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Travel season is upon us, as we in the Northern Hemisphere welcome summer and its promise of being a tourist. And what better way to experience a culture than to dive into its cuisine? I'm sure many of us will be looking for places to eat during our vacations.
That's why today we're bringing you the things people advise you to look out for when picking where to eat. One netizen recently asked: "What are red flags at a restaurant?" And people made many observations, from disaffected-looking staff to dirty premises and formerly alive fruit flies on the windowsills.
What things make you want to leave a restaurant immediately? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to upvote your favorite submissions below!
Bored Panda reached out to Professional Chef Eugene Wong to know more about red flags in restaurants. Today, Eugene is an online content creator, sharing his expertise and cooking tips with people on TikTok. But for more than 20 years, he was a professional chef, including in Michelin restaurants. Read his recommendations on what to pay attention to when deciding whether a restaurant is worth it below!
More info: The Euge Food | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | X | Facebook
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I was 3 weeks in waitressing at a new job about 12 years ago, a local Tex-Mex chain in the south Austin/San Marcos area. I was told to stop throwing out the remaining salsa that tables had left over after they paid out. I was explicitly told to pour the salsa back into the giant tub in the walk-in fridge so it wouldn't be wasted. I never showed up for another shift. That is f*****g disgusting.
The place was called Casa Maria, BTW. Beware if you ever eat there.
Pandapoo 1 year ago
When you get salsa and chips at a Mexican place, they scoop salsa out of a batch into a smaller container for the table to dip your chips in. This restaurant had a policy of taking the leftover salsa from the table after the customers left and pouring it back into the large container. Disgusting.
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Panda-sized Potato 1 year ago
Actually this falls under local health departments.
Load More Replies... Damned_Cat 1 year ago
I shudder to think how common this practice might be. I've known a couple of people that worked in Mexican restaurants that were told to dump uneaten salsa and chips back into their respective bulk containers. One of those folks also told me about a local restaurant that wanted the servers to dump any uneaten bread rolls back into the serving bin.
Steve Elliott 1 year ago
Damn, I live in San Marcos. Thanks for the heads up. I look at that place sometimes when I'm shopping on "Auto Parts Road."
RELATED:
#2
I'm an ex-restaurant manager, and I always look at how happy the staff looks. Do they seem like they like their jobs? You won't get quality food or service if the staff are miserable. It's worth seeking out restaurants that treat their staff well. If they're treated well, they'll treat you well.
Joann Hart 1 year ago
If someone just had some miserable customers, then that could affect the staff.
R Dennis 1 year ago
Definitely, but you have to look at the staff overall.
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Bryn 1 year ago
While I get their point, this is like telling a women to smile more. No one is happy all the time. So if this person walks in an sees a waiter that isn't smiling, they're going to go to that restaurant?
Dominic Shade 1 year ago
I disagree it isn't like that at all. You are not imposing your will on anyone else you are just observing the surroundings. Employees walk on eggshells when they are micromanaged. It's not saying focus on one person but try and pick up the vibe of the staff in the restaurant.
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Sergy Yeltsen 1 year ago
That's almost an impossible task in the US, yes? Hospitality workers are some - if not all - of the most disgustingly treated people in the workforce.
Anonymous 1 year ago
You need to eat at better restaurants. You might have to try a state that has a higher minimum wage for tipped employees than the federal standard.
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#3
A sign on the front door threatening health inspectors.
Luis Hernandez Dauajare 1 year ago
America land of the free... And surely home of the brave to venture into these places.
Kerry Fletcher 1 year ago
Good they can all eat there and then get food poisoning.
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Scott Rackley 1 year ago
Threatening a health inspector might be the dumbest thing I ever heard of. They could probably fail any restaurant they walked into if they wanted.
Fox with a Dragon Tattoo 1 year ago
The incredibly fragile egos and astonishing stupidity of the people who put signs like that up. As dumb as they were I appreciated the knowledge so I NEVER gave them another cent of business.
Michael Largey 1 year ago
"Compliant" - except when the voices in our heads tell us not to be.
As a person who's worked in professional kitchens for more than 20 years, Eugene Wong has tips for people about what they should worry about when deciding where to eat. He says that the top red flags are often cleanliness and the staff's behavior and appearance.
"Look if the restaurant is busy [and] check if you can catch a glimpse of the kitchen to see if it's clean and if the chefs are maintaining proper hygiene, i.e., clean aprons, clean floors, and clean work stations," Eugene tells Bored Panda.
