22 Phrases Every Server Dreads

    No substitutions means NO SUBSTITUTIONS.

    1. "Oh good, you're still open!"

    2. "OK, so we're splitting between six cards..."

    3. "Can you make this dish without salt?"

    4. "Which is better, the salmon or the steak?"

    5. "We're in a lil' bit of a rush, so could you make it quick?"

    6. "I know the owner."

    7. "If it's not too much trouble, can you make this [insert item not on menu here] for me?"

    8. "Well, when did you guys stop serving that?!"

    9. "Oh, it's ok. We're just ordering drinks."

    10. "The server I usually have always does this for me."

    11. "Surprise me."

    12. Showing a clean plate: "I hated it hahahahaha!!!!!!!"

    13. "[Restaurant's most popular dish] is 86'd!"

    14. "How much does the [insert item whose price is clearly listed on the menu] cost?"

    15. "Which dishes are gluten free?"

    16. After dropping a dish: "I forgot to tell you I'm allergic to wheat."

    17. After dropping one appetizer: "Can we get six plates? We're all going to split that."

    18. "Was the fish farmed or caught?"

    19. "Are you sure this is [dish they ordered, and which it actually is]? It looked different last time."

    20. If you're a woman: "Thanks, honey."

    21. "Table for eight — don't worry, they're on their way."

    22. From your manager: "There's food at the pass!"