Never Do These Things at a Restaurant

Dining out should be a pleasurable experience for everyone involved. However, some people seem to forget basic etiquette when entering a restaurant. Avoid these common faux pas to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience for yourself and others.

1. Be a Phone Zombie

Your smartphone is a digital leash, but restaurants are for real-life connections. Constant texting, scrolling, or taking calls disrupts the dining experience for everyone at the table, including you. Put your phone away!

2. Play Food Photographer

We get it, your food looks fantastic. But snapping endless photos before digging in can irritate your fellow diners and delay the enjoyment of your meal.

3. Use Your Outside Voice

Restaurants are not concert venues. Loud conversations can be disruptive to other patrons. Have respect for those around you and keep your voice at a reasonable level.

4. Be a Napkin Abuser

Using your napkin as a tissue is a major faux pas. If you need to blow your nose, excuse yourself to the restroom.

5. Waste Food

While it's important to listen to your body, wasting food disrespects farmers and the environment. Order wisely or consider taking leftovers home for lunch tomorrow.

6. Treat a Restaurant Like Daycare

Restaurants are not playgrounds or daycare centers. If you bring children, ensure they behave appropriately and don't disturb other diners.

7. Be a Dress Code Violator

Dress to impress (or at least follow the rules). Some restaurants have dress codes. Respect the establishment by adhering to them.

8. Be a Food Critic (Unless You're Paid)

If you have a complaint about your food, politely address it with your server; there is no need for public tirades.

9. Give Your Server Trouble

Servers are people, too. Treat them with kindness and respect. They're just trying to do their job.

10. Be a No-Show

If you can't make your reservation, cancel it in advance. No-shows waste the restaurant's time and resources.

11. Forget to Wash Your Hands

Touching the menus at a restaurant and forgetting to wash your hands before eating is a cold or flu waiting to happen. Always wash up before you eat.

12. Make a Ton of Special Requests

Special requests are acceptable, but demanding unreasonable modifications can frustrate the kitchen staff.

13. Forget to Tip Your Server

Tipping is customary in most restaurants. A standard tip is 15-20% of the bill.

14. Rearrange Tables and Chairs

Tables are placed methodically and moving them around can mess up the server flow, leaving room for confusion on which table is theirs.

15. Be a Forgetful Guest

Remember to take any personal items with you when you leave.

Following these tips can help create a more enjoyable dining experience for everyone involved. Remember, a little thoughtfulness goes a long way.

References: 5 things you should never do in a restaurant, according to a server | Things You Should Never, Ever Do in a Restaurant|35 things you should never do at a restaurant