Some of us don’t think people should have their phones out while eating.  But others think it’s fine to have them out on the table, charging, at a restaurant?

There’s a big new survey out on acceptable and unacceptable behaviors at restaurants . . . and some of the results are surprising.  Here are the highlights, ranked from most- to least-acceptable behaviors.

1.  Asking for a to-go container to take leftovers home.  93% say that’s acceptable, 3% say it’s unacceptable.

 

2.  Sending back a dish that wasn’t made as specified.  84% say that’s acceptable, 7% say it’s not.

 

3.  Taking photos of their food.  75% say it’s acceptable, 13% say it’s not.

 

4.  Asking to be seated before their entire party arrives.  69% say it’s acceptable, 13% say it’s not.

 

5.  Asking for a table near a power outlet to charge their devices.  51% say it’s acceptable, 29% say it’s not.  20% are “not sure.”

 

6.  Taking an “extended period of time” to decide what to order.  48% say it’s acceptable.  34% say it’s not.  (It’s unclear if you get bonus time at places like the Cheesecake Factory, where the menu is a BOOK.)

 

7.  Flirting with the staff.  23% say it’s acceptable.  57% say it’s not.  And 20% “aren’t sure” whether it’s cool to openly flirt with the staff these days.  (???)

 

8.  Bringing outside food or drinks into the restaurant.  14% say it’s acceptable.  71% say it’s not.

 

9.  Snapping their fingers to get the waiter’s attention.  11% say it’s acceptable. 81% say it’s not.

 

10.  Debating menu prices with the staff.  8% say it’s acceptable.  84% say it’s not.

 

11.  Allowing their children to roam freely.  5% say it’s acceptable.  90% say it’s not.  5% are “not sure” if anyone cares that their kids are running around.

 

12.  Saying they won’t pay for a dish they didn’t like . . . but ate.  4% say it’s acceptable.  90% say it’s not.  And 6% are “not sure.”

(YouGov)