As an American who has worked as a waitress I will say yes we give good service because if we give bad service we are not likely to get a tip. But I will also say that service with a smile is just part of the American culture. At a restaurant, a store, on the bus, at a doctors office, just walking down the street, etc Americans in general will greet others with a smile and some acknowledgement. It is just common courtesy. Friendliness is a part of our culture in general it's not just some ploy to make money. As to comments about waste: We would rather throw out packaging than throw out food. I paid for that food if i can't finish my whole meal I am not gonna throw my money in the garbage. Most food packaging in recyclable. And no one says you have to take the extra napkins, catsup packets, etc. You can always tell them to leave that out or just give them back. As for coasters (i have only seen cardbosrd kinds) they don't last that longand people like to take them as "souveniers" so they still need replacing and they are more espensive and they are still a paper product so it doesn't help "save trees".Also the majority of the time I have gone out to eat, I need to ask for the bill. Sometimes they will give us the bill if we are done eating and are still sitting and talking but they will say you don't have to pay/leave until you are ready. It's a fine line, we don''t like being made to wait for the bill when we are ready to leave but we don't like being rushed either. You kinda have to size up your customer and figure out whether they are likely to be in a hurry and want the bill right away or they would be offended if you rush them.
The bills are put on the table so we can leave when we want. They will still ask if you want anything else and you can order as much other food as you like, they will continually update the bill as you go along. But when you're ready to leave, you get up and go. Friendly service isn't just for where you get a tip, it happens in almost any store, movie theater etc. They are looking for return business and no one will go back to a place that is rude. I've worked as a waitress and if anyone chased a customer out the door asking why they didn't leave a big enough tip or left no tip would be fired. I think this may be a coastal big city thing. You can get a cup of coffee, in a cup in almost any restaurant. You know where you don't find it, at a fast food place or Starbucks, so don't go there to get a cup of coffee.
@Urusovite I know, it's been an issue for a while lately on youtube. Some of them even pass themselves off as the youtube channel owner, claiming that if you contact them on telegram you get a prize.
Right they will just print you out another check. It’s not even a pain for them. Like for example my parents sometimes go out to dinner with my aunt and uncle. If they know I’m working and will be over after work to say hi (or get my laundry bc I do t have a washer and dryer) they will always ask me if I want something. I sometimes don’t get back to them right away. They will be sitting there enjoying there Dessert and coffee when I get back to them and the checks already there. They wait staff will always be more then happy to add an order to go in for sure. The reason why mainly. Bc it means they will get a bigger tip.
Usually waiters in the US ask if you want something else like desert before they bring the bill, and I'm sure they'd be more than willing to print out a new one if you decided you did want to buy more stuff after all.
I’ve never had issues with getting billed in the middle of my meal. Everywhere I go, I’ve had to ask for it. And even then, I’ve never had any issues ordering additional food after my bill came in.
I've had it happen every once in a while. Usually, it's when the place is really busy and the waiter/waitress doesn't want to forget to give it to you. If you want to add more, they'll gladly get it for you and give you a new, updated bill.
Mostly to maximize profit from a captive audience. The beer sellers have determined that that’s the price where they’ll make the most money from beer sales. It’s higher than outside the park because your other options are to wait or leave.
Just because the bills on the table doesn't mean you cant get dessert. Just think of it as a "this is your tab so far" informational bill. They add on to the bill all the time. It's normal.
The thing about the bill being dropped on the table without warning: I have never been to a restaurant where the servers have not asked if we wanted dessert or anything to go. Never.
This guy is being extremely dramatic. I actually have a strategy where I ask for the bill if or when the waiter comes by my table when I'm almost done with my food. Sometimes I have to wave the waiters over. Many waiters disappear after you get your food.
The US is 50 different and individual states with their own governments, counties and cities that can set the sales tax rates. The feds cannot set the sales tax for the states.
The same applies to Europe (Different Taxes, Laws ...). VAT taxes are paid where they arise and paid from there to the tax office. If there is no VAT in my state, I can't say I don't pay VAT in another state, right? It's just a marketing thing.
If you go to a sit down restaurant, say for breakfast, you can expect your coffee to be brought out in a ceramic cup...with constant free refills...also called "getting a warmer". Now, if I want a coffee on the go, it better come in a take away cup with a good fitting lid with a sip hole in it. I remember being in Europe at a cafe' (in the '90's), and was shocked and totally bummed when they said I couldn't get coffee in a to go cup "like in America" upon which I stated "pleeeaasse...are you sure?!?!"...none doing...left coffee-less, and totally bummed!!
the tip isn't the only motivation for waiters and waitresses to be nice. yes it might make you think twice before showing up with a frown or being rude but some people are genuinely friendly and at the very least aren't jerks. the standard of friendly service extends to just about every customer-facing workplace. a lot of people are just nice, I say this because I've seen too many people casually affirm this idea that Americans are fake. friendliness is good business but in life or in business a friendly face can make a world of difference. tbc I know the comment wasn't malicious.
I was a waitress in a bar environment here in the US. The standard rule was unless the customer specifically stated to keep the drinks coming, then you waited until another round was requested.
We absolutely have coasters everywhere in the U.S. I think this guy hasn't been to the U.S. since he was 6. He got quit a few things wrong about his differences.
A lot of places use napkins because it's cheaper in the long run. Coasters get stolen and get worn down over time. Napkins are insanely cheap when bought in bulk.
he travels a lot.. he even had a TED talk in U.S. about his Honest Guide channel.. so I would take a wild guess that maybe he visited more states in U.S. than avarege american... but yeah I get your point.. some stuff he was saying about CZ even I would not agree.. service is fine overall, people will smile at you and if service is grumpy you just simply don't leave a tip
It’s interesting on the coffee because it’s true in most chain coffee places, they don’t use ceramic cups. But if you go to a more local place where the emphasis is on sitting down and enjoying your coffee, then you may see ceramics. Although there are fewer and fewer of those places it seems.
There seems to be more and more of the sit down "third wave coffee" shops where I am. But at the same time, there's also more Starbucks and other chains.
Coffee in a plastic cup is usually because it’s carry out, your not getting a ceramic cup in a carry out shop but will get that in a sit down restaurant. Bathrooms differ from place to place in America, some restaurants bar’s may have many or one “free to use”.
Most parks makes alcoholic drinks more expensive because the park wants to prevent drunken accidents or kids getting hurt from drunk adults. So unless your a desperate alcoholic that $15 beer will probably be your only beer.
IDK guys. I seriously gotta wonder what part(s) of the US he's visited 🤔. Tips aside, it's the waitstaff responsibility to ensure that customers have a good experience at the establishment. You want customers to return and possibly leave a good review. There is a few reasons that the check gets left on the table early. I for one get frustrated when we've finished our meal, and ready to leave. However, our waitstaff is now in the middle of taking orders for a party of 20 people. So you'd have to wait. Also, sometimes it may be time for your waitstaff to change shifts. So the one leaving has to ensure you get your check. Also, people just seem to be in a hurry. Perhaps they have tickets to an event. Or gotta get kiddos somewhere. You can always order something else, they will just update your bill. Also, on the waitstaff side of things. It can help to rotate the tables in your assigned area. Which can increase the opportunity to earn more Tips. Also, some restaurants have quite the line of customers wanting to get a table.
Sorry but people always find the way how to do something banned or limited. Remember alcohol prohibition? In US it took years. In the Czech Republic? One year :D
Beeselys, this video is just another reason you should get “lost” on a road trip in the US and not stick too long in typical tourist areas. New York or tourist areas are night and day prices from local places. Also if there is something simply not done the way you expect, typically the server will return it and make it the way you want, and that goes for cheaper places. I’d bring a flask in with me to Universal!
