We all have our favorite places to enjoy a good meal, but not every eatery is a gem. Recently, a Reddit user sparked a discussion on the biggest restaurant red flags, and the responses revealed a treasure trove of insights. Here are some of the top-voted red flags to keep in mind next time you dine out:
1.
Roaches in Plain Sight:
Seeing a roach scamper across the greeter’s podium is a major red flag. It suggests a lack of cleanliness and could indicate a bigger pest problem.2.
A Run-Down Atmosphere:
A restaurant’s physical condition can reveal a lot about its standards. Stained walls, torn wallpaper, dirty floors, or stained furniture are all signs that the establishment may not prioritize cleanliness.3.
An Overwhelming Menu:
A menu packed with an overwhelming number of dishes can be a red flag. It might indicate that the restaurant uses pre-made ingredients or focuses on quantity over quality.4.
Hidden Fees:
Be wary of service or worker compensation charges that are added to the bill without clear explanation. Opting out of such charges should be easy and transparent.5.
Unsanitary Restrooms:
Uncleaned toilets are a clear indication of poor hygiene. If the restrooms are neglected, the kitchen might be too.6.
Unpleasant Odors:
If you detect any smell other than food, such as mildew or mold, consider leaving. These smells could indicate a lack of proper ventilation or even underlying issues.7.
Annoyed Staff:
Staff who seem annoyed by your presence, especially when ordering food, can be a sign of poor service and a stressful work environment.8.
Sticky Floors:
Sticky floors are a sure sign of inadequate cleaning, and it’s a reasonable assumption that other areas might be neglected as well.9.
Overwhelmed Staff and Dirty Tables:
A restaurant with numerous dirty plates on tables and a lack of attentive service could be short-staffed or struggling to keep up. It’s best to move on to a place that can handle the customer flow.10.
Confusing Menu Combinations:
A menu with seemingly random combinations of cuisines can be a warning sign. It might mean that some ingredients are sitting for longer periods, potentially impacting freshness.11.
Lack of Food Smell and Flies:
If you don’t smell food being cooked, it might suggest that everything is simply microwaved. Multiple flies are another red flag, indicating poor sanitation and a potential health hazard.12.
Dirty Surfaces:
Dirty floors, tables, or menus are obvious signs of neglect. It’s best to avoid restaurants that don’t maintain basic cleanliness.13.
Empty Soap Dispensers:
Always check the restroom before settling in. An empty soap dispenser suggests a lack of attention to detail and could be a sign of more significant hygiene issues.14.
Lack of Ethnic Customers:
If you’re at a Chinese restaurant with no Chinese customers, or a similar scenario for other ethnic cuisines, it might be a sign that the food isn’t authentic or isn’t appealing to the community it’s designed to serve.15.
Negative Reviews and Owner Responses:
Take note of how the owner responds to negative reviews. A defensive or vitriolic response could be a red flag.16.
Dead Flies:
Dead flies on window sills are a sure sign of poor pest control, which can compromise food safety.17.
Vague Seafood Descriptions:
Restaurants that serve seafood but don’t specify the type of fish might be using lower-quality or less fresh options. Always inquire about the specific type of fish to ensure you’re getting what you expect.18.
Lack of Local Customers:
If a restaurant doesn’t attract locals, it could be a sign of subpar food or service. Locals often have a good sense of the best places to eat in their area.19.
Gordon Ramsay’s Presence:
If you happen to spot Gordon Ramsay filming a show at a restaurant, it’s probably best to find somewhere else to dine. It’s likely that the kitchen isn’t functioning under normal conditions and might be in chaos.What are your biggest restaurant red flags? Share them in the comments below!
