 We're in a bit of a mood this week. Monday, we polled our reading public on restaurant flaws they just can't stomach. Tuesday, it was irksome grocery store shoppers. Wednesday, we kvetched about party poopers. Today, to paraphrase Jean-Paul Sartre: hell is other people - especially if they're seated at the banquette next to yours. Company can make a meal memorable, but not always for the right reasons. We've all been privy to couples' squabbles, the over-served, the insufficiently parented, the overly affectionate - the list goes on. Whose behavior puts you off your pommes frites? |
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my voice lessons were given to me by my aunt who also teaches some amateur pop singers to improve their voices -*~
The worst is "grooming" in a restaurant! People run their fingers through their hair and you have their dandruff flying like you're in a snow globe. They pick their teeth, and generally act like they're home alone. The WORST was when I saw a man take off his "mandal"(man-sandal) and actually start picking his feet! I was appalled and nearly regurgitated my appetizer.
Children at any age can go out to a nice restaurant and eat. Our family would go to nice restaurants often. If you teach your children proper manners they will not disturb other guests. Occasionally they get antsy, but a quiet toy or game calms them down quickly. Even in a large group we have NEVER had a problem with any of the children in our immediate nor extended family. It is absolutely a parent's fault if their child disturbs other guests. Not teaching your child how to behave is apalling in ANY venue. Just yesterday a 4 year old in the over-crowded post office REFUSED to leave and threw the world's largest temper-tantrum for not getting her way. The mother and grandmother simply giggled while she threw fists and screamed her bloody head off. Children learn quickly that every action has a consequence... they are rewarded with good behavior and scolded for poor behavior. As long as you are consistent and fair, you will rarely have an issue.
It's NOT out of control children, but rather selfish parents who care more about their eating, than training their children to act civil in public. I hate when kids are blamed. They are doing what comes natural, and it's the parents who are being rude!
Children ARE capable of sitting still and behaving in restaurants... young doesn't mean stupid. Sometimes though, the very young cannot be expected to tolerate the enforced stillness and quiet and will get upset. Guess what... that's the price of being a good parent. If your infant or toddler is past the point of tolerance and patience, then you summon the waiter and ask to have your meal wrapped for take-away. I had to do that a number of times when my kids were under 2yos... really.... 95% of the time they'd be fine in a restaurant.. it is exciting and stimulating for them... but babies are babies and their needs come before a parent's 'want' to eat out. The few times I was in this 'infant meltdown' situation, we left, and the staff were incredibly gracious and helpful. Asking us to come back, packing extra food into our takeaway meal, giving us meal certificates, and once even giving us our meals for free! We always found the staff to be sincerely grateful towards us ... simply because we chose to be courteous and LEAVE.
My kids, under 9yo, know that going out is a treat (whether it's a McDs, or a high class formal place) and if they don't want to stay with a sitter, they will act appropriately. Not hard at all... no threats or punishment needed!!... they know the rules, and know that if they want to be enjoy going out as a family, they follow our rules. Over the years, we have taken them to some very nice restaurants – and received many compliments for their behavior!
Not having read all the comments, it's possible someone already mentioned this, but what really irritates me at a restaurant is not unruly children but unruly parents. I was recently out to eat by myself and there was a woman, her daughter, and her daughter's children, both of whom were quite young. Although the children were somewhat obnoxious, I dismissed it as simply children acting their ages. The grandmother was the main source of my irritation. She was constantly yelling at the kids when they were around because of their misbehavior, and when they weren't around she was talking about how she was going to beat them if they didn't quit soon. It is my opinion that this kind of behavior should not take place in public at all, whether it is at a restaurant or somewhere else.
Gross me out Ethel. Rick Sanchez walked into my favorite Jewish Deli and ordered a Tube Steak smothered in underwear with cream gravy and EXTRA mustard. I hope it was circumcised as they had no Large Bagels!
Children being mistreated is a crime.
If you don't have enough money to pay a sitter for your kids then you don't have enough money to go out to a nice restaurant. If your kids can not sit through a meal without being disruptive –they are not old enough to eat out.
Wow. The unruly children is in a tie with the loud cell phone conversation and the couple making out. In all three cases, they really ought to take it someplace where it isn't being imposed on everyone else to gross them out and ruin their meal. Get a leash and a muzzle, go find a phone booth, and get a room. In no particular order. The quiet, awkward first date is hardly something that would spoil anyone's meal except the poor couple who are sharing it!
All these situations, just smile and things will fall in the way you want, try it next time. Smile and keep smiling and see the difference....
Isn't it a little early to be drinking?
I can't stand it when the server gives me an order of wheat toast and puts the chicken salad between her legs!!
Depending on the waitress...why not?!? I only see that adding that certain something, something that cannot be found on the spice rack.
What is wrong with that?
I love a buffet!
Taking "it" out. Even underneath the table is unacceptable.
LOL! I'll have to tell my boyfriend to stop doing that.
I read comments on kids not behaving at restaurants. All I can say is, you probably don't love your children enough to think they are a pest. Kids will be kids. I have observed that Americans in general are very selfish and self centered in the name of individual rights. The same kids when they grow up and have kids will treat thier kids the same way.
"kids will be kids" is the biggest cop-out for not disciplining your kids ever. I suppose we should just say "murderers will be murderers" and excuse their behaviors too?
"Kids will be kids" is a rationalization that bad parents use to justify their own failures and their brats' poor behavior.
I honestly want to say most of the above irritates me when I am out at a restaurant paying for a nice meal. I don't have high expectations of other diners when I am at a fast food joint, but anywhere nicer than say Burger King or Chick-Fil-A, I expect the fellow patrons to have some respect for the other people there. Why is it that we have given up on polite behavior as a society?!?! I don't mind strangers speaking to me, as long as they are polite, and it unacceptable to be rude to your server. If your service is not acceptable, ask to speak to the manager, and do so in a polite and quiet manner. Everyone within hearing does not need to know what you are saying.
