What is Your Restaurant Pet Peeve?

[Bonanza]

I have a couple of pet peeves concerning restaurants:

Lemon cut in slices that you can't squeeze.
Why don't they cut wedges instead.

Never enough butter for the amount of bread served.

[jblum315]

I have a couple of pet peeves concerning restaurants:

Lemon cut in slices that you can't squeeze.
Why don't they cut wedges instead.

Never enough butter for the amount of bread served.

I don't care for the butter, but there is never enough bread. Often 3 pieces for two people (Huh?)

[graciegirl]

Although I enjoy Sandra whatchamallit on the cooking channel with the show, Semi-homemade, I wish that more restaurants made things from scratch. I understand that by buying premade entrees or sauces or partial ingredients that they save money on paying for skilled cooks and pass it on to us, but sometimes it does taste premade and frozen, because part of it, or all of it is.

[Living a Fantasy]

A waiter or waitress asking me, a 76 year old,

"What would you like, YOUNG MAN? (in a very LOUDDDDDDD voice)

[dewilson58]

Lemon in my water.

I like lemons in my water, but restaurants (and bars) NEVER wash lemons (or limes) prior to cutting and serving. :yuck:

[Uptown Girl]

My pet peeve is 'ambiance' lighting that is so soft one can not read the menu.

[zcaveman]

The butter is frozen and you cannot get it to spread.

Z

[rhood]

The butter is frozen and you cannot get it to spread.

Z

Yup, hard butter and soft bread.

[karostay]

Patrons on cell phones calls or text

[DigitalGranny]

Agree with Graciegirl (as usual), frozen or premade/packaged food has little or no place in restaurants outside of fast food. I expect better at a restaurant and don't mind paying for it

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Inept service! Most waiters & waitress are pretty much delivery people and sometimes they don't get that right. But every now and then you get someone
who is a professional and cares about their job.

Does anyone know that the term TIPS stands for? 10 out of 10 wait people have no idea.

[CFrance]

My pet peeve happens even before entering the establishment--restaurants that don't take reservations.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

My pet peeve is 'ambiance' lighting that is so soft one can not read the menu.


Ditto that Uptown Girl. I have taken a menu to the mens room to read it LOL

[TheVillageChicken]

Salads that I have to cut into smaller pieces.
Server not knowing what the soup of the day is.

Just a thought I had at Olive Garden while having lunch this week. There were two different large groups having lunch, and they were loud and boisterous. This didn't bother us, but I found myself wondering what folks would think of us if we, just a couple, were talking and laughing that loud. In the interest of advancing sociological research I will find out next time we eat at OG.

[Kahuna32162]

I have 2 and neither have to do with the restaurant.

Parents who allow their unruly children to run wild while they just sit by and enjoy a meal.

Parent who go out to eat with small babies at 9 or 10p when it obvious that the child is tired and cranky and needs to be home in bed.

[leftyf]

When my dinner is served before I have finished my salad.

[collie1228]

Servers who refer to us as "you guys".

[CFrance]

Servers who clear anybody's plate before all have finished eating.

[Bonnevie]

Although I enjoy Sandra whatchamallit on the cooking channel with the show, Semi-homemade, I wish that more restaurants made things from scratch. I understand that by buying premade entrees or sauces or partial ingredients that they save money on paying for skilled cooks and pass it on to us, but sometimes it does taste premade and frozen, because part of it, or all of it is.

Gracie,

A place that makes wonderful homemade items is the little cafe over the antique mall across from Russell Stover. Went to lunch there and the food is great. I didn't have the soup but those who did raved about it. My choice was delicious and the desserts to die for. So if you're out and about and want a great homemade lunch that's the place.

[lamplighter]

We go to places where the music is soft so the we both enjoy it and can hear ourselves when talking, servers wait until we finish our sentences before they interrupt with what they have to say (and they don't act so familiar and join our personal conversation), the food looks and tAstes good so we don't have to compliment the photographer, the kitchen is clean even if the restaurant is old.

[Sable99]

My pet peeve is 'ambiance' lighting that is so soft one can not read the menu.

I put a flashlight app on my iPhone! It helps!

[jnieman]

The waiter doesn't come to the table after the meal is served to see if we need condiments.

[billethkid]

cell phones at the table!!!

Rude, insensitive.....should not be allowed in the door. Minimally turned off + being asked to leave the room if it rings/ answered.

[Average Guy]

My top two are:

Butter that is hard to spread

If I am eating alone, I hate to have to sit and wait for the check after I have finished eating.

[Yung Dum]

I agree with those who mentioned hard, butter, being called "you guys" and waiting for the check. The "you guys" thing is the worst. Very unprofessional.

[dillywho]

cell phones at the table!!!

Rude, insensitive.....should not be allowed in the door. Minimally turned off + being asked to leave the room if it rings/ answered.

Sorry, but doctors eat out, too. I wouldn't want mine to have to not have his phone. As for me, since my husband does not communicate, I have to have mine with me when I'm out and he's not with me in case there is an emergency with him. He wears an ID bracelet with my info in there and our alarm system at home has the number as well. This gives us both needed independence. When we are together, it is either off or silenced.

I DO NOT sit and engage in idle chatter.

[sunnyatlast]

1. Sticky tables that never get washed with hot water and detergent and a well-wrung out dishcloth or sponge.

2. "Food runners" or sweaty kitchen workers bringing the platters of food who do not know which plate belongs to whom, as the "server" does. The runners bring out all the platters and stick them under people's faces or to grab and stare at, to figure out who gets what. I've had this happen at expensive places as well as cheaper ones. Serving should be done by the server.

[elbear]

Restaurants who do not teach staff hospitality basics and keep tabs on them.

[rubicon]

Crowded restaurants, bad service, low quality and cold meals, waiting to be seated, unreasonable prices, restaurants that allow dogs, dirty dishes, darken areas so that you can't even read a menu.:D

[asianthree]

Wandering children if the parents don't want them at their table neither do I

[Medtrans]

Bringing my food but not refilling my drink until I'm half-way thru my meal. Hard butter too.

[texasfal]

Looking all over for your server only to have he/she come back stinking of cigarettes.

[Yorio]

Don't know why my post for this thread ends up in Disrespect for Village employees thread. I know I put it on this thread. Strange

[CFrance]

Sorry, but doctors eat out, too. I wouldn't want mine to have to not have his phone. As for me, since my husband does not communicate, I have to have mine with me when I'm out and he's not with me in case there is an emergency with him. He wears an ID bracelet with my info in there and our alarm system at home has the number as well. This gives us both needed independence. When we are together, it is either off or silenced.

I DO NOT sit and engage in idle chatter.
I don't think that was in any way directed at you or others in your situation, dillywho. But the phone can be on vibrate and still get the job done.

And if people absolutely have to communicate while in a restaurant, they can walk outside while answering the phone.

We've had breakfasts next to contractors communicating with each other in walkie-talkie mode--loud beeps followed by loud voices. Rude, inconsiderate, and unnecessary.

[tippyclubb]

I hate it when the waitress brings the meal before I'm done with my salad.

[Cisco Kid]

Restaurants that feel like meat lockers.:cold::cold::cold:

[dbanks50]

My two cents: wild children, dim lighting, and music too loud. One other thing I hate to see is wait staff bussing tables, then deliver food to a table. I'm sure they don't run wash their hands after carrying someone else's dirty plates. Other staff should walk around and do that. I get that it wouldn't work at Waffle House.

[sunnyatlast]

Restaurants that feel like meat lockers.:cold::cold::cold:

That, too!!!!!!!

[graciegirl]

I hate to be freezing and I hate music because I can't hear people's conversation because everything is made louder by my very expensive hearing aids...lol.

[Shimpy]

I hate to have to sit and wait for the check after I have finished eating.

This is my #1 complaint.

[jojo]

Restaurants that feel like meat lockers.:cold::cold::cold:

Agree!!!:spoken:

[courtyard]

Restaurants that play loud HipHop music. There was one in TV that did, and I asked them to change it to Classic Rock&Roll. And they did :-)

[Hancle704]

Server bringing entrée before soup or salad is finished and bringing check before dinner is finished and we have had time to think about coffee and or dessert after. Folks in large groups who think they must shout to be heard by their dinner companions and wind up being heard by everyone in restaurant. Folks who believe their cell phone conversation must be heard by everyone else sitting nearby. If it's that important, step outside and call them back.

[MikeV]

My pet peeve is 'ambiance' lighting that is so soft one can not read the menu.

You are so right Uptown Girl. I have taken to using my iPhone flashlight to read menus. Also some are printed in terrible color combinations like black print on dark blue background etc.

