That time a server told me I was 'that customer' for asking about specials before 5pm

I used to always walk into a local diner around 4:30pm and ask if they had any early bird specials or happy hour deals on apps. Last month, a waitress at Rosie's Grill in Tulsa straight up told me, 'You know, asking that at 4:30 makes you look cheap instead of smart.' It kind of stung, but she explained their system: specials don't kick in until 5pm, and asking early just annoys the kitchen. Now I just chill and wait the extra 30 minutes, and I usually get better service too. Has anyone else had a restaurant worker give them feedback that changed how they order?

2 comments

2 Comments

cooper.viola24d ago

Wait, hold on - she actually SAID that to your face? I can't believe a waitress would just tell a paying customer they look cheap like that. I mean, I get that specials have a time system, but that's still a pretty bold thing to say out loud instead of just, you know, keeping it in your head. And here I thought servers were supposed to be the ones dancing around what they really think of us. Honestly, that would've either made me never go back OR become a super polite regular just to prove her wrong.

martin.jamie23d ago

Nah, honestly I'm kind of on the waitress's side here. If the specials end at 2 and you walk in at 1:55, you're basically asking for a discount on full price food. It's like showing up to a store five minutes before closing and getting annoyed they won't let you try on clothes. She was just being real about it, and honestly I'd respect the honesty over some fake smile and passive aggressive silence. Plus if the food is good enough, who cares if the staff calls you out for being cheap?