Six scary signs that you’re about to eat at a bad restaurant

When choosing a restaurant, certain warning signs can indicate a less-than-ideal dining experience is about to be had. Here are six signs you might be about to eat at a bad restaurant…

A dirty or unkempt environment

If the entrance, dining area, or restrooms are dirty or poorly maintained, it’s a definite red flag. Cleanliness is crucial in the food industry, and a dirty restaurant suggests poor hygiene practices.

Bad or unusual smells

Unpleasant odours or smells, whether they’re coming from the kitchen or the dining area, can indicate issues with food freshness or cleanliness. A good restaurant should smell inviting and appetizing.

Disinterested or unprofessional staff

Staff who seem indifferent, unprofessional, or poorly trained can signal a poorly managed establishment. Good service is a key component of a positive dining experience.

An empty dining room during peak hours

If a restaurant is nearly empty during times when it should be busy, like during dinner or lunch time on a weekend, it definitely might suggest that others have had bad experiences or the food isn’t good. You should leave!

An extensive menu with too many offerings

A menu with an overwhelming number of options can indicate that the restaurant doesn’t specialize in anything and might not be able to prepare all dishes well. It’s often better when a restaurant focuses on a smaller, well-executed menu.

Visible health code violations

Any visible signs of health code violations, like bugs (think cockroaches!), improperly stored food, or unclean food preparation areas, are major red flags. These issues can pose serious health risks for you as a diner and you should get out of there, fast!