Ever been rude to your server in a restaurant?

Question

Have you ever been rude to your server at a restaurant, whether it be fast food, sit down, or other? If so, why? I am asking because sometimes those of us who have that job are left in awe of how rude some guests can be, especially when we did everything we could to ensure them a nice stay at our establishment. Have you ever been rude and then regretted it later because you knew you were wrong or overreacted?

Answer 1

No, I suppose because I've been involved in customer service in most jobs I've had so I know what it's like to deal with rude customers. There are ways of dealing with problems other than being a jerk to your server. They are people just like everybody else.

Answer 2

Only once have I ever been slightly rude to a server, which was a couple of years ago. My husband, my two children and I were seated and waited over a half an hour for anyone to even come to our table - the servers were all standing around and talking just a few feet away. The restaurant was nearly empty. One finally asked if anyone had waited on us. They then argued amongst themselves as to who was going to get us.

Finally a guy "lost" I suppose. He came over, pulled up a chair and sat down. He said, "Lucky me. I get to wait on you guys," very sarcastically. He clearly didn't want the tip.

The food arrived much later, cold, and the order was wrong. We asked for the manager finally, but were told that there was no manager there. (Huh???) Anyway, usually I am very good about tidying up the table before we leave ... two small children can make a huge mess. This is the one time I did not, and we left $1. (The bill was like $50 or more).

I waited tables for years, all through high school and college, then I bartended also. I always try to give the benefit of the doubt and tip generously. Not this time.

Answer 3

What a great question.

I used to wait tables - which I believe EVERYONE should have to do for six months and the world would be a better place! It's a tough job, because a lot of customers hold you accountable for things you have NO control over: getting double or triple-sat by a hostess who isn't paying attention, or the kitchen staff not keeping up with orders, etc. With that said, I have nothing but the utmost empathy for servers in restaurants, because I know how hard they work!

But it's a double edged sword. I also know how to provide good service to customers, and I expect it in every restaurant I sit down in. Slow service isn't bad service, nor is fast service necessarily good service.

Smile at me, pay attention to me. If you just got double sat and you can't get my order right then and there, stop at my table and say "I'll be right back to get your order. Can you bear with me another minute?" and then on your return "I'm so sorry you had to wait!!" How hard is that?!

I don't excuse poor service. It doesn't give me (or anyone else) the right to be rude, raise my voice or otherwise berate a server. I WILL, however, tell my server if something isn't right, and ask (and expect) that it be fixed (and not necessarily get it for free, either. I'm happy to pay for my meal!). If I'm met with an attitude, I won't throw one back. I will discuss it with the manager, and let them handle the discipline of the employee from there.

Answer 4

I am NEVER rude to a server. I go to many different types of restaurants ...from fast food to 3 star. I feel for servers cause it's a tough,hard job dealing with customers and their demands. Customers fail to realize that EVERYTHING is not the servers fault. Sometimes there's a new cook or the restaurant is very busy and the food will take a little longer.

Answer 5

People need to learn never to be rude to there server. Essentially you entrusting them to put something in your mouth. Another thing if you choose to be rude, just cause we are servers doesn't mean we are uneducated, or stupid. In fact we probably have 10 better memories then you. Believe me when I say it, WE DON'T FORGET A FACE. We use to have a lady that was so rude and would request bitters and tonic, an most of you servers out there know what to much bitters can do to you. So, the next time anyone feels to need to be rude to us, just think of the possobilities. Use to be a server and I would never be rude to a server. If you doubt me and your not a server try being one, it will be one of the hardest jobs out there. Faking your happy just to earn a dollar.!

Answer 6

I try very hard to always be nice to the server, even when the meal is awful. I may complain to them, but I always leave a tip, and usually over tip. I use dining out as a way to judge a persons character. A person who deliberately mistreats a server, will mistreat me in time. Pay attention to this. How do your friends that are mean to the server treat their friends? Not much better, I'd bet.

Answer 7

I have never been rude to a server in a restaurant. Even if I have poor service, I am not rude. There is never an excuse for rudeness. I agree with you though, many people are extremely rude in restaurants and beauty shops. I don't get it. What is it about these two places that people think they are free to be rude?

Answer 8

I make it a point to be nice to servers no matter how inept they may be. I used to be a server, a short order cook, and I worked at a fast food job and I totally agree with you. I'm left dumbfounded how nasty people can get. Old people are the worst. I've been screamed at over eggs, and I've been told to re-brew fresh (Like pot still dripping fresh) coffee because it wasn't hot enough. I instead let my opinion of the server show through either comment cards, or my tip as the case may be

Answer 9

Not to my knowledge. Maybe out of ignorance though. I can't stand people who are rude to people who work as waiters or in retail. These people have no clue. One day they may find themselves doing a similar job. They have no concept of what it's like to be on the other side.

I worked in retail, and met hundreds of people per shift. They're a minority, but those few rude people really ought to be sent to Iraq. Gee, sorry for taking 6 seconds instead of 4 on the cash register so that you can pay.

It's disgusting what money can do to some people. They are basically spoiled brats with very narrow minds. They probably grew up in their own little world, got a job in their own little world, and have always stayed there. Anything outside of their core little world isn't real to them, so they don't care about being rude, it gives them something to converse about when they get home to their equally retarded spouse.

Answer 10

I'm never rude, but I don't tip if the server is rude or the service is extremely slow and the server doesn't apologize.

As long as the server is friendly and apologizes for any error, I tip 20%. It's when they get an attitude and act like they don't care that I don't tip.