Comments on: What do you consider bad service when dining out?

By: Beck

Beck — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:45:59 +0000

It really depends what restaurant I am going to. If it’s a casual place with Applebees, or Moxies, my expectations aren’t that high. I expect the server to come around once ask how we are, and that’s pretty much it. I don’t even expect to get plates at the same time as my companions. 15% standard tip, unless they really screw up, or 30% tip if they provide service akin to a high end resto.

If it’s a high end restaurant, where I am spending at lest $400 for dinner for 2…my expectations go up quite a bit. I expect the server to know I need something just by looking at him, my wine glass should never be empty. All dishes should be brought out in a timely manner, and at once. I don’t like it when my plate is warm, it means it’s been sitting on a warming station. I expect my napkin to be refolded when I come back from the washroom. I tip 17%-25% depending on service…that’s like a $100-150 tip still. A few occasions when I went back to my car, my car had been washed, etc. For that I always call and compliment the manager and their amazing staff.

My pet peeve for a high end resto, is getting my bill before I ask for it. And I am not a camper!
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By: Freakgirl

Freakgirl — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:15:59 +0000

I hate dirty dishes on my table, too. I think a server should never be empty handed. I tip 20% I am a server, and it is hard work. There are many many many things that can trip you up when trying to do your job.
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By: NBR

NBR — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:45:59 +0000

I consider it bad service when your waiter/waitress walks right past your table without stopping & doesn’t even look at you. Then you have to wait at your table for 20 minutes giver or take, trying to get their attention, so you can get your ticket to pay.
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By: Eich

Eich — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:25:59 +0000

Bad service to me is empty water glasses, empty coffee cups, & empty plates on the table. Not being able to get the server’s attention is another example. Receiving the food "cold". The server’s attitude, not being friendly or courteous. Servers standing around chatting instead of doing their job. That about wraps it up.

We tip approximately 18% depending on the treatment we have received or not received. If the server is a good server then he / she has just made a good tip!
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By: Redhead

Redhead — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:46:59 +0000

You are correct about the empty water glass also ice tea or coffee. If glasses/cups are empty when the server places something in front of a person, I expect them to come back and fill the glass/cup without being hailed down.

Good service to me means menus, water glass filled, etc., within minutes of being seated. Also hot food not luke warm is on my list of terrible service as the plates were sitting in the kitchen waiting to be served. A smile is nice also.

Tipping usually is 15 to 20% for good to best service. 10% is the minimum and also the proper tip for buffet service. This is in the U. S. unless the tip has already been added to the bill as may be the case if more that 5 or 6 are at the table so it is important to check the bill before adding a tip. If there are 6 or more in the party they usually add 18% to the bill automatically so watch the bill

Removing plates before everyone is finished eating is incorrect also, but most places/servers do that anyway. Also serving glasses with their fingers touching the rim of glass/cup gets to me.
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By: Judy

Judy — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:16:59 +0000

We always try to tip even if things are not perfect. Those waitresses work hard and on their feet for hours. Usually 10% or more if we are very happy. Usually our tables have always been clean and fresh water always brought. Although now days customers need to ask if they want water. If we go to some places where they are extremely busy we just be patient. Most of the time service has been good.
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By: mccoyblues

mccoyblues — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:37:59 +0000

Unless the service is extremely poor I always tip at least the minimum.
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By: Kels_Bells

Kels_Bells — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:00:59 +0000

I find the following rude -

Struggling to get the wait persons attention when you want to order another drink
Not receiving your food at the same time as yor companion
Removing companions finished plate if the other person is still clearly eating
Forgetting something that you have requested

Where I come from people don’t tip. The staff are paid accordingly. However, if the service is exceptional I might give $10 depending on the price of the meal. When I am in America or some other country where is is customary or compulsory, I do about 10% of the bill
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