Is it polite for a waiter to remove one person's plate from the table while another person still eats?

Question

I have always thought this seemed rude. Especially when the restaurant doesn't have a wait line for the tables.

I think it is rude to the person who is sitll eating, for fear it will single them out. I think it's bad manners. I always think an over-attentive wait person is just as annoying as one you have to flag down for every request. Their job is to assist what is going on among the diners, not supervise it. And yes, I have waited tables.

Ok, so the general consensus seems to be that it IS impolite to the person still eating, but not impolite to the person with the dirty plate. Who should be considered more? I think the other person still eating. Since manners has more to do with other people's feelings than your own, after all.

Answer 1

Yes it is impolite.

Diners are meant to be served each course together, and have plates removed at the same time to serve the next course.

If the server wants to remove the plate simply say "not now please".

Don't concern yourself with wait lines, you are paying for service and a dinner not to wolf down your food.

Answer 2

No, it's not polite for a waiter to remove one person's plate from the table while another person still eats. It makes the person who is eating to rush and not will be able to digest properly. Especially if there is no one waiting for the line at the tables. Then it's may be the waiter wants to finish the work early and just chill or relax after the customers leave.

Answer 3

I'm suprised to see so much debate on this. In average restaurants like Chilis, Bennigans, etc. it's seems standard to remove plates when someone is done eating. I personally hate having my table littered with dirty plates.

In my experience eating at super fancy restaurants, they always wait till both people are done and remove the plates and appropriate silverware at the same time.

I personally don't care one way or the other, but the fancy restaurant's style is probably considered to be "proper" ettiquette.

Answer 4

I agree that the food be served together but when the plate is empty I think it is rude for the waiter to fail to remove it. Why should someone who eats fast have to sit with a dirty plate in front of them while a slow eater finishes their meal.

Answer 5

They do it to clear the table so you can have room..to do whatever. Some even do it so they wont have to take it all off at once.

Most will ask if you are still eating though. But if the plate is empty normally they will go to take it.

Answer 6

It's thought be be bad etiquette. What the heck, I hate seeing dirty plates at the table, even when I'm still eating.

Answer 7

Well if you're done eating than there's nothing wrong with taking your plate. I don't like having a plate sitting in front of me and its just sitting there. Please take my plate. I don't care if the person/s i'm with are still eating, it doesn't bug me. The dishwashers in the back need something to do.

Answer 8

If it bothers U tell 'em. I'm obese & sloppy-lookin. That practice hurts my feelings - rushed & worry I'm offensive or dirty. Once Left coat & went 2 wash. When got back 10-min later stuff gone! When I waited tables & all the plates were left, it was big PITA.

Answer 9

I see nothing wrong with taking plates away when a person is finished eating. It gives them more room to sit and enjoy coffee or whatever.

Answer 10

I think it's rude when the waiter doesn't take my plate and I have this empty plate with silverware and a napkin sitting in front of me......just depends on the person....