11:35 I'd say it's more common to have to ask for a check, and plenty of times they will ask if you want dessert. Even when they do plop a check in front of me (I'm usually eating alone), it's almost never crowded enough where they don't also tell me to take my time.
I agree, he's interpreting it incorrectly. Giving you the check doesn't mean you're supposed to leave at that moment. It's making it easier, so you don't have to flag them down later and ask for a check. 🙂 Plus, he takes his coffee like a woman, in a tiny cup with sugar and other girly crap. A real man takes a 12 oz cup (340 mL) with no cream or sugar or piss or whatever. I take my coffee like I take my women: short, dark, strong and hot. 🙂
The reason sports arenas, amusement parks, and so on charge so much for a beer is often to discourage people from drinking too many and injuring themselves (or others), turning combative, becoming loud and argumentative, etc. Especially at the smaller kinds of amusement parks that cater more to small children, a bored parent might very well spend their time wishing they were at the pub instead.
The only time I've ever gotten a bill before asking was during lunch rush, when most people want to eat, pay, and go so they aren't late getting back to work. I've seen several restaurants boast that they'll seat you, serve you, and bring your bill in 15 min. as a courtesy for busy people on their lunch break. But that might just be a thing in like business districts or something.
IN THE US... If you go to a nice dine in restaurant and order coffee, it'll come in a glass cup. ONLY if you ask for to go will it be in a disposable container. Fast food will always be in a disposable container.
I am almost 100% sure that gov regulation on bathroom construction and paying sales tax do not fall under the definition of culture, but indeed, under gov regulation. and no coffee culture is not changing, it is not a culture choice to decide between sitting at a restaurant vs grabbing a cup on the way to work. People here do both, dictated by time not by culture.
A funny thing about the straws that Tom Macdonald has said about packaging is "no more plastic straws wrapped in paper, but paper straws wrapped in plastic" the irony
The bill is on the table in case you would like to leave quickly. You are more than welcome to add onto it. This also doesn’t happen everywhere but mostly at bars and diner type places
Such videos often mention the "tax is not included in the price" complaint. One factor might be Americans' historical antipathy toward government. The business owner says "THIS (the price) is what I get; the government gets the tax." It creates a separation of the price in the customer's mind.
We do use coasters in the US. Some bars ,especially of the dive variety, will use napkins because the overhead cost of the napkin is cheaper than coasters.
In my experience with waiters and waitresses, being friendly to earn a bigger tip, and just being friendly to be friendly are not mutually exclusive . I mean sure, the tip is on their mind, but I don’t think it’s as cynical as you think.
Also many people in the US have softened well water and a reverse osmosis filter at home build into the system. So if the place you are eating at is just using unfiltered tap water, you can taste it.
The reason Amazon sends a massive box for small items is it standardizes the packing of planes and trucks, if there’s only a certain amount of box sizes then an employee can quickly do the necessary Tetris to pack the truck full but with more sizes it’ll take longer
In America we like to not trust out government. If we included taxes in the total, we'd have no idea how much uncle Sam is taking. By leaving it separate, we can get pissed off every time we buy something. As far as the price of beer at an amusement park or stadium, it's not a profit thing, they just don't want you drinking too much. I guarantee you'll probably not be slamming down $15 beers.
Except that the sales taxes that you pay aren’t for “Uncle Sam”!😂. Sales taxes are state and local. So get pissed off at your state legislature or local city council.
I agree. We like to know when we're being overcharged or taxed. I can't imagine the local, state or federal government ever taxing me without telling me. lol
Don't imagine they want you to not drink too many beers. Gastro is not a charity but an ordinary business. Like anywhere else in the world. They just want to skin you for profit.
Bills can be amended easily if you want to order more food. It’s just convenience to have it there ready to go whenever you want to leave. Thus you do not have to wait or find a waiter.
Which leads to using of more ink and paper and also another time to create new bill, sorry but it's contraproductive from the perspective of European :)
The stalls in the bathroom are more hygienic, the thought being air can circulate better, makes it easier to clean the floor (sweep/mop), employees can easily see if the bathroom needs cleaning in a glance, etc....
I think he only went to fast food places when he says restaurants. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a restaurant in the US and got given ketchup packages, it was all bottled. The cups were ceramic for the coffee when you go to an actual sit down coffee shop that isn’t a fast food style coffee place like Starbucks.
@@Runemonk I agree. Although I guess being here in the US there is a fast food place every couple of kilometers so it was probably a convenience thing. Still, it’s not good to generalize if he hasn’t been to a real restaurant here. How are fast food places in Czechia? Which would be the most popular place there? In California specifically, (since different states are very different) it’s In-N-Out Burgers. :)
Effort does come from earning a tip however it is polite to be friendly and NOT polite to be unfriendly. Some Americans will simply get up and walk out should a waiter or waitress be rude. The bill is given early as there are many tables per staff so at busy times specifically staff will bring the bill. It is usually in a folder so prices are not displayed for onlookers to see. Staring at someone should be greeted with a smile and vice versa otherwise you will appear weird and possibly dangerous. Restaurants, Diners and bars do use coasters. Asking for condiments is normal and it is usual to give several and not be stingy.
I go out to eat quite often here in the U.S. and I can say it's rare that a server hands me the bill half way through the meal. I usually have to ask. So that was not entirely true.
One thing about the Beer at Universal: You'll notice that it said "Duff", so the point is that they're also selling the NOVELTY of it being "The beer from the Simpsons", so that's why they can get away with charging more, and the demand ain't gonna shrink enough to charge less unless the word of mouth is THAT awful.
He's wrong about the bill. They wait until your finished and ask if you want dessert. Also, it's been explained why we can't have the tax in the price in the US. I like the way our servers are nice, it's not all for tips.
Tipping in the US at restaurants is 15% to 20%, not 10% to 15%. Tipping beers is normally $1 per beer. If the bill comes to your table and you want more food or drink, you can order more. One important note on tipping is that the tip of 18% will automatically be added to the bill/check if there is a group of 5 people or more.
Visiting restaurants in other countries is always stressfull for a Czech person, it's so different even in close countries like Poland. Europe is very americanised now, countries like Poland, Baltics, Croatia and other are almost fully americanised, they put bill in front of you after you had one beer and you pay to some weird book which is just bizare for us. In Portugal, their speciallity is to take your money and just walk away, so you don't know if they return with change or not, it's so confusing, why they just can't normally pay to waiter like we do? At least in Austria it was pretty normal for us, but Croatia or Portugal....totaly different and their coffee sizes are shifted like our lungo is their americano, our espresso is their lungo etc.... 😀 And beer....totaly different in other European countries except surrounding countries, they almost everywhere have beer in 0.2 or 0.3L bottles which we don't even consider a beer. 😀 "The bill thing" happened to me in Croatia 2020 for the first time in my life, we had 2 beers and they put bill in front of us for no reason, we have been really confused, we thought that table is reserved for someone else or something, we ralized that it's totaly normal later, you just have bill separately for everything. Another cultural difference between Czech Republic and other countries in Europe is that in many european countries they are so slow! You sit there 10 minutes before waiter ask you what you want and then he doesn't care about you anymore, you have to go to him or give some signal to him. It's totaly different in Czech Republic, when you have empty glass or finish meal, they always take your plate or glass and ask if you want anything else, you finish meal or beer and they are at your table almost immediately. So when Czech visits other countries, it looks so rude in restaurants becuase they just pretend they don't see you, but it's normal there, it's just a cultural difference, but you will at least save money.
