Restaurant etiquette
After having worked in and patronized restaurants for many years, I've noticed a decay in the behavior considered to be "acceptable." As a result, I've decided to outline what is included in proper restaurant etiquette for those ill-informed individuals who continually bend the boundaries.
SERVICE INTERACTION:
-When your server greets you and asks how you are, "coke" is not an acceptable answer. Servers are people too, and by asking how you are, a waiter is simply attempting to engage. Be human. Answer.
- Waiters and waitresses are not less intelligent than you because of where they work. Many times, they are college students who are extremely intellectual. As a result, they are well aware of your assonance. Don't make yourself look like and idiot. Be kind.
-If your food has been poorly prepared, then please, by all means, send it back. But, if you forgot to specify something or if you just don't like what you chose, it is not the responsibility of the waiter or waitress to make your mistake correct.
TIPPING:
- TIPPING IS NOT OPTIONAL. Period. Generally speaking servers make far less than minimum wage and depend on your gratuity for their income. If you don't tip, your are thieving the services you have received. You cannot choose weather or not to pay for something you have purchased, and would not expect to leave the supermarket without paying. So, pay for the service you have received. *Additionally, most servers tip busboys and other staff based on their nightly sales. As a result, your presence at a table will cost a server money. This means if you do not leave a tip, you are literally stealing from the person who served you- they will still have to pay money for your check.
-Acceptable tipping rates include: 15% or your check (before discounts) for standard service, and 20% for good service. Occasionally, for excellent service, you may decide to leave more. You should never leave less than these amounts unless you have a serious complaint with the service you received.
-Factors that should not negatively influence the amount of tip you leave include: the quality or quantity of food, the condition of the restaurant, weather or not you liked your food, how much your bill amounted to, or atmosphere. Servers cannot control these things. It's not their fault if you don't like your burger.
-If you stay at a table for an extended period of time, you should increase the amount of tip you leave. Servers make their money by serving tables. So, if you are occupying a table for an extended period of time, you are preventing them from making money. Tip appropriately.
-If you can't afford to tip, get take-out. Most restaurants offer this option. Times are tough for everyone, including the servers.
GENERAL BEHAVIOR:
-Talking loudly on your cell phone is disruptive to other patrons. Your call is not more important than other people's enjoyment.
-If there is a wait to be seated, you must wait to be seated. This is a lesson of kindergarten. You cannot cut in line simply because you "don't feel like waiting," or because you "have somewhere to be." Everyone else feels the same way you do.
-Noise levels should be kept to an appropriate indoor level for a public place.
-Profanity is disruptive. Avoid it.
-Vulgar stories should be shared at a low volume.
-Feel free to share positive experiences with staff along with negative ones. It is nice to hear good things, too.
-PAY YOUR CHECK. Restaurants remember you, and stealing is stealing.
I hope this information is helpful, and will promote good behavior.