I was having dinner one night and a couple of children were chasing each other around the tables in the restaurant despite people sitting and trying to eat at that table. I called the manager over and asked her if she would intervene. She said that she would prefer not to. So, I asked if she was willing to lose a customer who wasn't afraid to spread the word that this kind of behavior was tolerated–me. About that time, all of the diners around me started raising their hands and saying, "and me." The manager went to the parents and asked that they curtail the behavior of their children. There response was that they weren't aware that this was annoying anyone. I didn't have to say anything as the entire section we were in chimed in with, "well, it is!"
I am guessing you were at a "family friendly" place because I can guarantee when you dine at a 4 or 5 star place, the kids are NOT running around.
Most of you "adults" sound like fools. If you were eating at a "nice" place, kids wouldn't be running around.....you need to get out more geez.......
Honestly, Valerie, even if they weren't at a "nice" restaurant the children shouldn't have been running around. No parent should ever let their kid run around in a restaurant for a number of reasons. It's not safe for the child–they could easly run into a waiter and cause them to spill food and plates that could hit the child, the child could run into the back of a chair as someone is getting up from the table (I personally saw this one happen. The kid looked to be about five and he was just weaving all over the place and hiding behind different people's chairs and he happend to stand behind one man right as the guy pulled his chair out, got knocked it the head and started to bawl), etc. Also, it's just rude. Yes, you and your family have the right to eat out and have fun, but your right to enjoy yourselves doesn't supersede the right of the other patrons. If you look around and notice that everyone is annoyed with your running, screaming children then it should be your clue that you are the one in the wrong and they don't need to "just loosen up." Any anyway, if the kids are running around and playing rather than sitting at the table, it means sitting at the table isn't fun for them, so why take them to a place you know that the only way they can enjoy themselves is at the cost of others? Take them to a park and leave them with a sitter if they want to play. If your kids can behave and sit still at a table and not make the dining room into their personal playroom, then by all means, treat them to a dinner out. Like someone else said upthread, I love looking around and seeing families with civilized kids having fun together, as so many families don't do anything as a unit. However, if you plan to take your kids out and let them do whatever the h*ll they want and then tell others to loosen up and assume they are uptight jerks instead of acknolweding an overly permissive parent, then don't be surprised by the hostility, you basically asked for it. And I noticed in several of your posts you referred to people who spoke with far more intelligence than yourself but made points you don't like as "idiots"...really? I guess I shouldn't be surprised if you're defending obnixious children when you basically are one.
How to say this in a family site...
I once had a gf do a job involving her hand while sitting next to me at Del Frisco's steak house.
Thankfully the tablecloth was VERY long.
on the one hand, (pun) that is really disgusting. On the other hand (pun again) you may be my new hero.
If you don't blow it, you can always find a happy ending...
And for the record, it was her idea...that bottle of wine was worth every penny...
I can be understanding for most scenarios, but the thing that irritates me the most when you are out to dinner with someone is when they can't have a conversation with you or anyone else for that matter because they are so occupied with texting under the table. IT DRIVES ME NUTS!!!! It's like if you want to carry on a conversation with that person more so than me, go to dinner/lunch with them instead.
Are people just making crap up? I have been at my share of resturants off all kinds. Cheap, expensive, dives, nice... I honestly cannot remember the last time a kid ruined my meal. Perhaps you were all coddled as children and developed thin skin. I am sure that these things do happen, but I really cannot recall when.
Last night we had a smoker next to us, which is illegal of course. When the waitress told him nicely to put it out, he came back with 'I was done anyway.' Very impressive.
I have been quite amused by first dates at close tables. They can be really funny as people are on their best behavior and trying to impress each other.
Actually the worst one was an adult that hovered 2 feet from our table because he saw we were about done. We had taken a table in the bar rather than wait. The guy was a complete a$$. Unfortunately, it turned me off of the resturant and we have not been back for about 15 years. Not necessarily sane since it was not really their fault, but my experience was not pleasant.
So, I would have to say that all versions of self important obnoxious adults outweigh any child related experiences I have had.
Been fun.
Agreed. Overall the world sucks BECAUSE of adults........that is a FACT.
note that I was not saying that the first dates annoy me. I find them amusing.
None of the above! Life is not for whining, it's to be happy!! Don't get bothered, enjoy everything!!!
Please kill yourself.
Smile your way :)
If I was a waiter and someone was letting their snot nosed brat be loud and unruly I would give them the most sugary desert on the menu and have the cook lace it with 5hour Energy drink for free and without asking so they dont have a chance to say no. The energy should start hitting the kid on the car ride home and hopefully make the rest of the night hell for the stupid parents.
sounds like a felony.
someone blows there nose continuous at the table
There really needs to be multiple selections, between out of control kids and cell phone usage, I was ready to select those, then I re-read 'Rudeness TO the server' and wanted to select that.
I suggest ability to vote on multiple!
WELL said GREG! a little harsh I must admit. BUt It was Quite Hilarious. I don't like Kids at restaurant. I like kids for the most part. I think Kids will be kids, therefore I don't think it is fair to put them in a situation (a nice restaurant) and force them to behave a certain way, especially if they are not ready or lack the maturity to behave appropriately. Chuck -e cheese's is great for this the a kid can be a kid. For the parents out there: there is a reason adults without kids don't go to chuck-e-cheeses for pizza. Think about it. If adults don't choose to go to CEC, then why intentionally subject them to YOUR unruly child when they are making an effort to avoid children by going to a nice restaurant in the first place. A little consideration goes a long way. But greg you are a funny MFer! STill LMAO!
Child Protective Services should be called on ANY parent that feeds their kids food from Chuck E Cheese. What the hell is the matter with you???! And why on Earth do you people continually bring up "take your kids to Chuck E Cheese"? That germ ridden place with God awful "food"? Good Lord, what IDIOTS!
I would once have voted for out-of-control children and their lazy, thoughtless parents who should stick to the drive-through. HOWEVER, cell phone conversations have actually overtaken the number one spot on the pet-peeve list for me. The worst by far involved a mindlessly crass hypochondriac who was describing (presumably to his doctor) the minute details of the various discharges stemming from his headcold, which chomping on his burger with his mouth open.