When it comes to the staff, he advises diners to pay attention to their moods. "Observe if the hostesses and servers seem generally happy and nice versus stressed out. This can be a good indicator of the overall work environment and management."
#4
For me one time it was hearing 4 or 5 waitresses standing in a group, that I could clearly hear, arguing about which one of them was NOT going to take my table. I sat there for 15 minutes, and evidently all of them had won the argument because none of them came. There were like, me and 2 other people in the whole place. I saw why they had no customers in that place. I got up and left.
Rob D 1 year ago (edited)
Generally this is awful. But I remember back in my server days there were two couples that came in together after church every Sunday. We got to the point of audibly arguing in front of them, at the host stand, who would have to take them. After months of bad tipping, meal splitting and arguing for expired coupons the whole staff knew them. So, yeah, if as presented, this is lazy...if this customer was a s****y regular. Oh well.
jasper 1 year ago
Worked at a busy, upscale bar. Had a group of Middle Eastern guys come in, they were students at a local university. I recognized a couple of the. The other 2 servers did not want to wait on them for whatever reason so I took them, even though they were not in my section. They were kind of demanding, but not difficult. Got a fantastic tip from them. Always volunteered to take them after that.
John Smith (he/him/xy/️) 1 year ago
Then you just walk into the kitchen and prep food yourself
#5
Uncleaned toilets.
ADZ 1 year ago
Lol down voted, they probably think taco Bell is Michelin quality.
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Scotty 1 year ago
I dont know about this one. It's not like i go to a restaurant and check out the bathrooms to see if they're sparkle clean as a means of judging if a restaurant is worth eating at or not.
Faith Jacobs 1 year ago
Exactly. It's mainly the customers who do this, not the staff. Also, if it's busy, cleaning the restrooms will make the clientele wait. I have no problem waiting, but people can be really ridiculous when they are hungry. People in general just need to be cleaner. If the people sitting all around you didn't make a mess, there wouldn't really be a mess.
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Annie Bieber 1 year ago
As a former chef I always tell people to check the restrooms before seating and eating. If they aren't clean, neither is the kitchen...Run Forest...Run.
Joann Hart 1 year ago
Yeah, I went out with a friend years ago, we hit a night spot and as I sat there he went into the restroom. He came out and said don't order anything, it was filthy and there were cockroaches everywhere. Now in seattle that is not usual
#6
In NYC, C or lower rating or TBD health department rating in the window.
I work service so to me a B is no biggie. Generally not too many horrifying issues to end up with a B. Can just end up with an intense inspector.
No rating means they were inspected and didn't get an A so they are in the period where they can go to court and show they fixed things to get a better grade. So at your own risk. They could be a B trying to get an A. Or a D trying to get something lol
But displaying a C or D takes extra effort to be incompetent.
When you are inspected you are given a chance to rectify the issues. This means nobody fixed what was wrong and were cool with just accepting that and continuing to operate. Things they might be ignoring.
- bug infestations
- rodent droppings
- poorly documented pantry/expiration dates. No when opened dates on opened food/drink
- improper sanitation efforts
- leaks, plumbing issues, etc.
- illegal layout/operations
- improper daily cleaning
And on and on. I'll pass on those places!
Tiggy Darling 1 year ago
In the UK we have star ratings. I did a food hygiene course and the trainer told us all to avoid anywhere with less than 3 stars out of a possible 5. Anybody with a bit of common sense can get 3 stars or more, but less than that they must be blowing their nose on bacon or something.
When me and my friends are picking a place to eat, the top priority is usually the menu. One, because most of us don't eat meat, and two, we want to know if the restaurant has what we like! Menus can reveal some red flags about restaurants, too. Usually, the rule "less is more" can be applied here.
"When a menu has too many items, it's a red flag for me," Eugene tells us. "Except for Chinese places," he adds. "Restaurants, in my opinion, should specialize in a type of dish or cuisine and have other dishes that complement [this]. A large, unfocused menu can indicate that the restaurant might be trying to do too much, often at the expense of quality."
#7
Too many items on the menu. It's a sign that a restaurant probably uses all frozen food. Nothing against frozen food. It's ideal for some things. Some things, not all things.
Zephyr343 1 year ago
Or one's that try to do too much. "Welcome to Bob's house of taxidermy, earthquake insurance, and chicken wings"
Michael Largey 1 year ago
Stay away from Bob's earthquake insurance. I hear it's kind of shakey.
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Nikole 1 year ago (edited)
Or if it’s something simple, like, hey I’d rather not have mushrooms in my enchiladas… Denied. Edit: I could understand if it were something like risotto, but enchiladas?? And this was at a moderately fancy Mexican restaurant on the north side of Chicago that charged $15 for table side guac. I’m still salty about it over a decade later.
