12 Things Restaurant-Goers Do That Infuriate Servers

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Not letting your server clear the table when you're done

Another server expressed frustration with tables that mean no harm, but inadvertently reflect badly on the waitstaff:  "The table that hasn't touched their food in 15 minutes, has expressed how full they are, but won't let you pack up or clear their food. You're not going to finish it. We both know that. You're making me look bad by sitting and talking at a table of dirty plates." If you're finished eating, let your server clear the table and wrap up your leftovers. You can still wait to ask for the check, but at least you'll have a clean table, and your server won't get scolded by the manager for not maintaining a clean table section. It diminishes the overall ambiance of the restaurant, too.