Which goes to prove adults suck, because they should know better. Cannot believe all the kid haters on this selfish, stupid board...geez....and by the way, kids have always been kids, and those that were brats grew up to be the selfish, stupid adults of today. Just saying.
Makes me wish my teenage sons were small again, so we could go to a restaurant and annoy some azzhole adults! LOL!
Your comment goes to show that it is indeed the adults that are the problem, not the children.
While the children are the ones causing the problem, the root of the problem is the "selfish, stupid adults" such as yourself that raised them.
Right!.... Now what were we talking about? I was distracted by the lady in the photo.
A few weeks ago, my husband and I had just been seated in a restaurant when we heard a loud retching sound in the corner of the dining room. Apparently, a grown woman decided to have a little fun and pretend to vomit on the table before rushing out of the restaurant. We, of course, didn't know this for a full twenty minutes when our server returned with our food and we asked if someone had thrown up. Meanwhile, we both felt ill and seriously considered leaving but didn't want to run out on our bill. Even though it turnd out to be a prank, we both lost our appetites.
kids >>>> chuckie cheese
A full blown kissing session in public, I definitely consider inappropriate. However I have no problem being affectionate in public. Having lived in Europe, Americans are up tight about a smooch here and there. Please loosen up.
Btw, my above comment relating to the number of times one eats outside is the national average. Please don't start piling insults on me stating that you personally don't eat out more than once a week.
Wow – some people are indeed touchy about being 'disturbed' when eating out. Considering that an average American 4-5 times a week.So, out of 200-250 times a year, if you get 'disturbed' even 25 times, I think you have a very good ratio there. Come on folks, do you really have so very few problems in life that 'disturbance' while eating out troubles you? If so, you are one lucky son-of-a-gun and got to be really happy.
Other patrons who like to become best friends with the waitstaff bug the crap out of me. I don't appreciate some overly friendly person having a 10 min conversation with the waiter when I haven't even had my drink order placed. I don't give a crap that y'all went to the same school, knows the friend of a cousin, etc. Chitchat on your own time. There are hungry people. Sometimes I understand it's the server too, but you can usually tell when the server just wants to get away but is too polite to break off the small talk.
When I was a kid, if I misbehaved anywhere, restaurants included, we immediately went home and my dad would hit me with his belt. You better believe me and my brothers hardly ever acted up, and this is the reason the rise of unruly children is happening, there are NO CONSEQUENCES. Parents let their kids get away with anything and everything, and this needs to come to an end.
I agree. A good spanking or two never hurt anyone. Bratty children need stronger discipline than just a "time out".
Disgusting conversation by others that are talking loudly. Like about the details of their stomach flu, or hunters talking about carving up a deer, or health care employees talking about some disgusting disease and describing it. I actually got up and told 3 grown men that they were in a dining room and their conversation was making me sick. Of course we could hear them snicker but they shut up and soon left. People ! Remember where you are. Act, speak and eat appropriately. If you have a gory story to tell your friends, invite them to your house.
We have 2 kids that we love to take out to restaurants as long as the restaurants aren't too formal or fancy. I expect them to sit on their bottoms at the table, use an inside voice, eat a reasonable amount of their meal, no tantrums, no running around. Sometimes when you have to correct them, like "no going under the table" "no standing and staring at other people" or "no you aren't going to just eat ice cream" you can see them gearing up for a crying jag. Before the jag ever happens I let them know they are about to go outside for a time out, and if I need to I take them outside (then come back in after). We have never had a full blown tantrum in a restaurant. My kids still act like kids, they are not perfect and they get bored and we entertain them – but they are learning that restaurants are not a playground. That said, kids whose behavior is way over the top bothers me, people who are unnecessarily rude to staff bother me, people who are extremely loud would bother me. Fortunately I seldom see really extreme behavior.
We need more parents like you.
With the exception of "Nothing bugs me" I say all of the above are enough to put me off my meal.
However, unruly children would have to be at the top of the list!
Drunk people for sure. You know what's worse than out of control kids? Out of control kids because the parents are there to get blitzed. You know what's worse than loud talking? Loud talking by a drunk person. Worse than someone invading your personal space and talking to you when they don't know you? When they're 10 beers in and could vomit on you also. Worse than a loud cell phone conversation about something inappropriate? A drunken loud cell phone conversation by some dude with one of his bros.
Seriously, in each of your awful restaurant experiences, just imagine how much worse it could have been had the offending party been intoxicated.
The premise that parents cannot control their children's behavior is at the very core of why they don't behave when out and about. Parents negotiate (or attempt to do so) with their kids. A negotiation with a four-year-old will always be won by the kid. Parents can control the behavior of their children. Those that think they can't are plainly unwilling to do what it takes to make it happen.
Well said! I agree 100%.
I wish these polls would allow us to chose more than 1 option. Out of control children is number 1 for me, #2 is loud talking/squealing. My tolerance for noise in general is not that high. Part of that is because of a head injury I suffered in an accident, and a lot of things changed for me. I am more easily irritated at loud things that never bothered me before...but that's not society's fault. However, out of control children have always been an annoyance, even before the accident. The loud conversation/squealy laughs never bothered me til afterward though. But I do question why some adults feel the need to talk so loudly in public, at least inside a restaurant. Their friends are sitting there at the same table with them, the whole dining room doesn't need to hear their gossip. It's like they never got past the "indoor voice" vs. "outdoor voice" lesson.
LOL, I love the 12 inches rule that we were taught to practice in the library!
When I was a child, I had one chance with my parents to behave well at a restaurant. JUST ONE! If, at any point, I did anything wrong (imagine any of the terrible things children do in restaurants) and we were out of there. No amount of apologizing on my part would get us back in the restaurant. I used to think it was so mean. Guess what, it only took 2 times for me to realize that regardless of age, there is a code of conduct amongst civilized people. If I wanted my outback steak or olive garden pasta, I figured I'd have to abide by this code. Parents, get a clue and discipline your children. I realize you need to go out every once in a while to maintain your sanity, but you can't impose your horrible kids on the rest of us. It's just wrong. I love nothing more than to see a family with kids enjoying themselves at restaurants with everyone acting appropriatly. Take a que from THOSE families, and see if you can't get your kids to behave the same way!
