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Warning: possibly controversial thread

I moved to Seattle Washington in 1988 and then up here to Mount Vernon WA in 1999.

I was in the Navy before that so I've been around a bit.

I've seen such all over but I have notice when I travel that in the Mid-West and Southeast one does seem to get better service in the restaurants and bars over all.

But then it depends on were you go too. Interesting topic though.

Keep it going folks but be civil.
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United States Navy Veteran (83-89)

reply to badkarma
I'm a native to the Northwest, born in Oregon, but raised in Washington. I spent some time in Michigan, Ann Arbor area to be exact and honestly I didn't see much difference in the service. I do have to say that it can get pretty bad, but I have to say I have been around some really great servers. It's more just a hit or miss kinda thing, and unfortunately I have also noticed the good one's usually end up moving up.

But what about on this end of it, looking at it from the server's side. You can run into some really nasty customer's, picky no matter what's done to the food, rude as ever cause they just don't respect, or like, the server cause they see them on the low end of the totem pole, the drunks you may run into that get tiring after a while I'm sure. Just all around rude people, that can drain a person after so long, and perhaps yes they should find a new field to work in, cause it does just come with the territory. I myself, as most people probably have, have had their fair share of public food service and it doesn't matter where you're at the rude people seem to find you. Although they should not take this out on a person that has not been, nor ever has been rude to a server/waitress/waiter, but it can be hard for a person to not take their frustration out on you, try cracking a joke or smiling, if they don't budge from that and start showing you more consideration or better service, then perhaps they are just an unhappy person.

But back to the Northwest seeming to have some of the worst service, I can't unfortunately say for sure on this, as i have lived here all but 8 months of my life (23yrs), but when I was away I saw it wasn't any better now that i look back on it.

But I think this is a great topic and can't wait to read more people's opinions on it.

reply to badkarma
Yes, all true about bad customers. There's no doubt it's not an easy job, and they have to deal with a lot of jerks. And get paid piddly wages as well. I usually tip 15% or more, otherwise these people would starve. (One thing that really bugs me tho, are the "tip jars" at counters--I'm supposed to tip them so I can pick up my own order??)

Still, it just seems like I've noticed more servers with "attitude" since I've been here than I noticed elsewhere. Or others, not necessarily with "attitude", as much as not really caring much whether the order was taken, how long it took to get the food, checkin' up, etc. Or just plain not even acknowledging that you're there for long periods. I don't know how many times I've been sitting in a bar or restaurant, with a server obviously having seen me, and waiting 10-15 minutes for anyone to stop by to acknowledge my existance.

On the flip side, I went to Shari's this morning and the service was pretty good (as for the food, well, its Shari's so...:)).

reply to badkarma
Born and raised in Michigan/Indiana area, have lived in Florida and Hawaii and traveled through 29 states. Been in this area (WA) since 1996 and IMO has some of the poorest service and food I've had so far....sorry!!! The people are poorly trained and/or don't give a damn! This applies to drive-thru and better restaurants! I've worked in "customer service" includes waiting tables for me and even if the some of customers suck the majority don't. If customers get to you or you don't/won't get good training to do the job...find another job... telemarketing or credit collections maybe! We have decided to eat 99% of our meals at home just because of the reasons stated.

I think this state is one of the most beautiful in the U.S of America, Hawaii my personal FAV, but I'm not comfortable with the attitudes here and can't wait till we move again. Southeast, I hope, where the people are sweet and the food is great!

Expected controversial...you got it...apologies to the "caring" people of this state!!!

reply to badkarma
You guys need to stop comparing the service you got in Waffle House to the service you get in a real restuarant. haha LMAO

reply to badkarma
Actually, I can live with bad service in a pancake joint. Its bad service at an expensive restaurant that steams me!

reply to badkarma
Must be all the rain and dark winters. It's much the same here. It seems like up here in Vancouver people are always pissed off and moody.;)
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reply to EagerBeaver8

said by EagerBeaver:

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I'm a native to the Northwest, born in Oregon, but raised in Washington. I spent some time in Michigan, Ann Arbor area to be exact and honestly I didn't see much difference in the service.
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reply to badkarma
I'm originally from Maine, and have lived in Mountain Home, Idaho since '96. Before that, I lived in Boise for a year and in Dugway, UT for a year and 8 months. In all this time, I have found only ONE descent Chineese restaurant in these two states! As far as service in the restaurants go, it varies depending on the restaurant around here...some places I've tipped 25% of the check because the service was soo good. Other places I have left feeling the service was so bad, the waitress owed ME a tip
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"Show me your face, and I'll cure all your ills"

reply to badkarma
Oh my God! My wife and I moved from Chicago to Seattle in 2000 and we thought it was just us. This is too funny. I just had to reply to this thread.

I must say thought that people in Seattle are very nice. Here's a funny story. My first week here I was crossing a street in the middle of the block. When I stepped up to the curb a car stopped. I thought the driver was going to ask me for directions and that this guy is out of luck because I just moved here. Anyway the driver waited and then waved too me to cross the street! LOL! This has happens to me a lot! Now I try to remember to use the crosswalk and stand 5 feet from the curb until traffic clears. I know people have the "right of way" but c'mon! Nice thread.

Your story reminds me of my visit to my dad's place in Weatherford, Oklahoma from the San Francisco Bay Area. He dropped me off at the Walmart to do some last minute Christmas shopping. While I waited 10 minutes outside for him to pick me up, at least a dozen people asked me if I needed a lift somewhere.