#8
They’re annoyed that you’re ordering food.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
I can't remember how long ago it was, but I was reading a BP stolen Reddit about weird things that happened. The OP was traveling, and stopped off for pizza at a shop that was actually a Mafia front. OP reported that the "staff" were very shocked about someone coming in for pizza. It took 45 minutes and was the best pizza OP had ever had. I don't know if the story was true or not, but it was quite funny. Imagine nothing but blank looks when you get to the pizza parlor and order a pizza!
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Joann Hart 1 year ago (edited)
Then there is that restaurant in Japan that after a certain hour this is their selling point. Rude waitstaff, they throw menus at you, yell at you. Basically abuse you and you pay top dollar for it
Karen Philpott 1 year ago
Sorry, I will not have nor accept a salad, because I'm a woman, especially if you are having steak, then dessert.
#9
Someone said this to me last year, and in every single instance, it has held true.
If the restaurant has any sort of smell that isn't food, don't eat there.
Like a mildew carpet smell, or bathrooms that smell moldy.
Kevin Snyder 1 year ago
Went into a chain restaurant once on a day when the wind was blowing the gasses from the sewer vents back inside. Mind, this had nothing to do with the restaurant itself and was not a hazard - but in 10 years, I haven't been able to force myself to enter ANY location of that chain.
Have you ever found yourself in a pretty sketchy place and weren't sure whether the restaurant's food safety standards were up to par? Without having to outright ask your server about it, you can do some subtle checks. "Check the bathrooms," Eugene recommends. "If they are dirty, chances are the rest of the place is, too. Cleanliness in the bathrooms usually reflects the cleanliness standards maintained throughout the restaurant."
#10
As someone who used to be a waiter, I can't stand seeing waiting staff grab clean glasses at the top when handling them.
The Doom Song 1 year ago
I still grab all my glassware by the bottom at home and I've been out of hospo for years
Nuku Nyara 1 year ago
When I need to deliver stemware to a hotel room, I make sure to wear a clean pair of gloves and only handle the stems. I wouldn't want someone's dirty fingerprints on a glass I will be drinking from, I'm sure no one else would want that for themselves either.
#11
Dirty floors, tables, or menus. First red flags, and back out the door you should go.
Hannah Taylor 1 year ago
Yes. Some people are too nice for their own good.
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C. S. 1 year ago
Wife and I went to a local BBQ franchise we've always liked, which used to be clean. Walked in to sticky floors, sticky tables, sticky chairs, sticky menus, even sticky drink glasses. We did order and eat, but haven't been back to our local Smokey Bones in more than two years. Coronageddon likely had something to do with the decline.
#12
Visible signs of old neglect, that translate into "If they aren't bothering to clean that up, what does that say about the kitchen?"
Added bonus if you bring it up, and they have a rehearsed excuse like it's an in-house feature, and they laugh it off.
I was at this sushi place that had a serious fruit fly problem. As in, you'd sit down, and they'd fly into your wine. The server wouldn't replace the wine, but they'd gladly put an open jar of sugar water, or some such thing, beside you as a more tantalizing distraction to keep the flies off your food and out of your drinks.
"Oh, we hear that all the time. This works.
Eugene also points out that it's important to consider the restaurant's price range. "Gauge all of the above based on the menu prices. I'm generally more forgiving if the menu prices are cheap because I know if the food is cheap, they are trying to save money in other areas," he explains.
#13
Plastic menus that have residue of food splatter on them and smell. Yuck.
DennyS (denzoren) 1 year ago
This is why I like that in Bob's Burgers they're frequently cleaning menus...like, it's a very important step.
#14
Gordon Ramsay and Robert Irvine playing rock paper scissors in the parking lot.
GEA 1 year ago
Hmmmm, no toilet paper, no soap in the dispenser, sticky tables, sticky menus, all red cards to me.
Damned_Cat 1 year ago
Like when you can tell they wiped the table because there's a streaky residue...ick!
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#15
If you walk into a fish restaurant that smells of fish, walk out.
DennyS (denzoren) 1 year ago
I've worked with fish for many years and gosh, the storage standards shops use for fish is sometimes so deplorable.
PattonPawter 1 year ago
I don’t get this one-like does the fish smell mean the fish is rotten/old? like an excessive fish smell that wafts into the dining area?
Candace Foran 1 year ago
Fresh fish shouldn't smell fishy. No smell really unless sort of like the ocean.
