Eating out is always a chance to enjoy a great meal and unwind, but there’s more happening behind the scenes than we might realize. Servers notice all kinds of things about what we order, and some menu choices get judged more than others.
Understanding which dishes servers quietly judge can help us make better ordering decisions and avoid those awkward moments. Let’s take a look at five common menu items that often raise eyebrows among restaurant staff.
Overly complicated custom burgers
We all love to make our burgers just the way we like them. But when the order gets too complicated, it can slow things down in the kitchen.
Adding multiple special requests or swapping many ingredients can lead to mistakes or longer wait times. Sometimes, the simplest burger is the best way to keep the experience smooth for everyone.
Plus, too many customizations can confuse servers and cooks. We want our food made right, but it helps to keep it manageable for those preparing it.
Ordering just a plain salad
We’ve all been there—picking a salad but asking for it plain, no toppings or dressing. While it’s perfectly okay to want something simple, servers sometimes find it a bit puzzling. Salads are meant to be fresh and flavorful, so stripping them down can seem like a missed opportunity.
Sometimes, a plain salad can slow things down because servers check if you want anything on the side. It’s a straightforward order, but it can catch servers off guard since they expect a bit more customization. Still, if that’s what we want, it’s our meal and our call.
Asking for coffee at a fancy dinner spot
When we order coffee at a fancy dinner, servers often notice more than we realize. It’s not about judging our taste but about how our request fits with the setting and pace of the meal.
Asking for complicated or specialty coffee drinks can sometimes feel out of place. Simple coffee or espresso usually works best and honors the flow of service.
Servers appreciate when we show respect for the craft behind the coffee without demanding unusual modifications. This keeps the experience smooth for everyone involved.
Requesting tap water repeatedly
We get that staying hydrated is important, and tap water is usually free. But when someone keeps asking for tap water over and over, it can raise some eyebrows.
It might make us wonder if the customer is avoiding ordering drinks or if they’re being picky about something small. Complex water orders, like specific temperatures or extras, can slow down our service too.
We just appreciate when guests are clear and reasonable. A simple water order helps us focus on making your experience better overall.
Seafood dishes that seem unlikely fresh
We’ve noticed that some seafood dishes on menus aren’t always as fresh as they look. Items like pre-made crab cakes or shrimp cocktails can sometimes be sitting around longer than we’d like.
Often, shellfish and fish stored improperly lose their freshness quickly. When servers see these dishes ordered frequently, they quietly wince because they know the quality might not be up to par.
It’s not that these dishes are always bad, but we’ve learned to be cautious. Sometimes, sticking to simpler preparations or asking about the source helps us enjoy seafood that feels fresher.
