Drink Etiquette: Is it Obnoxious to Ask My Server ‘What’s Good’ on the Menu?

It’s not obnoxious to ask what your server recommends, but in terms of Drink Etiquette it is a bit rude to then ignore their advice. It’s one thing to order what you like if the server makes a few recommendations unprompted, but if you ask for their advice, it’s sort of odd not to take it.

Often, one doesn’t take the advice of their server because the act of asking for it in the first place is simply a reflexive behavior. When patrons inquire, “What’s good here?” it seems very much akin to saying “hello.”

This seemingly casual question may be less about genuinely seeking recommendations and more about initiating a conversation.

The routine nature of this interaction can lead to overlooked insights and suggestions that the server, with their expertise and familiarity with the menu, could provide.

However, the issue with that approach is that it goes beyond merely saying hello — you are, in fact, directly asking the person who is serving you for their recommendations on what dishes are excellent and worth trying. Then, after they provide their knowledgeable suggestions, you are openly disregarding that advice by choosing to order something entirely different.

This behavior can feel like a disregard for the waiter’s expertise at worst and a significant waste of their valuable time at best, as they have taken the time to offer you their best insights into the menu options available.

If something is featured on the menu, it’s because the restaurant genuinely believes it to be good and worth trying. No self-respecting dining establishment would intentionally hide terrible dishes within the menu in the hopes that some unsuspecting diner would randomly order one — that would just be disingenuous, right?

So, if you come across something that catches your eye and strikes your fancy, don’t hesitate to place the order without any reservations.

If you don’t feel confident about your choices, feel free to ask for some advice from the server. However, before you do that, it’s important to clearly communicate your preferences by letting them know what you do and don’t like.

By doing this, you can avoid any mix-ups, such as them recommending the chicken dish when you were really craving a delicious steak instead. This way, the server can provide better suggestions that align with your tastes and ensure a more enjoyable dining experience for you.