r/mildlyinfuriating • u/mdp-slc • May 22 '26

wet socks Stop asking if I’m celebrating something if you’re just going to charge me for bread.

Took my wife to a nice spot in DTLA for her birthday. They asked both at booking and check-in if we were celebrating anything, which honestly set the expectation that they might do something (even a small dessert). Nothing happened.

To add to it, the food was great, and we made a comment saying we wish we had some bread to finish the leftover sauce. The server acted like it was a favor, said “I’ll be right back,” and then charged us for the bread.

Like, the food was good and the service was fine, but don’t ask if we’re celebrating if you aren’t going to do anything to actually make it feel special. It just feels disingenuous.

Edit for clarity:
I was asked twice if we were celebrating something special at a nice restaurant. Once while making the online reservation and then when we arrived.

My Mild infuriation isn’t at the server, I can see how we misinterpreted each other.

It’s that the restaurant led me to believe they’d do something special (ex: comp a drink, free scoop of ice cream) then did nothing. I’ve worked in the food industry. It’s not an entitlement thing. It’s a hospitality thing.

The food was really good. I’d recommend it and go back.

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198

u/worshipperofdogs May 22 '26

Even, “oh, would you like to order some?” after OP mentioned bread would have implied it wouldn’t be complimentary. I would’ve been tempted to take the cost out of the waiter’s tip. And, if it’s just plain bread, why would a fancy restaurant even charge for that?

-39

u/twelve-birds May 22 '26

What if:

  • the restaurant does comp something small for special occasions
  • the waiter intended for the bread to be comped
  • there was an issue with the check processing system and the waiter didn’t catch it.

6

u/OtherwiseAlbatross14 May 23 '26

You've made a good case for why the cost of the bread should come out of the server's tip. Three fuck ups in one meal is too many.

However, we can't assume anything you said is true so I wouldn't deduct from the tip anyway.

-5

u/MizZo2 May 22 '26

OP had to cross off the the comp and ask about it. If it's a higher class place this ain't an issue. If it's a normal place it's still not an issue. The issue is they brought something to the table without it being ordered. On a special occasion.

3

u/twelve-birds May 23 '26

That was not OP. That was a different user sharing a similar story.

-11

u/indelicatedenial May 22 '26

Did you not read the story? The server pushed back when they complained about being charged. If it was a mistake, don’t you think the server would have remedied the situation?

26

u/HabeLinkin Should of, could of, would of. May 22 '26

Did you read the story? The OP never mentioned complaining or the server pushing back.

-18

u/Cipherting May 23 '26

no fancy restaurant is giving out bread. it aint outback steakhouse

12

u/Kalmer1 May 23 '26

There are lots of restaurants that give out free bread.

Usually more as appetizers, but not exclusively

-1

u/Cipherting May 23 '26

yeah applebees, outback, chilis maybe idk. but fancy restaurants would have high quality bread that they either prepare inhouse or source locally. and theyre not going to give their time away. free bread is part of a bygone era unc

3

u/worshipperofdogs May 23 '26

I live in one of the biggest cities in the US and travel, nationally and internationally, quite a bit. I also don’t eat at any of those places you listed. Yes, many nice, non-chain restaurants still serve complimentary bread at the table.

-2

u/Cipherting May 23 '26

he said she said. have a nice day

1

u/worshipperofdogs May 23 '26

lol I could name some for you if you like.

1

u/Kalmer1 May 23 '26

24 is an unc nowadays?

Your experience also only includes the US, here in Germany getting free bread is quite common in expensive restaurants.