I agree 100% My parents did just about the same with me. I think part of the problem is everyone is too offended at spanking/disciplining children or too lazy, most likely the latter. Back before everyone had to be politically correct and back before we worried about what others thought of us if we corrected our children in public, they used to be more civilized. Sure I can deal with a few happy squeals here and there and a little trotting around to get the energy out, but not the continuous screaming, yelling and climbing be allowed to go on constantly. I don;t want someone's little monster kicking the back of my chair (movie theaters especially!) or climbing up the back of my booth seat to look over at me etc etc. I don't know what happened that discipline became a crime. There is a difference between spanking and beating...most of today's society won't see it that way.
I for one don't get with kids out of control, I feel bad for them. I know that my children will be fine to take out because they have manners at the table at home. They sit at the table, act accordingly and enjoy a great meal with conversation. So for me it's no suprise when in public they do the same thing. Really parents it's not that difficult, spend some time with your kids. When I see the kid out of control in public, especially a restaraunt, I already know the kid isn't getting any attention at home. You can't take a kid who't left alone to eat chicken nuggets in front of the TV and expect them to act properly anyplace else.
I didn't read all of these so someone may have mentioned this already but.... I gag every time I hear someone blowing their nose while I eat. It really isn't that difficult to walk to the restroom and take care of that. Especially if they do it in one of the cloth napkins (which is absurd to begin with) and then i think about my napkin and how many slobs drained their sinus' in it. And some of the noises these people make with their face trumpets couldn't be more obnoxious.
Those folks needs to be put on an international restaurant ban list. I said out of control kids and loud people were my top 2 but I think this one should be on top – didn't think of that til you mentioned it. Seriously, how hard is it to remove yourself so that others don't have to hear it/see it? LOL at 'face trumpet' you made my day with that one! I know I don't want people seeing/hearing me, so I go to a restroom, not that difficult. Even at home, I blow my nose in the bathroom, at least when I'm not alone anyway.
The linen is so true, that should just be common sense. So rude.
To people with children: no one likes your kids. No wants to be around your kids. Your kids annoy the crap out of adults when they are out in public. When you walk into a restaurant dragging your spawn with you, the adults in the room roll their eyes at each other and dread what is to come. You THINK that your kids are behaving, but the little brats are still annoying people.
I bet that if you engaged in some serious self-reflection, you'd admit to yourself that YOU don't even like your kids, and the only reason you had them was a) The condom broke; b) Your family expected you to have kids and you're so childish yourself that you couldn't say no to them; or c) You're a coward who's afraid of dying alone.
In summary, your kids are annoying, no one likes them, and anyone who says they are is lying out of courtesy.
Trrrrroooooolllllllll
"Trrrrroooooolllllllll"
Nope, not trolling. Unfortunately, there are too many clueless people out there who simply don't realize that they are utter failures as parents. If I can keep just one set of oblivious parents from bringing their poorly raised, undisciplined hellspawn into a restaurant where my wife and I are enjoying a nice meal, then my efforts are worth it.
And to you parents who think "I know he's not talking about our little Princess", yes I am.
Hey you just won A$$- Hole of the decade! I would be surprised if you really had any true friends, you shallow sack of $#@!
And that's the response you get from someone who just realized "Oh man, I bet he's talking about me...I suck as parent!" Glad to help you take the blinders off of your eyes. Now send your kids to military school and get a vasectomy.
I feel sorry for you, you too were a kid once. I think? maybe you were an accident, maybe you don't know who your Dad was or maybe you were abused. Not all parent that have engergetic kids are "bad" parents and not all louds kids are the devils spawn. I would look at the wondful job your parents did with you to hate kids or parents of kids.
Brovo Johnny – you and I obviously have this hater figured out!
"I think?" Obviously you don't.
"maybe you were an accident, maybe you don't know who your Dad was or maybe you were abused." Engaging in transference, I see. Get some therapy...after your vasectomy.
WOW... I feel sad for you Greg. To be hatted as much as you were growing up – that must have really sucked. I mean – you were hated right – as you indicate, everyone hates ALL kids.... Even your own parents... (or did you not have any?) I feel for you. Maybe you should speak to a counsilor and get all that hatred out... In fact call me – I can help if you would like – here's my # 1800 EAT $H$T – Extion D!$KHED.
Yes, I was "hatted". I wore a hat when needed.
Your parents are weeping over the money they wasted raising you.
Ahh! you "were" hated? as in "Past tense? Really?! You may want to think that one over again!
To be fair, Nelly, you said hatted.
Hannah?! I’m shocked!! at 2 levels – 1) you actually think someone could be "fair" with someone (or something) like Greg K? Ewe... and 2) I did "typo" hated in the 1st sentence, my bad, but the others clearly spell it out correctly..
Too funny! :}
Sucks to be you then.
You must be hell to be married to.
Wait till your wife's clock starts ticking loudly...she will dump you for a man willing to have a family. LMAO!
Because I think most people do a horrible job raising their children I must be "hell" to be married to? What kind of (il)logical leap is that? Let me use your style of logica against you: Your husband must find it hell to be married to such a clueless, judgemental harpy.
If your parents paid for your education, you owe them a refund. You are a disappointment to them.
Very nice mr. burns. Is there a Smithers in your life??? or are you so intolerable that nobody can put up with you. Enjoy living with your cats, until you die, then they will be living (literally) off of you !!!
Another product of laissez-faire parenting. Please tell us you're sterile, as your genetic material is not what is needed in the human gene pool.
people blowing there noses at the table
'their' noses
Thank you for making that correction.
Recently I took my wife out for a nice romantic dinner at a really nice restaurant. Just three tables away was a group of 15 to 20 office coworkers celebrating something. People trying to say something to folks at the other end of the table were practically screaming. All 20 of them would laugh out loud at jokes etc. It ruined our evening, and with two little ones, such dates happen only so often. Granted they were the biggest party there, it doesn't give them the right to act like they were the only people there.