I disagree with what he said about customizing things at restaurants. Usually there will be different burgers on the menu that will have specific ingredients listed. If you just order the burger they will ask you how much you want it cooked but they will just assume you aren’t making any modifications to the normal burger’s toppings, unless you say something
I love Honest Guide channel. I stumbled onto it while doing research on Prague. I plan on leaving the US and moving there. I think I'd prefer the cultural differences there vs here. Also James. He did a video on why their beer has so much head. It's insrestering
You know what's interesting, if all those places switched to adding the tax in in the price tag, you could compare the tax difference easily from place to place. Just a thought, could be wrong idk
@@joshuabutler3598 Not really. The problem is that the tax can (and will) change. It would be pretty expensive to keep changing the prices on the menu.
This guy is so misinformed . I'm 64 and never been to a restaurant where the waiter did not ask me if I wanted dessert or coffee, then ask if I was ready for the bill . I don't know maybe it's because I live in Florida but we have coffee shops where you can get coffee anyway you want it and tea as well .
If by "he's having a laugh there" Millie meant that he was exaggerating, yes a Starbucks Venti does not hold a gallon. It is twenty ounces, so six of them do not hold a gallon (128 ounces.) It does hold more than half a liter (16.9 oz.) It's extremely rare that I drink coffee at all, but I do get "triggered" by standard weights and measurements.
I think its just misunderstood here in the states w checks. Personally i like having my check asap. U can then leave when u want. Just because they give u a bill doesn’t mean u have to leave. If busy u may feel more obligated to leave sooner, but in general I actually really like having my bill asap. U can always add more items if u want as well
Part of it with amusement parks/stadiums/whatever and the price of alcohol is also the fact those aren't really places you want drunk people. The cost of beer prices most of the patrons out of being over intoxicated. So the majority of people only get a beer or two if they get beer at all.
The check just being put on the table out of the blue absolutely 100% never happens here. You always need to ask for your check, they’ll never just smash it on the table….
@@mcsmoothie7052 And many times, at a diner, there is a separate person running a register and so you're not paying your waitress directly. Hey, I grew up in diner culture in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, so that's my experience.
If you want a cheap beer in the US, seek out establishments that have a Happy Hour. It’s usually in the late afternoon/early evening and lasts more than an hour (4-6) to attract the 9-5 workers. I went to a bar this week that had $1 beers and well drinks; the cheapest bourbon I’ve ever had out!
That can vary from state to state...... Here in North Carolina, any drink special has to be offered from open to close...... No "Happy Hour".... but we will have daily Specials "$1 Can Budwieser", "Half Price Margaratia Wednesday" etc......
NO ONE in this or any dimension,at this time in space or ever-has been asked in a Mcdonald's, "How Do You want your burger?" EVER .If you have a point to make then make it BUT if you have to make stuff up you might as well wear a sign on your chest saying "I lie frequently." It is also hella weird that this guy is railing about places offering choices and options.Does he REALLY want to live in a policve state that dictates to you what kind of coffee you can get or how you can have your food prepared?? It is starting to sound to me that everyone might be a lot happier if he just stayed home and ,drank a little doll's cup full of coffee .
6:00, why don’t we include the taxes in the price on the menu, etc.? Truth in advertising laws. It’s easier to put a “sales tax not included” disclaimer than it is to make sure that each location’s prices are adjusted for different sales taxes on different items.
Where is this guy using the restroom? Most restrooms are adequate and the number of public restrooms in the USA compared to 'free' public toilets in Europe is far greater in the US. In the US there are roadway public facilities, shop facilities for toilet, restaurant public facilities, Park facilities, transportation facilities, etc. and almost all do not charge.
I never understand why people say if you don’t tip you get confronted. That’s simply not true, they did that becuase he was a tourist. No one is forced to tip
Yeah, I don’t understand why so many people feel some sort of pressure to leave a tip. I typically never tip unless the prices of the food and the service is good. No one has ever said anything to me about it, and if they did I would tell them to leave me alone.
Agree. You don't get arrested or fined if you don't tip. lol Maybe shamed on social media but it's not required unless it's stated that it's included already in the bill. haha
I feel so attacked 😂 The "cup of coffee" thi g might be nice if I didn't have shit to do like work or kids or errands. Must be nice for him to sit there and not do crap.
Yes, I would think that would be extremely unusual! Also you may have just burned a bridge with a customer. Who’s going to want to go back to a restaurant (assuming the reason for not tipping wasn’t food or service) where someone chased them into the parking lot about a tip?
When I used to be a server he was EXACTLY THE TOURIST I DIDN'T WANT! lol.... Also Millie..they were lucky to get a tip of 2 bucks per person off a 36 per person meal??... not even 10 percent. Smh
US stores can price tag their items with the tax already included, they already know how much tax they're supposed to collect. They choose not to do it as that's easier for them and there's really no incentive, increasing the sticker price with the tax already included may influence customer spending.
Many places actually use coasters here in the U.S. Also, more often than not, places that serve coffee in paper or styrofoam cups are places that primarily serve the coffee to go. The larger sizes are for people that usually drink more than a single cup. Which if the coffee is to go, you cannot have a second cup unless you get it before you leave. You generally don’t see a person drinking a 20 oz. coffee where they can get refills.
Just cause they bring the check or bill doesn't mean they want to get rid of you, if you want more food or drink just ask the server and they will add that on to the bill and bring you what ever you want extra whether that is a dessert or whatever.
about the water.. what i heard is that the courts ruled that all restaurants have to provide drinking water. that they can not charge someone for water since you must have it to live. kinda the same for bathrooms since i have never been to a place and been told i can not use theirs.
Tips are definitely a part of why you might get good service, but good service in general is a major part of American culture. It's a common misconception among foreigners that it's the *only* reason why you get service with a smile. Doesn't matter if you get tips. Hell, it doesn't even matter if you work at a restaurant. I work in an online customer service job in which the guest never even sees my face, and I'm expected to act the same way a waitress might. Car dealerships have greeters at the front doors. When you're shopping for clothes, the employees might annoy you with how much they follow you around asking if you need help. Good service is an integral part of American culture, tips or not.
Sorry but for me as European it's still seems it's all made for tips. If service is good, there is no way to don't give a tip. But if I refuse, people won't understand at all, because they are expencting from customer to give it. Working in restaurant isn't so profitable for workers so tipping is really a big part of salary. But it's only my opinion because of my thought about US.
They need their tips but they're friendly even in spite of the tips. If You go to fast food restaurant (they don't get tipped) most people at the fast food restaurant are friendly.
And what do you mean by that? The customer always pays the final price regardless of the amount of VAT. Quoting a tax-free price to the end consumer is the same scam as selling 2x6 lumber.
I don't think most Americans would react that negatively to being offered more beer. We are used to being offered free refills on beverages like coffee, iced tea, water, and soda. As long as there was a prior understanding that the beer wasn't free, I see no reason why the reviewer would have reacted so negatively. I think they were trying to act 'European', since Europeans seem flummoxed by the concept of free refills. I don't understand why he's complaining about being offered more choices in regards to beer or food customization. More options are a good thing. Choosing how you want your burger or steak cooked is really not that complicated; you can order rare, medium rare, medium well, or well done. Bad customer service is unacceptable. When you go to a bar or a restaurant, you're paying for a service. Just because Europeans put up with bad customer service, that doesn't mean that Americans who work in the service industry are being "fake" for being polite to their customers. They don't rely on the tips for their salary; we have minimum wage laws and employers are required to make up the difference. You don't always get the bill at a table. It depends. Sometimes if it's busy and it looks like you're almost finished with your food, you might get the bill. Oftentimes, you have to ask for it. 15:02 I don't know what this guy is talking about. We have coasters, sauce cups, and we have bottled ketchup. He sounds like an environmentalist nut. So in order for coffee to be considered coffee, it has to be served in a tiny, ceramic cup? The only complaint he was right about was the gap in the stall doors. That is a mystery even to us Americans. I don't get why Europeans keep comparing the USA; which is one country, to an entire continent. I rarely if ever see such comparisons between Europe and Australia (which is both a country and a continent) or Canada (which spans almost the same length as the US across the North American continent).
