5 Signs You’re At A Bad Restaurant (Leave If You Notice This)
Dining at a restaurant is a fun way to get out of the house and try new dishes. But with rising food prices, a restaurant meal can cost a pretty penny, and you want to know that your choice of restaurant will be worth the money.
If you notice one or more of these signs, you're probably eating a bad a restaurant. Take a look and keep these in mind the next time you're choosing a place to eat.
The menu is too long
A great restaurant will have fewer, stronger entrées, whereas a menu that's too large can spread the kitchen thin.
If the menu has too many dishes from different regions or types of cuisine, it may be a sign that the food is going to be mediocre or bad.
It's nearly empty
If a restaurant is nearly empty, especially during peak meal hours, it's probably for a reason. There are a variety of reasons it could be empty—it could be a new business or located in a less populated area—but it could also be an indicator that the restaurant is not worth a visit.
An empty restaurant isn't a definitive red flag, but you should proceed with caution if you notice a lack of patrons.
You're being ignored
When entering a restaurant, someone should greet you at the door. Once you're seated, you shouldn't have to wait a long time for your server. If you're being ignored, it may be an indicator of an ill-equipped staff.
Bad service is one of the number one factors that will negatively impact an overall dining experience.
The restroom is dirty
If the restaurant bathroom is particularly dirty, this could be a major red flag. Grimy surfaces, a lack of toiler paper, or an overflowing trash can could indicate that the restaurant is short on staff or lacks attention to detail.
If the restroom is not properly cared for, what might other parts of the restaurant look like?
The employees are mistreated
Poor customer service is one sign of a bad restaurant, but another sign that many people overlook is poor treatment of the staff. If a restaurant has a poor working environment, chances are that other elements of its service will fall through the cracks.
Reading reviews from current or former employees is a helpful way to determine if a restaurant is worth visiting.
The bottom line
Choosing somewhere to eat isn't easy, but trying a new restaurant doesn't have to be daunting. Pay attention to these five signs—if you notice too many red flags, it's probably a good idea to take your business elsewhere.
With a little planning and thoughtful attention, you can ensure an excellent restaurant experience that will make you want to keep coming back.