22 Restaurant Dishes You Should Skip
Dining out can be a delightful experience, but sometimes menu items promise more than they deliver. Here’s a guide to 22 dishes you might want to think twice about ordering.
1. The Sad “House Salad”
The house salad often lurks at the bottom of the menu, a safe choice for many. However, it’s typically a lackluster mix of limp greens and tired vegetables. The dressing is often the only element trying to add flavor, but it rarely succeeds.
This salad is more of a cry for help than a culinary delight. It often feels like an afterthought, slapped together just to fill a menu gap. While some house salads can surprise, many fall short, leaving diners underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
2. Plain Grilled Chicken Breast with Steamed Veggies
This dish screams indecision, often chosen by those unsure of what to order. While it might seem like a healthy option, it’s usually devoid of taste and creativity.
The chicken is often dry, and the vegetables are over-steamed, losing their vibrant colors and crunch. Opting for this dish can lead to a meal that feels more like a chore than a pleasure. Restaurants often have better, equally healthy options that pack more flavor and satisfaction.
3. Overloaded Nachos
Nachos piled high with toppings may look tempting, but beneath the surface lies disappointment. The top layer offers a crispy, cheesy delight, but as you dig deeper, a soggy mess awaits.
Ingredients like sour cream and salsa contribute to the moisture, turning the crunch into a mushy texture. The uneven distribution of toppings often leaves half the dish unappealing. While they may be great for sharing, overloaded nachos often overpromise and underdeliver.
4. Anything “Truffle” That’s Actually Truffle Oil
Truffle oil can be misleading, offering a chemically induced aroma rather than the earthy complexity of real truffles. Many dishes leverage this scent to elevate their status, but often fall flat in taste.
The overpowering, synthetic fragrance can mask other flavors, making the meal one-dimensional. If you’re expecting genuine truffle richness, you might leave disappointed. Opt for dishes with fresh truffles or skip the menu item altogether.
5. “Wagyu” Burgers or Sliders with Zero Details
True Wagyu is a luxurious experience, but many restaurants use the term loosely. Without specifics about the cut or source, such labels can be misleading.
Often, the beef lacks the marbling and flavor characteristic of authentic Wagyu. The price tag may be higher, but the experience often doesn’t match. If the menu doesn’t provide details, it’s wise to question the authenticity before you buy into the hype.
6. Lobster Mac and Cheese
Lobster mac and cheese sounds decadent but often disappoints. The allure of lobster can be overshadowed by a heavy, creamy cheese sauce that masks the seafood’s delicate flavor.
The lobster portion is typically small, leaving diners searching for pieces in a sea of pasta. The price for a few morsels of lobster might not justify the expense, especially when the taste is lost in a rich, cheesy mix.
7. Fish Tacos at Places That Don’t Do Seafood
Ordering fish tacos at a spot not known for seafood can be a gamble. The fish might lack freshness, leading to an unappetizing experience.
The accompaniments can be bland or poorly paired, failing to enhance the main component. Without the expertise of handling seafood, the tacos may fall flat. It’s often better to save fish dishes for establishments that specialize in them.
8. Sushi at a Non-Sushi Restaurant
Sushi from a menu dominated by burgers and pasta should raise eyebrows. The dedication needed for quality sushi often isn’t present in such establishments.
Freshness is key in sushi, but here, it may be compromised. The rice, fish, and presentation might lack the finesse found in dedicated sushi spots. If sushi isn’t the restaurant’s focus, the quality might be a roll of the dice.
9. Dry Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers often promise a healthy twist but can result in a dry, flavorless patty. Without the fat content of beef, they need extra care and seasoning to shine.
In many restaurants, they arrive overcooked and underwhelming. The limited flavor is made worse when paired with uninspired toppings. If the restaurant doesn’t specialize in creative burgers, the turkey option might be better left unordered.
10. Fettuccine Alfredo at a Random Chain
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic, but at chain restaurants, it often turns into a heavy, one-note dish. The sauce might be overly thick, drowning out any subtlety from the pasta.
The creaminess can become cloying after a few bites, leaving diners feeling weighed down. When craving pasta, exploring other options on the menu could lead to a more satisfying meal.
11. Carbonara Made with Cream
Authentic carbonara relies on eggs and cheese for its silky texture, but many places take shortcuts with cream. This change alters the dish’s essence, turning it into something else entirely.