Please stop saying the only or main reason you get friendly/good service in America, is because of tips. Not true, most people here are genuinely nice and want you to enjoy your time spent in the best way possible.
You guys didn't mention it, but I believe that you have been told that sales tax rates in the U.S. vary between municipalities. Few retailers want to have an item priced at $1.07 in one location and $1.09 three miles away. There is no national sales tax except on things like gassoline, tobacco and drinkable alcohol. The States each have their own tax rates and exemptions (e.g. my state only taxes food eaten in restaurants and does not tax prescription medications.) Each county and city in each state has its own rate and rules on top of the state.
I live in Phoenix, and I went to a baseball game a few months back and ordered a whiskey sour, the guy asked if I wanted a double I said "sure" not thinking about the cost, I bought 1 for myself and 1 for a friend and the bill was $70 dollars....and I thought the beer was expensive LOL
I find many slight problems with his observations but as he has said it’s just different from their viewpoint. But in my 40 yrs of taking my wife and kids out have never felt rushed out after dinner usually asked if we would like dessert or anything else and if we answer no then left with the bill with “I’ll leave this here for when your ready.”
The coffee stuff is not true. We don’t call that a cup of coffee. We would just call it coffee and it’s served differently. Most coffee places you can order espresso. Most Americans like their coffees sweeter and we like the flavor so it lasts longer. We add water, milk, and flavorings etc. for it to last longer without having 12 cups of coffee. We definitelyyyy do drink cups of coffee but that’s usually at a restaurant or home. If we’re on the go, we like to sip it for a while. We also are a fast paced culture, so we do a lot of on the go. On the service, it’s not just for tips. Some people maybe that’s true but I worked customer service for years and didn’t make tips. I always had a smile and conversation for customers because I loved people and getting to have nice conversations and make someone’s day better and help them. It’s just a cultural thing. We like to be friendly.
As too large public events it is not a place to get smashed (drunk) so they will not offer cheap drinks. It becomes dangerous having blind drunks hanging over fences or rides or harassing others. They allow you to drink but try to encourage a little sobriety based on the event. So go to a pub, bar or tavern if you want to get drunk enough to fight, vomit or crawl home. As to early arrival of the meal ticket it gives the customer a chance to review it but you can stay and add on whatever you like to it. We sometimes find the meal price very high and will not add other items to it. The wait staff will also come to the table and take your money or card to the cashier so you do not have to wait to leave when you are ready. If another acquaintance shows up before you leave just start a new ticket. No problem. These type of subtleties take longer to learn as in any country. People outside the US are always fast to criticize when they have visited for less than a year or two.
European coffee (as well as S. American coffee) is significantly stronger than N. American coffee. which is why we serve it in smaller amounts. As a Brasilian growing up in the states I could never drink American coffee black it has no flavor. I have to add lots of milk and sugar just to make it palpable hence the large cups. But when I drink European or Brasilian coffee I just add some sugar and I am good to go.
I'm not knocking it, I would surely try it given the opportunity. I've heard that before that our coffee isn't that strong. One of my former managers traveled over seas and she called ours hot bean water😂
@@pfcampos7041 if you think you can only get north american coffee in america, you should never ever ever ever ever comment about anything relating to america ever again lol
Beer is cheap in the Czech Republic. It's not going to financially break any tourist. @8:25 is what every American was waiting to hear. We love it!!! In the USA, if you want to order something after waitstaff leaves the bill, they are more than happy to add it and present a new bill. The bill landing on the table is not seen by most Americans as the restaurant trying to force you to leave, rather it's seen as the restaurant not making you wait for your bill if you want to eat and leave quickly. All that said, if you want to see service and hospitality that's more like Europe, come to Miami Beach. The coffee culture, the lingering at restaurants, and the propensity to serve bottled water is far greater than at a typical American city. Of course, you can still ask for tap water, but many more restaurants here expect to serve you bottled water.
We’ll said PF Campos. I’ve never worked as a server in a restaurant but I respect them and the job they do. I have never received a bill at the table that made me felt rushed to leave. In fact, often times I am the one to remind our party that we should probably get going because there are other people waiting to be served a meal. That’s probably one of the biggest differences in USA dining vs other countries. We routinely eat out, often several times a week, sometimes more. We are just having a meal no different than if we were home except we didn’t have to do the cooking or clean up. Other countries don’t have the revolving door of patrons. Many people eat out on special occasions only. They make an event of the meal as it is considered something special.
The coffee thing he told the difference in the video, he said,” Your nice espresso.” Espresso in the US does come in little fancy cups. The US mostly drinks regular coffee not espresso.
This guy doesn't understand drinking coffee in bulk is an ages long tradition in America. Long before Starbucks had ever been thought of lots of blue collar and even white collar workers in America would go to a pot and fill up a big giant thermos with coffee that they would then tote off with them and drink out of all morning. For many of us it never has been about sipping small amounts of coffee in a relaxing way. It has always been about chugging large quantities of it on the go for alot of us since before you were born. It's very much a working mans/womans fuel here. That has long been part of the culture. Lol
I've never been asked in the US for a tip, or how much I want to tip, you also don't have to tip if you don't want to, it's not like a law, and if the service or food is bad you don't tip.
As an American who has worked as a waitress I will say yes we give good service because if we give bad service we are not likely to get a tip. But I will also say that service with a smile is just part of the American culture. At a restaurant, a store, on the bus, at a doctors office, just walking down the street, etc Americans in general will greet others with a smile and some acknowledgement. It is just common courtesy. Friendliness is a part of our culture in general it's not just some ploy to make money. As to comments about waste: We would rather throw out packaging than throw out food. I paid for that food if i can't finish my whole meal I am not gonna throw my money in the garbage. Most food packaging in recyclable. And no one says you have to take the extra napkins, catsup packets, etc. You can always tell them to leave that out or just give them back. As for coasters (i have only seen cardbosrd kinds) they don't last that longand people like to take them as "souveniers" so they still need replacing and they are more espensive and they are still a paper product so it doesn't help "save trees".Also the majority of the time I have gone out to eat, I need to ask for the bill. Sometimes they will give us the bill if we are done eating and are still sitting and talking but they will say you don't have to pay/leave until you are ready. It's a fine line, we don''t like being made to wait for the bill when we are ready to leave but we don't like being rushed either. You kinda have to size up your customer and figure out whether they are likely to be in a hurry and want the bill right away or they would be offended if you rush them.
Yes. We are friendly. But we also kill thousands with guns. Our murder rate belies our amicable ways
🥰😍
The bills are put on the table so we can leave when we want. They will still ask if you want anything else and you can order as much other food as you like, they will continually update the bill as you go along. But when you're ready to leave, you get up and go.
Friendly service isn't just for where you get a tip, it happens in almost any store, movie theater etc. They are looking for return business and no one will go back to a place that is rude. I've worked as a waitress and if anyone chased a customer out the door asking why they didn't leave a big enough tip or left no tip would be fired. I think this may be a coastal big city thing.
You can get a cup of coffee, in a cup in almost any restaurant. You know where you don't find it, at a fast food place or Starbucks, so don't go there to get a cup of coffee.
sorry you got all these spam replies to your comment Beth 😲
WTF is with all the bots.
