7 Things Diners Do That Drive Restaurant Servers Crazy

Working in a restaurant isn’t just about bringing plates to the table—it’s about dealing with all kinds of human behavior. Servers face a constant mix of personalities, juggling patience, quick thinking, and emotional awareness every shift.

Even without firsthand experience as a server, it’s easy to see that the job requires more than just a friendly smile. From high-pressure dinner rushes to demanding guests, it takes skill and resilience to keep things running smoothly.

One of the biggest frustrations for many servers? Guests who linger long after their meal is finished. Often referred to as “table campers,” these diners take up valuable space, preventing staff from seating new customers—and slowing down tips in the process.

Then there are the indecisive eaters who can’t make up their minds. They change their orders several times, delay the kitchen, and throw off the rhythm of service.

Another headache comes from customers who slip out without tipping or leave only a token amount, despite receiving good service. It’s discouraging and leaves hardworking staff feeling undervalued.

Complicated bill-splitting is another common issue. When guests ask to divide the check in overly complicated ways, it eats up time and creates confusion for both servers and kitchen staff.

Meal customization is welcome in moderation—but when diners request an endless list of substitutions and tweaks, it turns a simple order into a logistical maze.

Then there are those glued to their phones. These “screen-locked” diners often ignore their server completely, making communication difficult and slowing service for everyone at the table.

Finally, guests who arrive just before closing time and expect full service can stretch an already long day into an exhausting one for the entire team.

A little extra kindness and awareness can go a long way in making restaurant staff feel appreciated. After all, good dining experiences are built on mutual respect.