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Joann Hart 1 year ago
They always have articles on which days to eat at seafood restaurants because that's when they get their new stock. What days to avoid.
#16
A distinct 'musty' odor. Usually from carpeting that hasn't been cleaned in a while.
Joann Hart 1 year ago
Over night but then Jane spilled dairy on it first thing
Load More Replies... Joann Hart 1 year ago
Lol, I went to one of my favorite places and ordered something that had whipped cream on it. Waitress comes around the corner and split goes the whipped cream....they had just had the carpets cleaned, first shift.
#17
When a menu has blurry, poorly taken photos of the dishes, it's either a really bad restaurant or you're about to have the best meal of your life. No in-between.
Mingey 1 year ago
Yes this in Venice Italy 😂😂😂 mad drunk chef and owners, no menus, full of locals, we ate what we were served... Christ it was delicious...😂😂
ADJ 1 year ago
In Italy in general, eat where locals eat and remeber most of the best restaurants open at 18.00/19.00, that is 6/7 pm for americans.
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Karen Philpott 1 year ago
Photos can be made/taken by people who have a good camera and can hold it still, or by shaky handed photographers who really don't know how to rake a great photo.
AngelWingsYT 1 year ago
Can confirm. An Asian market near me has a food court where the pics are blurry. N the food is PHANONINAL. Tastes fresh, can tell its authentic, and it also reheats well. Good pricing n portions to boot.
pep Ito 1 year ago
If the restaurant's menu has photos, it is for tourists and therefore will not be the best food you can find in the area.
Heather Dwyer 1 year ago
eh, that's not really true. Almost every restaurant I go to has at least some pictures of the food on their menu...and most of them are nowhere near typical tourist destinations. It's just a way of enticing people.
Load More Replies... #18
Ask where your oysters come from. If the server doesn't know, you don’t want them. This tactic works for most seafood.
Trisec Tebeakesse 1 year ago
If you are more than a day's drive from the coast - that seafood isn't fresh.
Joann Hart 1 year ago
Atlantic or pacific salmon, wild caught or pen raised? Same thing if they don't know. I'll have a salad
#19
Really long menu, and yet the food comes really fast.
DennyS (denzoren) 1 year ago
Long menus in general kinda get me thinking. I've watched too many Kitchen Nightmares lol
#20
When you ask about your food allergy and they can't answer because they don't know what is in their food.
pep Ito 1 year ago
It is becoming increasingly common for menus to list the allergens in each dish.
LilliVB 1 year ago
Isn't it compulsory? Because in the EU is compulsory to indicate the allergens in the menus.
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DennyS (denzoren) 1 year ago
I think that's a failure on management, your waitstaff needs to be knowledgeable of the menu. It's not their fault if they weren't given the information.
arthbach 1 year ago
That depends on where you live. In the EU, you are legally required to provide information on ingredients and possible allergens. The waiting staff must have access to this information.
Load More Replies... Mirolfur Grafarson 1 year ago
My friend has LITERALLY been told on one occassion by annoyed genZ waitress "Ok can you just eat it anyway?"
Joann Hart 1 year ago
Gluten free? Does the kitchen have designated GF pans and utensils? Some people with severe celiac cannot have foods that even touch gluten ever
Urbangirlatl 1 year ago
When you ask if the allergen in question is in the food.
Load More Replies... #21
Dirty bathroom. The cleanliness of the bathroom mirrors the cleanliness of the kitchen.
Bur* 1 year ago
This is not true. Cooks clean the kitchen, waitress or dishwashers clean the bathrooms. As a cook myself, I'm really sick of seeing this
Khall Khall 1 year ago
Yeah I was going to say...lowest paid person in the restaurant cleans the bathroom. Or any other job too. Highest paid person cleans the kitchen. Or at least higher pay people do.
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#22
When you go in and most of the guests have dirty plates on their tables and are looking around for a server. Add in empty tables still piled with plates and you know they are incredibly short staffed. Time to bail out.
#23
Does a restaurant sound like it could be two or more restaurants? For example, if they're serving sushi and pizza at the same place, they can't do either well.
roddeckf 1 year ago
Yup especially when they've specialized on these two or three things. It's not rocket science to learn to make good sushi AND good pizza
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David 1 year ago
This is not true, there are quite few places in NYC that have both Pizza and Sushi and do both well. The sushi station in these places is out in the front where customers can see, with their own ricecooker and fish fridges, etc. And you have many fusion ethnic cuisine places. The issue is when you have 2 radically different cuisines that conflict in the kitchen and they do not operate as 2 kitchens inside
Matt Smith 1 year ago
So, a place that serves pizza and, for example, sandwiches can't do either well? >_>
FluffyDreg 1 year ago
Tbh I've seen the occasional place serve two completley unrelated food items and both were still good. I think it's depends on how many? Like 1 - 3 pizzas and 1-3 sushi rolls and nothing else, says almost "Chef has a weird split in interests."
