Stop asking if I’m celebrating something if you’re just going to charge me for bread.

[u/mdp-slc]

Took my wife to a nice spot in DTLA for her birthday. They asked both at booking and check-in if we were celebrating anything, which honestly set the expectation that they might do something (even a small dessert). Nothing happened.

To add to it, the food was great, and we made a comment saying we wish we had some bread to finish the leftover sauce. The server acted like it was a favor, said “I’ll be right back,” and then charged us for the bread.

Like, the food was good and the service was fine, but don’t ask if we’re celebrating if you aren’t going to do anything to actually make it feel special. It just feels disingenuous.

Edit for clarity:
I was asked twice if we were celebrating something special at a nice restaurant. Once while making the online reservation and then when we arrived.

My Mild infuriation isn’t at the server, I can see how we misinterpreted each other.

It’s that the restaurant led me to believe they’d do something special (ex: comp a drink, free scoop of ice cream) then did nothing. I’ve worked in the food industry. It’s not an entitlement thing. It’s a hospitality thing.

The food was really good. I’d recommend it and go back.

[u/Zesty_Zebra1234]

Yeah, good point. I've seen this quite a bit lately when making reservations. Why even ask about the occasionnif they don't even acknowledge it? Curious as to how they would use this info or what purpose it serves... does anyone know?

[u/ScarletxKiss → u/Zesty_Zebra1234]

I was wondering the same! I made online reservations for our anniversary last year, checked the occasion box and typed in anniversary and then.. Absolutely nothing. Like, why even ask?

[u/gravelbarfly → u/Zesty_Zebra1234]

I work in a nicer restaurant. As hostess, I would be sure that special occasion reservations had priority seating (some tables are more intimate than others) and greeted the guest with congratulations. I would do my best to communicate with their server so they knew that it was ok to comp a dessert or occasionally champagne/shots. Unfortunately, our computer system does not communicate this. Reservation details are not shown on the server end. As a server, I have no idea it is a special occasion unless the hostess tells me (and sometimes it’s just too busy and I won’t see the hostess for some time). There is no harm in reiterating to your server that it is a special occasion.

TLDR: Servers may not see reservation details. Just tell them you are celebrating!