Despite the downturn in family finances, eating out is still a priority for many Americans. A recent survey for the New York Post found that a third of the 2,000 adults questioned ate at least three meals out a week. However, thanks to tighter household budgets, nearly a quarter of them found spending money in that way was stressful. One in five people have even ordered from the kid’s menu to cut the cost.
If you are going to spend your hard-earned money on a lovely meal out in a smart restaurant, the last thing you want is the occasion being spoilt by another diner. Some high-end restaurants have strict dress codes along with unwritten rules and customs that everyone is expected to comply with. Most people will recognize the 25 things you should never, ever do in a fancy restaurant. Other eateries are more laid back but there are still standards for acceptable behavior. The problem is that not everyone appears to know them!
24/7 Tempo has assembled a list of 16 things you should never do when you go out to eat, based on the podcast “Eating Out” — produced by Emily Post Etiquette, a celebrated authority on good manners — and also on common sense and editorial experience.
Our list is hardly exhaustive but covers some of the most egregious kinds of behavior that restaurants on every level have endured. Don’t be that person. (If you are looking for inspiration we have the the one can’t-miss restaurant in every state to help you out.)
Dress Like a Slob
- Definition: Dressing in sweaty gym gear, dirty works clothing, or beachwear
- Why? It’s disrespectful to other diners, you may get mud everywhere and you may smell
- Exceptions: Beach bars, gym snack bars, works canteens
Seat Yourself
- Definition: Choosing your own table
- Why? Restaurants spread diners around so that work is shared between waiting staff
- Exceptions: Casual restaurants where you order at the bar and can sit anywhere
Arrive Drunk
- Definition: Clearly under the influence of alcohol
- Why? You are likely to disturb other diners with your behavior
- Exceptions: Fastfood takeaways will probably tolerate you better
Have One Too Many
- Definition: Focus on the drinking rather than the eating
- Why? You will get drunk and become a nuisance to other diners and staff
- Exceptions: None – you need to know your limits
Talk Too Loudly
Spreading flapdoodle.
- Definition: Talking at a louder volume than any other diners
- Why? No one else is interested in what you are saying
- Exceptions: Some very noisy restaurants or outdoor dining
Let Your kids Run Wild
Adorable — until a server trips over him and drenches him with hot soup.
- Definition: Children running/walking/crawling away from your own table
- Why? Hot food and drink are being carried around so it is dangerous
- Exceptions: Kids parties and functions where everyone expects chaos
Over-Customize Your Order
- Definition: Make so many changes that you’ve re-written the menu
- Why? If you don’t like the food there, why did you go there?
- Exceptions: Restaurants where you are encouraged to ‘build’ your own dish
Order the Most Expensive Thing on the Menu
- Definition: Choosing the priciest dish when someone else is paying
- Why? You wouldn’t like it if they did it to you
- Exceptions: You are paying the bill yourself
Season Your Food Before You Taste It
- Definition: Adding salt and pepper to everything
- Why? You may be ruining subtle flavors
- Exceptions: None – too much salt is bad for you
Talk With Your Mouth Full
- Definition: Starting to talk before swallowing what you have in your mouth
- Why? You will spit everywhere and could choke
- Exceptions: None
Do Your Makeup at the Table
- Definition: Dragging out the mascara and lipstick at the table
- Why? You won’t have a big enough mirror and it’s unnecessary
- Exceptions: You have to leave quickly and have no time to get to the cloakroom
Pick Your Teeth
- Definition: Removing bits of food with your nail or a toothpick
- Why? Do we really have to explain?
- Exceptions: It is causing you pain or trauma to your gums
Over Calculate the Check
- Definition: A group of diners calculating every last dime they each spent
- Why? It makes you look mean and resentful
- Exceptions: One person in the group clearly expects you to subsidise their meal
Touch Your Server
- Definition: Making physical contact with your server on purpose
- Why? Unwanted physical contact is never okay in any setting
- Exceptions: You are preventing an accident e.g. a hot drink being spilled on someone
Forget the Tip
Hands holding a wallet with a small amount of US dollars, close up
- Definition: Leaving the restaurant without giving your server a tip
- Why? Servers wages aren’t great and they need the tips
- Exceptions: The service was exceptionally bad and you have had to complain
End Your Relationship
Do it someplace else.
- Definition: Taking your significant other to a restaurant to tell them it’s over
- Why? Other diners could be embarrassed by the shouting/crying/throwing things that could take place
- Exceptions: You feel unsafe and you need to be in a public place