Person help: Do waiters/waitresses hate it when a single person asks for a booth? - Help.com

It depends on how busy the restaurant is. You don’t want to take up enough space for 4 people if you are just going to sit there and drink coffee. They are in business to make money, as much as they can.

You are no doubt male. A single woman will get a table 99% of the time. Why? In case a gentleman wants to strike up a conversation with said woman. Easier to do so while sitting at the same table.

When I was a server, I never really got anyone who asked for a booth by themselves. I did have one guy ask, but the place was extremely slow so I was like sure pick one. I think if the place is packed though and a single person asks for it and they say it’s only going to be one, it’s annoying and it’s someone like that I would say Oh there’s a waiting list for booths or something. That way they possibly would change their mind to wanting a table if they’re that hungry.

I work at a restaurant. I can honestly say that yes, it would annoy me if it is busy. Our booths can seat between four and six people. That means a larger check which, if tipped correctly, results in more money for the server. So a single person (unless they are very generous when it comes to tipping) can hurt the servers income at the end of the night when taking a booth.

If you are a waiter or waitress: Let the manager and hostesses know that you don’t mind the single person at a table in your section. When the rare occasion does occur give them just a wee bit more of your attention. The faster they get service the faster they may be to leave so a larger party can be seated there. Also the extra attention just might result in a larger tip, but if it doesn’t don’t get upset. The patron will remember the extra kindness he/she was given and will either return again or recommend that establishment or both.

If you are a single patron: Don’t insist on a booth. A table is just as good and most couples or parties of 4 prefer the booth space. So don’t hog a booth unnecessarily. Enjoy your stay but be cognizant of your waitstaff’s profit margin. You are not going to tip as much as say a party of 3-4 so don’t stay longer than absolutely needed. Get in. Get out. Leave satisfied and leave an appropriate tip. If there was a problem or issue with the food, take it up with the manager. Don’t take it out on the waiter or waitress that had nothing to do with how your meal was prepared.