Back in Time Today
Some restaurants are notorious for their bad attitudes, yet customers line up around the block night after night. These establishments have turned rudeness into an art form, creating memorable dining experiences where insults are served alongside the food.
From intentional jabs to old-school gruffness, these 13 American eateries prove that sometimes, terrible service is actually part of the appeal.
1. Dick’s Last Resort (Multiple Locations)
Servers at Dick’s Last Resort aren’t just rude – they’re paid to be downright offensive. Your waiter might toss napkins at your head or mock your outfit while taking your order.
The restaurant’s trademark move? Creating paper hats with embarrassing messages for guests to wear throughout their meal. Despite (or because of) this intentional hostility, Dick’s remains wildly popular for celebrations and bachelor parties.
2. Peter Luger Steak House (Brooklyn, NY)
This century-old Brooklyn institution serves legendary steaks with a side of attitude. The veteran waitstaff – mostly older men in bow ties – treat newcomers with barely concealed impatience and act like you’re privileged just to be seated.
Cash-only policy? Check. No reservations for small parties? You bet. The gruff service style has become as much a part of the experience as the sizzling porterhouse, yet the place maintains its Michelin star and endless waiting list.
3. The Soup Nazi (Inspired by NYC’s Original Soup Kitchen)
Before becoming a Seinfeld legend, Al Yeganeh’s Soup Kitchen International imposed military-grade rules on customers. One misstep in the ordering process could result in the infamous “NO SOUP FOR YOU!” followed by being banished to the back of the line.
Hesitate too long? Banned. Ask too many questions? Banned. The soup was so extraordinary that New Yorkers endured this treatment daily, forming lines in all weather conditions just for a taste of his legendary lobster bisque.
4. The Varsity (Atlanta, GA)
“What’ll ya have?!” barks the counter person at The Varsity before you’ve even had a chance to read the menu. This Atlanta landmark has been rushing customers through orders since 1928.
Employees shout the famous phrase with intimidating urgency, tossing your change on the counter with casual disregard. The pressure to order quickly creates a unique anxiety, yet locals and tourists alike flock to this drive-in for its onion rings and frosted orange drinks.
5. Phillipe The Original (Los Angeles, CA)
Home of the original French dip sandwich, Phillipe’s operates with assembly-line efficiency and minimal patience. Cashiers stare through you until you shout your order, then cut you off mid-sentence with a sharp “NEXT!”
The sawdust-covered floors and communal tables add to the no-frills atmosphere. Regulars know to have their money ready and order decisively – any hesitation earns visible annoyance from both staff and the hungry crowd behind you.
6. Katz’s Delicatessen (NYC, NY)
“You’re holding up the line!” is a phrase you’ll hear even if you just walked in. This iconic NYC deli operates on organized chaos, handing customers tickets like it’s still 1948.
Counter staff slice pastrami with theatrical flair but zero patience for indecision. Drop your ticket? Prepare for public mockery and a hefty lost ticket fee. Yet the mammoth sandwiches keep everyone coming back, including celebrities and tourists willing to brave the intimidating ordering system.
7. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen (Chicago, IL)
Chicago’s legendary Jewish deli has been serving attitude alongside corned beef since 1942. Ask for extra pickles after your server has walked away, and you’ll be met with an exaggerated sigh and eye-roll that could win acting awards.
The cafeteria-style service means rapid-fire decision making or facing the wrath of hungry Chicagoans behind you. Modify your order at your own risk – each special request is treated like you’ve personally insulted the cook’s grandmother.
8. Pink’s Hot Dogs (Los Angeles, CA)
Standing in line at Pink’s feels like a hazing ritual. Staff point to the back of the line with theatrical exasperation: “No, farther. Keep walking.” First-timers face visible judgment when they don’t immediately know which of the 50+ hot dog varieties they want.
Founded in 1939, this LA institution treats its complex ordering system as common knowledge. Despite the attitude and hour-long waits, celebrities and tourists alike endure the experience for their famous chili dogs and bragging rights.
9. Joe’s Stone Crab (Miami, FL)
“We’re out of that. Should’ve come earlier,” you might hear at 6 PM at Joe’s Stone Crab. This Miami Beach institution has operated since 1913 with an air of exclusivity that borders on snobbery.
The no-reservations policy creates multi-hour waits, yet staff act like they’re doing you a favor. Order anything besides their signature stone crabs, and waiters raise eyebrows with theatrical disappointment. The mustard sauce and key lime pie somehow taste better with a side of judgment.
10. Canter’s Deli (Los Angeles, CA)
The waitresses at Canter’s have seen it all since 1957 and simply don’t give a damn anymore. Place your order and you might get a “that’s nice, honey” before they walk away, having written nothing down.
Somehow, they remember everything perfectly. “You done? I got other tables” is their subtle hint to pay up and leave. This 24-hour Jewish deli institution maintains its charm through authenticity – you’re not getting fake smiles, just genuine New York-style efficiency in the heart of LA.
11. The White House Sub Shop (Atlantic City, NJ)
“No, you don’t need extra cheese,” declare the sandwich makers at this Atlantic City landmark, even though you definitely do. Opened in 1946, this tiny sub shop has served everyone from Frank Sinatra to The Beatles, and staff treat tourists accordingly – with mild disdain.
Locals get preferential treatment while out-of-towners receive the signature scoff. The ordering process feels like an interrogation, but the massive Italian subs – packed with meats and served on Atlantic City bread – justify the attitude.
12. Al’s #1 Italian Beef (Chicago, IL)
“Wet or dry? Choose now.” The counter staff at Al’s don’t have time for your indecision about how much gravy should soak your sandwich. Questions about the menu? Expect blank stares or outright ignoring.
This Chicago institution has been serving Italian beef since 1938 with an efficiency that borders on hostility. The tiny standing-room-only space adds to the pressure – eat quickly while awkwardly hunched over to avoid dripping on yourself, or face disapproving looks from both staff and fellow customers.
13. The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint (Ocean Springs, MS)
“You want ribs? Shoulda called ahead.” The staff at this ramshackle Mississippi BBQ joint take perverse pleasure in telling you the best items sold out hours ago. Founded by a character known as “Daddy-O,” The Shed embraces its rough-around-the-edges persona.
Ask for a fork, and employees might actually laugh at you. The proper way to eat here is with your hands, getting sauce everywhere. Despite – or because of – this attitude, barbecue enthusiasts make pilgrimages from across the country to experience the award-winning smoked meats.