I also can't understand the total inefficiency that servers display like making several trips back and forth. For example when two tables are close to each other and the same server is assigned to both they will take the order of one table and leave to supposedly enter the order and then come back to take the next table order. Or, refilling iced tea glasses on one table and not doing the same for the nearby table. Drives me nuts to see all the trips made back and forth by some servers. Maybe they are wearing pedometers and get paid by the mile.:laugh:

[zcaveman]

How about getting seated and have every waitress in the establishment keep passing you without one of them looking at you or saying "I will be with you in a minute". It is like we are invisible.

I get this same treatment at the pharmacies sometimes.

Z

[MikeV]

I may take some heat on this one but… when there is a line of people waiting to get in - People who sit and "chat" forever when they are clearly done dining.

[Walter123]

I tried to bring my pet peeve into a restaurant and was told only service peeves were allowed.

[Doro22]

We were in Olive Garden about a year ago & it was so cold...when it was time for dessert I said no. I had to get outside in the warmth/heat. (Take your pick.) So there was a survey that I responded to & mentioned that it was so cold in there that I couldn't even stay for dessert. You know what....??? - next time I was there the temperature was comfortable. I hope that perhaps I made a difference.:undecided:

[jnieman]

Loud rock music playing so loud you can't hear your conversation

[Cisco Kid]

Serving instant ice tea. For $2 a glass I want brewed.

[Doro22]

Ooh! Another one. Actually my husband's. He hates it when the wait person sits down in the booth next to him to take your order. It would seem they only do it to him. (Hmmn!) I'm usually rolling my eyes & laughing inwardly, as I know he is not believing this is actually happening. What's up with that?

[Medtrans]

Agreed mikeV but on the flip side I don't like it when another table is seated after us (2) and they are a party of 4 or 6, the server takes our order (after we waited) and then they stop to take all the orders of the other table so now we have to wait even longer to get our drinks.

[Doro22]

Ok this will be my last one. When u ask for a refill on the water....the wait person takes your nearly empty glass...not good. Very often they get busy with other requests & you have no water for long time. :cus:
They should bring a pitcher to the table and refill your glass.

[CFrance]

Ooh! Another one. Actually my husband's. He hates it when the wait person sits down in the booth next to him to take your order. It would seem they only do it to him. (Hmmn!) I'm usually rolling my eyes & laughing inwardly, as I know he is not believing this is actually happening. What's up with that?
Ha ha! A little too informal for your husband?

We had a group that used to go out to a neighborhood hole-in-the-wall every Saturday for breakfast in West MI. Knew & loved the waitress; she was older. She'd come up to the table, count out that there were 8-10 of us, pull up a chair and sit down!

But a different situation, I'm sure.

[DougB]

I hate being told there is a 45 minute wait when I can see 5 empty tables. Then after waiting 55 minutes they sit you at one of those tables that was empty when I first arrived.

[RErmer]

:agree: with everything all of you have said! The absolute worst for me, though, are unattended children. I may be getting old and cranky, remembering that when I was young if I didn't behave in a restaurant I had to go sit in the car. Then again, nowadays my parents would have been charged with child abuse for that!

[dillywho]

I don't think that was in any way directed at you or others in your situation, dillywho. But the phone can be on vibrate and still get the job done.

And if people absolutely have to communicate while in a restaurant, they can walk outside while answering the phone.

We've had breakfasts next to contractors communicating with each other in walkie-talkie mode--loud beeps followed by loud voices. Rude, inconsiderate, and unnecessary.

For the most part, I do agree with you. I put my phone on soft ring and vibrate. Unfortunately, I have missed calls on vibrate only, but on the other side of that coin, the ones I have missed have not been important. That's why when he's not with me, I do the softest ring possible and the vibrate. If it is a call I have to take, I do go outside. I don't like to hear anyone else's conversation, much less their broadcast like you describe. I try my very best to be considerate

[dbanks50]

:agree: with everything all of you have said! The absolute worst for me, though, are unattended children. I may be getting old and cranky, remembering that when I was young if I didn't behave in a restaurant I had to go sit in the car. Then again, nowadays my parents would have been charged with child abuse for that!

Sadly, all you can do these days, and with some children, that's like talking to a brick wall. If my Mom were alive and raising her kids, she'd be in the same boat as Adrian Peterson. We were spanked with a switch, and none of us turned out to be serial killers.

[dillywho]

Sadly, all you can do these days, and with some children, that's like talking to a brick wall. If my Mom were alive and raising her kids, she'd be in the same boat as Adrian Peterson. We were spanked with a switch, and none of us turned out to be serial killers.

Thank you! Not only did we get the switch, but we had to go out and pick our own! We clearly understood that there were boundaries in our lives and there were consequences for crossing them. That being said, we could not have had more loving or caring parents, and I thank God that I was so blessed to have had them.

[zonerboy]

Somebody asked for complaints and we sure got 'em.

[CFrance]

For the most part, I do agree with you. I put my phone on soft ring and vibrate. Unfortunately, I have missed calls on vibrate only, but on the other side of that coin, the ones I have missed have not been important. That's why when he's not with me, I do the softest ring possible and the vibrate. If it is a call I have to take, I do go outside. I don't like to hear anyone else's conversation, much less their broadcast like you describe. I try my very best to be considerate
I know you do, dilly. I've read your posts before and quite understand. You need to be in constant reach. I think the original comment about cell phones was directed toward the more inconsiderate people who just want to get every phone call no matter what and don't care whose dining experience they ruin. That's not you.

[Loudoll]

I don't care for the butter, but there is never enough bread. Often 3 pieces for two people (Huh?)
Worse is 2 pieces for three people. lolI hate when you're out with a group and they put a bowl of bread near one person...you don't feel like it's your bread because the server put someone else in charge of it...and they never put out enough. Olive Garden doesn't even give you butter but I guess it's on the bread they serve...and OG always gives you more...you can tell I'm a breadie

[Loudoll]

Salads that I have to cut into smaller pieces.
Server not knowing what the soup of the day is.

Just a thought I had at Olive Garden while having lunch this week. There were two different large groups having lunch, and they were loud and boisterous. This didn't bother us, but I found myself wondering what folks would think of us if we, just a couple, were talking and laughing that loud. In the interest of advancing sociological research I will find out next time we eat at OG.
I'm enjoying imagining that scene with only the two of you. That is so funny. Olive Garden is noisy anyway and then you add "that table" and it's pretty rough. I'm still laughing ...please do it

[Loudoll]

A waiter or waitress asking me, a 76 year old,

"What would you like, YOUNG MAN? (in a very LOUDDDDDDD voice)
I hate it when the server treats my husband like an adorable old man...Hey..this is my high school sweetheart not a pet. And please don't announce in a loud nasal twang "Oh you're shar-ing ...and that's two waters! Got it!" And of course everyone else got it too.:cus:

[Loudoll]

I hate to be freezing and I hate music because I can't hear people's conversation because everything is made louder by my very expensive hearing aids...lol.
Me too Graciegirl...:shrug:

[ditka41]

Always easy to get plenty of complaints on this board. But, to answer the question regarding my "restaurant peeves", I'll tell you.

Pets on the premises of a restaurant "peeve" me enough that it only happens once.

[CFrance]

Always easy to get plenty of complaints on this board. But, to answer the question regarding my "restaurant peeves", I'll tell you.

Pets on the premises of a restaurant "peeve" me enough that it only happens once.
That's a good thing, because we wouldn't want you bothering our dogs on the patio!:evil6::evil6:

[VT2TV]

Inept service! Most waiters & waitress are pretty much delivery people and sometimes they don't get that right. But every now and then you get someone
who is a professional and cares about their job.

Does anyone know that the term TIPS stands for? 10 out of 10 wait people have no idea.



Never been a wait person, but if any are on here---To Insure Prompt/Professional Service. Tipping was never supposed to be "required" like it seems to be now. I am a good tipper, so no one needs to bring out the flames, but hate having to do it. I would much rather have the owner raise prices if he has to, and pay the employees a fair salary with insurance. I hate tipping for many reasons, but just 1 of them is the unfairness to the different shifts. You can take a server on the day shift who works just as hard-or harder than the servers on the evening shifts-but gets much, much less in tips because the meals and alcohol in the evening are more expensive than bacon and eggs. I do think the people who have to give up their evenings to work should ,however, get maybe a couple of dollars more/hour as compensation. All you have to do to get a tip from us is to check back once after we receive our meal. The server takes the order, but frequently a runner brings out the food. If the server can't check back within a reasonable time to make sure our food is correct, and to refill our drinks, I don't feel that person has earned a tip





Worse is 2 pieces for three people. lolI hate when you're out with a group and they put a bowl of bread near one person...you don't feel like it's your bread because the server put someone else in charge of it...and they never put out enough. Olive Garden doesn't even give you butter but I guess it's on the bread they serve...and OG always gives you more...you can tell I'm a breadie



I am a breadie too. Hate to bear bad news, but read online last night that Olive Garden was going to start bringing out 1 breadstick per person and 1 "for the table". You can request more and they will bring out 1 breadstick for you at a time. Yuk!

