“Think your waiter’s just being nice?” 🍷🍴 Behind that friendly smile may be tricks designed to make you spend more than you planned. From fake “reserved” tables to sneaky refills, the game is subtler than you think. See the tactics in the article below 👇
Being a waiter isn’t an easy job, and since tips are usually a big part of their income, some use subtle strategies to encourage customers to spend more than they originally planned. Knowing these tricks can help you make smarter choices the next time you eat out.
Expensive Items Last
When recommending dishes, servers often mention the priciest option at the very end, leaving it fresh in your mind. This increases the chance that you’ll choose it without realizing why. Always double-check the menu before agreeing.
Free Appetizers
Complimentary nibbles like salted nuts or crackers aren’t just generosity — they’re designed to spark thirst and boost appetite. The result? You’ll likely order more food and drinks than you intended.
“Reserved” Tables
Those large, comfortable tables with a Reserved sign? Sometimes, they’re not really booked. Restaurants may place those signs simply to keep smaller groups from taking prime spots, saving them for bigger parties that spend more.
Price Tricks in Menus
Watch out for pricing per 100 grams rather than per portion. Unless you ask directly, your server may not mention it, and you could be shocked when the bill arrives.
Pushy Recommendations
If a waiter insists you try a certain dish, be cautious. It could be an item nearing expiration, a canceled order they want to offload, or a product tied to bonuses from a supplier. Not every recommendation is in your best interest.
Constant Refills
Notice how your wine glass keeps getting topped off? The idea is to make you finish the bottle quicker, increasing the odds that you’ll order another before your meal is over.
“Closed” Questions
Servers sometimes frame choices in a way that nudges you to spend more: “Would you like the steak or the fish?” instead of letting you consider a simple salad or coffee. It’s a clever way to steer your decision.
Have you ever noticed these tricks being used on you at a restaurant? Share your experience — do you fall for them, or do you see them coming?
