Last night we went out for dinner. It was a casual place which was supposed to have good wine. It was cold and raining as we walked in. We immediately noticed how empty the place was (first sign). We decided to sit down and check out the menu.
Our server came up and introduced herself and told us about the wine specials they were having that night. We decided to start with coffee (we were freezing) and as soon as we said no to the wine, the server seemed shocked, turned on her heels and quickly walked away without any response (second sign).
Being the half-full, former Ground Round server, I wanted to give her a second chance. When she came to take our order we asked about the fish and the omelet. “Don’t get your heart set on the fish,” she said. “We’re out.” As for the omelet she told us it would take 20 or more minutes because someone was out buying some missing ingredients. (third sign).
That pretty much did it for me. We ordered a few vegetable dishes and as she walked away, I could see the “I wish I wasn’t here,” look on her face that would eventually turn to rudeness. Frankly, at this point I wondered if alcohol would have helped me ignore the attitude of our server!
When I was younger and waited tables, I know full well that the tables that had alcohol usually tipped more (they were also the tables that pinched my butt more and asked for my # — sexual harassment was not on the radar then!). So, it makes sense to me why a server would not want their customers to order coffee (although a cup of coffee is about $3 anyway!). But this woman didn’t even try to hide her frustration with us.
I didn’t pay the bill but I think we left her only 15%. I always feel bad doing that and in the days when I would get less of a tip, I usually had to admit to myself that my service could have been better.
Bad servers are out there and you don’t want to get burned (or poisoned or have your food spit on or be spilled on … it does happen!). There are great servers out there as well so tip the good ones and after the bad ones have boxed your extra food, you can leave your “tip.”
Stay warm today!
theyearof50 