Have you ever worked in a restaurant? If so, you know there are certain glaring red flags that scream “this place is going to give me food poisoning.” Over the years, chefs have shared lists of these warning signs, and we’re here to arm you with the knowledge to avoid a culinary disaster.
1. Sticky Floors:
If your feet are clinging to the floor, it’s a clear indication of poor hygiene. Turn around and leave.2. Smells:
A strong, sour, or disinfectant odor is a major red flag. It suggests inadequate cleaning practices.3. Huge Menus:
Be wary of restaurants with massive menus. It often means the food is pre-cooked, frozen, or ingredients aren’t fresh.4. Fake Food Photos:
If the menu pictures don’t resemble the actual food, it’s a sign they’re trying to deceive you.5. Fruit Flies:
Fruit flies are a sure sign of a dirty kitchen. Don’t even think about ordering.6. Buffets and Salad Bars:
Buffets and salad bars often serve the same food repeatedly, which can lead to contamination. Stick to cooked meals instead.7. Misspelled Menu Items:
If the menu has obvious spelling errors, it might be a deliberate tactic to avoid serving authentic dishes. Watch out for “krab cakes”!8. Dirty Menus:
If the menus are neglected and covered in grime, it’s a good bet the entire establishment is equally filthy.9. Disgruntled Staff:
Pay attention to the wait staff. If they seem unhappy, it could be a sign of poor management and a lack of care for your experience.10. Unsanitary Buffets:
Buffets, even when well-managed, are inherently unsanitary. Avoid them altogether.11. Bad Bread:
A good chef will always pay attention to the bread. If they can’t get the basics right, it’s a sign of questionable culinary skills.12. Glass Handling:
Watch how the wait staff handles clean glasses. They should always grab them from the bottom, not the top.13. Allergy Ignorance:
If the wait staff can’t answer questions about your allergies, it means they don’t know what’s in the food. This is a major safety concern.14. Dirty Lemons:
Always check the lemons for water. They’re often neglected and unsanitary.15. Carpeting:
Carpeting in restaurants is a nightmare. It’s difficult to clean properly and can harbor germs. Stick to tiled or wood floors.16. Hidden Kitchen:
A well-hidden kitchen can be a red flag. It could be an attempt to conceal something unsavory.17. Fast Service for Slow-Cooked Meals:
If you order a dish that takes time to prepare and it arrives quickly, it’s likely pre-cooked and reheated. Not ideal.18. Empty Restaurant, Busy Area:
If the restaurant is empty despite being in a busy location, it’s a sign that people are staying away for a reason.19. Strong Seafood Smell:
Fresh seafood doesn’t have a strong, fishy smell. If you smell it as you walk in, it’s not fresh.20. Fish on Sundays:
Seafood deliveries often happen on Mondays and Thursdays. Avoid fish on Sundays because it’s likely not as fresh.21. Half-Full Plates:
If you see lots of half-eaten plates, it’s a sign that the food isn’t appealing.22. Disingenuous Servers:
If your server seems insincere when asked about the food, it’s a red flag. They know what’s going on in the kitchen and might be trying to hide something.23. Cheap Ketchup:
The quality of ketchup can reflect the overall quality of the restaurant. If they use cheap ketchup, it’s a sign they’re cutting corners.24. Water Quality:
Pay attention to the water. Does it have a chlorine taste or smell? Is the cup hot? These are indicators of poor water quality.25. Confusing Menu Combinations:
Be cautious of restaurants that offer drastically different cuisines, like sushi and pizza, under one roof. They might not be skilled at either.26. Unknown Oyster Source:
If you’re ordering oysters, ask where they come from. A restaurant that can’t tell you should be avoided. This applies to most seafood.27. Lack of Nonslip Shoes:
If you see kitchen staff not wearing nonslip shoes, it’s a sign they’re not prioritizing safety. This should raise concerns about other hygiene practices.28. Strong Fryer Smell:
A strong fryer smell outside the restaurant means they’re not properly maintaining the oil. It’s a sign of poor cleanliness overall.29. New Name Tags:
If all the wait staff have brand new name tags, it suggests high turnover. This can be a sign of poor management and potentially poor service and food quality.30. Busy Restaurant, Empty Tables:
A crowded restaurant with few people actually eating might indicate that the food is taking a long time to arrive or is not good.31. Dust:
Look for dust on the ceiling tiles, air conditioning vents, and furniture. It’s a sign of inadequate cleaning.32. Focus on the View:
If the restaurant’s only selling point is the view, it’s likely the food isn’t great.33. Ceiling Tiles:
Damaged or stained ceiling tiles are a sign of neglect. It suggests that other aspects of the restaurant are also being overlooked.34. Large Ice Tubs:
Ask when the ice tubs were last emptied and cleaned. In busy bars, deep ice tubs are rarely emptied, leading to unsanitary conditions.35. Fish Tank:
A clean fish tank is a good indicator of cleanliness throughout the restaurant.36. Windowsills and Chair Rails:
Pay attention to the cleanliness of the windowsills and chair rails. It’s a good reflection of the overall cleanliness of the restaurant.37. Manager’s Demeanor:
Observe the manager’s behavior. Are they engaged with staff? Do they seem exhausted or upbeat? Good managers attract good staff, leading to a positive dining experience.38. Dirty Salt Shakers:
If the salt shakers have clogged holes and a dirty top, it’s a sign they’re not being washed properly.39. Dirty Restrooms:
Dirty restrooms are a strong indicator of a dirty kitchen.40. Flies:
Flies are attracted to spoiled food. If you see flies, it means the restaurant is not properly cleaning its equipment or using spoiled food.So, the next time you’re dining out, keep these tips in mind. A little observation can save you from a stomach-churning meal and a night of regret.