I used to host and we would get parties of 60 who insisted at being at one table. One, that's not possible ANYWHERE, and two, even if you could all sit at one table you're only going to be able to talk to the few people around you.
I once saw a woman pull her top down and start breastfeeding her child. The nipple was bigger than a drumstick. mmm good. but not really!
I cannot stand to be setting in the vicinity of someone tyhat blows their nose while at the table. they should repect others and politley go to the restroom.
Kids will be kids, even with good manners it going to be a distraction. But people need to be more tolerant of children, anyone that has kids or a large family knows it's never easy. I think this poll is weighted heavily with single, uptight people that may not have children. I don't care how good your job is or how much you make, a parent or single parent has great wealth, and those "loud" kids will be taking care of all of us when we are older. So don’t sweat the small stuff. I think some corporate go getter shouting in to his cell phone for all other to hear how "important" he/she is far more obnoxious then a few kids excited about going out to eat.
I don't have to tolerate your child making a scene! If the kid is going to act up, leave, or better yet, find a sitter and end the problem before it starts.
People talking loudly on cell phones! It drives me crazy. Why can't they leave the table and go to the lobby?
All of those things are pretty bad. I tend to dislike unruly children the most. But! I had the opportunity just two nights ago to see a couple being inappropriate. There was a booth near a corner, but it was right across from us and well-lit. They had beer at their table, and the guy seemed to be drinking a bit much. There was something going on outside and the girl of the couple twisted her spine to look out. The guy kept inching closer and had his hands on her hips, and there was a little too much movement in his. He kept looking as if to see if she noticed. She didn't seem interested. I told my significant other what I was seeing and he was really freaked out, too, a little worried. That guy was gross! Eventually it stopped. Hopefully he didn't ruin her feelings about the date. Or maybe I hope he did. I wouldn't give such a man a ten minute date.
It really depends on the restaurant too.. If the place is sophisticated, then screaming kids, Drunk folks, couples fighting will bother me.. But is the place is loud by nature, I will probably not notice anything, and anything would be expected.. Even couples making out... Too many variables to just give one answer.
I'm a parent, and never went to a restaurant without one eye on the door, ready to zip out if things got crazy (which I admit, we had to do a couple of times). Yes, kids are unpredictable and not always reasonable – but there's a big difference between a quick fuss and letting them act out for a whole meal and ruin the experience for everyone around you.
Loud talking and full-out smooching is equally annoying. I do not need to know what antibiotics you took afer the guy you picked up at the bar last weekend, and I don't need to see you about to make the same mistake with the guy you picked up at the bar 10 minutes ago. Eww.
Children can be taken out to restaurants, and anyone who says otherwise just has bad kids. If the hostess is smart, she'll put you in the back. My child plays quietly and then eats his food, never a disruption to anyone and I take him everywhere except for candlelit fine dining situations. I have made sure of that, because I can't stand kids that stand up in the booths and look over my shoulder while I'm eating.
Thank you for having a well behaved child. I welcome well behaved children anywhere. More parents need to ensure that their children are under control, not just at restaurants, but ALL THE TIME! It is the parent's responsibility. Children only do what they think they can get away with.
The host has a rotation that he or she must follow. Sometimes they can manage to keep kids away from others, but it's not always possible.
Why has no one mentioned strong perfume??? I would much rather taste my meal than the perfume/cologne of the folks at the next table. Yuck!
OMG, Exactly Lilli ... or the other bad smells, Cigarettes on clothes, BO, Halitosis, etc
I think it is absolutely disgusting when people blow their noses at the table. Anything that requires you to wash your hands afterward should be done in the restroom.
I have an autistic child and sometimes he is distracting. He can't help his disability. Also we all have the right to dine where we please and if you can't deal with that you stay home and people will not bother you
I have an uncontrollable farting problem and I too have the right to eat where I wish. Mexican is my favorite.
no, you don't. dining is a service. people go to restaurants and pay extra money for the higher quality of SERVICE and ENVIRONMENT. any restaurant can turn you down or kick you out if you're ruining the service of other customers. if your attitude is, "i have the right to be here and act however i please," then, well, i hope i never have to sit in the same restaurant as you.
I am sorry that you have an autistic child, but you need to order takeout if you are distracting other customers. It is just the polite thing to do. If you do not care about being polite, then keep doing what you are doing.
Why must we deal with your child's problem? I am not asking you to punish him, due to his disability, I understand. However, why can't you be considerate enough not to take him to a place where people are trying to enjoy light conversation, a nice meal, and polite well-behaved company? I am not saying that you can't take your child out, but they might possibly enjoy an environment where they aren't judged for being themselves. There are lots of Family oriented restaurants where children can laugh and play and make noise to their hearts content. Why must I sacrifice a decent meal without that?
Allen – we don't have a "right" to dine where we please. It seems you think you are "entitled" to what is actually a priviledge. You are a "guest" in a restaurant, along with other guests. Your behavior and your family's behavior impacts others. Try thinking of others as you consider your wants and needs.
I'm amazed by the responses to Allen's comment here. This is obviously a group of people who have never spent time with autistic or other special needs kids. We're not talking about a parent using the "he's got ADHD" excuse (boy that gets old!). Autism is not something that parents can control at all, and it is entirely unfair for a child to not go out to eat because of that. The only way they can learn how to behave in certain situations is to be exposed to those situations.
The one part where I do draw the line is that I don't feel a parent should bring a child taht they know is going to have behavior problems (no matter what the reason) to an up-scale/fancy restaurant where people don't generally take even well behaved kids to. There are plenty of good restaurants (TGI Fridays, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, etc) where anyone should be comfortable to bring their special needs child to.
Tyler – Well said. I t-totally agree with everthing ! Without exposure, how else can they apply what they have been taught. Hopefully then you can just troubleshoot minor issues such as, elbows and table, napkin in lap, etc.
The annoying children do not upset me as much as the parents letting it happen.
