Originally Posted by
JBord
Ultimately, whether we agree with it or not, it is a driver of service quality. IME, most servers are friendly and helpful...not because they like us or we're charming but because making minimum wage or more depends on it. Contrary to what some people seem to think, you always have the option of not tipping for unsatisfactory service (mandatory service charges excluded...different story there). The power is in the hands of the customer not the server. If you've eaten in enough European restaurants, you'll realize this is true.
That "driver of service" has created a category of overly solicitous, overly familiar, intrusive and often irritating servers. This class of sever thinks they are part of the family, ask what "we" are having, are constantly interrupting the meal to see "how everyone is doing," promoting specials, pushing desserts and then dropping the bill on you with "I'll just take that when you are ready. And should, heaven forbid, you not eat everything on your plate they will inquire if there was a problem with the food or if you want a doggie bag. I'll take European service every time.