10 Common Steakhouse Faux Pas And How To Avoid Them
Eating at a steakhouse should be fun and delicious, but a few simple mistakes can make the experience awkward for you and everyone around you.
Knowing what to avoid helps you enjoy your meal while showing respect to the chef, servers, and other diners.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a great steak, these tips will help you feel confident and comfortable at any steakhouse.
Disclaimer:
Article provides general etiquette and dining guidance for steakhouse settings.
Policies, preparation styles, and service practices vary by restaurant.
Always follow the specific guidance provided by the establishment and communicate politely with staff to ensure a positive dining experience.
10. Smothering Your Steak In Ketchup Before Tasting
A skilled chef spends time seasoning and cooking your steak just right, so covering it in ketchup before even trying a bite can seem disrespectful.
High-quality beef has natural flavors that shine through without heavy sauces.
Taste your steak first to appreciate what the kitchen created, then add condiments sparingly if needed.
9. Always Ordering Expensive Steaks Well-Done
Cooking a premium cut like ribeye or filet mignon to well-done removes most of the tenderness and juice that make it special.
You may end up paying premium prices for a steak that loses much of its natural tenderness.
If you prefer fully cooked meat, choose a less expensive cut or try medium-well to keep some moisture.
8. Hacking The Steak Open In The Middle Then Sending It Back
Slicing your steak wide open releases all the juices and makes it impossible for the kitchen to fix the temperature properly.
Once you’ve exposed the inside, the meat starts cooling and drying out fast.
Make a small cut near the edge to check doneness, and if it’s wrong, politely ask your server for help before cutting further.
7. Drowning The Steak In Salt And Pepper Before A Single Bite
Professional steakhouse chefs carefully season meat before and during cooking to bring out the best flavor.
Adding a heavy layer of salt and pepper without tasting first suggests you don’t trust their skill.
Take a bite to see how the steak tastes as prepared, then add a little seasoning only if you think it needs more.
6. Staying Glued To Your Phone During The Entire Meal
Scrolling through apps or texting nonstop while your beautifully cooked steak sits getting cold shows you’re not really present for the experience.
Your dining companions might feel ignored too.
Put your phone away or on silent, and save social media for after the meal so you can savor every bite and enjoy good conversation.
5. Ignoring The Posted Dress Code At A Nice Steakhouse
Many upscale steakhouses ask guests to dress nicely to create a special atmosphere for everyone.
Showing up in gym clothes or torn jeans when the restaurant expects business casual can make you feel uncomfortable and out of place.
Check the steakhouse website or call ahead to learn the dress code, then plan your outfit accordingly.
4. Leaving A Minimal Tip After Full Table Service
Servers at steakhouses work hard to make your meal smooth and enjoyable, from taking orders to delivering hot plates and refilling drinks.
Leaving only a very small tip may not reflect the level of service provided.
Standard tipping is fifteen to twenty percent of your total bill, so calculate fairly and tip generously for great service.
3. Treating A Sit-Down Steak Dinner Like Fast Food (Rushing Staff, Complaining About Prices)
Steakhouse dining takes time because each dish is cooked to order and plated with care.
Snapping fingers at servers or grumbling about menu prices creates tension and ruins the relaxed vibe.
Be patient, speak politely, and remember that quality ingredients and skilled cooking cost more than a burger joint for good reason.
2. Cutting Everything Up At Once And Eating Sloppily Over Shared Sides
Chopping your entire steak into little cubes lets all the flavorful juices run out, leaving dry meat behind.
Leaning over communal bowls of mashed potatoes or creamed spinach while you eat can also spread crumbs and mess.
Cut one or two bites at a time, and serve yourself sides onto your own plate first.
1. Picking Apart The Plate Presentation And Demanding Endless Substitutions
Chefs design each plate to balance flavors and look appealing, so constantly asking to swap vegetables or rearrange components can slow down the kitchen.
One or two simple changes are usually fine, but requesting five substitutions frustrates the staff.
Order dishes as they come or choose something else on the menu that better fits your preferences.