One other things that bug me is when you are at a one on one meal with a date or even a friend, and one of the servers that you slightly know will come over and talk to you. "hello, how are you?" is fine, but when they stand there and have a pointless conversation with you while you are sitting and trying to eat really bugs me.
I find that rude as well. You are sitting there trying to eat and someone wants to stand there and carry on a conversation. It feels like they are watching you eat.
"The annoying children do not upset me as much as the parents letting it happen." – Amen
Children are going to be children. They are going to be obnoxious from time to time. The parents need to take them outside until they calm down.
When I want to make out with my date, I make sure that we can get a nice, quiet, dark booth in the back of the restaurant. And free-flowing wine.
I hate it when I go to Hooters and the Hooters girl makes out with other patrons but not me.
Stay home and try cooking, otherwise don't complain, idiots who shelter unruly brats deserve pretentious snobs, and vice versa
Don't take children to a nice resturaunt....period
Kids and meals don't make a match. Unless you are at Chuck-E-Cheese or McDonalds leave the kids at home or get take out!
Way to go CNN, thanks for the "news"
Hey JP,
Thanks for the 'informative' comment. A55.
C'mon Jp, this is a Poll. Read the title...
Then get your news elsewhere and quit your crying.
The French.
All of the above!
Loud kids don't really bother me at a restaurant, its when they are allowed to leave the table and run around and crawl on the floor..
Dirty Cutlery ... Make you wonder about the hygiene in the kitchen!
Um, when the dishwasher ran the silverware through the machine, it didn't get some completely stuck-on food off of your one knife.
Wow. I'm glad someone's out there to not only track where everyone eats, but also can keep track of every piece of cutlery throughout the entire dishwashing process. Do you have an app, so I can know exactly what I'm using and what its history is?
A majority of these things are basically the same thing;Loud,obnoxious jerks who dont know how to behave in public.
Kids I can excuse easier than drunks though.Ive had less problems with kids than Ive had with drunks,or Illbred adults altogether
Short of a armed gunman nothing would ruin my meal, I am there to eat and that is all I am focused on. Half this stuff on the list I go through at every family together, no biggie!!!
Having fun at McDonalds are we?
Amen to that bro..
Try eating at a decent restraurant and hearing the owner talking at the tnect table in a very loud voice in graphic detail about his bladder cancer, bleeding, surtgery, etc. let that place and will never go back, even if it were free.
Out of controle children are the worst in general, the other above could be depending on level and intensity, and what my table is doing. The one time worst for me is when the restaurant i was patronizing was held up at gun point. It was in an upscale area, thus the robbery, and the palce had to close after the police came and took our statements.
I think rude adults are worse than kids. They are old enough to know better–with kids it's really the parents fault. I hate it when parents say to their child "what do you want to drink?" then tell them no when they respond "pop or chocolate milk".
Just grow up and enjoy like like kids, thats what life is. It's not for whining!
Man that chick is hot! she can do whatever she wants!
All of the above bothers me! You get a variation of all of them at some point.
There were too many good ones above to pick just one.
why can we pick only one???
Kat, seriously, there were so many good ones to pick.
Life is too short to whine about petty cr@p like this. So what if someone talks on the cell or smacks while eating. Is this something that's going to cause you to have a miserable life? Stop whining!
Jerry, tell me where you go eat. I'm going to stand next to you at your table and fart in your face; since it's all petty.
That was hilarious!! Totally made me laugh out loud
Love it.
Grow up.
Jerry wants you to grow up... but in his own words, "it's petty cr@p", so we probably shouldn't care.
Boy Charles, you told him. What are you, 12?
I agree. If you want to whine, go find place (which would be impossible) where you won't whine.
Those who hate kids' misbehavior, what if they misbehave somewhere else, spank them? Grow up dudes, they are kids. Be yourself kid to understand and be happy like kid!
I agree Jerry! Wow, it's quite an intolerant group. Like my favorite bumper sticker says "It's too bad ignorance isn't painful"
Oh man, I hate it when someone blows their nose in a restaurant.
I don't mean the little sniffle-sniffle wipe thing, I'm talking about the moron that sounds like he's shooting oysters through a garden hose. Use the restroom, hammerhead!
This is so true. This is disgusting even when I'm not eating. I don't need to hear it in public EVER.
My uncle (who passed away in 1996) told this story. He was in a restaurant and saw a woman flossing her teeth after finishing her meal. He thought this was inappropriate and disgusting so when he was sure that she was looking he pretended to stick his finger up his nose.
LOL that is a funny story, she deserved it!
Someone actually voted that a "couple on a quiet awkward date" puts them off their meal? Wow, just wow.
Unruly, unparented children. Get a babysitter, get a book on child-rearing, get a set, get SOMETHING, but please, please "get it" that your children are disturbing others and making you look really, really bad, both as a person and as a parent.
I'm with you 100% Kathleen, but just wait... in a few minutes/hours, some butthole is going to think you're an ass because "you don't like children".
Do you even have kids? They are human and not that predictable.
If kids are unpredictable and dont know how to behave KEEP THEM AT HOME!!!!!
Yes, and I have the ability to have them out in polite society. Either teach them or don't have them where they can not be maintained, unruly undisciplined child in public are the results of bad parents.
Father of four here. There's no excuse for out-of-control kids in a restaurant. Sure, things happen. But it's your job as a parent to handle it. Can't? Then leave.
Uhh - Yes, I *do* have children . . . 2 as a matter of fact - though *I* also have manners and respect for people paying to eat out as well. Before we leave the house we make sure the kids are up for it (napped appropriately with a review of 'restaurant manners' in the car on the way), we have a bag of things to keep them occupied (quiet things mind you – books, paper and pencils/crayons, little figures, cars), and my husband and I have - wait for it - AN EXIT STRATEGY(!!!) (we know who will take the offending child(ren) to the car if restaurant manners are not being used - who stays to pack up food and pay the bill). Oh, and get this - we pick up before we leave - ever see a table that looks like an earthquake hit it? No one else should have to pick up after out kids - AND we don't let our kids waste the salt, pepper, ketchup, sugar, other sweeteners that are on the table.
