Broke-Ass Etiquette: Closing Time

Got a question about how to be a polite Broke-Ass? Email Half-Price Headliner with your queries and get schooled on how to be proper-like.

Q: I went to a restaurant last night about a half and hour before closing and got major ‘tude from the staff. I understand that it sucks when people come in close to, or right as you’re closing, but business hours are there for a reason. Was I totally in the wrong or were they just being jerks?

A: As I, and many of my fellow Broke-Asses who have done our time in the restaurant industry, can attest, customers who walk in five minutes before closing time are not a favorite. You’re correct in that if the restaurant is technically open, you are technically welcome. That doesn’t mean we’re always happy to see you.

To make it easier on everyone involved try your best to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Order quickly. Don’t sit down and talk amongst yourselves for fifteen minutes before even glancing at a menu.
2. Keep it simple. Towards the end of the night, the more complicated dishes are usually mostly put away, so communicate with the server to make sure your order doesn’t apply. You’ll both be glad you did.
3. Don’t linger. Move the party to a bar, or anywhere else that isn’t closing imminently.
4. Tip well. Thanks.

Photo from: pollsb.com http://www.pollsb.com/polls/time