20 Restaurant "Red Flags" That Mean People Should Leave Immediately
Dining out is a necessary break from the kitchen that we all need. But with it comes the risk of eating at a place that isn't exactly up to par with cleanliness standards. Luckily there are some easy-to-identify warning signs that a restaurant might be cutting corners or worse: trying to rip off guests. Check out our list of no-nos in the big, (and sometimes) bad world of fine dining.
1. Watch Waiters
Listening to servers while they're clocked in is one thing, but you should also remember that waiters are literally being paid to tell you good things. What you should really watch out for is what happens when they're off the clock. If they're eating their restaurant's food, it's a great sign!
2. Mutual Exchange
You never want to eat someplace that needs you more than the other way around. Some restaurants will try to make a deal with you: they'll want a positive Yelp review in exchange for a discount. Needless to say, avoid at literally any cost!
3. Overly Greasy
In addition to food being too greasy, it can also be plagued with the wrong kind of grease — the kind that's been used over and over, all day, if not all week. As a rule, grease is simply a tool for cooking, not the food itself.
4. Avoid Specials
This rule applies to particular dishes when it's possible that the chef is recycling old food or trying out a new technique. Especially if you're in a restaurant you're unfamiliar with, it might be safest to go with something customers are known to love instead of risking disappointment with an untested special.
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