[Barefoot]

Sorry, but doctors eat out, too. I wouldn't want mine to have to not have his phone. As for me, since my husband does not communicate, I have to have mine with me when I'm out and he's not with me in case there is an emergency with him. He wears an ID bracelet with my info in there and our alarm system at home has the number as well. This gives us both needed independence. When we are together, it is either off or silenced.
I DO NOT sit and engage in idle chatter.

I think it's listening to loud idle chatter that bothers most people.
In your case that doesn't happen, and a short call shouldn't bother anyone.

I find it annoying when people have cell phones programmed to play loud music when they ring, and the owners appear helpless to find their phones. It's especially bothersome when it happens at church or during a movie.

[Halibut]

I can't think of anything, but my wife would agree about rooms being kept too chilly. She won't go out to eat without a cardigan. I like it cool myself, so file under: Can't Please Everyone.

Oh! I guess I do wish the servers would box up leftovers the way they used to. Now they just bring some styrofoam containers to the tables and we have to maneuver around the tableware and dirty dishes to fill them ourselves. I often end up with a smear of something on my shirt cuff. I know others prefer not to have their food taken out of their sight and then returned. See: CPE.

[Suzi]

I have an issue with the persons who clean up after a table has finished. They take spray and spray the table (and surrounding areas) and use just the most-discusting rags to clean the tables. Many times dumping the crumbs on the chairs and floor. The chairs may or may not get cleaned. Sometimes they vacuum the area while I'm trying to eat. And I'm thinking of all the dust landing on my food - no to mention the loud noise of the vacuum.
I'm thinking about how many germs are on my table and have been "deposited" by the dirty rag that probably gets changed once a shift.

[GoHawks!]

1. Not having my drink refilled (The time I wait with no drink is directly in proportion to the amount of tip I am deducting.)
2. Waiting for my check for too long after I am finished eating

[Bonanza]

I agree with many of the posts because they all ring so true. As far as a pet on a patio, why would a person go there to begin with if they considered that an annoyance. Just don't go, period!

Kids running around is the worst. One time two kids were so bad, I got up and told the mother it wasn't McDonald's and asked her to seat her kids. It was terrible. I guess the right thing would have been to tell the manager.

But here's the absolute worst: When you pay with cash and the wait person asks you if you "need" change! If that isn't the most rude thing, then I don't know what is.

[mixsonci]

When my dinner is served before I have finished my salad.

I agree totally with this one. I get so mad and it ruins the rest of the meal.

[yabbadu]

Servers that seem bothered that you might need more water or they forget to bring item you asked for to begin your meal!

[redwitch]

Customers that are rude to a server. If the service is bad, I do my talking with the tip. I always leave something, usually too much, but I've been known to leave a very small amount of loose change. Didn't want the server to think I'd forgotten to tip. However, there is absolutely no reason to berate the server and make everyone around you uncomfortable.

A lot of the complaints I've seen here are well beyond the control of the server. Servers put the orders in, the cook fixes the meal. If the main dish sits over a certain amount of time regardless if the customer is finished with their salad, the server is written up for leaving the food sitting. Some restaurants don't allow servers to bring pitchers of water out. And so on. Before chalking things up to bad service, look around and see if your server is hustling. If so, cut 'em some slack.

And I totally hate runners delivering the food. Think this is the worst practice ever devised but I blame the restaurants, not the servers.

[karostay]

8 pages of pet peeves for restaurants including mine
Makes one wonder why anyone would even bother to go out to dine

[dbanks50]

I agree. Sometimes the host(ess) over seats a server. Sometimes customers demand too much attention wanting to chat like they are best friends. We never tip based on food quality. That's just wrong. Don't punish them; they didn't cook it.

[CFrance]

8 pages of pet peeves for restaurants including mine
Makes one wonder why anyone would even bother to go out to dine
I guess the desire to go out and socialize coupled with the desire not to have to cook trumps poor service at restos. Plus... these are pet peeves. They don't apply to all of us or all restaurants combined and simultaneously.

[zonerboy]

Restaurant owners/managers are in business to make money. To help accomplish this goal they are prone to understaff the premises to keep salary expenses ( paltry as they are) to a minimum. They walk a thin line, maximizing income vs. annoying patrons.
So if service is slow, you can't get your water refilled, it takes too long for the check, etc., etc.,....don't blame the server. Take it up with management.
And if you can't get service that's to your liking, go somewhere else!

By the way, noise levels here seem much louder than I'm used too. Maybe it's because we're so old we can't hear. So we have to shout!!!

[jnieman]

I have an issue with the persons who clean up after a table has finished. They take spray and spray the table (and surrounding areas) and use just the most-discusting rags to clean the tables. Many times dumping the crumbs on the chairs and floor. The chairs may or may not get cleaned. Sometimes they vacuum the area while I'm trying to eat. And I'm thinking of all the dust landing on my food - no to mention the loud noise of the vacuum.
I'm thinking about how many germs are on my table and have been "deposited" by the dirty rag that probably gets changed once a shift.

I also have an issue with those wiping rags they use. From what I understand they are supposed to have them in bleach water when not in use. I was at a certain Chinese restaurant about a year ago. The server wiped the table with a rag while we were sitting there. It was the stinkiest rag I've ever smelled. I asked her to please use a clean rag that that one was smelly. There was a language barrier. Instead she used the same stinky rag and gave me a disgusted look. We should have gotten up to leave but instead we stayed. Five minutes later our soup was served. I thought it tasted funny even asked my friend to taste her soup to compare and hers tasted different from mine. About 20 minutes after eating my soup I was sicker than a dog. I was in the bathroom constantly and had to stop three times on the way home and was sick all that evening. This was the only thing I had had to eat all day except buttered toast that morning and 2 other people at our table had the same entree as I did and none of them got sick. I was feeling fine when I went in. To this day I believe she put something in my soup and have never gone back.

[JCMSr]

After reading most of the posts here I decided to compile my list of Top Ten Peeves.

#10 - Servers repeatedly saying "No Problem" to every question/request.

#9 - Servers that never check back to see if you have everything you need especially the drink refills.

#8 - Restaurants that have the air down so low it feels like you are sitting in a cold storage locker.

#7 - Waiting and waiting and waiting for the check long after the meal is complete.

#6 - Ordering an appetizer to tide you over while waiting on your meal only to have it delivered with the main course.

#5 - Helicopter servers who seem to check back every 30 seconds only to ask if everything is OK just when you have a mouth full of food.

#4 - Being seated by the hostess only to be ignored for the next 30 minutes until someone finally says "Have you been helped?"

#3 - Two or more of any of the above items in any one sitting ='s poor service and possibly poor tip along with a conversation with the manager.

#2 - Cell phone conversations from the adjacent table! Get up and walk outside if it is that important, PLEASE!

And the #1 Pet Peeve of this decade is............

#1 - Out of control children running around and crawling under tables while the parents sit and talk completely oblivious to their screaming, crying, whining kids. Oh, and how about the little ones that stand up in the booth next to you and stare hole through your head while you try to have a nice, quiet meal. I love children but come on parents...take control at least in public. Shish!

I'm done!!!! :rant-rave:

[Avista]

My pet peeve is loud music. Have left because we knew we could not have a conversation.

[jnieman]

My pet peeve is loud music. Have left because we knew we could not have a conversation.

I agree. Applebees comes to mind at the moment. Why would you play current up to date hard rock music to a bunch of retirees?

[bluedog103]

I hate tipping for many reasons, but just 1 of them is the unfairness to the different shifts. You can take a server on the day shift who works just as hard-or harder than the servers on the evening shifts-but gets much, much less in tips because the meals and alcohol in the evening are more expensive than bacon and eggs.
My wife often comments that I'm overly generous with my tips. As someone who had jobs in his younger years where I hustled tips, I understand well how much the restaurant staff depends on our tips. That's why for breakfast I usually tip at least 40%, often more. The server of your breakfast works just as hard, sometimes harder, keeping your coffee cup filled, as your dinner server. It seems fair to me that the tip should be a larger percentage of a minimal check.

[TheVillageChicken]

My wife often comments that I'm overly generous with my tips. As someone who had jobs in his younger years where I hustled tips, I understand well how much the restaurant staff depends on our tips. That's why for breakfast I usually tip at least 40%, often more. The server of your breakfast works just as hard, sometimes harder, keeping your coffee cup filled, as your dinner server. It seems fair to me that the tip should be a larger percentage of a minimal check.

Alternatively, you could tip the non-breakfast servers less.

