Having a waitress that is silent doesn’t equate to “rude and snarly” to me. Silence is never rude.
There is nothing I hate more than an overly solicitous waitress, constantly interrupting me while I am trying to read or get some paperwork done at the table. Restaurant staff should be silent and only approach the table when you signal that you need something.
Almost as bad are the other customers that talk loudly enough that you can’t hear yourself think, or clap and hoot at some sporting event on the TV in the bar area. These people are truly rude, showing no consideration for the other patrons.
When a waitress/waiter doesn't make eye contact or acknowledge what you ordered.....comes by and smacks the food on the table and doesn't come back until he/she puts the ticket on your table....constitutes RUDE.
If this were only one occasion...I could dismiss this person as just "having a bad day"....but.. it was pretty much the norm for everywhere we went during our weeklong vacation. (except when one waitress yelled "whaddayawant!!!???" 3 seconds after handing us a menu. *chuckle* I couldn't leave NYC fast enough....not only for this reason...but various other things that happened as well.
clap and hoot at some sporting event on the TV in the bar area
At a sports bar....you pretty much know what you're getting before you go.
Restaurant staff should be silent and only approach the table when you signal that you need something.
If you want impeccable manners by the staff and a quiet atmosphere.....I would suggest a more upperclass establishment that promotes fine dining. Applebee's ain't there yet. :) I just wanted to be treated like something more than a subhuman species.
Regarding restaurants:
The most rude server will interrupt you while you are still looking at the menu, and ask, “Are you ready to order?”
When I am ready to order, I will close my menu, thank you very much. When I receive good service, I am extremely generous with the tip. Don’t servers ‘get it’?
Best restaurant I have ever found, is right in my own kitchen or diningroom. Good food, good service. No tips necessary.