How Do Americans Feel About Restaurant Etiquette?
How do Americans feel about restaurant etiquette? Well, it’s exactly what you think. You’ve more than likely witnessed it yourself. Honestly, you probably feel the same way, if we’re being honest.
So, what behaviors do Americans find acceptable and unacceptable while out to eat at restaurants? It’s probably changed over the years. It’s the latest surprising poll taken about Americans. Here’s how we’re feeling about it today in 2024.
What Is Acceptable Restaurant Etiquette?
There’s definitely an unwritten rule book when it comes to how you should behave when you go out to eat. There’s some things you may be able to do at home, that you certainly can’t do out at a restaurant. Likewise, there’s stuff you can get away with at a restaurant that you can’t at home. Now, you don’t want to confuse the two!
A recent survey conducted by YouGov asked 1,000 American adults about behaviors they deem acceptable and unacceptable at restaurants. 20 of those behaviors mentioned are by customers and the other 20 behaviors are by restaurant management or staff. Just like there’s stuff you can’t do as a customer in a restaurant, there are many things you can’t do when you’re working or dealing with someone’s food at a restaurant.
Following these rules can save you from a lot of embarrassment and possible faux pas. Of course, these things change over time so it’s never a bad idea to freshen up and see what behaviors are acceptable (and not) in restaurants today.
Customers And Restaurant Etiquette
According to the YouGov survey, at least 80% of Americans think it’s unacceptable to say they won’t pay for a dish they ate but didn’t like, allow their children to roam freely, debate prices, stay past closing time, and snap their fingers to get their waiter’s attention.
Additionally, more than half of Americans say it’s acceptable to ask for a to-go container for leftovers, send back a dish that wasn’t made as requested, take photos of their food, ask co-diners to split the bill, and to ask to be seated before their entire party arrives, according to YouGov.
Those are some of the examples that people feel strong in support of or against. However, there are some categories and behaviors that have people divided. Some of the most divisive customer behaviors include asking to taste a bottle of wine before purchasing it, asking for too many modifications on a dish, taking a long time to decide what to order, and leaving no tip after receiving bad service, per YouGov. That’s understandable. Majority of people would agree that leaving no tip after good or fair service wouldn’t be acceptable. However, if you receive bad service some people still might leave a tip while others won’t.
Staff And Restaurant Etiquette
Just like there are many things that customers shouldn’t do in restaurants, there are many behaviors that restaurant staff should avoid or not engage in. At least 75% of Americans think it’s unacceptable for restaurant staff to charge for tap water, not indicate prices on the menu, a minimum spending amount, and playing high music, according to YouGov. I’d agree that a restaurant shouldn’t do any of those things, it makes sense.
The most divisive behaviors here can be when restaurants offer a discount for reviews, not allowing children in the restaurant, and restaurants with a no-phone policy, according to YouGov.
What type of disregard of restaurant etiquette drives you crazy? See more on the full survey from YouGov here.
5 Best Fast Food Items On The Value Menu
Today, there are seemingly unlimited options in the fast food landscape. You have options for burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, and more. Anything you want you can have. When you’re on-the-go and looking for a quick bite, there’s nothing better than the value menu. Every fast food restaurant has one. Here are the best fast food items on the value menu.
We all know that fast food is appealing because of its low price and easy access. With prices for combos on the rise, I find myself looking at the value menu more often than ever before. I need to save where I can!
Some burgers from McDonald’s (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
Best Of The Best
I have spent so much time in drive-thrus that I think I could be considered an expert witness in a court case, at this point. I’ve seen delicious items come and go, prices climb, and experiences all the promos and deals. Why did KFC get rid of the Twister? When will McDonald’s bring back the famous Snack Wraps? These are all questions I ask every day, and sadly have no answers for. However, one day…we will get them back. I truly believe it in my heart of hearts.
I could go on and on about my love for the value menu. I’d say at least once a week I think back on my high school days when the Junior Bacon Cheeseburger from Wendy’s was only 99 cents. Do you remember that? 99 cents! It was amazing. Now, the price for one JBC is closer to $3 than it is 99 cents. I feel like this is the new version of that old “back in my day, we’d walk 2 miles to school up hill both ways! stories your grandparents would tell. Now, these stories are all about how low the value menu prices were back in our day. “When I was your age, every item on the dollar menu was a dollar!”
After years of research, I’ve finally identified the best of the best when it comes to value menus. On this list, you’ll find burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, and even some items that fall into the ‘miscellaneous’ category. Without further delay, let’s get to the list!
The 5 Best Fast Food Items On The Value Menu
Super model Heidi Klum poses with Snack Wraps (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
McChicken - McDonald's
It never misses. Of all the value menu chicken sandwiches, none are better than the McChicken.
DES PLAINES, IL – OCTOBER 24: In this photo illustration, a McChicken sandwich sits with typical Dollar Menu items sold at a McDonald’s restaurant on October 24, 2013 in Des Plaines, Illinois. McDonald’s has announced it will make changes to its low-priced Dollar Menu, which includes items like coffee, small fries, hamburgers and apple pies. The new menu, dubbed the Dollar Menu and More, will offer some higher priced options such as the grilled Onion Cheddar Burger and a McChicken sandwich. (Photo Illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
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