What gets me is that some of the bills have recommended tip amounts based on 15%, 18%, and 20%, but use the after tax cost as the basis. To me that is scamming.

[Loudoll]

I am a breadie too. Hate to bear bad news, but read online last night that Olive Garden was going to start bringing out 1 breadstick per person and 1 "for the table". You can request more and they will bring out 1 breadstick for you at a time. Yuk![/QUOTE]

I wonder if all Olive Gardens will do this...if not, we'll search out another one. One time I was with a group of 10 at O.G. (and yes, they were pretty loud) and three bowls of salad were placed on the table and the server disappeared! I didn't say anything because I didn't want to draw attention as it was my first time out with them, but how inconsiderate was this?
Enjoyed the lesson on what tipping means and what tip stand for...it will make a difference on how much we tip. My husband lets me set the tip and I always erred on the side of generosity.

[Loudoll]

After reading most of the posts here I decided to compile my list of Top Ten Peeves.

#10 - Servers repeatedly saying "No Problem" to every question/request.

#9 - Servers that never check back to see if you have everything you need especially the drink refills.

#8 - Restaurants that have the air down so low it feels like you are sitting in a cold storage locker.

#7 - Waiting and waiting and waiting for the check long after the meal is complete.

#6 - Ordering an appetizer to tide you over while waiting on your meal only to have it delivered with the main course.

#5 - Helicopter servers who seem to check back every 30 seconds only to ask if everything is OK just when you have a mouth full of food.

#4 - Being seated by the hostess only to be ignored for the next 30 minutes until someone finally says "Have you been helped?"

#3 - Two or more of any of the above items in any one sitting ='s poor service and possibly poor tip along with a conversation with the manager.

#2 - Cell phone conversations from the adjacent table! Get up and walk outside if it is that important, PLEASE!

And the #1 Pet Peeve of this decade is............

#1 - Out of control children running around and crawling under tables while the parents sit and talk completely oblivious to their screaming, crying, whining kids. Oh, and how about the little ones that stand up in the booth next to you and stare hole through your head while you try to have a nice, quiet meal. I love children but come on parents...take control at least in public. Shish!

I'm done!!!! :rant-rave:

Oh I hate that "nat a problem" stuff...typo intentional

[Pointer]

:agree: with everything all of you have said! The absolute worst for me, though, are unattended children. I may be getting old and cranky, remembering that when I was young if I didn't behave in a restaurant I had to go sit in the car. Then again, nowadays my parents would have been charged with child abuse for that!

Yikes! I never hit my kids and I was always complimented on their good behavior. There were consequences they knew could be carried out after only one warning, like having to go to sit in the car with either mom or dad while the rest of the family got to finish. And there was a reminder that next time they would do better. This gave a pretty clear message. If they did it again then they simply were not ready to dine out with the rest of us and I could get a sitter for them until they were "ready". I always said that they weren't ready rather then "Bad". That behavior was unacceptable for what ever reason and that was that. This went for running away in a store etc,. Sometimes you just don't know that the child isn't up for it until it's too late or you just aren't up for the challenge. We all have our good and bad days as parents, it's not a job for wimps. :o

[perrjojo]

Oh I hate that "nat a problem" stuff...typo intentional
When someone says that to my son in law, he replies,"is that something like you're welcome. Lol
I like friendly, courteous service but my pet peeve is when some are so overly friendly and intrusive that I feel I should invite them to join us. I guess it's hard to balance not enough with too much.

[Happinow]

We went to a restaurant in SS last week and when our "server" brought the drinks, her fingers held the glass around the rim right where we would be drinking from. She also had her finger on the plate when setting the food on the table. I thought if Gordon Ramsey would have seen this he would have had a heart attack. A server should never do that. I use the word server loosely because of the way she spoke at us and her level of service. There was nothing polite or nice about her. She was a poor server and our tip reflected her poor service and attitude. We always tip at least 20% when we go out if the service is worthy. Sometimes 25%.

[graciegirl]

We always tip 20 percent. Serving is hard and patient work.

[Walter123]

This thread disgusts me. Never heard so many silly complaints. Lets do the movie theater next, at least there will be popcorn.

[graciegirl]

This thread disgusts me. Never heard so many silly complaints. Lets do the movie theater next, at least there will be popcorn.


I don't know who you are Walter, but I changed my post above, It was too direct.

[jnieman]

I've had fun reading this thread and even contributed to it. Back in the 80's husband and I used to own a nightclub. One night a couple of our servers called in sick. I ended up on the floor waiting tables. You talk about a difficult job. Wow! I did this for only about two hours in my life and I remember how hard it was. After that I really had a soft spot for our servers knowing how difficult their job really is.

[rubicon]

This thread disgusts me. Never heard so many silly complaints. Lets do the movie theater next, at least there will be popcorn.

Walter: Please expand on why these are silly complaints? Should people just accept mediocrity pay the bill and shut up?
What about movies, hotel stays, air travel or ocean cruises ? Come on, admit it you are capable of complaining. I mean you just did with your post:wave:

Personal Best Regards

[justjim]

I am a breadie too. Hate to bear bad news, but read online last night that Olive Garden was going to start bringing out 1 breadstick per person and 1 "for the table". You can request more and they will bring out 1 breadstick for you at a time. Yuk!

I wonder if all Olive Gardens will do this...if not, we'll search out another one. One time I was with a group of 10 at O.G. (and yes, they were pretty loud) and three bowls of salad were placed on the table and the server disappeared! I didn't say anything because I didn't want to draw attention as it was my first time out with them, but how inconsiderate was this?
Enjoyed the lesson on what tipping means and what tip stand for...it will make a difference on how much we tip. My husband lets me set the tip and I always erred on the side of generosity.[/QUOTE]

Regarding Olive Garden. The reason for not bringing more breadsticks is that they get cold. Also, there may be some at the table who doesn't eat bread.

A major Stockholder supposedly wanted to cut back on waste. It's all about profits but this policy could backfire.

I admire the hard work Servers do---tough job pleasing everybody. I do agree some could use better training.

Group noise is my pet peeve. When people get too loud it's often caused from too much drink. More partitions would help in some restaurants and a separate room for large groups.

[rubicon]

Olive Garden is fighting for its survival. Its 49 day pasta campaign ended badly when people were told they could not sell their 49 pasta day passes over e-bay.

The best of Olive Garden is their bread sticks and salad and so they may want to re-think that change in bread policy.

Restaurants primarily make their money over the bar and so they may want to focus there.

The turnover rate in this business is high so it doesn't take much to gain in management responsibility but too often restaurants don't invest enough in training. and if they have a good employee they need to do their best to retain that employee too often they do not.

The prime season is returning and I am afraid the next time someone starts a "What's Your Restaurant Pet Peeve its going to be more than just a pet peeve...its going to be A PET PEEVE@#$%^&*

[patfla06]

Seating us by a table with screaming kids

And adults who talk at the top of their voice
(What is up with that?)

[Shimpy]

They take spray and spray the table (and surrounding areas) and use just the most-discusting rags to clean the tables.

These rags wipe off the table and usually also the seats..........This is a good reason to never put your silverware on the table, but on a napkin or plate.

[Laurie2]

(partial quote)

I admire the hard work Servers do---tough job pleasing everybody. I do agree some could use better training.

Group noise is my pet peeve. When people get too loud it's often caused from too much drink. More petitions would help in some restaurants and a separate room for large groups.

You said what I think. Those huge, howling herds are my pet peeve, too. I guess some of it could be blamed on booze, but there are other behaviors that factor in. An anthropologist could have a field day observing and taking notes. Could be just what some PhD type caught in that publish or perish thing is looking for. :024:

I have wondered if certain restaurants are purposely designed to create a loud environment. Turns those tables, you know.

And, I hope you will smile along with me because I cannot resist letting you know that you were sabotaged by your spellcheck or autocorrect. . .

I know you meant to write 'partitions' would help to keep the noise down. But when it came out 'petitions' it made me smile and say, "Hey, justjim! Where do I sign?" :wave:

[bluedog103]

Alternatively, you could tip the non-breakfast servers less.

What gets me is that some of the bills have recommended tip amounts based on 15%, 18%, and 20%, but use the after tax cost as the basis. To me that is scamming.
That's a pretty cold way to look at tipping. Let's not tip the non-breakfast servers less. Any server who provides good service deserves a decent tip. That $10.00 breakfast with umpteen coffee refills is worth more than a measly $2.00 tip. While we're at it, is it really going to break the bank to calculate the tip on the total check, not on the the pre-tax amount? These servers work very hard, and it isn't just the physical work that is exhausting. The tough part is putting up with some really difficult customers. I think most customers in TV treat the restaurant staff very well but it only takes a small minority to make the job miserable for the restaurant workers and we've all seen customers berating servers in our local restaurants.

