Do You Walk Out on Lousy Service

[Swellegant]

I guess I'm lucky, I have a sort of sixth sense for bad service and just don't go in... the only time I've ever walked out of a restaurant was when the menu just wasn't what I wanted.

Of course, it's not 100%... I have had bad service before. But for some reason, bad service sparks my curiosity, and I'll spend all the time waiting for my food by observing how the restaurant is run.

Like there was this Carrow's where the Grandmother and I would go after church sometimes; the wait time was always interminable. So while we were waiting for our strawberry waffles (the special that had drawn us in to begin with), I studied the way the restaurant was working.

After doing a quick head-count, I discovered that there were three waitresses and approximately eighty tables, all of which were full. On a Sunday afternoon in a neighborhood peculiarly rich in churches. Then I noticed the behavior of the manager, who would frequently pull one of the three waitresses aside and give her a talking-to about her performance... as if she had time! I felt so bad for the waitress that I overtipped her, and filled out one of those "how are we doing" surveys and stressed how poorly managed the restaurant was. And then we didn't go back.

But that's my usual MO... if I don't like the place, I don't go back. But I generally see the visit through to the end, just to see what else happens.

 

[stevie]

I feel angry after reading how you were treated Yummers, and I am sorry you had a bad experience like that. In an ideal world, no one should be treated that way, whether we are single or not, gay or straight. To your credit, you walked away and had a good meal some place else and rose above the insulting treatment.

Being single myself, I seldom venture into restaurants, but I have experienced that kind of treatment. Somehow, a group - even 2 people - get more attention than a single, and they seem to think they can stick a single patron anywhere they want. And with waiters waiting on several tables, the single guy is always forgotten. They may come to you once and ask how you are doing, and then expect you to tip well.

Have a good day Yummers!

 

[thewiz]

When a restaurant is busy, I give a little grace to waiters, waitresses and the host. However, when restaurants are not busy, I tend to be much less forgiving.

Your experience mirrors mine a couple months ago when my daughter and "daughter #2" came to visit me in Washington. I took them to a restaurant that usually has good breakfast. We waited several minutes for the host to finally greet us and take us to a table (there were three tables with people at them in the entire restaurant!)

The waitress took forever to come to our table yet I could see her trying to puff down a cigarette in the waiting area by the rear door. She then went to wash her hands and meandered towards our table. Simple drinks: a coffee and two waters. I asked to have our orders taken as well and she fumbled around and mentioned how this was only her second day.

Our food came up and I saw it sitting under the lamp for nearly five minutes! The food was dry and I then attempted to call her back to the table; she was again puffing in the back. I finally had to get up and go get her; she acted like it was such a bother.

When we got ready to leave (finally), I left the exact amount of the bill plus one penny on the table. As we were leaving she said loudly, "is that all you're going to leave?"

I turned around and looked at her and then asked, "Why, is that too much for the service we got?"

She said nothing more but I hope my point was well taken.

I normally leave at least 20 to 25 percent tips by the way.....