Here are ten habits that annoy restaurant servers

Going out to eat is meant to be relaxing—for you. But for the people serving your table, it can be a long shift filled with spills, stress, and more than a few eye-roll-worthy moments. If you’ve ever wondered what really gets under a server’s skin, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the habits that drive them up the wall. Spoiler: if you’ve ever snapped your fingers to get attention, this one’s for you.

1. Adding extras after ordering

There’s nothing worse for a server than finally getting an order into the kitchen, only to be summoned back—one by one—by diners who “just remembered” they want extra sauce, or suddenly fancy a side of chips. It’s not just the extra walk; it’s the disruption it causes to the kitchen flow and timing. Help your server out: know what you want before they leave the table.

2. Snapping your fingers to get attention

Yes, you’re hungry. Yes, they’ve walked past twice without making eye contact. But no, snapping is never the answer. It’s not only rude—it’s demeaning. A polite “excuse me” or even a raised hand will do the trick. Servers are human, not personal butlers.

3. Stacking your plates (the wrong way)

You might think you’re helping by piling up empty dishes at the end of your meal. But unless you’ve worked in a restaurant, you probably don’t know the safest way to stack them. Wobbly towers of cutlery and half-eaten food make it harder—not easier—for your server. Better to leave them where they are and let the pros handle it.

4. Letting your children run wild

Restaurants aren’t playgrounds. Servers dart between tables with hot plates and drinks. Add a small child running underfoot, and it’s a recipe for disaster. It’s not about being anti-kid—it’s about keeping everyone safe, especially when staff are juggling trays and tight spaces.

5. Insisting on the “best” table

Everyone wants the perfect corner booth or the one by the window. But sometimes, the tables are assigned for practical reasons—like server coverage or spacing between bookings. Trust the host’s judgment, and remember: a good experience isn’t always about the view.

6. Complaining about the wait time

If you’re hungry and grumpy, waiting can feel endless. But complaining to your server won’t speed things up—especially if they’re not the one cooking. If you’re walking in without a reservation on a busy night, a little patience goes a long way.

7. Interrupting while they’re with another table

Believe it or not, servers have a system. If they’re mid-order at the next table, jumping in with a question or request throws them off. It’s a bit like talking over someone on a phone call—awkward and frustrating. Wait for your turn—they’ll get to you.

8. Stealing the pen

This one’s oddly common. Someone borrows a pen to jot down a note, fill in a receipt or sign a birthday card—and whoops, into the handbag it goes. It might not seem like much, but servers go through pens like tissues. If you borrow it, hand it back.

9. Leaving your phone on the table

Phones are everywhere, sure. But when you’ve got drinks, cutlery, plates, and side dishes to deliver, dodging smartphones becomes a delicate dance. Keep your mobile off the table—especially when the food arrives.

10. Skipping the tip

For many servers, tips aren’t a bonus—they’re a significant part of their income. When someone demands five-star service but leaves nothing behind, it stings. If your server was polite, attentive, and did their job well, a tip—however modest—is a sign of respect. No one’s asking for gold coins, just a fair gesture of appreciation.

In the end, dining out is a two-way street. The best meals come not just from the kitchen, but from mutual respect between diners and staff. So next time you head out, keep these small gestures in mind—they might just turn an ordinary dinner into an exceptional one.

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David Miller

David Miller is an entertainment expert with a passion for film, music, and series. With eight years in cultural criticism, he takes you behind the scenes of productions and studios. His energetic style guides you to the next big releases and trending sensations.