Chefs Revealed The Red Flags To Look Out For In Restaurants – And Some Are Simply Horrifying

Going out to eat is one of life’s simple pleasures, and, by and large, most restaurant visits will be of a high standard. You’ll have occasions when things go wrong, though, whether because of bad service, poor quality food or unappealing ambiance. But what if we told you there are red flags you can keep an eye out for that could help you predict whether an eatery is worth your time or not? Read on to find out more.

40. Dirty parking lot

This red flag is one you can spot before you even enter the restaurant. If the parking lot is dirty, with cigarette butts and trash on the ground, it should give you pause. If the restaurant’s doors and windows are grimy as well, it all adds up to a picture of an establishment that neglects cleanliness. And you don’t want to eat anywhere that isn’t clean. Trust us.

39. Too many themes

Fabiana Melendez, a food publicist from Texas, told Reader’s Digest magazine in December 2019, “All restaurants have a look and feel. That’s what attracts customers. If you end up somewhere that has too many themes, such as a cool dive bar inside but a nautical-themed beach bar out back, this can sometimes be an indication service and management are not in-sync behind the scenes.” Makes sense.

38. Too many influencer reviews

These days it’s common for people to check out an establishment’s online reviews before making the call to eat there. But be sure to check whether a large portion of those reviews are from influencers, rather than garden-variety customers. Eateries often pay influencers to hype them on social media, so you may not be reading a true representation of the restaurant’s quality.

37. All the patrons being tourists

A great rule for eating while on vacation is to take your cue from the locals. Food blogger Michelle Stansbury told Reader’s Digest, “If you only see other tourists at a restaurant, perhaps because it’s the only place near a popular attraction, I would hesitate to eat there. Restaurants where the locals are eating indicate that at least some diners are there because of its reputation.”