[Loudoll]

When someone says that to my son in law, he replies,"is that something like you're welcome. Lol
I like friendly, courteous service but my pet peeve is when some are so overly friendly and intrusive that I feel I should invite them to join us. I guess it's hard to balance not enough with too much.
Agree agree agree

[Bonanza]

I also have an issue with those wiping rags they use. From what I understand they are supposed to have them in bleach water when not in use. I was at a certain Chinese restaurant about a year ago. The server wiped the table with a rag while we were sitting there. It was the stinkiest rag I've ever smelled. I asked her to please use a clean rag that that one was smelly. There was a language barrier. Instead she used the same stinky rag and gave me a disgusted look. We should have gotten up to leave but instead we stayed. Five minutes later our soup was served. I thought it tasted funny even asked my friend to taste her soup to compare and hers tasted different from mine. About 20 minutes after eating my soup I was sicker than a dog. I was in the bathroom constantly and had to stop three times on the way home and was sick all that evening. This was the only thing I had had to eat all day except buttered toast that morning and 2 other people at our table had the same entree as I did and none of them got sick. I was feeling fine when I went in. To this day I believe she put something in my soup and have never gone back.

In the spirit of justice, it would be helpful if you mentioned the name of the Chinese restaurant.
You could be doing someone else a favor by doing so.
I can't think of any reason why you shouldn't.

[Wandatime]

I always try to avoid complaining about service until after my meal has been served to avoid any unnecessary and unordered "add-ons." However, when a young server says to me, "Not a problem" I always want to respond with, "I would hope not" complete with a great big cheesy smile. I usually don't.

I'm not as bad as a former co-worker. She consistently ordered water without lemon and always added, "If I wanted lemonade I would order it." Boy did she throw a fit if they accidentally forgot and put a lemon in her water. She would make them go get her a new glass of water, sans lemon slice.

Another co-worker would ask for something, and if the server didn't ask the table as a whole if there was anything else she could bring, he would ask for a second item when the server returned with the first item, stating to the server, "Use your head or use your feet."

I have an Italian friend who used to own a restaurant, and when going out to eat loves to teach/point out to servers waiting on our table how to open wine, pronounce words, how to serve, etc. etc.

So you see, some customers can be just as dreadful as some really bad servers. I guess in the end that is my biggest pet peeve -- eating with people that exhibit such bad behavior I have to sieve my food to make sure I didn't get the loogie meant for them. :eek:

[Meddick]

Not a major issue, but my pet peeve is when a servers asks if you have saved room for desert when you are only half finished with your main course.

Also, the poor sentence structure with "If you want anything, my name is so and so". I often feel like asking what their name is if I do not want anything.

[CFrance]

Not a major issue, but my pet peeve is when a servers asks if you have saved room for desert when you are only half finished with your main course.

Also, the poor sentence structure with "If you want anything, my name is so and so". I often feel like asking what their name is if I do not want anything.
Thanks for my morning laugh!:laugh:

[Barefoot]

Also, the poor sentence structure with "If you want anything, my name is so and so". I often feel like asking what their name is if I do not want anything.

That never occurred to me, but it's funny. :laugh:
You must have majored in English or Journalism.

[TheVillageChicken]

That's a pretty cold way to look at tipping. Let's not tip the non-breakfast servers less. Any server who provides good service deserves a decent tip. That $10.00 breakfast with umpteen coffee refills is worth more than a measly $2.00 tip. While we're at it, is it really going to break the bank to calculate the tip on the total check, not on the the pre-tax amount? These servers work very hard, and it isn't just the physical work that is exhausting. The tough part is putting up with some really difficult customers. I think most customers in TV treat the restaurant staff very well but it only takes a small minority to make the job miserable for the restaurant workers and we've all seen customers berating servers in our local restaurants.

The first part was tongue in cheek.

The part about the post tax calculation is just an observation that the restaurant's software is pulling a fast one.

I don't use percentages anyway. The other day, I undertipped at OG because the server had his head up his backside...after three requests, he brought the breadsticks...I was done with the salad by then. Two days later, I tipped ten bucks on a $32 bill at Lighthouse because I thought we were treated courteously and efficiently.

[RickdeMasi]

When the waitperson asks, " so how are you guys ? " Number 1, my wife is not a guy and number 2, I am 40 years older than you, Ma'am and Sir is more appropriate.

[birdawg]

Blowing one's nose at the table. Disgusting

[Bavarian]

I wonder if all Olive Gardens will do this...if not, we'll search out another one. One time I was with a group of 10 at O.G. (and yes, they were pretty loud) and three bowls of salad were placed on the table and the server disappeared! I didn't say anything because I didn't want to draw attention as it was my first time out with them, but how inconsiderate was this?
Enjoyed the lesson on what tipping means and what tip stand for...it will make a difference on how much we tip. My husband lets me set the tip and I always erred on the side of generosity.

Regarding Olive Garden. The reason for not bringing more breadsticks is that they get cold. Also, there may be some at the table who doesn't eat bread.

A major Stockholder supposedly wanted to cut back on waste. It's all about profits but this policy could backfire.

I admire the hard work Servers do---tough job pleasing everybody. I do agree some could use better training.

Group noise is my pet peeve. When people get too loud it's often caused from too much drink. More partitions would help in some restaurants and a separate room for large groups.[/QUOTE]

Darden is having an attempted takeover in progress. I have received proxies from both sides, each saying how they can boost revenue. The site Olive Garden giving out too many breadsticks. My wife wants more black olives, seem like at most 1 per salad bowl,

[Barefoot]

When the waitperson asks, " so how are you guys ? " Number 1, my wife is not a guy and number 2, I am 40 years older than you, Ma'am and Sir is more appropriate.

Oh jeepers, it must be hard for servers to get it right and please everyone.
I wouldn't even notice if the server addressed us as "you guys". But I dislike being Ma'amed.

[OCsun]

When the waitperson asks, " so how are you guys ? " Number 1, my wife is not a guy and number 2, I am 40 years older than you, Ma'am and Sir is more appropriate.

Hence the reference to grouchy old people!chilout

[tomwed]

I must be another grouch. I just got back from NY Pizza. We didn't finish the pie and the waitress asked "Are we going to want a box?".

Was it Jack Nicholson who went ballistic when Nurse Crachet used the word "we" in every question?

"You Guys" or "Youse Guys" from where I'm from, is like "Y'all" down south. It's a "one size fits all" expression that northerners don't even notice in all but the classiest of establishments.

[slipcovers]

I think there is way too much salt in the food and sometimes floating in butter.

I think that the folks that have complaints for the servers, obviously, have never had that job. I was a waitress in collage and I would rather stand on the corner with a cup than be a waitress again. I always tip at least 20%, and as long as I feel they are doing their best, that is fine with me. They have no control over the kitchen, which is a ZOO, or the bartenders. I could give a laundry list, but I won't.

[patfla06]

Blowing one's nose at the table. Disgusting

I agree - totally disgusting!

[cmj1210]

I must be another grouch. I just got back from NY Pizza. We didn't finish the pie and the waitress asked "Are we going to want a box?".

Was it Jack Nicholson who went ballistic when Nurse Crachet used the word "we" in every question?

"You Guys" or "Youse Guys" from where I'm from, is like "Y'all" down south. It's a "one size fits all" expression that northerners don't even notice in all but the classiest of establishments.

Well I for one am a Northern Girl and I hate it when they say "you guys". This was not a term that anybody used in my generation. It's a generational thing. This only started about 15 yrs ago unlike our Southern counterparts who have always used the term Y'all.:spoken:

[bluedog103]

Well I for one am a Northern Girl and I hate it when they say "you guys". This was not a term that anybody used in my generation. It's a generational thing. This only started about 15 yrs ago unlike our Southern counterparts who have always used the term Y'all.:spoken: I'm from NY and I've been hearing "you guys" or "youse guys" for at least 50 years, probably more. I don't think anything of it, if fact I've used these terms for years. I had a history teacher in high school who often called the class "youse guys.

[cmj1210]

We always tip 20 percent. Serving is hard and patient work.

Us too Gracie:icon_hungry:

[cmj1210]

I'm from NY and I've been hearing "you guys" or "youse guys" for at least 50 years, probably more. I don't think anything of it, if fact I've used these terms for years. I had a history teacher in high school who often called the class "youse guys.

You quoted me out of context, of course "you guys" has been used just about forever up North, but when this expression is directed at strangers it takes on a whole new meaning. It is disrespectful and downright crude especially when used to address restaurant patrons that should be addressed with more respect.:pepper2:

[Wandatime]

Blowing one's nose at the table. Disgusting

And then looking at it. Yes, I've seen that behavior by a grown up. :yuck:

[tomwed]

At the risk of offending, I'm going to flip the post.

