Originally Posted by
PTravel
We'll ask to switch tables because:
1. We don't like to be seated next to a restroom or bussing station. Does anyone? It shouldn't be a shock to a maitre 'd that people don't want to smell restroom disinfectant or see stacked and dirty dishes while they're dining.
2. I won't sit at a table in which the sun is in my eyes (or, for that matter, a light in a poorly designed restaurant). Again, does anyone like light shining in their eyes when they're eating?
3. I won't sit next to a large, noisy party. I'm sure you've seen it: 8 tables pushed together in the middle of the room with a scattering of 1 or 2 tables for two around the wall. We eat in restaurants to have a pleasant and relaxing meal, not to watch a bunch of people get loudly drunk, scream with laughter, make speeches, etc.
4. And the big one: Don't ever seat us near babies or noisy young children. If we wanted Chuck E. Cheese, we'd have gone to one (and we never do). We will not tolerate crying babies or screaming children for one minute. If the manager doesn't do something about it, we will walk out (though, of course, we'll pay for what we consumed and tip the waiter regardless).
All reasonable requests of course. My pet peeve stems from those who want to move two tables over from where we're trying to put them for no apparent reason. We are probably putting you at that table so that all the servers have equal tables. If we just sat people wherever THEY wanted to be seated, you'd end up with a couple servers getting slammed while everyone else has nothing to do.
Chris