Dining out is one of life’s great pleasures—no cooking, no dishes, and the chance to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
But while we’re busy enjoying ourselves, it’s easy to forget that the people serving us are working hard behind the scenes (and in front of them!) to make our experience as smooth as possible.
Unfortunately, even the most well-meaning customers can sometimes drive hospitality workers up the wall—often without even realising it.
Recently, a group of Australian hospitality workers shared their biggest customer pet peeves, and the stories are as eye-opening as they are entertaining.
If you’ve ever wondered what really gets under your waiter’s skin, read on—you might be surprised to find you’re guilty of a few of these habits yourself!
The four words that make staff cringe
Let’s start with the phrase that topped the list: ‘I’m not that drunk!’ If you’ve ever uttered these words to a bouncer or bartender, you’re not alone—but you’re also not fooling anyone.
As one seasoned bar manager explained, this is the go-to protest from patrons who’ve had a few too many and are being refused entry or service.
‘Sometimes people will queue up clearly intoxicated, ask to speak to a manager and won’t take no for an answer,’ he shared.
‘They proceed to try and prove how sober they are, but everyone knows that’s not the case. They say their mates are inside, offer bribes—the lot. We’re trying to keep them from getting worse, and it makes the job a whole lot harder.’
It’s not just the denial that’s frustrating—sometimes, things can escalate. ‘I even got a death threat once purely because I wouldn’t let someone in,’ the manager revealed. Yikes!
Classic customer habits that drive staff mad
Of course, it’s not just the tipsy crowd causing headaches. Here are some of the other classic customer behaviours that hospitality workers say make their jobs much harder:
1. ‘Quick, act sober so we get in!’
Staff hear this whispered in queues all the time. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work.
2. Paying with foreign currency
It might seem harmless, but trying to pay with US dollars or Euros at your local pub just slows everything down and creates confusion.
3. Ignoring the ‘Please Wait to Be Seated’ sign
We get it—you’re hungry! But seating yourself when there’s a clear sign to wait throws the whole system out of whack.
4. Ordering things that aren’t on the menu
If you haven’t read the menu, don’t be surprised if your request for a ‘double decaf oat milk turmeric latte’ is met with a blank stare.
5. ‘Any wine will do!’ (Until it doesn’t)
Bartenders say this is a classic: a customer asks for ‘any wine,’ then complains about the one they’re served.
6. Trying to help with the drinks tray
It’s tempting to grab your drink off the tray, but it can throw off the balance and lead to spills. Best to let the pros handle it.
7. Leaving bad reviews for your own mistakes
Didn’t mention your allergy or dislike for coriander? Don’t blame the kitchen in your online review.
8. Reaching the bar with no idea what to order
You’ve waited in line for ages—please have your order ready! Staff say this is one of the most common (and frustrating) time-wasters.
9. Vaping or sneaky smoking
‘We’re not stupid,’ one worker laughed. ‘We can see the smoke coming from under the table from your jumper sleeve. You’re not fooling anyone.’
10. Ordering while on the phone, or clicking/clapping for attention
It’s just plain rude, and it makes staff feel invisible.
11. Throwing things to get attention
Yes, this really happens. One worker recalled a customer who picked a lemon out of their drink and threw it at them to get served. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t work.
Why do we do it?
Many of these habits come from a place of impatience, distraction, or just not thinking about the person on the other side of the counter.
In a busy restaurant or bar, it’s easy to forget that staff are juggling dozens of tasks at once, and a little courtesy goes a long way.
The silver lining: why they still love the job
Despite the challenges, most hospitality workers say the good far outweighs the bad. ‘You meet so many interesting characters with their own interesting stories,’ one staff member said. ‘Every job has its low points—it’s just ours often involves customers having one too many tequilas.’
How to be a hospitality hero
Want to make your next dining experience better for everyone? Here are a few simple tips:
- Read the menu before ordering, and be ready when it’s your turn.
- Be patient and polite, even if things are busy.
- Don’t try to ‘help’ with the drinks tray—just wait for your server.
- If you have dietary needs or dislikes, mention them up front.
- Treat staff with the same respect you’d expect in their shoes.
A little kindness goes a long way
At the end of the day, hospitality workers are there to make your experience enjoyable. A smile, a thank you, and a bit of patience can turn a stressful shift into a great one—for both you and your server.
Have you ever worked in hospitality, or do you have a story about a memorable dining experience (good or bad)? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Restaurateur’s pep talk goes viral, exposes truth about hospitality
