the danger of a leak.

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Demanding bread immediately -

Each restaurant has its own way of doing things, and for many they bring drinks first, then bread with salad, then the appetizers and entrees.

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Big parties who walk in without reservations -

Sure, sometimes dining happens on a whim, but even a 10-minute warning can leave servers much better prepared to welcome you, or it can give you a better idea of when there will be availability so you don’t crowd the entrance waiting.

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Asking for strong drinks or extra freebies -

You’re putting servers in an awkward position—the requests often aren’t even in their power—and that little wink and tiny tip you’re offering really aren’t enough to convince a server to overextend themselves for you.

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Telling the server to smile -

They don’t owe you a smile, and this also might backfire with super slow service. A better technique? A big tip!

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Ordering something not on the menu -

If you’re making so many changes to a dish that it’s unrecognizable, or you’re plainly asking for something that’s not on the menu, perhaps you should consider just going to a different restaurant. There’s a set menu for a reason!

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Leaving non-restaurant trash at the table -

Just because you know the server is going to clean the table anyway doesn’t mean you should give them more work.

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Handing back menus while people are still ordering -

If your server is writing things down and you’ve finished your order but the rest haven’t, just hang on to that menu so they don’t have to juggle while trying to get your order right. It’s the little things.

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Stashing broken glass -

There’s nothing worse than getting to closing time in the wee hours of the morning only to find broken glass hidden in a corner under a table.

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Requesting changes to the environment -

If you’re asking to lower the volume of the music or turn up the lights or adjust the air conditioning as if it’s your house and servers are your servants, you’re asking too much. Plus, maybe other guests like it!

See also: The benefits of home cooking 

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