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yes, i've noticed this... one time i was still chewing my first bite and was like... "i don't know yet"...

Yes, their timing is way off. I think I know why though. If the restaurant is busy, they don't have the time to come to your table at what would be the ideal time. So, they are likely just going through the motions when they come and check on you 20 seconds after your food arrives. Plus, most places seem to think it's a wonderful idea to have food servers bring you your food instead of waiters, further confusing the whole mess. I don't know about you, but even if my food sucks, I am afraid to complain. I think they will take my food back into the kitchen and give it the "Waiting" treatment (ever see that movie? YUCK).

Yeah, there does seem to be an abundance of over-attentive wait staff out there these days. It's like they're working just a little too hard for that tip. I guess we should be glad they come over the table at all though, since some people just leave you high and dry once you get your food.

The worst for me though is the people who don't even let you have time to look at your menu. The record was this one waitress who walked over before we had even finished sitting down and was asking us if we knew what he wanted.

It was too much, I had to laugh.

Well, I really want my waiter back right away and then again in 10 minutes. It only takes me a minute to figure out that my steak is overdone, or that I need an additional condiment, and I don't want to wait 10 minutes to send my steak back. If everything is good, Great! But I will want a drink refill in about 10 minutes. So, both times are appropriate.

Oh, this you hit on a huge peeve of mine. They do come back WAY too soon - most likely hoping that you haven't even taken a bite yet - after all, you can't complain if you haven't eaten it yet, right?!

But, I'm going to try to find a reason with this....they're hoping that if there is a problem they can get it before you've eaten half a meal that's not to your satisfaction.... (How'd I do?)

I only get that when I'm with my parents, they always have a desert suggestion with them, and always want to have a little chat with my pareants (I have no idea why....). When I go with my friends, I hardly ever get a table let alone have a waiter check on me (teens get no respect at diners/resturants)

i have waitressed and tended bar for many years...i am an easy person to wait on. what i hate is when the server NEVER comes back to check on you! i hate that especially when i have my younger kids, and they need refills or extra napkins. at a few places i waitressed at , the golden rule was check on the customer after ONE MINUTE. i'm just appreciative is someone checks back period!

I've noticed that too. I think they do it because if you really have a complaint you don't get a chance to wolf down half you food before they have to make you a new dinner.

They are just trying to provide you with good service. If they ignored you you would complain. Be happy for the attention. If you don't want them tro come so often just request it politely

Yea, they ask how the food is before you've even taken a bite. Well so far it tastes like air dumbass!

yeah, that bugs me but worse is when they don't bother asking if I want a drink, they just plop down the menu and walk away. How rude!