Hannah Taylor 1 year ago
Not unlike KFC and Long John Silver's. It was a disaster in our neighborhood.
Puppy Dancing! 1 year ago (edited)
Unless they are a bar between 2 restaurants, and have multiple kitchens.
Sven Petersson 1 year ago
Our local sushi restaurant also serves warm Korean dishes. As far as I'm concerned, the sushi is...OK, but the warm dishes are DELICIOUS. Wish they focused on them instead.
#24
All the staff standing around just staring off into space because corporate told them it looks unprofessional to just relax
When people are constantly kept uptight and not given a chance to relax they f**k up and mess things up. If your greeter already looks so low-key frustrated that they look like they want to explode into an anxiety attack at every second I can only imagine the mistakes the chef in the back is making being kept under the same pressure.
AngelWingsYT 1 year ago
If staff looks stressed it either means A. The place deamnds more from them than humanally possible or B. A lotta stuff went to sh*t really fast. We had the later happen recently at work. XD sometimes everything just falls apart with little to nothing to do to fix it n that alone can cause the staff to look 5 seconds from breaking
AngelWingsYT 1 year ago
For anyone curious as to what happened. Both our main poppers broke during a rush so we had to use the 3 in the back rooms. 2 of which had to be fixed to run again after years of not being used. And then theater 14 (our huge theater) started having tech issues annnd it was a busy evening-night
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#25
Service/worker compensation charge snuck onto the bill that you have to opt out of.
Adam S 1 year ago
Not in all places - this is really common in the UK in good, bad and mediocre eateries.
arthbach 1 year ago
No, it's not. Service charge is normally only included if there is a large party.
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Rupert Shore 1 year ago
Then management couldn't underpay staff and pocket some (or all) of tips intended for staff.
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Sand Ers 1 year ago
It shouldn’t be a line item on the bill. Would you put up with it at a grocery store? Gas station? Home Depot?
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#26
Dead flies on the interior window sills.
Rabbit Of ill Portent(she/her) 1 year ago
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 omfg you have endangered sweet tea coming out my nose very closely several times tonight sir/ma'am/you oh you
Load More Replies... Stephen Andrews 1 year ago
Mmmm, not necessarily. Long time commercial pest control guy. Flies fly. Some places can’t possibly keep them out entirely depending on the environment around the restaurant and window sills get treated as they would rather have dead flies on the window sill than flying around the restaurant. Not always and not all restaurants but it happens.
#27
Massive towers of food and/or those extreme bloody mary's with an entire burger stuck to the glass designed for people to post on Instagram. The quality is never going to be good, and it probably means the restaurant relies on people coming for the spectacle rather than the quality.
Mr. Jones 1 year ago
You're making a huge assumption about all restaurants. One of the very best Bloody Mary's I ever had and strong too, came with shrimp, olives, celery and hot peppers on a skewer. I gave most of the garnishes to my husband, but it was a damn good Bloody Mary. And I am just so over people posting their opinions on here as if they are facts.
El Cucuy 1 year ago
A single skewer doesn't qualify as a massive tower of food as explained in the post.
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dotti calhoun 1 year ago
The best bloody Mary I was ever served had a piece of candied brisket on the skewer, and the food was amazing as well!
Susan Teter 1 year ago (edited)
Or bergers that have so many toppings it can't be delivered to a table without a dowel or a knife through it. I want to taste the meat. My dad raised cattle for a living. He said a great berger is cooked with salt and pepper and served on a bun. Ketchup, mustard, and pickles optional. You don't need anything more or it's not good meat.
Sue User 1 year ago
Just had a burger with tillamók smoked cheddar and tomatoes. Use worchester sauce instead of salt and pepper.
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#28
Incoherent menu. Cuisines that don't often have ingredients in common, which means some ingredients may sit longer.
John Dilligaf 1 year ago
I see this in so-called "fusion" restaurants. "We're a Greek, Ecuadorian, Thai, Sudanese fusion restaurant" .
#29
I was once somewhere with a friend, and she ordered a meatloaf. They said they were out of it. No big deal. She orders something else, and 5 minutes later, they come back and said "Hey, we found some meatloaf, do you want that instead?"
We excused ourselves and left.