@Urusovite I know, it's been an issue for a while lately on youtube. Some of them even pass themselves off as the youtube channel owner, claiming that if you contact them on telegram you get a prize.
Nobody is going to refuse to get you more food because “the bill is on the table.”
Literally not a single one
Right they will just print you out another check. It’s not even a pain for them. Like for example my parents sometimes go out to dinner with my aunt and uncle. If they know I’m working and will be over after work to say hi (or get my laundry bc I do t have a washer and dryer) they will always ask me if I want something. I sometimes don’t get back to them right away. They will be sitting there enjoying there Dessert and coffee when I get back to them and the checks already there. They wait staff will always be more then happy to add an order to go in for sure. The reason why mainly. Bc it means they will get a bigger tip.
Usually waiters in the US ask if you want something else like desert before they bring the bill, and I'm sure they'd be more than willing to print out a new one if you decided you did want to buy more stuff after all.
That guy needs a hug.
I’ve never had issues with getting billed in the middle of my meal. Everywhere I go, I’ve had to ask for it. And even then, I’ve never had any issues ordering additional food after my bill came in.
I've had it happen every once in a while. Usually, it's when the place is really busy and the waiter/waitress doesn't want to forget to give it to you. If you want to add more, they'll gladly get it for you and give you a new, updated bill.
And when they do bring it, you can ask for dessert. They aren't gonna say "No! Leave!"
I feel like the reason the beer is so expensive at sporting events and amusement parks is because it's to keep people from getting sloshed.
Mostly to maximize profit from a captive audience. The beer sellers have determined that that’s the price where they’ll make the most money from beer sales. It’s higher than outside the park because your other options are to wait or leave.
Just because the bills on the table doesn't mean you cant get dessert. Just think of it as a "this is your tab so far" informational bill. They add on to the bill all the time. It's normal.
The thing about the bill being dropped on the table without warning: I have never been to a restaurant where the servers have not asked if we wanted dessert or anything to go. Never.
This guy is being extremely dramatic.
I actually have a strategy where I ask for the bill if or when the waiter comes by my table when I'm almost done with my food. Sometimes I have to wave the waiters over. Many waiters disappear after you get your food.
Not a single sit down restaurant is throwing ketchup packets at you…
Yeah only fast food does that. You can see Sonic on one of the packets he shows.
The US is 50 different and individual states with their own governments, counties and cities that can set the sales tax rates. The feds cannot set the sales tax for the states.
The same applies to Europe (Different Taxes, Laws ...). VAT taxes are paid where they arise and paid from there to the tax office. If there is no VAT in my state, I can't say I don't pay VAT in another state, right? It's just a marketing thing.
If you go to a sit down restaurant, say for breakfast, you can expect your coffee to be brought out in a ceramic cup...with constant free refills...also called "getting a warmer". Now, if I want a coffee on the go, it better come in a take away cup with a good fitting lid with a sip hole in it. I remember being in Europe at a cafe' (in the '90's), and was shocked and totally bummed when they said I couldn't get coffee in a to go cup "like in America" upon which I stated "pleeeaasse...are you sure?!?!"...none doing...left coffee-less, and totally bummed!!
I'm glad we have such an abundance of options. Sucks to be that guy.
the tip isn't the only motivation for waiters and waitresses to be nice. yes it might make you think twice before showing up with a frown or being rude but some people are genuinely friendly and at the very least aren't jerks. the standard of friendly service extends to just about every customer-facing workplace. a lot of people are just nice, I say this because I've seen too many people casually affirm this idea that Americans are fake. friendliness is good business but in life or in business a friendly face can make a world of difference.
tbc I know the comment wasn't malicious.
I was a waitress in a bar environment here in the US. The standard rule was unless the customer specifically stated to keep the drinks coming, then you waited until another round was requested.
Different is just different. Not bad, just different
Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve never gotten the bill until our server asked if we would like anything else.
We absolutely have coasters everywhere in the U.S. I think this guy hasn't been to the U.S. since he was 6. He got quit a few things wrong about his differences.
A lot of places use napkins because it's cheaper in the long run. Coasters get stolen and get worn down over time. Napkins are insanely cheap when bought in bulk.
Lol no he didn't. Everything he said is on point.
@@Pcbdude82 Again, yes he did. Dont care about your false opinion! "LOL"
americans on other channels tend to overwhelmingly confirm the napkin thing
he travels a lot.. he even had a TED talk in U.S. about his Honest Guide channel.. so I would take a wild guess that maybe he visited more states in U.S. than avarege american... but yeah I get your point.. some stuff he was saying about CZ even I would not agree.. service is fine overall, people will smile at you and if service is grumpy you just simply don't leave a tip
The wait staff will amend the bill if you want to add something. Also, most waiters will ask if you want the check.
It’s interesting on the coffee because it’s true in most chain coffee places, they don’t use ceramic cups. But if you go to a more local place where the emphasis is on sitting down and enjoying your coffee, then you may see ceramics. Although there are fewer and fewer of those places it seems.
There seems to be more and more of the sit down "third wave coffee" shops where I am. But at the same time, there's also more Starbucks and other chains.
Coffee in a plastic cup is usually because it’s carry out, your not getting a ceramic cup in a carry out shop but will get that in a sit down restaurant. Bathrooms differ from place to place in America, some restaurants bar’s may have many or one “free to use”.
Most parks makes alcoholic drinks more expensive because the park wants to prevent drunken accidents or kids getting hurt from drunk adults. So unless your a desperate alcoholic that $15 beer will probably be your only beer.
It’s probably also more expensive for them to have a liquor license.
IDK guys. I seriously gotta wonder what part(s) of the US he's visited 🤔.
Tips aside, it's the waitstaff responsibility to ensure that customers have a good experience at the establishment. You want customers to return and possibly leave a good review.
There is a few reasons that the check gets left on the table early.
I for one get frustrated when we've finished our meal, and ready to leave. However, our waitstaff is now in the middle of taking orders for a party of 20 people. So you'd have to wait.
Also, sometimes it may be time for your waitstaff to change shifts. So the one leaving has to ensure you get your check.
Also, people just seem to be in a hurry. Perhaps they have tickets to an event. Or gotta get kiddos somewhere.
You can always order something else, they will just update your bill.
Also, on the waitstaff side of things. It can help to rotate the tables in your assigned area. Which can increase the opportunity to earn more Tips. Also, some restaurants have quite the line of customers wanting to get a table.
One reason for the high cost is it helps keeps people from getting drunk. And the tax thing, it's because taxes are different from place to place.
Sorry but people always find the way how to do something banned or limited. Remember alcohol prohibition? In US it took years. In the Czech Republic? One year :D
Beeselys, this video is just another reason you should get “lost” on a road trip in the US and not stick too long in typical tourist areas. New York or tourist areas are night and day prices from local places. Also if there is something simply not done the way you expect, typically the server will return it and make it the way you want, and that goes for cheaper places. I’d bring a flask in with me to Universal!
11:35 I'd say it's more common to have to ask for a check, and plenty of times they will ask if you want dessert. Even when they do plop a check in front of me (I'm usually eating alone), it's almost never crowded enough where they don't also tell me to take my time.
I agree, he's interpreting it incorrectly. Giving you the check doesn't mean you're supposed to leave at that moment. It's making it easier, so you don't have to flag them down later and ask for a check. 🙂
Plus, he takes his coffee like a woman, in a tiny cup with sugar and other girly crap.
A real man takes a 12 oz cup (340 mL) with no cream or sugar or piss or whatever.
