Interesting thread!

I can add in a few things having worked at a restaurant/chain brewery for several years:

The frigid temp and the loud noise (and high ceilings that echo) are quite deliberate. They are meant to get you in and out ASAP so the table can be turned over.

Groups are seated near each other (even in an empty resturant) probably because there is only one server on, and that is their section. I've seen fist fights break out in the back over poaching tables in another's section.

I have to agree with the OP about brunch. It doesn't have to be a buffet, but serving your lunch menu and 9:30-10:00 A.M. is not brunch.

I prefer booths as well but, frankly, is the US, a large portion (:rolleyes:) of patrons can no longer fit in a booth.

Hot tea in the US does suck, but it just isn't that popular.

Stools I can't stand.. and I'm 6'5"..

Preference in order.. booth, regular table, high table as well..

My preference, in order: booth, bar, high table, regular table.

Unruly kids, screaming babies, tables so close to eachother you can bump elbows with your table neighbor.

What's with the MacDonald sized booths with some of these family restaurants?

I mean, the table is pretty much right up against the chest..

Restaurant Pet Peeves - What Are Yours?
 

We are starting to put together the Flyertalk/Frequent Business Traveler Restaurant Pet Peeves Poll and would like to know what really bugs you about what restaurants do.

The Restaurant Pet Peeves Poll is meant to cover restaurants serving lunch and dinner with table service.

It is being modeled along the lines of our Hotel Pet Peeves poll, which over 750 people participated in.

A few of my restaurant pet peeves are 1.) filling the wine glass to the top, 2.) overly friendly introduction by waiter (nothing against being friendly but ...), and 3.) greatly inaccurate guesstimates on wait time (and not in my favor).

This is not about the food but it could be about a recovery in the event of a problem with a meal.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Why does a waiter ask me if I am finished if I have an empty plate in front of me?

High end steak houses that overcook my steak. They always offer to make make another one, but then I'd start eating 15 minutes after everyone else at the table. Just take it off the bill (or at least offer).

ETA: I guess that doesn't really fit what you are looking for...but it's still my pet peeve.

Places that bring out the entree before the app! SO ANNOYING!

I want them to ask that question.

That's the time of the meal when I'll be stealing from my SO's plate, which she generally will not finish.

So yeah, I like to be asked if I am finished eating. ^

Meals that take far longer than they really ought to.

This and when the waitstaff has you sit for 1/2 hour before bringing menus, water or bread.

When the offer is made to clear plates before everyone at the table has finished eating. Terribly rude!

Restaurants that put tables too close together.
* Servers end up squeezing between tables, which means diners inevitably get a faceful of the server's posterior.
* Coats, purses, etc., take up space on banquet seats, so the stuff of the person next to you ends up in your personal space.

Restaurants with thoughtful craft beer lists where the servers have no clue about beer basics.

When you have a reservation & aren't seated in a timely manner.

Long waits between courses.

When busboys start to clear the table while diners are still eating.

I don't know, I like it, keep the table clean.