When you’re dining out or ordering room service, the way your order is received can affect the whole experience. There are certain things you might want to avoid asking for if you want your server to bring their best effort and attention.
Knowing what not to order can help you get better service and a smoother meal overall. Being mindful of your choices shows respect for the staff and can make your dining experience more enjoyable.
The dish of the day (because it’s usually last minute and might slow service)
When you order the dish of the day, you’re often asking for something that wasn’t prepped in advance.
Since it’s usually a last-minute special, the kitchen may need extra time to get it ready. This can slow down your entire meal.
If you’re in a hurry, it’s better to pick something from the regular menu. Those dishes are planned and prepped to come out faster.
Shrimp cocktail (often overcooked and not fresh for room service)
If you order shrimp cocktail through room service, chances are the shrimp won’t be as fresh as you’d hope. Shrimp is easy to overcook, which makes it tough and rubbery—not exactly what you want.
Since shrimp cocktail is usually prepared ahead of time and kept chilled, it often loses the tender, juicy texture that’s key to enjoying it. Plus, the sauce can taste a bit blah when it’s been sitting around.
If you want shrimp cocktail, it’s better to get it fresh at a restaurant where they poach and chill it properly. Room service shrimp cocktail rarely hits the mark.
Overly complicated custom orders (they can frustrate the kitchen and slow things down)
When you pile on too many customizations, it can throw off the kitchen’s rhythm. Simple orders keep things moving quickly, especially during busy times.
Most places aim to get your order done fast—Starbucks, for example, targets around 45 seconds per drive-thru order. Complex drinks or meals with a bunch of tweaks can slow everything down.
If you want good service, try to keep your order straightforward. It’s easier for staff to get it right and quicker for you to get your food or drink.
Rare or medium-rare chicken (chefs avoid it due to safety concerns)
If you order chicken rare or medium-rare, be ready for a hard pass from most chefs. It’s a safety issue—they want to avoid serving undercooked poultry that could carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter.
Chefs cook chicken thoroughly to at least 165°F internally to keep you safe. Trying to sneak a “juicy” rare chicken isn’t just risky; it can slow down the kitchen or cause delays.
So, if you want smooth service, stick to fully cooked chicken. Asking for rare chicken puts extra pressure on the kitchen and might make your meal take longer than you hoped.
Large sharing platters during busy times (they take longer to prepare)
When it’s busy, large sharing platters can slow things down. These dishes take longer to put together because they often involve multiple components and careful presentation.
If you want quicker service, ordering smaller, simpler items might be smarter. Sharing platters are great, but they usually require extra prep time, especially during peak hours.
This means you might end up waiting longer, even if the kitchen is working hard. So, if timing is key, consider something that’s ready faster.
