Dinners From Hell offers true stories about restaurant dining disasters written by diners, servers and chefs.

We've all had those dining experiences when things went dreadfully wrong. Perhaps it was a social blunder, an obnoxious customer, a waiter or waitress with an attitude, a temperamental chef, an embarrassing faux pas, or a food or beverage incident. Find out what others have had to endure by reading stories about dinners gone bad.

Poor Tipper

October 12, 2007 Non-Stories

Hey Dev, My boyfriend is a tightwad. He insists on paying 12% for a tip, regardless of the quality of service. What amount do you think is sufficient? – Jen Dear Jen, Servers have a tough job. They have to keep up with constant demands from multiple tables, deal with the kitchen, bite their tongues […]

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Food Prep Footwork

October 12, 2007 Non-Stories

View a news clip about garlic being crushed by a restaurant employee – with his foot!

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Underwater Dinner Party

September 30, 2007 Non-Stories

In 2007, 500 people set the Guiness world record for the largest underwater formal dinner party. The 3 course meal was served in a swimming pool in Acton, England. More than likely the dinner conversation was kept to a minimum. Hopefully the taste of the wine shown being poured in the video below wasn’t affected […]

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Steak Preparation

September 11, 2007 Non-Stories

Hey Dev, I like my steak prepared medium-well. All too often, however, I receive it overcooked and dry. I hate to go through the trouble of ordering it undercooked and rare. What do you suggest? – Chad Where I live, everything is on the crispy side, if you know what I mean. Personally, I’m a […]

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Hubby Abandoned At The Dinner Table

August 17, 2007 Couples Stories

My wife and I were on vacation in the Caribbean. We were eating in a nice restaurant by the beach, enjoying a leisurely dinner. For reasons I can’t remember, we got into an argument and she ended up leaving the restaurant. Unfortunately, I had left my wallet in my hotel room and therefore had no […]

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Back To The Kitchen…………Again

July 18, 2007 Food & Drink Stories

Recently my friend and I visited a fairly new restaurant based on the recommendation of another friend. She stated that the mussels were the best ever. So we ordered wine, very good by the glass and affordable, and the mussels. We also ordered oysters on the half shell. The waitress said the two choices of […]

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What Fork To Use?

July 11, 2007 Non-Stories

Hey Dev, My partner and I have a disagreement and a bet riding on the outcome. He says etiquette dictates that the fork closest to the plate is the one to use first; I think it’s the one farthest out. What say you? – Jack Dear Jack, You win the bet.  Even in Hell, etiquette […]

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Surly Waiter, Won’t You Be My Valentine?

January 24, 2007 Server Stories

My wife and I were long looking forward to a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant in Tampa. We were promptly seated at a candlelit table that had been reserved for us. As we reviewed the menus, a tuxedo-clad waiter came to our table and asked if we were ready to order. […]

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Malodorous Mussels In Maine

January 16, 2007 Accident & Mishap Stories

My wife, Karen, and I were vacationing in Camden, Maine where we ate at a nearby seafood restaurant. The place was packed, but we were able to get a table. Karen ordered a big bowl of mussels steamed with butter and wine. When the waitress delivered the mussels to our table, we could smell a […]

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Juggling Chef

January 16, 2007 Accident & Mishap Stories

My wife, mother-in-law, and father-in-law ate at one of those Japanese restaurants where the chef prepares food on a grill in front of you. The chef was showing off his juggling skills in front of us and others who were sitting at the table. He’d toss large wooden salt and pepper shakers into the air, […]

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