I love seperate checks and after eating out 60 times in 60 weeks with my golf group in many different places I have not had one waiter or waitress find a problem with that extra paperwork.

For the record, I overtip just because the staff is so agreeable on this subject. I also don't know for sure if my friends also over tip but when we leave the waiter or waitress is smiling and always say "Come Again".

We were all once in their shoes one way or another, one time or another. And I'd like to think there is some kind of grandparent universal bond that says "I'll look out for your grandkid in the villages and you look out for mine elsewhere."

My dad used to tip the photomat lady.

[Barefoot]

At the risk of offending, I'm going to flip the post.
I love seperate checks ....

Tom, you will never offend when you start a post with "I love ...."
I was astounded when we first moved to The Villages and found out that separate bills were common place.
Even when couples don't sit together, and the group is large, the servers almost always manage to match people up and get the bills correct.
They certainly deserve a round of applause for that. :clap2:

[sunnyatlast]

Blowing one's nose at the table. Disgusting

"Disgusting" is right!!

First they blow germ droplets over the table, and then their dirty hands reach for the bread.......

Now come those who think this is just fine..... Eeeeewwwww

[Walter123]

Blowing one's nose at the table. Disgusting

That's snot nice.

[Yosemite]

1. Customers who complain about the cold but don't bring a sweater.
2. Customers who don't wear their hearing aids so the server has to shout at them.
3. Customers who don't pay attention to the server when the specials or salad dressings are listed, making the whole spiel having to be repeated.
4. Customers who don't read the menu and ask questions that would not be necessary if they did.
5. Customers who wait until the server shows up and then starts reading the menu.
6. Cheap silverware.
7. Being shorted on cocktails and wine. Beer glasses are never half full!
8. Dirty restrooms.
9. Patio restaurants that don't allow dogs.

[bluedog103]

You quoted me out of context, of course "you guys" has been used just about forever up North, but when this expression is directed at strangers it takes on a whole new meaning. It is disrespectful and downright crude especially when used to address restaurant patrons that should be addressed with more respect.:pepper2:

View Post
Well I for one am a Northern Girl and I hate it when they say "you guys". This was not a term that anybody used in my generation. It's a generational thing. This only started about 15 yrs ago unlike our Southern counterparts who have always used the term Y'all.



I had to go back and look. I didn't quote you out of context, in fact I didn't quote you at all. I simply stated that I had been hearing "you guys and youse guys" for many years as opposed to your statement that "This was not a term that anybody used in my generation. It's a generational thing. This only started about 15 yrs ago unlike our Southern counterparts who have always used the term Y'all". This is a direct quote and I do disagree with your statement that it is a crude and disrespectful way to address others. If this is the worst you have been called, to your face, then you've lived a very special life. To me it's simply a way for the server to be cordial and friendly, but perhaps that's just me. I don't look at anyone serving me in a restaurant or any place else as being beneath me so casual greetings are welcome.

[tomwed]

from the
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Hey, you guys! (http://chronicle.com/blogs/linguafranca/2011/11/06/you-guys/)

"That’s the explanation for guy. But how do we get you guys, our most common way of addressing to more than one person?

The answer is grammatical. Guy is a noun. But in you guys, it takes on the guise of a pronoun.

And why is that? Blame it on an epidemic of politeness among speakers of the English language.

In the 18th century, speakers of English became so polite that they used the polite form you to address not just several people but even just one. Instead of thou art we said you are, even to one person.

But we still like to distinguish between singular and plural in our pronouns, so speakers of English invented a variety of ways to make a plural form of you. Some added –s in various shapes to make youse, you’ns, or yinz. Others, especially in the American South, added all to make you all and y’all.

And then, around the middle of the past century, people began adding guys to make you guys. Until then, guy referred just to men and boys, but the combination you guys acted as a plural second-person pronoun and could be applied to humans of any gender.

No, guys didn’t actually become a pronoun. It remains a noun. It’s just that the combination of you and guys acts like a plural pronoun. Funny thing, language!

Once that was established, you guys could be shortened to guys but still function as a second-person pronoun. “You guys, get to work” could be expressed as “Guys, get to work” without being restricted to males.

And so we have you guys today as the most widely used plural of you, at least in the United States. If you’re someone, especially someone female, who doesn’t like being addressed as “you guys” when you’re dining with a friend in a restaurant, either because it’s slangy or because guys ought to be men—you can blame it on Guy Fawkes. But don’t blame him too much, because if we’d kept thou we’d never have you guys.

[kittygilchrist]

When they tell you on the phone you have a reservation, and when you show up they say"we don't take reservations."

[Laurie2]

from the
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Hey, you guys! (http://chronicle.com/blogs/linguafranca/2011/11/06/you-guys/)

"That’s the explanation for guy. But how do we get you guys, our most common way of addressing to more than one person?

The answer is grammatical. Guy is a noun. But in you guys, it takes on the guise of a pronoun.

And why is that? Blame it on an epidemic of politeness among speakers of the English language.

In the 18th century, speakers of English became so polite that they used the polite form you to address not just several people but even just one. Instead of thou art we said you are, even to one person.

But we still like to distinguish between singular and plural in our pronouns, so speakers of English invented a variety of ways to make a plural form of you. Some added –s in various shapes to make youse, you’ns, or yinz. Others, especially in the American South, added all to make you all and y’all.

And then, around the middle of the past century, people began adding guys to make you guys. Until then, guy referred just to men and boys, but the combination you guys acted as a plural second-person pronoun and could be applied to humans of any gender.

No, guys didn’t actually become a pronoun. It remains a noun. It’s just that the combination of you and guys acts like a plural pronoun. Funny thing, language!

Once that was established, you guys could be shortened to guys but still function as a second-person pronoun. “You guys, get to work” could be expressed as “Guys, get to work” without being restricted to males.

And so we have you guys today as the most widely used plural of you, at least in the United States. If you’re someone, especially someone female, who doesn’t like being addressed as “you guys” when you’re dining with a friend in a restaurant, either because it’s slangy or because guys ought to be men—you can blame it on Guy Fawkes. But don’t blame him too much, because if we’d kept thou we’d never have you guys.


Hey, guy,

Thanks. I knew there had to be a history tied up with the singular/plural thing with the pronoun, but I never thought to look it up. Somebody got an article out of it. Love it.

"You guys" does not faze me. I answer to it. But I think that usage goes beyond the informal pluralization. Just imagine if a group of women were addressed as, "You gals." :shocked: That would be cringeworthy.

When you take the plural pronoun part and throw in the better-be-careful-what-you-call-a-woman routine and then have to use words that can carry connotation, as well as denotation, it can get a little complicated.

I just smile and give 'em my order.

[Patty55]

I'm thinking that all of the cooking and restaurant shows are causing people to set their standards a bit too high. For the most part the restaurants here are fast food and the servers are any warm body that can drag a plate to the table. I think for the most part they are doing the best they can with what they have.

However, I personally would cringe when called "sweetie" or "honey". (Could be because whenever I use those terms I'm being sarcastic.) Now, I've gotten over it.

The other diners are something else. I am so sick of people putting their ugly, badly dressed babies on the table. The last time this happened was in a dog zone and they had the gall to question the dog being there. Hellooo, the dog was more attractive, better dressed and had documented lineage. Meanwhile, they have this child's butt right on the table.

I'm pretty much okay with everyone else's peeves. Loud groups just appear to be having fun. Waiters messing up, hey I admit to being the world's worst waitress while in school-figure it's payback-LOL.

[D&Lsunfun]

sitting in a area that dogs are allowed and on the tables and chairs.
the loudness in the dinning rooms, due to poor design of the establishments.
wait staff that refers to the customers as: honey

[tomwed]

Take a look at these photos click here (https://www.google.com/search?q=honfest&num=100&safe=off&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=tb4cVPOdKcfKgwSPt4LIAg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=1242&bih=585)

HonFest is an annual festival held in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland.

Hon is short for honey, a term often used in Baltimorese. It is a term of endearment for anyone including strangers passing on the street, your neighbor, and your family. It is a term that can be heard almost everywhere throughout Baltimore, but Hampden has the most use of the word. While Hon is a term used frequently, it has grown into a culture and has become a type of person.

My oldest son went to college in Baltimore, lived in that neighborhood and took me to the festival. The waitresses called everyone hon or honey. The photos are how women used to dress back in the day, so they say. It’s a fun event.

[Halibut]

I was astounded when we first moved to The Villages and found out that separate bills were common place.

