[Purple*Lotus]

And I have to know... how much hassle am I causing the host/ess when I ask for a table and not a booth? I only saw one or two posts about that, but I am pretty curious.<br><br>
Because I always ask for a table because I am fluffy <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/redface.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Embarrassment"><br><br>
And if the waiter/waitress is the person who seats me automatically gives me a table so I don't have to ask for a booth, it doubles their tip <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love"> But there are only a few places around here that don't have a host/ess.<br><br>
So, any food service people out there who can enlighten me? Should I call ahead? I always feel bad because it seems to complicate things.

 

[34me]

I know from my food service perspective it only complicates things because they might have to seat you out of server order. But come eat with us, I always ask for a booth <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[MusicianDad]

They should all ready plan to put you at a table because they should be aware of the issues that fluffy people can have at booths. They may have to seat you out of order, but really you shouldn't worry about asking for a table specifically. Around here, the servers generally ask <i>you</i> if you prefer a booth or a table if both are available.

 

[Purple*Lotus]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>MusicianDad</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15368603"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">They should all ready plan to put you at a table because they should be aware of the issues that fluffy people can have at booths. They may have to seat you out of order, but really you shouldn't worry about asking for a table specifically. Around here, the servers generally ask <i>you</i> if you prefer a booth or a table if both are available.</div>
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You would be surprised at how many people try to seat me at a booth first. Really, it is shocking to me. I mean, I am pretty big, so I figure it would be obvious, but not here. It has happened to me so much in the past that now I always speak up. Way better than that initial awkwardness of "Oh, um, can we have a table instead please?" <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/redface.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Embarrassment">

 

[MusicianDad]

Yeah it's better to speak up than way until you are offered a booth.

 

[zebra15]

I always ask for a booth, I have a bad back and the booth is more comfortable, It may be a bit 'tight' but at least my back doesnt hurt.<br><br>
I wouldnt call ahead, seating out of order shouldnt be a huge deal. Honestly it happens all the time. People with highchairs generally need 'special' seating. Wheelchairs need different seating. larger parties cant fit in a booth.<br><br>
What really rubs me the wrong way is when I go out to eat with DS 9 to a place like Red Robin, Fridays etc and they try to put us in the BAR area... ummmm HELLO I have a child with me... can we please sit in the regular area.

 

[LaLaLaLa]

I wait tables and it's not a problem at all. In fact, we all give the hosts a really hard time if they seat someone in a booth who is obviously uncomfortable. I mean, really, make a judgment call about how to best serve your guests when they walk in the door. Because by the time I get to the booth and the person is not looking comfortable, it's hard for me to gracefully say "oh, can I move you to a table? Because, um..... <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/footinmouth.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="footinmouth">" Better to be proactive.<br><br>
And tons of people ask for booths all the time and never feel awkward or like they have to give a reason. My grandmother, for one, hates tables and isn't afraid to speak her mind when a host heads for one.

 

[MusicianDad]

And ya know, that's the other thing. For every time you ask for a table there is at least one other person that requests a booth.

 

[mrsfrenchy]

As someone who used to work as a server and as the wife of a restaurant manager, I'd say its not a problem at all. There are far, far many more people who want a booth and not a table, so you wanting a table should actually even things out a bit.<br><br>
The only thing that I would add is that if you arrive at a restaurant and there is a wait, you should specify that you want a table (or a booth) along with the info about how many in your party, etc. (same thing for needing a high chair--some states don't allow you to put them in certain areas-- or wheelchair access) Don't wait until 20 minutes later when the hosts are getting ready to seat you; they've already decided what table you're going to by that point.

 

[Latte Mama]

What thread? Someone enlighten me please, I can't find it.

 

[mamalisa]

We always ask specifically for a table because my dh is also fluffy (I like that <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin">) "A table for 4, not a booth please!" is what we always say. Yet still, we are often taken to a booth. It makes me nuts. I don't care if it's inconvenient for them, he's fat and doesn't fit comfortably, if at all. It's just one of those things they should automatically do if they can tell someone isn't going to fit well.

 

[MammaB21]

I say you're the customer and it's perfectly okay to request special seating. Like a PP said, I think most servers would prefer that you are comfortable and in a good mood when they arrive to help you. The hosts should be doing their job. When I was a hostess many years ago, we were told that if we thought someone might have a harder time fitting into a booth we were to seat them at a table (or at least ask what they would prefer). If it meant seating out of order we would just catch up on the next round. No big deal. Most restaurants I go to now ask automatically.<br><br>
As a side note, I always ask for a booth when we have DD with us because it's easier to keep her contained that way and just seems to work better for helping her out during our meal. I'm not afraid to ask, I've never thought of it to be putting anyone out. After all, it <i>is</i> their job. They're getting paid to accommodate the customer to the best of their ability. Good service is what makes us return to a restaurant.

 

[lyterae]

I worked as a hostess for about a year and I don't consider it a hassle to go for a table instead of a booth. I do think you should be upfront about it in the beginning (table for 2, not a booth) because there is "planning" that goes in to seating everyone efficiently, so if they know ahead of time that you want a table that could help you.

 

[nolansmummy]

I think if you mention it before they start walking you to a table then it shouldn't be a problem at all. Then they can look at the seating chart and adjust if needed.<br>
If you mention it after you are already at a booth, it might be more of an inconvenience, but i have never heard a host complaining about that. There are far worse things people request for sure!

 

[Marsupialmom]

IMO, non-at all. There are a lot of people that don't like booths. That is why most places have both. Plus some people have limited mobility and booths are horrible.

 

[blizzard_babe]

I think that parts of that thread were a whole lot of venting about things that really AREN'T that big a deal, and are just a part of the job. I mean, when a group of teachers get together... we vent. About things that actually AREN'T huge problems: how when one first-grader has to use the bathroom suddenly they ALL realize their bladders are full... or how junior high students who you KNOW are bright and interested will, if you have the bad luck to have them first period, just stare at you in a fog of sleepiness and teenage angst... or how fifth graders who are just learning about "the birds and the bees" suddenly find ways to fit the word "gonads" into any and all conversations...). It's all perfectly harmless and normal, and just a part of the job that we're paid to do, but if a bunch of us get together, we're going to vent about it.<br><br>
I'm sure when garbage collectors get together about how people do XYZ that makes their job more difficult in a marginal way, and nurses do the same, and I *KNOW* that phone bank customer service representatives do it (cuz I've been one)... basically, it's stuff that you can complain about to your colleagues, but it's just a part of the job and so you do it.

 

[sapphire_chan]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>zebra15</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15368660"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I always ask for a booth, I have a bad back and the booth is more comfortable, It may be a bit 'tight' but at least my back doesnt hurt.</div>
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OTOH, the one time dh's back went out and we had to stop at a restaurant on the way home from my in laws, the booth was agonizing because it had no back support. We had to ask to be moved to a table.

 

[sapphire_chan]

When I was pregnant, and when I had Lina in a pouch sling, I had hosts ask if I wanted a table. AND, when I said a booth would be fine, they moved the table inside the booth over a few inches. Multiple restaurants in multiple cities.