Upscale Restaurant Workers Are Sharing Things They Wouldn't Be Caught Doing As A Restaurant Patron, And Some Of These Might Shock You

We recently asked upscale restaurant workers in the BuzzFeed Community to share things they'd never do while dining out. Here's what they had to say:

Bradley Cooper in a kitchen wearing a white t-shirt in "Burnt"

1."Never anger anyone alone with your food."

u/Chrisus

2."Change your child's diaper in the booth or on the table. It is completely disrespectful to the other patrons and the establishment itself."

Baby wearing a diaper with their legs in the air
Roberto Westbrook / Getty Images / Tetra images RF

3."Click your fingers at the staff."

u/BobbyDlish

4."Don't show up without a reservation and expect a table immediately, especially if you are a group of four or more. Don't complain about the table you are given, especially if you are a walk-in unless you physically cannot sit there. The reservations are mapped out for timing and guest distribution between the servers."

A small chalkboard sign on a wood stand reads, "Please wait to be seated… Thanks!"
Patricia O'flaherty / Getty Images

5."You shouldn't loudly berate the server for something that isn't under their control."

u/lazyfacejerk

6."Stack dishes."

An overhead view of a table with empty and nearly empty plates with traces of finished meals, along with forks and glasses still on the table
Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

7."Depending on how bad the screw-up is, complain about my food. Burnt bun for a burger that overpowers the flavor? I'll ask for a different bun. Forget to remove the pickle and tomato? I'll pick it off."

rmcullen

8."Ask for a different table than what's being offered."

Fancy restaurant tables with wine glasses, plates, and flatware set out with no patrons seated at the moment
Duha127 / Getty Images / iStockphoto

9."Take your shoes off."

u/TheLearndAstronomer

10."I will never wipe my bottom with the fancy dinner napkins. Yes, it happens. I found many in the toilet and trash."

Formal table setting with a neatly folded white napkin on a plate, surrounded by cutlery and wine glasses

—HaleBop from Pennsylvania

Simpleimages / Getty Images

11."Talk loudly on your cell phone."

u/lovecats91

12."Blow your nose at the table."

A woman sneezes into a tissue, appearing to have a cold or allergies
Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty Images

13."Clip your fingernails. The table is never the place to do such a thing. I've seen this more times than I'd like to admit. It is disgusting!"

u/softandsquishy

14."Chew with your mouth open. People do not want to watch you chew on your food."

Busy restaurant setting with patrons and servers
Alena Kravchenko / Getty Images

15."Put your dog on your lap at the table. I'm all for dog-friendly outdoor dining, but keep your dog controlled and on the ground, please."

u/13_sloths

16."Being explained everything in the chef’s special, then sending it back because you think you weren't told about a certain ingredient."

Anya Taylor-Joy in a silk top, sitting at a restaurant table in "The Menu"

—A. from South Florida

Eric Zachanowich / © Searchlight Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

17."Fart loudly because you're convinced it's that moment that it's loud enough to rip one, because guess what, it's not. Source: learned from experience."

u/Samnafez

18."Getting there right before the place closes. Just don't do it. That is the best way to make everyone in a building hate you."

Chefs working in a bustling, modern industrial kitchen, blurred motion indicating activity and speed. Various kitchen equipment and utensils are visible
Hispanolistic / Getty Images

19."If it's a very nice and expensive restaurant, leave your screaming kids at home. Don't tell us you can afford a $150 plus dinner for two but can't afford a babysitter. People are out at expensive restaurants for lots of reasons. To celebrate anniversaries, divorces, birthdays, and promotions, or maybe they are there to propose. The last thing anyone wants is kids screaming and crying the whole time."

—Jesse from Michigan

Restaurant workers, what else would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.