Are there places were it isn't? I'm asking sincerely, because my experience is that servers always ask a group if they want separate checks. :)

[tomwed]

In the company I kept in NJ, asking for separate checks seemed like you were being cheap or that you didn't trust the others would pay their fair share. Every friday a bunch of teachers would go to a local bar and throw in some money for the check and leave when they felt like leaving. The bill would be $80 and there would be $160 in the kitty. No one wanted to be labeled cheap. We all could add.

[sunnyatlast]

In the company I kept in NJ, asking for separate checks seemed like you were being cheap or that you didn't trust the others would pay their fair share. Every friday a bunch of teachers would go to a local bar and throw in some money for the check and leave when they felt like leaving. The bill would be $80 and there would be $160 in the kitty. No one wanted to be labeled cheap. We all could add.

Having separate checks allows for people to spend within their means and be responsible for their own spending and drinking. That's not "being cheap".

Why should we split the bill in half with a couple who spends $180 while we are spending $70? Some have been brazen enough to say we owed half, split right down the middle in situations like that. I rue the day I agreed to split the bill with a "friend" who ordered a $35 entree plus appetizer, an a la carte salad, 3 mixed drinks, dessert, and cappuccino, while I ordered a $16 entree and a glass of wine. I was used, and won't let it happen again.

[SALYBOW]

A wait person who asks what WE are having tonight. Am I supposed to share it with her.him?

[Doctor Who]

Charging money for extra ICE Cubes!!!!!!!

[Patty55]

Are there places were it isn't? I'm asking sincerely, because my experience is that servers always ask a group if they want separate checks. :)

Yep, in NY it's viewed as CHEAP and the servers give a discreet eye-roll as they walk away.

[Miles42]

Have to think there a lot of folks with very thin blood complaining about AC in Florida LOL

[Chi-Town]

Are there places were it isn't? I'm asking sincerely, because my experience is that servers always ask a group if they want separate checks. :)
In Chicago it wasn't an option. The check was either split evenly or one person would let the others know what their portion was. I'm amazed at how efficient and commonplace it is here.

[bluedog103]

Yep, in NY it's viewed as CHEAP and the servers give a discreet eye-roll as they walk away.:agree:

[Barefoot]

In Chicago it wasn't an option. The check was either split evenly or one person would let the others know what their portion was. I'm amazed at how efficient and commonplace it is here.


The same happens in our area of Ontario, Canada. If separate cheques were ever requested, the Servers would NOT be happy!

[redwitch]

In San Francisco, folks who asked for separate checks were frequently referred to as GOOLS (gaggle of old ladies) and you better ask for separate checks immediately. You could almost guaranty slow service once this request was made.

[tomwed]

Having separate checks allows for people to spend within their means and be responsible for their own spending and drinking. That's not "being cheap".

Why should we split the bill in half with a couple who spends $180 while we are spending $70? Some have been brazen enough to say we owed half, split right down the middle in situations like that. I rue the day I agreed to split the bill with a "friend" who ordered a $35 entree plus appetizer, an a la carte salad, 3 mixed drinks, dessert, and cappuccino, while I ordered a $16 entree and a glass of wine. I was used, and won't let it happen again.


I think you missed my earlier post when I said that I love it down here because seperate checks are the norm. Someone asked if seperate checks wasn't a common practice all over the country and I shared my past. I agree with you entirely. That's also why I love cruising, no check splitting.

[tomwed]

A wait person who asks what WE are having tonight. Am I supposed to share it with her.him?


I know what you mean. Whenever someone said that to my friend, she would say "We! What do mean, we! What do you have; a mouse in your pocket?". She's a pistol.

[OCsun]

Take a look at these photos click here (https://www.google.com/search?q=honfest&num=100&safe=off&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=tb4cVPOdKcfKgwSPt4LIAg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=1242&bih=585)

HonFest is an annual festival held in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland.

Hon is short for honey, a term often used in Baltimorese. It is a term of endearment for anyone including strangers passing on the street, your neighbor, and your family. It is a term that can be heard almost everywhere throughout Baltimore, but Hampden has the most use of the word. While Hon is a term used frequently, it has grown into a culture and has become a type of person.

My oldest son went to college in Baltimore, lived in that neighborhood and took me to the festival. The waitresses called everyone hon or honey. The photos are how women used to dress back in the day, so they say. It’s a fun event.

Thanks for the memories! I grew up in a blue collar neighborhood just outside of Baltimore City, where hon is a term of endearment. If YOU GUYS ever get the chance to visit me, I will greet you at the door with a smile and say, " glad you could stop by; come on in hon". If I am expecting you and I don't hear you knock, just open the door and yell YOU WHO, then come on in!
The daughter of a real Hon! :wave:

[GMIJFI]

Restaurants that have no noise abatement at their facilities. Sometimes the noise around you is deafening.

[Shimpy]

Yep, in NY it's viewed as CHEAP and the servers give a discreet eye-roll as they walk away.

That "eye-roll" would cost them a tip if it was me.

[tommy steam]

When ordering breakfast, ham and eggs , the toast is always cold and the butter is sitting on ice. Sorry I just like warm toast.

[dewilson58]

+150 posts.................I'm surprised any of us go out to eat.

:a040::a040::a040:

[Loudoll]

+150 posts.................I'm surprised any of us go out to eat.

:a040::a040::a040:
lol

[lovsthosebigdogs]

I may be alone in this but I can't stand it when the waiter/waitress says, "How's everything tasting?" This seems to be a relatively new thing or maybe only asked here in Florida. It just really annoys me. It sounds so low class to me for some reason. There are other aspects of dining out like clean flatware or needing a drink refill, etc. I'd prefer they as if everything is alright or if I need anything else. I never mention that it annoys me, but it does. I also agree that some restaurants are too cold for my liking.

[Dani Forbes]

Tip: If your butter is in a little wrapped foil package, Slip it under your leg (thigh), and it will soften. (maybe put it in a napkin, just in case it slips out)

[jpprinter]

Poor service, and pathetic food. Oh, wait, that's normal in TV.

[xcaligirl]

I agree with Graciegirl regarding frozen or pre made/packaged food but also bad/rude service.

[RedChariot]

Poor service, and pathetic food. Oh, wait, that's normal in TV.

Welcome to the world of mediocrity.

[tomwed]

Last night we ate at Arnold Palmers. There were 9 of us. The male waiter addressed each one of us as "young lady" and "young man".
I also don't like the of the word we, as in, "Would we like to have dessert?" He did that too.
I may be a patron but please don't patronize me.
Does anyone like it when someone calls you a young lady or a young man? I don't mind hon, honey, sweetie or anything like that from a waitress or sir, mister, bud from a waiter.

[redwitch]

I hate being called young lady or girl. I usually reply that I worked hard to get to my age, TYVM. When asked what we girls want, I just say I got rid of my dolls a long time ago. Hon, sweetie, etc., doesn't bother me in the least. The server usually is trying to be friendly and, if seriously Southern, I take it as part of their speech patterns.

[NVtoFl]

When the air conditioning is on in the evening, I think it would be warmer outside rather than where I am sitting

[rosygail]

I hate to be asked "What do you GUYS want?" I am not a guy. What do you want? is fine
the word guys is not needed!

[redwitch]

I hate to be asked "What do you GUYS want?" I am not a guy. What do you want? is fine
the word guys is not needed!

Rather you guys than you girls. At least guys can be adults.

BTW, if you get sick of your kitty, could is please have it? I really, really want a raggy. I promise spoil it rotten.

[kcrazorbackfan]

This thread disgusts me. Never heard so many silly complaints. Lets do the movie theater next, at least there will be popcorn.

^^^^This. Eat at home more often if you don't like "you guys", use of the word "we", butter too cold, not enough bread, cold bread, split checks, bad service after asking for split checks, etc., etc., etc.; problem solved.

Wow; I thought The Villages was Florida's Friendliest Hometown.

[keithgerri]

obnoxious waiters who think they are funny . Just take my order and bring me my food hot.

[redwitch]

^^^^This. Eat at home more often if you don't like "you guys", use of the word "we", butter too cold, not enough bread, cold bread, split checks, bad service after asking for split checks, etc., etc., etc.; problem solved.

Wow; I thought The Villages was Florida's Friendliest Hometown.

Venting a little doesn't stop us from enjoying eating out. Even friendly people have bad days and pet peeves.

[Tweety Bird]

Patrons on cell phones calls or text

Texting is a private, quiet action. Better to text than loud talking on the cell phone.

[Tweety Bird]

Waiters/waitresses that go on and on about their own family. My granddaughter bla bla bla. We had a group of 8, and had a lot to talk about. The waitress could have just about taken a chair and sat with us. We were polite, but geeez!

[Tweety Bird]

I agree with many of the posts because they all ring so true. As far as a pet on a patio, why would a person go there to begin with if they considered that an annoyance. Just don't go, period!