Kids are kids - but, you can't ruin other diners evenings/afternoons/mornings . . . because your kid doesn't know how to behave. It DOES make you look bad as a person and a parent . . . play to your kids strengths and plan time out that will be enjoyable for all - don't set your kids up to fail.
C'mon haters – bring it . . .
Lori - LOVE IT! I couldn't agree MORE! :)
Mine are very predictable. I simply say "you will act right in there," and they say "Yes sir," and peace reigns across the land. I once had someone at Denny's comment as I was leaving "I didn't even know you had 3 children over there, they were so well behaved."
As a mother I know to plan for the unexpected with my child. Any parent should be able to plan for what their child is going to do, as Lori said. It is unreasonable to expect everyone around you to put up with the antics your child pulls... they are not cute and you should have some respect for others.
Thank you, Kat, Terry, Lori, and other responsible parents!
People should teach their kids to behave, and if you take your children with you to a restaurant, makes them part of the conversation in the table, it is family dinner, right? So talk abot sports, the school, family. Bring some little toy or crayons to entertain the babies. Because if they get bored, they will drive crazy other people in the restaurant...and that is not ok
Same in airplanes.
If you are having a "family" dinner and wish to include your unruly children, do it at home! Why must I be tolerant of your children when I am out PAYING for a good dinner experience with a date? I have children, and we eat at home. When I go out on a date, I get a sitter. We cook regularly at home, or get take out. I don't feel that it would be appropriate to expect other people to be able to enjoy themselves under those circumstances. On the rare occassion that I take my children out to dinner, I ensure that they are well behaved the entire time. If they even begin to get rude or out of control, we leave so that I can control the situation. It doesn't take a lot of discipline. Teach them how to be respectful of other people and it is an easy example to follow.
... so yes Anne, I agree with you. I just wanted to elaborate.
Kathleen, I understand that completely unruly children is an issue, but that is ussually the exception rather than the rule – and you are OBVIOUSLY not a parent. Sometimes kids just have meltdowns and trust me when I say that its more uncomfortable and embarrasing for the parent than it is disturbing to others. If I want to take my kids out to eat – I will. If they have a meltdown, I appologize but then again, that's life. If you can't deal with that, then dont go to places that are family friendly – I would suggest ONLY going to super ritzy and expensive restaraunts that likely will not have children. (P.S. Have fun when you do have kids – and good luck – because you are in for an eye opener!)
Yes kids have meltdowns, and parents have the magical ability to address them and claim the child down. The 'that just kids' attitude is a disservice to the child – how will they learn?
I do have kids - they are in their 30s now. If my kid misbehaved in a restaurant we left. Period. Every time. Taking a misbehaving kid out of a restaurant wasn't unusual then, most parents did it.
You do not have right to inflict your children on others. If you can't handle them then stay home. Be a parent, not just an adult who happens to have a kid.
Making excuses for the child is part of the problem. I have 2 children and I did NOT allow them to behave like that. If they did. I left the restuarant and made sure they knew why, so they could face the consequences of their behavior. Needless to say they learned fast and they dont have "Meltdowns" in restuarants... They know better. There are articles and books on how to eliminate unruly behavior from children. I think parents need to do more research on how to help their child take responsibility for their own life and behavior. It will help them grow into adults that dont bully and take responsibilty for their actions.
Please understand.. as everyone seems to be pointing out – ITS NOT THE KIDS... ITS THE PARENTS. But guess what – even the BEST of parents face an awkward and embarrasing issue with kids. So, is a prent never to leave the house because god forbid they do the kid has a meltdown? Get real! Dont blame the kid – blame the parent. The the parent of the kid that swiped food off of KitKats plate should be kicked out of the resturant and that kid obviously is out of control and NOT parented. But I defy Any parent out there that reads this to say they have NEVER had a situation where they were embarrassed by their child – Now if they do nothing about it than shame on them – discipline your kids. But again – dont blame the kid, blame the adult. The person that would take their kids and leave the restaurant – BRAVO! But understand that from the point the kid started acting up, till the time you left – you already upset short minded people like Kathleen here.
So basically your out to enjoy yourself and you don't care if your brat ruins everyone else's evening since they should learn to tolerate the child you cant, or wont, control?
Gee, and we wonder why the world is heading into the toilet. Sad!
Huh- Why do you feel that that's life when you're kid becomes an animal in a restaraunt? You obviously have not established ground rules with your children. When out to dinner remember that the person next to you does'nt want what you're bringing with you. If you have to go to dinner with your kids go to Chucky Cheese.Let the rest of us enjoy our $100.00 dollar meal in peace!
Youre a terrible parent, when I was a kid and had a "break down" my parents would escort me to the waiting area or outside until I stopped having a fit. I learned that if I wasnt quiet then I couldnt sit at the table. You should be banned from restaurants if you let them have break downs and just sit there and watch while you ruin the meal for dozens of people. REMOVE THEM FROM THE AREA like every other good parent does, kids will learn that it is unacceptable to be loud and obnoxious in a restaurant if you make them get up and go somewhere else to be loud and obnoxious.
Well said Huh. Everyone wants their children to behave but things happen. They do have their own minds after all! How will they learn to act properly if not exposed to public places. For those of you who can't appreciate a parents pain when a child acts up, stay away from family oriented places. Most responsible parents will go out to eat earlier to avoid the "adult crowd" also.
Hey Kat. by the way – your should put this "magic" you are refering to in a bottle and sell it – Im sure there are MILLIONS of really really good parents (let alone the bad ones) who would spend BIG bucks for it – - you'd be rich!! It would sell like hotcakes because then people wouldnt have to stay at home all their lives because god forbid, there kid does something wrong... LOL!! P.S. I fell REALLY bad for Charle's kids... wow...
I remember "having a meltdown" as a child. I heard that "wait until you get home" from my father as we left the restaurant and got the kind of justice when I got home that had more to do with a belt than a time out. I learned very quickly and we ate politely. Parenting has begun to look more like the show "the nanny" now that parents have to make deals with their kids and hope for the best.
