Going out to eat

[trainlady]

What one thing annoys you most at a restaurant when you go out to eat?

I HATE when a server is asking you what you want to drink before your group even sits down!

hugs, train

[DeBora4BobbyL]

One thing? Only one thing? lol If it is atmosphere, I hate it when there is a crying child throwing a tantrum. I'm not referring to the newborn infant, I am referring to the older child who should know how to behave. While the child is throwing a tantrum, I also hear the adults in the restaurant begging and pleading with the child to eat his dinner. I mean, really? I personally feel that parents should teach their children how to behave in public so everyone else's dinner wouldn't ruin the meal for everyone else,

As for the waitress/waiter, I hate it when they get the order wrong! My husband will just eat it or not eat it, but not say anything. Not me, if I am paying the high prices for someone else to cook my meal, serve me, wait on me, and clean up after me, I want to get what I paid for.

[trainlady]

Oh, I hear you on all that DeBora and I agree, especially crying kids!

I dont know why the drink thing bothers me so much but it really does. So many times, you know, I am sliding into the booth, havn't even set my purse down or taken off my coat and the waiter is saying can i bring you something to drink.....just bugs me!!!!

hugs, train

[cat lover]

The biggest thing that bothers DH and me is as you are trying to enjoy your meal, the waiter/waitress, even the restaurant mgr will continue to come around to your table and ask if the food is good! So here you are with a mouthful of food trying to enjoy it and they want you to talk! There have been several times I have complained about this and if it continues I contact the home office and sometimes if it continues never go back to that restaurant! And its not like we even eat out a lot!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I hate it when they want to talk or bother me too often.

Donna, the drink thing doesn't bother me as I've worked in a restaurant and sometimes the waitresses were SO busy that I, as a manager, would get the drink orders for them or sometimes the hostess would do it because it was something they could do so the customer wouldn't get ignored.

[Sammi1961]

DeBora, I am so with you on children having tantrums in restaurants! As a daycare provider, I hear screaming children all day so it is nice to go out to get a break. I understand infants getting fussy etc. but older children who should know how to behave and don't drive me crazy.(and I don't blame the children, often it is the parents fault for not teaching them!)

My biggest pet peeve when going out to eat is an overly attentive server. When they come back to your table and ask if you need anything, is everything ok, how is everything several times during the meal (and often when you have your mouth full) it drives me crazy. And also when you have barely started your meal they bring the check but say "no hurry" but you get the distinct feeling there is a hurry. Most restaurants are great but every once in awhile this happens.

[KSJEn6891]

Right there with you Ladies about the children being the top issue.
It's sad and funny in a way for my family b/c In-laws are that type of family, and they complain about other patrons children doing similar annoying things!.

Attentive / non-attentive servers aren't as big an issue for me, b/c their tip depends on their attentiveness and timing of attention. Being that I have worked as a Hostess, Pre-K Teacher (Lead, Assistant, and Sub), and counter help within my last 20 years (among other positions, work where work is available), I know that servers earn more in tips than actual pay and that is why many are more attentive than others, yeah it can be obnoxious at times, but not as obnoxious as misbehaving children and their parents with blinders on (and I have had some of these families in my classroom(s) as well).

I remember a time when you could go into a restaurant and two things were a given fact, 1) that children were NOT allowed in the bar area, and 2) that you better do as you are told while out in public or the family goes home and you go to bed w/o supper. Not this "I don't want," "I'm not going to," "Give me," Blah blah whine whine cry scream screech garbage children pull today. I expect this type of behavior from infantry to three year old's as these are the forming years, but age 4 + and parents who either don't do anything about it or not enough... makes me want to leave the establishment and/or crawl under the table. W/In-laws it is crawl under the table b/c God forbid you should say anything to either of them about it, and OMG just glare at their children...........

[Haleys grandmom]

I agree with all you ladies above, but, I'm adding CELL PHONES. I hate to have someones phone going off every second. first the one on the right side of you then in back of you or in front or to the right. It's so annoying.

[Sammi1961]

Oh I so agree about cell phones!!! There is nothing worse that having to listen to someone's personal conversations while at a restaurant or having their phone go off over and over or even have someone constantly texting while you are out. Manners often disappear when it comes to cell phones no matter where you are.

[Bilby]

Would you believe my ds2 refuses to go out to dinner because once he's seated he has to 'wait' for his dinner, you at home I call dinner is ready, he sets the table, sits and eats at a restaurant he has to wait 20 mins, go figure!

My pet hate would be swearing, mostly by blokes, yes the mobile phone and yes the kids that have no manners, I'd be embarrassed if I took my child out to dinner and he didn't behave or the parent didn't even try to keep the child in line, you know when the kid or kids then get up and start running up and down the aisles.