I get it, maybe there was just some miscommunication or something, but they way she said "We found *some* meatloaf".... it scared us both.
AngelWingsYT 1 year ago (edited)
Im hoping thats just bad wording. Though been there. Someone wanted some Cheese Curds but we thought we were out. I double checked n found a box prepped just buried in the wrong freezer so i told the customer we did find some. They were happy to order and we were happy we srill had some left to last us until stock
Me Oh My (He/They) 1 year ago
Yikes. Unless you JUST started working there, there's no way in hell you don't know what they have BOH.
#30
When you step up to the greeters podium and see a roach run across it.
#31
The restaurant doesn't seem to exist.
Don't assume that because it is on a delivery service website that it is a real restaurant. Lots of ghost kitchen restaurants. That food may be coming from an illegal kitchen.
Recently had to inform my friend that her favorite sushi place isn't real. Ooof.
Order directly from the restaurant when you can.
HurlWurk 1 year ago
True, but depending on the state, you still have to have a valid business permit, and a valid address, etc. So you should be able to verify it's a real restaurant regardless.
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Candace Foran 1 year ago
Never heard of a ghost kitchen before. Never too old to learn something new.
Carl Roberts 1 year ago (edited)
In my city, there are about 10 "restaurants" (serving vastly different types of food) listed on Google (and Doordash) that have the same address. The address....is an old, rundown gas station. They're all ghost kitchens, presumably run by whoever owns the gas station.
Phil 1 year ago
Ghost kitchens are out there. However, what is more common is for a restaurant to not know it's take out is being delivered to a third party. A driver or a few drivers will use the restaurant's contact information and online take-out menu to make an entry on something like Door Dash ( I am not saying Door Dash has these or is the only one, it's just an example). The drivers do it because the restaurant does not participate (for lots of good reasons) but is very popular in their area.
René Sauer 1 year ago
And if you order anyway, who cares that they don´t have their own restaurant?
Anony Mouse 1 year ago
Most ghost kitchens in my city are places where you would never want to eat. You might see something on DD or GH and think "Oh, there's a new sushi/pizza/wings place!" but then the order will come from Applebee's or Olive Garden. We had a Momofuku spinoff (we thought). The food came from Frisch's.
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Jim Holden 1 year ago
Ghost kitchens are everywhere in the Philippines - some are really good.
Kevin Snyder 1 year ago
What is the practical difference between a ghost kitchen and a carry-out only storefront?
Todd Goodrich 1 year ago
As an example, I ordered Bao Buns (which were rather tasty, btw) from a new place on a delivery app. It actually came from a Sizzler Steak house, but was not something on Sizzler's standard/franchise approved menu. I had looked at the address of the new place, Googled it and it shared the same address of Sizzler. Perhaps they had a cook/chef who was really good at making them? Point is, not all of them are shady.
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#32
As a foreigner myself, it’s ethnic restaurants that have zero ethnic people eating there.
It’s a huge green flag to me when I go to an Indian, Chinese, middle eastern, etc restaurant and the clientele are all of that particular region, and a red flag when they are not like Lapis aka the worst Afghan restaurant I went to in Washington DC.
Mr. Jones 1 year ago
So I shouldn't eat at our local Japanese restaurant because we don't have a large population of Japanese people here to frequent the Japanese owned and operated business? That's ridiculous. My Mexican friends don't eat at our authentic Mexican restaurant because it's the food they eat at home.
Dan Holden 1 year ago (edited)
I guess it depends on the situation. If you were (for example) in the city of Vancouver, which has a large Chinese population, and you went to a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown and saw only white people, you should probably think twice about eating there.
Load More Replies... Sven Petersson 1 year ago
We have a Korean sushi/warm Korean dishes retaurant in Vadstena (Sweden) where I live. The owner, his wife & their daughter are about the only Koreans in the entire town. Their bibimbap is wonderful.
Heather Talma 1 year ago
I mean if you're in a small town with five Chinese people and they all work at the Chinese restaurant then there won't be Chinese people eating there no matter how good the food is.
Papa 1 year ago
I don't necessarily agree with OP, because of the reasons already given, but it reminded me of a little Mexican restaurant I went to a few years ago for a breakfast taco. It was in the back of a Western wear store, I was the palest person there, and placing my order was somewhat difficult because I don't speak much Spanish. And they automatically made the tacos with corn tortillas instead of flour. The food was exceptionally good.
Sue User 1 year ago
Oh, I found one in a mercado. Same thing, had to get the cashier to order. But best breakfast had in long time.