I take my coffee like I take my women: short, dark, strong and hot. 🙂
The reason sports arenas, amusement parks, and so on charge so much for a beer is often to discourage people from drinking too many and injuring themselves (or others), turning combative, becoming loud and argumentative, etc. Especially at the smaller kinds of amusement parks that cater more to small children, a bored parent might very well spend their time wishing they were at the pub instead.
The only time I've ever gotten a bill before asking was during lunch rush, when most people want to eat, pay, and go so they aren't late getting back to work. I've seen several restaurants boast that they'll seat you, serve you, and bring your bill in 15 min. as a courtesy for busy people on their lunch break. But that might just be a thing in like business districts or something.
IN THE US... If you go to a nice dine in restaurant and order coffee, it'll come in a glass cup. ONLY if you ask for to go will it be in a disposable container. Fast food will always be in a disposable container.
I am almost 100% sure that gov regulation on bathroom construction and paying sales tax do not fall under the definition of culture, but indeed, under gov regulation. and no coffee culture is not changing, it is not a culture choice to decide between sitting at a restaurant vs grabbing a cup on the way to work. People here do both, dictated by time not by culture.
A funny thing about the straws that Tom Macdonald has said about packaging is "no more plastic straws wrapped in paper, but paper straws wrapped in plastic" the irony
The bill is on the table in case you would like to leave quickly. You are more than welcome to add onto it. This also doesn’t happen everywhere but mostly at bars and diner type places
Such videos often mention the "tax is not included in the price" complaint. One factor might be Americans' historical antipathy toward government. The business owner says "THIS (the price) is what I get; the government gets the tax." It creates a separation of the price in the customer's mind.
We do use coasters in the US. Some bars ,especially of the dive variety, will use napkins because the overhead cost of the napkin is cheaper than coasters.
In my experience with waiters and waitresses, being friendly to earn a bigger tip, and just being friendly to be friendly are not mutually exclusive . I mean sure, the tip is on their mind, but I don’t think it’s as cynical as you think.
I have never in my life been to a McDonalds and they asked me how I want my meat cooked.
Yeah I dont think the know how to cook it any other way lol.
Also many people in the US have softened well water and a reverse osmosis filter at home build into the system. So if the place you are eating at is just using unfiltered tap water, you can taste it.
Get rid of plastic straws wrapped in paper for paper straws wrapped in plastic
The reason Amazon sends a massive box for small items is it standardizes the packing of planes and trucks, if there’s only a certain amount of box sizes then an employee can quickly do the necessary Tetris to pack the truck full but with more sizes it’ll take longer
We like options which America gives.
You can go to any sit down restaurant and cafe and get a ceramic cup and regular coffee, lolol.
In America we like to not trust out government. If we included taxes in the total, we'd have no idea how much uncle Sam is taking. By leaving it separate, we can get pissed off every time we buy something. As far as the price of beer at an amusement park or stadium, it's not a profit thing, they just don't want you drinking too much. I guarantee you'll probably not be slamming down $15 beers.
Except that the sales taxes that you pay aren’t for “Uncle Sam”!😂. Sales taxes are state and local. So get pissed off at your state legislature or local city council.
I agree. We like to know when we're being overcharged or taxed. I can't imagine the local, state or federal government ever taxing me without telling me. lol
Don't imagine they want you to not drink too many beers. Gastro is not a charity but an ordinary business. Like anywhere else in the world. They just want to skin you for profit.
Bills can be amended easily if you want to order more food. It’s just convenience to have it there ready to go whenever you want to leave. Thus you do not have to wait or find a waiter.
Which leads to using of more ink and paper and also another time to create new bill, sorry but it's contraproductive from the perspective of European :)
The stalls in the bathroom are more hygienic, the thought being air can circulate better, makes it easier to clean the floor (sweep/mop), employees can easily see if the bathroom needs cleaning in a glance, etc....
When I was in London and Scotland, I founf they were very friendly and LOVED the American tips. Lol
I think he only went to fast food places when he says restaurants. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a restaurant in the US and got given ketchup packages, it was all bottled. The cups were ceramic for the coffee when you go to an actual sit down coffee shop that isn’t a fast food style coffee place like Starbucks.
As a Czech I think it's a little bit exaggeration. Fast food and restaurants are very different in Czechia also.
@@Runemonk I agree. Although I guess being here in the US there is a fast food place every couple of kilometers so it was probably a convenience thing. Still, it’s not good to generalize if he hasn’t been to a real restaurant here.
How are fast food places in Czechia? Which would be the most popular place there? In California specifically, (since different states are very different) it’s In-N-Out Burgers. :)
Effort does come from earning a tip however it is polite to be friendly and NOT polite to be unfriendly. Some Americans will simply get up and walk out should a waiter or waitress be rude. The bill is given early as there are many tables per staff so at busy times specifically staff will bring the bill. It is usually in a folder so prices are not displayed for onlookers to see. Staring at someone should be greeted with a smile and vice versa otherwise you will appear weird and possibly dangerous. Restaurants, Diners and bars do use coasters. Asking for condiments is normal and it is usual to give several and not be stingy.
I go out to eat quite often here in the U.S. and I can say it's rare that a server hands me the bill half way through the meal. I usually have to ask. So that was not entirely true.
One thing about the Beer at Universal: You'll notice that it said "Duff", so the point is that they're also selling the NOVELTY of it being "The beer from the Simpsons", so that's why they can get away with charging more, and the demand ain't gonna shrink enough to charge less unless the word of mouth is THAT awful.
He's wrong about the bill. They wait until your finished and ask if you want dessert. Also, it's been explained why we can't have the tax in the price in the US. I like the way our servers are nice, it's not all for tips.
Tipping in the US at restaurants is 15% to 20%, not 10% to 15%. Tipping beers is normally $1 per beer. If the bill comes to your table and you want more food or drink, you can order more. One important note on tipping is that the tip of 18% will automatically be added to the bill/check if there is a group of 5 people or more.
Visiting restaurants in other countries is always stressfull for a Czech person, it's so different even in close countries like Poland. Europe is very americanised now, countries like Poland, Baltics, Croatia and other are almost fully americanised, they put bill in front of you after you had one beer and you pay to some weird book which is just bizare for us. In Portugal, their speciallity is to take your money and just walk away, so you don't know if they return with change or not, it's so confusing, why they just can't normally pay to waiter like we do? At least in Austria it was pretty normal for us, but Croatia or Portugal....totaly different and their coffee sizes are shifted like our lungo is their americano, our espresso is their lungo etc.... 😀 And beer....totaly different in other European countries except surrounding countries, they almost everywhere have beer in 0.2 or 0.3L bottles which we don't even consider a beer. 😀
"The bill thing" happened to me in Croatia 2020 for the first time in my life, we had 2 beers and they put bill in front of us for no reason, we have been really confused, we thought that table is reserved for someone else or something, we ralized that it's totaly normal later, you just have bill separately for everything. Another cultural difference between Czech Republic and other countries in Europe is that in many european countries they are so slow! You sit there 10 minutes before waiter ask you what you want and then he doesn't care about you anymore, you have to go to him or give some signal to him. It's totaly different in Czech Republic, when you have empty glass or finish meal, they always take your plate or glass and ask if you want anything else, you finish meal or beer and they are at your table almost immediately. So when Czech visits other countries, it looks so rude in restaurants becuase they just pretend they don't see you, but it's normal there, it's just a cultural difference, but you will at least save money.
exactly...
Service at the DMV and Post Office would be a lot faster and friendlier if the employees relied on tips.
Jesus, I would pay a days wage to get a government official to move their ass or give an intelligent answer at the DMV or Planning Department.
