When your are used to really good service, the really bad service sticks out all the more. I have been going to a diner in Calumet City ever since I moved into this area nearly 20 years ago. Many of the waitresses have worked there that long or longer. Either the owner or one of his family members is always there. Everything works out fine because everyone there has an investment in it. If nothing else, your waitress might have known you for 20 years, and that counts for something.
The ones that provide bad service either don’t have the proper training, or personality, or attitude for the job. For many, it isn’t “just a job”. It is less than that. Many seem not to want to be there, and don’t have the sense to know that putting some effort into it is literally going to pay off for them.
A few weeks ago we were in a place here in town. Another major service-related fiasco. We also got the manager involved and she also shaved some off the bill. While we were still there I went onto the restaurant’s Facebook page and gave them a one-star review.
I’m the easiest customer in the world to please. Just bring me what I want and be nice about it, and that’s all I ask for. I’ll overlook mistakes because we are all only human. So for me to withhold a tip or make a stink, the experience has to be pretty bad.
Regarding seafood restaurants in your part of the world, have you been to Calumet Fisheries? Definitely worth a long drive from other parts of town. A little rustic for some so they do a big carry out business.