Load More Replies... DennyS (denzoren) 1 year ago
Sort of true I guess...if it's good and authentic then I'd expect them to buy also. Locally I feel it's different cause, we can make that at home, we want something different lol
BookFanatic 1 year ago
Yup. I learned that as a teen, when my folks took me to a local Mexican restaurant. We were the only white customers (as far as I could see). My mom was thrilled--"This is how you know the food is GOOD!". Best. Mexican. Food. Ever.
#33
If you're looking at the menu outside, and an employee/manager comes out to usher you into the restaurant.
I've only had that happen once, but it was clear pretty quickly why they were so desperate for my business.
Ace 1 year ago
Very common in tourist areas. In many places this is a job in its own right. I'll usually walk past those ones on principal.
Mirolfur Grafarson 1 year ago
It is annoying, but I dont agree its a sign that its bad restaurant. Had few situations, turned out to be great place
Michael Largey 1 year ago
I've never been ushered into a restaurant. And all those "out of"s were just misunderstandings.
Stephen Andrews 1 year ago
Pretty common in touristy areas where there are dozens of restaurants side-by-side. Highly competitive with outrageous rents, I’ve seen places where every single restaurant has someone outside trying to entice people in. It’s been many years but used to be very common on The Riverwalk in San Antonio. Some were truly awful but a couple of gems there as well.
Bohemiangirl 1 year ago
This happened to me in Mexico. It was an Italian restaurant (lol) and we were ushered in and sat at a very nice table, they brought out cuts of meat to choose from before cooking them. The chef came to our table after we got our food to make sure it was cooked to our expectations. The owner thanked us personally for dining there. It was the best Italian food I ever had and the cheapest price I've paid for fine dining. I think they had recently opened and were desperate for customers.
Kevin Snyder 1 year ago
So, that happened us in Puerto Penasco, and it was the best seafood I've ever had.
#34
There's a soap dispenser attached to the wall that is perpetually empty, so they put a regular disposable soap dispenser on the counter.
I'm sure there's good reasons, but it screams lazy to me.
DennyS (denzoren) 1 year ago
Yep, important thing is that there is soap available.
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René Sauer 1 year ago
I mean, as long as soap is available in SOME way, who cares if they don´t use the one on the wall?
Phil 1 year ago
Yup. Or the soap for the built-in dispenser is no longer available.
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Greg Ekrem 1 year ago
How about when you go to the bathroom and there's only ice cold water running out of the sink. Did you wash your hands with it? Do you think the cook washed theirs?
#35
If all anyone can talk about is the view, then you might as well go to a diner because the food will be bad (awful for what you'll pay). I've never worked nor eaten anywhere with a 'stunning view' that didn't serve lukewarm garbage at a highway robbery price.
LooseSeal's $10 Banana 1 year ago
Almost all of the great seafood I've eaten has been at restaurants with views of the water the fish came from.
Tom Brincefield 1 year ago
Mures Lower Deck in Hobart, Tanzania. Literally on the docks, great fish & chips, good chowder. There are other places on the docks, but I didn't get the chance to try them.
Load More Replies... Karen Philpott 1 year ago
We went to a small restaurant with a fantastic view. We were sitting outside looking out over a gorgeous bay watching the waves and birds. We had the best duck egg and white bait omelette ever. Even our young children enjoyed it. Fresh baked bread and a nice wine topped it off. So having that 'great view s**t food' depends on whole lot of reasons and situations.
cerinamroth 1 year ago
I had a wonderful meal on Portugal's Costa da Prata overlooking the sea in a beautiful restaurant and it cost (for a northern European) next to nothing. The view was magnificent, but so was the food.
#36
No one eating there when it’s time to eat.
Ace 1 year ago
Your "Time to eat" may not be the same as that of the clientele. I always used to be amazed by American colleagues going out to eat just after work, like 6 o'clock or so! Dude. it's still at least two hours until I'm gonna be ready to eat.
Susan Schlee 1 year ago
I think that's more to do with that they need to relax and refuel- they maybe have skipped lunch or breakfast or both. I personally don't eat a full meal until I'm completely done with the workday. I want to eat and relax- not stuff down some food I really don't want just because it's a 30 min lunch break.