I disagree with what he said about customizing things at restaurants. Usually there will be different burgers on the menu that will have specific ingredients listed. If you just order the burger they will ask you how much you want it cooked but they will just assume you aren’t making any modifications to the normal burger’s toppings, unless you say something
I love Honest Guide channel. I stumbled onto it while doing research on Prague. I plan on leaving the US and moving there. I think I'd prefer the cultural differences there vs here.
Also James. He did a video on why their beer has so much head. It's insrestering
People always seem confused on tax in the US. Every state, county and city adds tax. It can be different just a mile down the road.
You know what's interesting, if all those places switched to adding the tax in in the price tag, you could compare the tax difference easily from place to place. Just a thought, could be wrong idk
@@joshuabutler3598 Not really. The problem is that the tax can (and will) change. It would be pretty expensive to keep changing the prices on the menu.
I like to know when I'm being taxed. I don't like the VAT thing they have in UK where it becomes automatic & the government charges what they want.
We sometimes order water with lemon slices.
This guy is so misinformed . I'm 64 and never been to a restaurant where the waiter did not ask me if I wanted dessert or coffee, then ask if I was ready for the bill . I don't know maybe it's because I live in Florida but we have coffee shops where you can get coffee anyway you want it and tea as well .
If by "he's having a laugh there" Millie meant that he was exaggerating, yes a Starbucks Venti does not hold a gallon. It is twenty ounces, so six of them do not hold a gallon (128 ounces.) It does hold more than half a liter (16.9 oz.)
It's extremely rare that I drink coffee at all, but I do get "triggered" by standard weights and measurements.
I think its just misunderstood here in the states w checks. Personally i like having my check asap. U can then leave when u want. Just because they give u a bill doesn’t mean u have to leave. If busy u may feel more obligated to leave sooner, but in general I actually really like having my bill asap. U can always add more items if u want as well
Part of it with amusement parks/stadiums/whatever and the price of alcohol is also the fact those aren't really places you want drunk people. The cost of beer prices most of the patrons out of being over intoxicated. So the majority of people only get a beer or two if they get beer at all.
The check just being put on the table out of the blue absolutely 100% never happens here. You always need to ask for your check, they’ll never just smash it on the table….
$15 for a beer....I'll never be that thirsty
I’d never go to a tourist trap like that. And I don’t eat or drink at concerts or games either. That’s just ridiculous.
Unless it's at an amusement park or airport. haha
I live in the United states and every place I go to eat they have never brought the bill while I was still eating i normally have to ask for it
It happens a lot at diners, but even there the waitress will ask you if you need anything else before just plopping the bill down on the table.
@@mcsmoothie7052 And many times, at a diner, there is a separate person running a register and so you're not paying your waitress directly. Hey, I grew up in diner culture in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, so that's my experience.
If you want a cheap beer in the US, seek out establishments that have a Happy Hour. It’s usually in the late afternoon/early evening and lasts more than an hour (4-6) to attract the 9-5 workers. I went to a bar this week that had $1 beers and well drinks; the cheapest bourbon I’ve ever had out!
That can vary from state to state......
Here in North Carolina, any drink special has to be offered from open to close...... No "Happy Hour".... but we will have daily Specials "$1 Can Budwieser", "Half Price Margaratia Wednesday" etc......
@@CoastalNomad Here in Ohio, we have daily specials too; it depends on the establishment.
NO ONE in this or any dimension,at this time in space or ever-has been asked in a Mcdonald's, "How Do You want your burger?" EVER .If you have a point to make then make it BUT if you have to make stuff up you might as well wear a sign on your chest saying "I lie frequently." It is also hella weird that this guy is railing about places offering choices and options.Does he REALLY want to live in a policve state that dictates to you what kind of coffee you can get or how you can have your food prepared?? It is starting to sound to me that everyone might be a lot happier if he just stayed home and ,drank a little doll's cup full of coffee .
the "little dolls cup of coffee" gave me such a chuckle lol
I know right? So much misinformation here.
6:00, why don’t we include the taxes in the price on the menu, etc.? Truth in advertising laws. It’s easier to put a “sales tax not included” disclaimer than it is to make sure that each location’s prices are adjusted for different sales taxes on different items.
Where is this guy using the restroom? Most restrooms are adequate and the number of public restrooms in the USA compared to 'free' public toilets in Europe is far greater in the US. In the US there are roadway public facilities, shop facilities for toilet, restaurant public facilities, Park facilities, transportation facilities, etc. and almost all do not charge.
I never understand why people say if you don’t tip you get confronted. That’s simply not true, they did that becuase he was a tourist. No one is forced to tip
And the US uses paper straws
Yeah, I don’t understand why so many people feel some sort of pressure to leave a tip. I typically never tip unless the prices of the food and the service is good. No one has ever said anything to me about it, and if they did I would tell them to leave me alone.
Agree. You don't get arrested or fined if you don't tip. lol Maybe shamed on social media but it's not required unless it's stated that it's included already in the bill. haha
Starbucks is fast food so idk why they would give you ceramic
I feel so attacked 😂 The "cup of coffee" thi g might be nice if I didn't have shit to do like work or kids or errands. Must be nice for him to sit there and not do crap.
There's been only a few times I did not tip at a restaurant. Nobody ran after ne to ask why. That doesn't happen, ever.
Yes, I would think that would be extremely unusual! Also you may have just burned a bridge with a customer. Who’s going to want to go back to a restaurant (assuming the reason for not tipping wasn’t food or service) where someone chased them into the parking lot about a tip?
When I used to be a server he was EXACTLY THE TOURIST I DIDN'T WANT! lol....
Also Millie..they were lucky to get a tip of 2 bucks per person off a 36 per person meal??... not even 10 percent. Smh
US stores can price tag their items with the tax already included, they already know how much tax they're supposed to collect. They choose not to do it as that's easier for them and there's really no incentive, increasing the sticker price with the tax already included may influence customer spending.
So... he went got Duff beer and complains about the price LOLs. It is an attraction price, Simpson beer.
Many places actually use coasters here in the U.S.
Also, more often than not, places that serve coffee in paper or styrofoam cups are places that primarily serve the coffee to go. The larger sizes are for people that usually drink more than a single cup. Which if the coffee is to go, you cannot have a second cup unless you get it before you leave. You generally don’t see a person drinking a 20 oz. coffee where they can get refills.
Just cause they bring the check or bill doesn't mean they want to get rid of you, if you want more food or drink just ask the server and they will add that on to the bill and bring you what ever you want extra whether that is a dessert or whatever.
about the water.. what i heard is that the courts ruled that all restaurants have to provide drinking water. that they can not charge someone for water since you must have it to live. kinda the same for bathrooms since i have never been to a place and been told i can not use theirs.
Tips are definitely a part of why you might get good service, but good service in general is a major part of American culture. It's a common misconception among foreigners that it's the *only* reason why you get service with a smile.
Doesn't matter if you get tips. Hell, it doesn't even matter if you work at a restaurant. I work in an online customer service job in which the guest never even sees my face, and I'm expected to act the same way a waitress might. Car dealerships have greeters at the front doors. When you're shopping for clothes, the employees might annoy you with how much they follow you around asking if you need help. Good service is an integral part of American culture, tips or not.
Sorry but for me as European it's still seems it's all made for tips. If service is good, there is no way to don't give a tip. But if I refuse, people won't understand at all, because they are expencting from customer to give it. Working in restaurant isn't so profitable for workers so tipping is really a big part of salary. But it's only my opinion because of my thought about US.
Beers are expensive at those places because they DON'T want you to get drunk
They need their tips but they're friendly even in spite of the tips. If You go to fast food restaurant (they don't get tipped) most people at the fast food restaurant are friendly.
