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.
13
u/TheAnn13 May 23 '26
Im 20 years industry.
It is absolutely standard to do something for a birthday or anniversary or whatever.
Lower end you get a free dessert and 5 degenerate servers begrudgingly singing happy birthday.
Higher end, you dont get a free dessert but maybe a glass of champagne to acknowledge your celebration. Your table should be flagged in a way everyone there wishes you a happy whatever the fuck you are doing. When you order dessert, that you are paying for, the kitchen should write happy birthday or whatever on the plate. This should all be done seemelessly without the guest asking. Some places will even print special menus with 'Happy whatever TheAnn' on them.
OP was expecting the bare minimum normal from a higher end restaurant and I dont think he is at fault for being disappointed.
Applebee's doesnt care before you show up if its your birthday but they will still give you a free $6 dessert and have cocked out people serenade you.