We asked Globe readers about their restaurant pet peeves. They did not hold back.
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'Waitstaff that says, 'How are we doing this evening?' and, 'What will we be having?'' —
Maureen Cavanaugh, Wayland
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'QR codes. I think this is an extension of the tableside payment system. Let's dispense with tech in the dining area and focus on the food.' —
Susan Healy, Brattleboro, Vt.
'My husband always finishes his meal before I do. I don't like it when the waitstaff tries to clear his plate, silverware, and glass while I am obviously still eating. It seems like they are trying to rush me. Do they need his plate for another customer?' —
Robin Schwartz, Centerville
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'Those silly one-word hip names that are popping up all over the city. Names like Eat, Dish, Ink, Chef. Maybe they're trying to save money on signage?' —
Steven Paliotti, Rochester, N.Y.
'My biggest pet peeve is servers who don't write down the order. They think they're impressing me, but it only makes me more anxious because I know there's a good chance of the order being messed up ... and I'm usually correct. —
Barry Leavitt, Minneapolis
One reader doesn't like it when sandwiches are referred to as "handhelds." Here, the Italian sandwich at Pizza Project in the Speedway Building in Allston.
Lane Turner/Globe Staff
''Handhelds.' Seriously? This sounds like something you do when nobody else is around. A sandwich is a sandwich.' —
Anonymous, West Roxbury
'When the food runner arrives at the table with no idea of who gets what. ... Hearing 'Who has the steak?' makes me want to put a fork in someone's eye.' —
Bryan Klinck, Sandwich
'The server leaves the check and with a big smile says, 'Good night' and goes to a remote part of a restaurant where I likely will never see them again unless I walk into the bus station and interrupt them while they're checking their Snaps or Insta.' —
James Pierotti, Hanover
'Being ready to leave and waiting forever for the check. Recently, I ate at a restaurant in The Arsenal and thought maybe I was being held hostage.' —
Dave Wilson, Watertown
'[Being asked]: 'Have you dined with us before? No? Well, here is a menu. It has appetizers at the top, followed by salads. Those are smaller plates. Then, farther down, are larger plates. Those can be considered entree-size.' It's like: Today is not my first day on Earth, and this is not my first time ever at a restaurant.' —
Anonymous
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'Being referred to as 'you guys': 'Are you guys ready to order?' I'm not a guy.' —
Meg Dickerson, Davidsonville, Md.
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