That first example is odd because US wait staff generally are the ones far more attentive to customers than Europeans.
They don't include tax because we have 50 states and ever state has their tax. Not only that but local cities and counties also have a tax.
And what do you mean by that?
The customer always pays the final price regardless of the amount of VAT.
Quoting a tax-free price to the end consumer is the same scam as selling 2x6 lumber.
I don't think most Americans would react that negatively to being offered more beer. We are used to being offered free refills on beverages like coffee, iced tea, water, and soda. As long as there was a prior understanding that the beer wasn't free, I see no reason why the reviewer would have reacted so negatively. I think they were trying to act 'European', since Europeans seem flummoxed by the concept of free refills.
I don't understand why he's complaining about being offered more choices in regards to beer or food customization. More options are a good thing. Choosing how you want your burger or steak cooked is really not that complicated; you can order rare, medium rare, medium well, or well done.
Bad customer service is unacceptable. When you go to a bar or a restaurant, you're paying for a service. Just because Europeans put up with bad customer service, that doesn't mean that Americans who work in the service industry are being "fake" for being polite to their customers. They don't rely on the tips for their salary; we have minimum wage laws and employers are required to make up the difference. You don't always get the bill at a table. It depends. Sometimes if it's busy and it looks like you're almost finished with your food, you might get the bill. Oftentimes, you have to ask for it.
15:02 I don't know what this guy is talking about. We have coasters, sauce cups, and we have bottled ketchup. He sounds like an environmentalist nut.
So in order for coffee to be considered coffee, it has to be served in a tiny, ceramic cup?
The only complaint he was right about was the gap in the stall doors. That is a mystery even to us Americans.
I don't get why Europeans keep comparing the USA; which is one country, to an entire continent. I rarely if ever see such comparisons between Europe and Australia (which is both a country and a continent) or Canada (which spans almost the same length as the US across the North American continent).
Its always non stop complaining from Europeans when I hear them talking about the US. Living rent free in their heads.
LOL, Universal doesn't have to worry about a bunch of drunk people walking around with those beer prices, do they?
Ive been to 30 states and ive never had anyone just drop a check on the table
Please stop saying the only or main reason you get friendly/good service in America, is because of tips. Not true, most people here are genuinely nice and want you to enjoy your time spent in the best way possible.
You guys didn't mention it, but I believe that you have been told that sales tax rates in the U.S. vary between municipalities. Few retailers want to have an item priced at $1.07 in one location and $1.09 three miles away.
There is no national sales tax except on things like gassoline, tobacco and drinkable alcohol. The States each have their own tax rates and exemptions (e.g. my state only taxes food eaten in restaurants and does not tax prescription medications.) Each county and city in each state has its own rate and rules on top of the state.
So they prefer to lie to the customer about how much the product/service will cost.
I live in Phoenix, and I went to a baseball game a few months back and ordered a whiskey sour, the guy asked if I wanted a double I said "sure" not thinking about the cost, I bought 1 for myself and 1 for a friend and the bill was $70 dollars....and I thought the beer was expensive LOL
I find many slight problems with his observations but as he has said it’s just different from their viewpoint. But in my 40 yrs of taking my wife and kids out have never felt rushed out after dinner usually asked if we would like dessert or anything else and if we answer no then left with the bill with “I’ll leave this here for when your ready.”
He sure has problems with food choices.
The coffee stuff is not true. We don’t call that a cup of coffee. We would just call it coffee and it’s served differently. Most coffee places you can order espresso. Most Americans like their coffees sweeter and we like the flavor so it lasts longer. We add water, milk, and flavorings etc. for it to last longer without having 12 cups of coffee. We definitelyyyy do drink cups of coffee but that’s usually at a restaurant or home. If we’re on the go, we like to sip it for a while. We also are a fast paced culture, so we do a lot of on the go.
On the service, it’s not just for tips. Some people maybe that’s true but I worked customer service for years and didn’t make tips. I always had a smile and conversation for customers because I loved people and getting to have nice conversations and make someone’s day better and help them. It’s just a cultural thing. We like to be friendly.
I still believe cold coffee though either has too much flavor or just average while hot coffee is tough and burns my tongue. Pfft
Yeah he showed an ice coffee.
As too large public events it is not a place to get smashed (drunk) so they will not offer cheap drinks. It becomes dangerous having blind drunks hanging over fences or rides or harassing others. They allow you to drink but try to encourage a little sobriety based on the event. So go to a pub, bar or tavern if you want to get drunk enough to fight, vomit or crawl home.
As to early arrival of the meal ticket it gives the customer a chance to review it but you can stay and add on whatever you like to it. We sometimes find the meal price very high and will not add other items to it. The wait staff will also come to the table and take your money or card to the cashier so you do not have to wait to leave when you are ready. If another acquaintance shows up before you leave just start a new ticket. No problem. These type of subtleties take longer to learn as in any country. People outside the US are always fast to criticize when they have visited for less than a year or two.
That would not be near enough coffee😂
European coffee (as well as S. American coffee) is significantly stronger than N. American coffee. which is why we serve it in smaller amounts. As a Brasilian growing up in the states I could never drink American coffee black it has no flavor. I have to add lots of milk and sugar just to make it palpable hence the large cups. But when I drink European or Brasilian coffee I just add some sugar and I am good to go.
I'm not knocking it, I would surely try it given the opportunity. I've heard that before that our coffee isn't that strong. One of my former managers traveled over seas and she called ours hot bean water😂
@@pfcampos7041 if you think you can only get north american coffee in america, you should never ever ever ever ever comment about anything relating to america ever again lol
Beer is cheap in the Czech Republic. It's not going to financially break any tourist.
@8:25 is what every American was waiting to hear. We love it!!!
In the USA, if you want to order something after waitstaff leaves the bill, they are more than happy to add it and present a new bill. The bill landing on the table is not seen by most Americans as the restaurant trying to force you to leave, rather it's seen as the restaurant not making you wait for your bill if you want to eat and leave quickly.
All that said, if you want to see service and hospitality that's more like Europe, come to Miami Beach. The coffee culture, the lingering at restaurants, and the propensity to serve bottled water is far greater than at a typical American city. Of course, you can still ask for tap water, but many more restaurants here expect to serve you bottled water.
We’ll said PF Campos. I’ve never worked as a server in a restaurant but I respect them and the job they do. I have never received a bill at the table that made me felt rushed to leave. In fact, often times I am the one to remind our party that we should probably get going because there are other people waiting to be served a meal. That’s probably one of the biggest differences in USA dining vs other countries. We routinely eat out, often several times a week, sometimes more. We are just having a meal no different than if we were home except we didn’t have to do the cooking or clean up. Other countries don’t have the revolving door of patrons. Many people eat out on special occasions only. They make an event of the meal as it is considered something special.
Many fast food restaurants have a large ketchup dispensers that you pump into a container
The coffee thing he told the difference in the video, he said,” Your nice espresso.” Espresso in the US does come in little fancy cups. The US mostly drinks regular coffee not espresso.
This guy doesn't understand drinking coffee in bulk is an ages long tradition in America. Long before Starbucks had ever been thought of lots of blue collar and even white collar workers in America would go to a pot and fill up a big giant thermos with coffee that they would then tote off with them and drink out of all morning. For many of us it never has been about sipping small amounts of coffee in a relaxing way. It has always been about chugging large quantities of it on the go for alot of us since before you were born. It's very much a working mans/womans fuel here. That has long been part of the culture. Lol
I've never been asked in the US for a tip, or how much I want to tip, you also don't have to tip if you don't want to, it's not like a law, and if the service or food is bad you don't tip.