Most common restaurant complaint: Dirty silverware

WASHINGTON – Dirty utensils, restrooms that haven’t been cleaned and condescending servers at restaurants are the most common complaints from people dining out, according to a Consumer Reports survey.

Women were a little more sensitive to dirty or ill-equipped restrooms than men, the survey revealed.

Consumer Reports questioned 1,003 in March, asking then what turns their appetites at restaurants.

Top Complaints:

  • Dirty utensils or tables – 76 percent
  • Dirty or ill-equipped restrooms – 73 percent
  • Impolite or condescending servers – 72 percent
  • Servers with a sloppy appearance or poor hygiene – 67 percent
  • Meals or beverages served at incorrect temperatures – 66 percent
  • Meals that are not what you ordered – 62 percent
  • Feeling rushed to finish or leave by the server – 61 percent
  • Server removing your plate or beverage before you’re done – 59 percent
  • Food that does not look or taste as described on the menu – 54 percent
  • Slow service – 51 percent

Other complaints included servers confused about who ordered what, servers not bringing water, other diners talking or texting on their phones, loud diners, tables too close together and either too much or not enough nutritional information on the menu.

Also on the complaint list: Waiting 15 minutes past a reservation time; gratuities of 18 percent or more added to the check; and having a table too close to the bathroom or kitchen.

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