Servers are often busy juggling multiple tables and trying to make sure every customer has a good experience. After all, their livelihood depends heavily on how satisfied diners are with the service.
According to one woman on TikTok, though, there may be a simple “hack” that makes restaurant staff treat you even better.
In her viral video, which has garnered over 2.6 million views on TikTok, creator Kate Noel (@kkatenoel) shared a happy accident she encountered while dining out.
Sitting at a restaurant with a drink and notebook in hand, she reveals what she discovered.
“Note to self that if you go to dinner by yourself, alone at a restaurant, and you clearly are not from the area, and you order a wide array of items off the menu, including a very fun little cocktail, and you bring with you one notepad, one pen, and you proceed to scribble in cursive about nothing that has to do with this restaurant,” she says, setting the scene. “They will think you’re a food critic, and they will treat you very well.”
Commenters Back Up Her Experience
In the comments section, viewers shared similar experiences and other dining tips.
“I DID THIS ON ACCIDENT and they gave me free wine,” one user shared. “It was awesome and I didn’t realize what was happening until tooo late lol.”
“I accidentally did this in Munich while traveling alone at a Michelin star restaurant during Michelin season,” another wrote. “I’ve never received better treatment.”
Other commenters had more restaurant tips. “On a slightly different note, order a variety of food at a soul food restaurant, not knowing their portion sizes, the cashier will come sit with you to watch you & your best friend try to consume the massive portions,” a third wrote.
Another advised, “If you show up and say you’re waiting for a date and look sadder and sadder, they’ll give you free dessert and tell you you’re too good for him.”
Does This Actually Work?
This is a long-standing rumor that has circulated on the internet for years. There are plenty of videos of people attempting it on TikTok, many of whom say it worked for them.
However, according to servers who commented under a Reddit post on r/UnethicalLifeProTips, it’s not that simple.
User @SirShauniV wrote in the post, “If you want better service at a restaurant, bring a notebook and semi-surreptitiously take notes on your experience. The staff will think that you’re a restaurant critic and prioritise your service.”
One commenter claiming to be a server wrote, “I promise you, the first assumption your server will have is that you are trying to do homework or do something that relates to your job. If anything, this will lead to us trying to leave you alone to concentrate as much as possible.”
Another server reiterated the same point, adding that a more reliable way to tell whether someone is a critic is to observe how often they take photos. “Most people only take pictures of their entrees, but critics will photograph everything,” they wrote.
How To Get Better Treatment At A Restaurant?
According to a former server who spoke with NBC News, there are a few techniques that may improve the way you’re treated at a restaurant.
Their advice includes avoiding particularly busy times, such as Friday or Saturday nights, as well as steering clear of opening and closing hours.
Additionally, for those who want to build a rapport with a restaurant, the former server recommends honoring your reservation and tipping well.
BroBible has reached out to Noel via email for comment and additional information.