Load More Replies... Phil 1 year ago
One of the best, if not the best, brewpubs in my area is mostly empty on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Susan Schlee 1 year ago (edited)
When I worked in elementary special ed, the special ed teacher's and TA's would sometimes go to happy hour on Thursdays at this restaurant less than 5 min from campus. It was beautiful because it was on the lake, and we were able to beat the big "happy hour" crowd because we were usually out of work by 3:45 or 4:00. There were always 2 dollar mixed drinks and half price appetizers, so the bill was reasonable for a poor TA like I was! This was also where I had fresh oysters for the first time (still not my cup of tea, but at least I got to try them- I like them fried better), and our waiter was excellent when we asked what kind we should get. He advised us to get the ones harvested from the body of water that was closest to us to make sure they're fresh. Since we were in Austin TX, we got the Gulf oysters, and he was right, they were fresh, and I didn't feel like I was going to get sick from eating raw seafood.
Load More Replies... #37
A big one for me is if there is only one demographic there, only old folks being the kiss of death for a eatery.
If I see blue collar and white collar types in the same place I know it is probably pretty good quality.
AngelWingsYT 1 year ago
How so? If upper and lower classes both enjoy a place it is likely good. If only elderly are there itll likely be a bit more simple n bland (not nessicaryly bad) but the vibe will likely be unpleasant as elderly demographic tend to be ruder to workers, complain more, tip bad if at all. Meaning staff wont be to friendly
Load More Replies... LooseSeal's $10 Banana 1 year ago
The best breakfast in my town is at the Piggly Wiggly deli and you can guarantee that the parking lot is full of work trucks.
Susan Schlee 1 year ago
Truck drivers know where the best food is as well.
Load More Replies... cerinamroth 1 year ago
When I go back home to Yorkshire, the pubs with the best food have almost all older people living in them. Farmers, racehorse breeders, retired professionals - all pretty well off.
Damned_Cat 1 year ago
Yeah, no. I know two great restaurants that have been in business for decades and always seemed to have mostly "old folks" for customers. Because, you know, people get old all the time so there is a never-ending supply of patrons.
Susan Schlee 1 year ago (edited)
The best places are where the police and state troopers eat! We have a popular fried fish and steak place in the boonies between 2 small towns on a 2 lane highway. That place is ALWAYS packed with police from the many small towns in this area of TX and the TX highway patrol. Their fried catfish can't be beat and neither can their steak. They also make fresh peach cobbler with ice cream.
Joann Hart 1 year ago
At least you know their service will be fast. Can't be slow cooks when serving cops
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Karen Philpott 1 year ago
Maybe the food is tasty and great value? Or the local home is treating its clients out for dinner?
Joann Hart 1 year ago
High end restaurant here has a good mix but we see a fair amount of octogenarians. They know good food, they have been going there since they opened plus they have a early bird special that gives you soup or salad, entree, dessert for a decent price. Fresh fish selections always. Great chefs. When they changed hands, their serving sizes got smaller.
FluffyDreg 1 year ago
How the f*** is "when i see a large rabge of demographics at a restraunt I'm confident that the food is good" entitled?
Load More Replies... What do you think ?
Randy Sanders 1 year ago
As with anything, there are exceptions. I drove long haul for years, and some of the best food comes from hole in the wall places.
The Cat 1 year ago
I walk out when I've been waiting patiently and quietly for service (walk up or restaurant), and someone finally acknowledges me and rudely snaps, "Umm, is there something that I can help you with!?!?" No sir, there is not. It has happened three different times and at least one of those places have gone out of business. Also, waiting 10 mins plus for menus and another 15 to get a drink order when it's slow. It's not getting any better. I worked in hospitality for decades.
Ali 1 year ago
Server here, and I did some time as a kitchen worker. Long menus mean nothing is fresh, it will be dry, lukewarm, and flavourless. If the beer menu is longer than the food menu, it's a good spot to watch the game and have some fries but probably not good for an actual meal. If the floor dips or buckles in some places, get out. That is not the only place where the building is deteriorating, you don't want to eat from a leaky kitchen.
Randy Sanders 1 year ago
As with anything, there are exceptions. I drove long haul for years, and some of the best food comes from hole in the wall places.
The Cat 1 year ago
I walk out when I've been waiting patiently and quietly for service (walk up or restaurant), and someone finally acknowledges me and rudely snaps, "Umm, is there something that I can help you with!?!?" No sir, there is not. It has happened three different times and at least one of those places have gone out of business. Also, waiting 10 mins plus for menus and another 15 to get a drink order when it's slow. It's not getting any better. I worked in hospitality for decades.
Ali 1 year ago
Server here, and I did some time as a kitchen worker. Long menus mean nothing is fresh, it will be dry, lukewarm, and flavourless. If the beer menu is longer than the food menu, it's a good spot to watch the game and have some fries but probably not good for an actual meal. If the floor dips or buckles in some places, get out. That is not the only place where the building is deteriorating, you don't want to eat from a leaky kitchen.
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