Can I wash dishes at a restaurant as payment for a meal? When do I tell the restaurant?

Question

I’d like to go out to a restaurant for dinner but am running a little low on cash. I’ve always heard a restaurant will provide a meal as long as you compensate by washing dishes for an agreed period of time.

I’m thinking of going somewhere like a Chili’s for the $9.99 trio special. I think 1.5 hours of washing dishes afterward will be fair.

Do I tell the waiter or waitress about this before or after the meal?

Answer 1

you watch way too much TV for sure...no such thing.

go in and eat and not pay....and watch the cops haul you away for theft, period.

Answer 2

Hey Billy Jack,

Well, if your looking for a free meal here's what you do. First of all restaurants cant have you doing dishes for your meal for insurance reasons. But....here's the trick, pack yourself a little sandwich bad. In there put one dead fly or some other grossness and half way through the meal...pretty much when you are full, you discover your little fly friend on your plate. Don't go low end on this one, you can pick the best of restaurants and the meal will be on the house. Just remember not to hit the same place twice. I have never done this myself but as a waitress I know that no restaurant will not give you a hard time if this happens. Also they did a story on t.v, about this guy that did this all over the world..he never paid for a meal. lol, Have fun. Sometimes you might get that meal on the house and then another free meal so that you come back and have an enjoyable meal.

Answer 3

I don't think they would let you. First off is the liability issue and second off I've worked in a restaurant for over six years and I rarely get a free meal. If they make their employees pay then why should you get a free meal. Oh and A.L.M.O.S.T. if you do that at Red Lobster you will be arrested and prosecuted and if you don't get caught the first time don't plan on going back because they will remember you.

Answer 4

Forget it. Most places have one guy spraying off the dishes and then sticking them in a "dish washer." They do not want non-employees back there due to the liability issues if someone got hurt.

If you do not have the money to pay the bill, do not order the food.

And that comment made about going to the bathroom and sneaking out? That is theft and the waiter or waitress usually has to pay the bill. Not a nice thing to do.

Answer 5

I have only heard of washing dishes as a way to pay if you discover that you don't have your wallet or something like that. And I've never known someone who did it for real. You can always call the restaurant and ask. But I suspect they don't actually have people wash dishes anymore. They probably just make you sign an IOU.

Answer 6

Oh boy - I've never heard of this one. I would suggest you ask the restaurant about this BEFORE you eat your meal. If you don't, and they don't have such a policy, you will not likely be washing dishes. You will likely be eating your next meal in a jail cell.

Answer 7

always after the meal, but if you do not feel like doing dishes just go to the bathroom before the check comes and then sneak out.

Answer 8

You get a job and they usually include meals (if your question is for real.) If you are playing, screw etiquette and ask the server where the toilet is after you eat, act as though you are about to hurl. Then, run for the door and escape! OR get a life, dude!

Answer 9

Since you're low on cash, apply for a job there (at Chili's). You'll get an employee discount to eat there. Or just don't go if you can't pay.

Answer 10

You can't work off your dinner bill.

The restaurant would in fact be employing you which means they would have to report your income to the IRS, withhold taxes,etc.

But the server might enjoy the joke if you tell them up front.

Answer 11

just in the movies. small restaurant might trade food for labor if you upfront with hardship story. waiting after becomes form of thief and will involve the law.