Dining out is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s a casual lunch with friends, a romantic dinner, or celebrating a special occasion, a good restaurant can elevate the experience. However, not all restaurants meet the standards we expect. Based on my experiences and opinions, here are some red flags to keep in mind next time you dine out:
One of the biggest red flags is seeing a roach or other pests. Spotting a roach as soon as you step up to the greeter’s podium is an immediate sign to reconsider dining there. Cleanliness is crucial in a restaurant setting, and pests indicate a significant hygiene problem.
If the restaurant looks run down..stained walls, torn wallpaper, dirty floors, or stained furniture, it’s a sign that management may not prioritize cleanliness and maintenance. A poorly maintained restaurant can reflect deeper issues behind the scenes.
An extensive menu might seem appealing, but it often means the restaurant is unable to specialize, leading to mediocre dishes and possibly stale ingredients. Too many items on the menu can be a red flag that the restaurant is stretching itself too thin.
Unexpected charges, like a service or worker compensation fee that you have to opt out of, can be off putting. Transparency is key in a restaurant’s billing practices, and hidden charges can leave a sour taste in your mouth.
An unclean restroom is a significant RED flag. If a restaurant can’t keep its bathrooms clean, it likely has broader hygiene issues. Always check the restroom condition, it’s often a good indicator of overall cleanliness.
If a restaurant has any smell that isn’t food….like mildew or mold. Ya it’s best to avoid eating there. These odors indicate poor sanitation and maintenance, or whatever it may be that I do not wanna find out about.
A restaurant where the staff seems annoyed that you’re ordering food is a place to avoid. Friendly, welcoming service is an essential part of the dining experience, and staff should be happy to serve you.
Sticky floors are a clear sign that the establishment isn’t properly cleaned. Cleanliness should extend throughout the restaurant, including the floors.
Tables piled with dirty plates and guests looking around for servers indicate a severely short staffed restaurant. This situation can lead to poor service and a less enjoyable dining experience.
If you don’t smell food in a restaurant, it’s a bad sign. It could mean the food is microwaved rather than freshly prepared. Multiple flies in the restaurant are also a red flag.
Dirty floors, tables, or menus are immediate red flags. If the menus are dirty, it’s likely that the rest of the restaurant isn’t much cleaner.
I always check the soap dispenser after finding my table. An empty soap dispenser in the restroom can indicate poor attention to cleanliness and hygiene.
Dead flies on interior window sills indicate poor cleanliness and maintenance. It’s a sign that the restaurant isn’t properly cared for.
Be wary of seafood that isn’t clearly defined. In regions like South Florida, fresh, sustainable fish is readily available. Restaurants that offer generic “white fish” especially restaurants not near an ocean might be serving lower quality, less fresh seafood.
Being aware of these red flags can help you avoid a disappointing dining experience or getting SICK. This is just my opinion!
