Restaurant Etiquette: Acceptable and Unacceptable Behaviors While Dining Out

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Food News!

Some of us don’t think people should have their phones out while eating. But others think it’s fine to have them out on the table, charging, at a restaurant?

There’s a big new survey out on acceptable and unacceptable behaviors at restaurants… and some of the results are surprising.

Here are the highlights, ranked from most- to least-acceptable behaviors.

1. Asking for a to-go container to take leftovers home. 93% say that’s acceptable, 3% say it’s unacceptable.

2. Sending back a dish that wasn’t made as specified. 84% say that’s acceptable, 7% say it’s not.

3. Taking photos of their food. 75% say it’s acceptable, 13% say it’s not.

4. Asking to be seated before their entire party arrives. 69% say it’s acceptable, 13% say it’s not.

5. Asking for a table near a power outlet to charge their devices. 51% say it’s acceptable, 29% say it’s not. 20% are “not sure.”

6. Taking an “extended period of time” to decide what to order. 48% say it’s acceptable. 34% say it’s not.

7. Flirting with the staff. 23% say it’s acceptable. 57% say it’s not. And 20% “aren’t sure” whether it’s cool to openly flirt with the staff these days.

8. Bringing outside food or drinks into the restaurant. 14% say it’s acceptable. 71% say it’s not.

9. Snapping their fingers to get the waiter’s attention. 11% say it’s acceptable. 81% say it’s not.

10. Debating menu prices with the staff. 8% say it’s acceptable. 84% say it’s not.

11. Allowing their children to roam freely. 5% say it’s acceptable. 90% say it’s not. 5% are “not sure” if anyone cares that their kids are running around.

12. Saying they won’t pay for a dish they didn’t like… but ate. 4% say it’s acceptable. 90% say it’s not. And 6% are “not sure.”

SOURCE: YouGov