The richness of the original recipe is often subdued by the addition of cream. For true carbonara magic, seek places that respect the traditional preparation. Otherwise, the dish might feel like a creamy compromise.
12. Steak at Places Not Known for Steak
A good steak is a splurge, but ordering it where it’s not the specialty can lead to disappointment. The cooking technique and quality of meat may not meet expectations.
Mediocre steak leaves a bigger void in satisfaction and wallet. Without the right expertise, the steak can become an expensive letdown. It’s often best to save steak cravings for steakhouses that know their cuts and cooking.
13. “Homemade” Desserts That Look Factory-Perfect
Perfectly even layers and uniform shapes in desserts can hint at factory origins. An authentic homemade dessert usually carries unique imperfections, a sign of handcrafting.
These desserts, with their immaculate presentation, might lack the warmth and creativity expected from a homemade treat. Ordering such items could lead to a taste that feels more commercial than comforting.
14. Giant “Social Media” Milkshakes
Milkshakes adorned with candy, cookies, and outrageous toppings make for great photos but often fall short of a satisfying dessert. The drink itself can be overly sweet, sacrificing taste for spectacle.
Once the novelty wears off, you’re left with an overpriced, sugary drink that’s hard to finish. While they capture attention, these milkshakes might not satisfy those seeking a pure and enjoyable milkshake experience.
15. Guacamole That’s Clearly Been Sitting Too Long
Fresh guacamole is a delight, but when it’s been sitting too long, its vibrant flavor fades. Browning and wateriness are signs it’s past its prime.
Instead of creamy and rich, the taste turns bland and uninspiring. When guacamole doesn’t look fresh, it might be wise to skip it. Seek places known for their freshly made guacamole to ensure a tasty experience.
16. Overpriced Charcuterie Boards with Tiny Portions
Charcuterie boards promise luxury, but some places deliver minimal portions for a premium price. When crackers dominate the board, it’s not the indulgence you hoped for.
Tiny slices of cheese and meat leave you craving more, while the bill leaves you wondering where the value went. If quantity and variety are lacking, the charcuterie experience might not be worth the investment.
17. Pasta “Special” That’s Basically Noodles + Oil
Some pasta specials seem more like pantry raids than culinary creativity. Noodles with just oil and little else fail to excite the taste buds.
Without sauce or meaningful ingredients, the dish feels unfinished. At restaurant prices, such simplicity might not justify the cost. When craving pasta, seek dishes with depth and thoughtful preparation.
18. Chicken Caesar Salad with Dry Chicken
A Caesar salad can be a classic choice, but when topped with dry, bland chicken, it loses its appeal. The chicken often seems like an afterthought, lacking moisture and taste.
Instead of enhancing the salad, it detracts from it. For a more satisfying meal, ensure the chicken is well-cooked and complements the dish. Otherwise, the salad may disappoint.
19. Dry Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs should be creamy and fluffy, but at some places, they arrive dry and lifeless. Overcooking robs them of their natural texture and flavor.
This breakfast staple becomes mundane when neglected, leading to a meal that feels more like a chore. For eggs done right, choose establishments renowned for their breakfast offerings.
20. Pancakes at Places That Aren’t Breakfast Spots
Pancakes outside breakfast-centric spots often lack the care and attention they deserve. Without the expertise, they might turn out bland or rubbery.
The flavor can be uninspiring, while the texture disappoints. At a higher price than a dedicated breakfast venue, these pancakes might not live up to expectations. For a true pancake treat, stick to restaurants that prioritize morning meals.
21. “Spicy” Dishes That Are Only Spicy from Raw Jalapeños
Some dishes claim spiciness but rely solely on raw jalapeños for heat. This approach adds fire, but often lacks depth and flavor.
The result is a dish that burns without delighting the palate. True spice should be balanced and integrated, offering more than just a peppery punch. If the heat isn’t harmonized with the dish, it might be better skipped.
22. The Kitchen-Sink Burger with Too Many Toppings
A burger with a mountain of toppings sounds adventurous but can lead to chaos. Excessive add-ons often mask the meat’s flavor, turning the burger into a jumbled mess.
With each bite, ingredients spill and clash, leaving a sense of disorder rather than delight. A well-balanced burger lets its elements shine without overwhelming. Sometimes, less is more when it comes to burger creativity.
