Is it discourteous to just split an appetizer or a dessert at a restaurant?

Question

Sometimes I go to a place like Ruby Tuesday, TGI Fridays or Applebee's with a friend or two, and we just split an appetizer or we just have dessert. I'm just wondering if it's viewed as impolite by the waiters or something.

Answer 1

I'm a server and if people only come in for an appetizer or dessert it's fine.  They usually aren't a bother, even tho I know I'll get a small tip.  I take their drink order, their app/desert order/ round of refils and the bill.  I know it can get really annoying when I have lots of table tho, and I know that that one table with only one dessert or one appetizer will be the table I neglect when I'm busy.

Answer 2

If the portions are very large and neither of you have big appetites,  I see no reason why you can't split a dessert or appetizer if you're both in agreement.

Answer 3

Nope we dont care as long as your not a pain in the but about it and of course leave a tip...even if you didnt order alot you still took up one of our tables and our time.

Answer 4

Who cares what others think.  It's a smart way to treat yourself & cut back on calories.

Answer 5

That is fine but just remember if the food is discounted due to a special (happy hour/late night) or a coupon that you should still base your tip on the full menu item prices.  I often drink water when I go out to eat b/c sodas are sometime $3 each.  When sharing an appetizer or something I usually get a drink too.  note i say BASE the tip, if they are rude or not helpful with refills then I would not be overgenerous.

Answer 6

It totally depends on the time of day and how you tip. I was a server for a long time, and if you come in at dinner on a Saturday night and sit and talk for 2 hours and have a 15 dollar bill, your server is going to be annoyed--because during that time she could have had 2 tables that ate full meals.

You need to keep this in mind when you tip! I never, EVER leave less than 5 dollars.

If you do this often, consider sitting at the bar.

Answer 7

No.  Its done all the time. I've even had waitresses ask if they should bring an extra plate when only one of us is ordering a dessert.

Answer 8

not at all.  i'm sure some servers won't care for it because the tip will be smaller.

Answer 9

Kinda depends how much time and money you spend there. Split an appetizer but all have drinks or split dessert but all have coffee is fine. If the servings are huge, that's fine too. If you're only there for an hour or less, that's fine. If you share an appetizer and chat at the resto for three hours, that's a bit rude. Specially if its a very popular place. Think along the lines of other people may want the table or the place can make more money off of someone else. If you haven't got the budget, I'm sure there are nice places within your price range as well.

Answer 10

my husband and i will do that.  i think that if the waiter/waitress has a problem with it, then that's their problem.  i base my tip on the service and the bill, not just the bill amount.  if i have a $30 bill, and the service sucked (happened the other day), then she/he's getting $2 tip.  if the service was good, $4 or $5 as tip.

I'm not going to order more food than I'll eat.

Answer 11

No, just ask for 2 small bread plates and split whatever you want to split...it's your money, and you can still tip enough for two people, regardless of what you share.

Answer 12

It's your appetite and your budget. What you order or don't is none of their business. If they act like you're being cheap and they're not getting much of a tip, don't tip them anything.

Answer 13

My wife and I do this all the time. Its ok to do, just be sure to leave a tip!

Answer 14

I do that all the time so we each can sample it.

Answer 15

The waiters/waitresses will be annoyed because they'll know they won't get much of a tip. The cooking staff will make fun of you in the kitchen. But it's your money and your time, so do what you want. I don't believe it's bad etiquette in the end.

Answer 16

If you only order an appetizer or a dessert, then please don't tie up the table too long.  Wait staff make their $$ on turnover.  The more turnover, the more tips.  Leave a generous tip if you are there more than 30 minutes.