Parents should not be "uncomfortable" and "embarrass[ed]" when their kids have "meltdowns." They should be shocked and apoplectic. They should immediately remove the child and impose strong discipline.
Children and other subordinates will push you as far as you will let them.
I agree with Kathleen on the kid thing, but I can go one step further. I actually had a kid (about 6 or 7 yrs old) come up to my table and take food off of my plate. I was horrified and looked over at the parent expecting something to be done. She shrugged as if to say 'what do you expect me to do about it'. I expect a parent to keep control of their children. I was one of 10 children growing up and you didnt dare get out of line or my parents would put you right back in line. A lot of parents are letting the children rule the home instead of the other way around. Going out to a restuarant is a treat not a right. The establishment has the right to refuse service to people and I think they should start doing it. Until people... ALL people start to behave in a decent civilized manner, they should be thrown out until they learn the correct behavior.
When I was a kid, we would always behave well when we went out to dinner, predominantly out of fear!!! Mom would simply take us out to the parking lot and beat the CRAP out of us!! And guess what, we learned quickly. Our society has become so pusified that parents cannot discipline their children. No wonder we have the largest prison population of any industrialized nation. Stop spoiling your children and our society !!!
SO you do have kids Kathleen? – AND actually admit they were unruley at times to the point where you had to do the right thing and leave the place and discipline them – good for you! Seriously ! THATS what a good parent should do. But according to you – shame on you for "Inflicting" them on others (as you put it) – up until the point where you had to leave and teach them a lesson.... pretty embarassing huh? Now THAT'S FUNNY!
Unruly children are one thing but what I really can't stand is when the parents make even more of a scene by loudly and angrily disciplining them right there at the table. Usually they pull out the old chestnut "Stop it, you're embarrassing me!" No, lady, at that point you're embarrassing yourself.
Kathllen you abvoiusly are a spinster that think her 3 cats are her "well behaved" childeren, kids and parents of kids have the same right to eat at the same restaurant you frequent, damn what an uptight person you must be, really. Sorry to intrrupt you happy hour with your other uptight girlfriends or on line dating hook up.
Kids..Ugh!
To your response not every kid could have responded with the code of your parents thought you. But I do understand every child needs a goal of behavior in the restaurant. Although, people need a little tolerance the same way I have to tolerate with your comments...ugh! It's not always parents to blame. Restaurants need to actually change their rooms. One room just for family with kids who is learning table manners and other sections for individuals that have learned table manners. Hopefully, we all can tolerate each other. :)
Good point, what happened to the smoking section? Why couldnt that be turned into the "snot nosed brats" section? I dont know why restaurants dont segregate "family" tables from the "date/friends" tables. Its such a simple solution to a very annoying problem, if they did it with smokers they could do it with the brats and Im sure the parents would feel much more comfortable as well because they wont have to stress over their brat's behavior so much.
The smoking section wasn't sound-proofed in most restaurants, so while you would get physical separation, it wouldn't do much for noise reduction. A play area might be a better solution (it would give kids a sanctioned area to run around and be lound in), assuming the restaurant is aiming to attract families.
I'm only annoyed by unruly kids when they are either 1) excessively out of control or 2) at a nice restaurant (thereby destroying the atmosphere for all the other customers).
"The atmosphere"??? Hahahaaa! Hey, their parent's money is just as green as yours, if you don't like it, stay home and eat in your bedroom closet.......
I can't stand uppity folks who think the world is supposed to bow to them and their needs, who can't tolerate the least bit of discomfort in their lives, as if they are the only ones who pay to do anything. If you don't like kids in restaurants, don't eat out.
waiters or patrons bumping into my chair. why can't restaurants space people out appropriately instead of trying to cram as many people as possible into their restaurant, it's not a clown car.
agreed
Amen to that. I once had a waiter bump me while I was drinking iced tea. It spilled all over my salad. Because I was more than half finished, the restaurant declined to replace my salad. I never went back.
I hope you did not tip. And if you wanted to be really difficult, you should have not paid for the salad - after all, you did not get all of it.
I can't stand it when the girl at the next table is NOTHING like the one pictured in this article...
Yeah, because women are only here for YOUR pleasure and the world is all about YOU, right......LMAO!
I'd propose a merger between two of the above categories: the worst misery in a restaurant comes from listening to a loud conversation about who's in prison, why someone's having an abortion, why Johnny dumped Susie after she slept with Billy, and what that yellow thing on Jim's foot might be, etc. all spoken loudly into a cellphone.
Right...my wife and I were having an early dinner at a quiet place, just one other couple in the booth behind us. From the jist of their conversation they were former HS classmates, both home from college and out on a first date. Their conversation was going along well like it was really working, then all of a sudden he starts telling her about all his pet dogs and how they all died "...one was hit by a car, one we had put to sleep..." and so on. We were getting grossed out. That put an end to that date! She got real quiet and soon they were asking for the check.
didn't you and your wife have anything to talk about...geeesh
The best/worst was the time that my girlfriend and I could hear the woman 3 tables over loudly talking about herself and how amazing she was for the entirety of our meal... beyond rude.
The girl in the picture would be distracting ;)
To quote a line from 'american wedding' i would be telling her she could "use her napkin"
You wouldn't enjoy the show with your meal??? How could you not, there would be like a show in a show, not only the main event but the reactions of all the people there. I would enjoy that a lot!!!
Yeah, I would have a hard time paying attention to my date with that hot piece sitting near by.
Amen to that. I think I would have to go over and start making out with her.
She would be a welcome addition to my meals.
Oh yeah... I'd make her my main course! ;P
I know that's right. She would distract me too!
Agreed.
I can't stand it when people "eat" and smack their lips, when you can hear them chew – SOFT foods.... I cringe just thinking about it.
How can you expect children to behave well, when they look around and see how the adults act???
I didn't say kids. Those I can deal with. It's the adults who irk me. (And no, I don't mean the seniors or special needs adults)
you're paying attention to the wrong things then..
personally, i'd say its the loud/embarrassing cell-phone conversations or obnoxious activity like fights or cursing..
a child would probably make me leave if its was a movie... but its not going to stop my meal