Kids running around is the worst. One time two kids were so bad, I got up and told the mother it wasn't McDonald's and asked her to seat her kids. It was terrible. I guess the right thing would have been to tell the manager.

But here's the absolute worst: When you pay with cash and the wait person asks you if you "need" change! If that isn't the most rude thing, then I don't know what is.

Well now, I MUST disagree with you about "do you need change"? Make YOUR needs clear regarding change. I usually say "keep the change" or simply say "yes". They are just trying to expedite things in a quick manner. Sometimes certain wait staff is not trained with the "correct manner of sentence structure". Perhaps "would you like change" is more appropriate. I know there is a lot of training for the wait staff at Bonefish. It shows. Thank you Bonefish staff.

[Barefoot]

The male waiter addressed each one of us as "young lady" and "young man".
I may be a patron but please don't patronize me.
Does anyone like it when someone calls you a young lady or a young man? I don't mind hon, honey, sweetie or anything like that from a waitress or sir, mister, bud from a waiter.

I hate being called young lady. It's obvious that I haven't been young for a long time! :eek:
I also don't mind being called "sweetie" or "you guys", but I agree that being called "young" seems patronizing (although I'm sure the waiter is trying to be friendly).

^^^^This. Eat at home more often if you don't like "you guys", use of the word "we", butter too cold, not enough bread, cold bread, split checks, bad service after asking for split checks, etc., etc., etc.; problem solved. I thought The Villages was Florida's Friendliest Hometown.

We're just kibitzing here, no need to eat at home!

[Yorio]

Don't like waiters/waitresses who say my favorite dish is so and so. I feel like saying who asked you or do you know my taste? Or when they come ask how is it and add aren't they good before I have a chance to answer.

[tomwed]

^^^^This. Eat at home more often if you don't like "you guys", use of the word "we", butter too cold, not enough bread, cold bread, split checks, bad service after asking for split checks, etc., etc., etc.; problem solved.

Wow; I thought The Villages was Florida's Friendliest Hometown.

They work for mostly tips so they are working for me. If I worked for tips I would want to know what people expect so I would make more money, not make friends.
Waiters can't control how the food is cooked, the quality of the ingrediants, or how cold the butter is or the bread policy but they can control what they say. But since I will probably never see them again and don't care to teach anyomre I never correct them. I wish these posts were shared with all the wait staff in The Villages.
I tip 20%, 95% of the time because they need the money more then I do.

[zonerboy]

Don't know why this old thread was dredged up, and given new life. Reading thru the comments I'm left with the impression that no matter what a waitperson says, there will be some one who doesn't like it. As for myself, I just try to chill out and remember that the great majority of these people are doing the best they can at a job that certainly isn't as easy as it might look.....and being paid less than minimum wage for their efforts.

[BobandMary]

Paying for food that we can make so much better at home. Although sometimes I just need to be served.

[tomwed]

Paying for food that we can make so much better at home. Although sometimes I just need to be served.
I agree about cooking. But I only go to hang out with my golf crowd.

[Barefoot]

sitting in a area that dogs are allowed and on the tables and chairs.
the loudness in the dinning rooms, due to poor design of the establishments.
wait staff that refers to the customers as: honey

Please tell us the name of the restaurant in The Villages where dogs are allowed on the tables and chairs.
I want to call and book reservations for my two dogs!! :girlneener:

[CFrance]

^^^^This. Eat at home more often if you don't like "you guys", use of the word "we", butter too cold, not enough bread, cold bread, split checks, bad service after asking for split checks, etc., etc., etc.; problem solved.

Wow; I thought The Villages was Florida's Friendliest Hometown.
What does "^^^^This" mean? I saw it on another one of your posts.

[tomwed]

Please tell us the name of the restaurant in The Villages where dogs are allowed on the tables and chairs.
I want to call and book reservations for my two dogs!! :girlneener:
I think it's Italian.
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/33800000/Lady-The-Tramp-lady-and-tramp-33813097-1024-768.jpg

[SoccerCoach]

Pet Peeves ?? WOW. Poor lighting, hard butter, Commercially made entrees, Line cooks masquerading as chefs, poorly trained wait staff, Lack of posted Board of Health inspection rating as you would find in some other states.

[Barefoot]

I think it's Italian.
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/33800000/Lady-The-Tramp-lady-and-tramp-33813097-1024-768.jpg

Tom, I can't get the image to open.

sitting in a area that dogs are allowed and on the tables and chairs.

Please tell us the name of the restaurant in The Villages where dogs are allowed on the tables and chairs.
I want to call and book reservations for my two dogs!! :girlneener:

On September 19 you mentioned a Villages restaurant where dogs are allowed and on the tables and chairs.
Could you please share the name of the restaurant with us?

[tomwed]

[QUOTE=Barefoot;969464]Tom, I can't get the image to open.

it's from lady and the tramp, the 2 dogs sharing Spaghetti . i post pictures or photos and if they show up on my laptop when i do Preview Post, i always think they will show up on everyone else's laptop. hmmmmm i don't know what to think now. thanks for telling me.

[kcrazorbackfan]

What does "^^^^This" mean? I saw it on another one of your posts.

It just means that I agree with the "quoted post" that I'm responding to.

[Avista]

Loud music.

[tomwed]

It just means that I agree with the "quoted post" that I'm responding to.

<><><> Does this mean "I'm not so sure?"
^^^^^} Does this mean Alfred Hitchcock agrees?
Are there any other symbols out there that mean something in a forum? how about a link to list?

[LuckySevens]

I agree with everyone that said ...
too dim lighting, hard to read menus, music too loud, sticky tables, dirty seats and sticky menus, obnoxious children, waiters that never return or return with only half the things you asked for, waiting forever to get the check, waiters that ask 'do you want change'? (this is just another way of asking for a tip....as if I wouldn't tip them).
I love going out in the evening and having a pleasant dinner where I can have an enjoyable conversation with my friends, so my worst pet peeve is waiting forever for a table, then getting seated right where the kitchen door or work station is. It is loud and busy with people coming and going constantly. Also, right in front of the bathroom door is annoying. If you complain about the seat you got, they say...'would you like to put your name back on the list and wait for another table'? Oh, and sometimes I ask not to be seated there but often that request is ignored.

Before you blast me, I ALWAYS tip 17-20%, and more if they are really good at their job. Bad food is NOT the waiters fault, but lack of good service is.
I am amazed at the people that keep saying ...'they work so hard for only minimum wage' and you don't even mention the tips they make (I wonder how much tax they actually pay on their tips). I have friends whose children make $150-$200+ per night in tips. Add that to minimum wage and you end up with a pretty darn good salary.

The ladies that stand on their feet all day at the grocery check out line, the fast food people, and people at retail stores all make minimum wage, and they don't get tipped. When you think about it, it isn't really fair, but I suppose they selected those jobs knowing that. Guess we can't tip the entire population!
Last, if service is horrible, I will ask for the manager and complain to them, but if service is really good, I always ask for the manager and tell them how wonderful the service was and mention my waiters name to the manager.
Bon Appetit!!!

[Barefoot]

What does "^^^^This" mean? I saw it on another one of your posts.

It just means that I agree with the "quoted post" that I'm responding to.

<><><> Does this mean "I'm not so sure?"
^^^^^} Does this mean Alfred Hitchcock agrees?
Are there any other symbols out there that mean something in a forum? how about a link to list?

Kcrazorbackfan, I'm so glad you explained what "^^^^ this" means.
I thought it meant you were swearing at the guy who wrote the previous post. :eek:

[CFrance]

[QUOTE=Barefoot;969464]Tom, I can't get the image to open.

it's from lady and the tramp, the 2 dogs sharing Spaghetti . i post pictures or photos and if they show up on my laptop when i do Preview Post, i always think they will show up on everyone else's laptop. hmmmmm i don't know what to think now. thanks for telling me.
I wonder if posting it from a Windows-based program and Bare trying to view it on her iPad could be the problem. I frequently get emailed cartoons from my friend's Apple-based operating system, phone or iPad, that won't open on my windows laptop.

I was able to view your picture of Lady and the Tramp that you posted.

[Barefoot]

[quote=tomwed;969480]
I wonder if posting it from a Windows-based program and Bare trying to view it on her iPad could be the problem. I frequently get emailed cartoons from my friend's Apple-based operating system, phone or iPad, that won't open on my windows laptop. I was able to view your picture of Lady and the Tramp that you posted.

I can't view it on my iPad or laptop. But I'm too nerdy about computers to try to figure it out.

And now back to the topic of Pet Peeves about Restaurants.

(By the way, when we return to The Bubble after being up north, I'm always amazed by the number of restaurants that are available to us by golf cart!)

[bhand48]

Checks that come with your food..., Person at next table carrying on a conversation on her cell phone in a load voice...., Toast that's not toasted....