“I’ll have the chicken caesar salad and an unsweetened iced tea. And if you ask for my autograph or to take a photo with me, you won’t be getting a tip at all.”
Being a server is stressful enough as it is, but noticing a celebrity seated in your section adds a whole new element of anxiety. Will they be rude? Will I get a great tip if I provide excellent service? Will they ever come back here?
Servers of Reddit have recently been sharing their best, worst and most memorable celebrity customers, so we’ve gathered their juiciest tales down below. Enjoy reading these stories and living vicariously through some of these waiters, and be sure to upvote the experiences you find most amusing!
#1
Did a catering job for Dolly Parton. She is such a lovely woman. She is upbeat so nice and just all-around good person. She’s so tiny. I just loved her. She is nice to everyone. She was promoting reading for children in Washington state.
Image credits: doglover507071956
#2
I’ve waited on Prince and LeBron and Tiger Woods.
LeBron doesn’t tip and was needy. He was a lot younger then though so maybe he’s better now.
Tiger was a good tipper, polite, etc. Just a normal customer type interaction. No entitlement or special treatment needed.
Prince. Prince had bodyguards and I was shocked at how small he was and how he could walk in his platform shoes. His handlers ordered everything for him and he didn’t speak. They ordered way too much food, treating entrees as samplers. He didn’t even make eye contact, until the end that is, when he cocked his head slightly, looked at me with a looking-into-your-soul look and gave a slight head nod. ‘Wassup, I’m Prince and you’re alright.’ Left a massive tip.
Image credits: OG_Tater
#3
I’ve met lots of celebrities, one of the most memorable was comedian Hannibal Buress. He came to the host stand at my restaurant and the hostess said “you look familiar, are you on TV?” And without missing a beat he says ” I was on ‘to catch a predator’ but I’m better now” 🤣🤣🤣
Image credits: Important-Anybody-74
#4
Years ago I worked in a bakery in Aspen Colorado…. typical breads/pastries/doughnuts in the morning, and deli/sandwiches in the afternoon place. Very “local friendly”. One of our counter girls was named Andi. She was a tall mountain-type kid with a sweet disposition.
One morning when Andi was on the register Robert Redford stopped in and asked for ‘A dozen loaves of bread’. Andi was understandably a bit flustered, and answered, “Is that for here, or to go?” Redford was very kind, and clarified for her.
As he walked out the door, Andi fell back against the bread rack and sank to the floor with her face in her hands muttering, “…for here or to go? for here or to go?…”. It took her days to get over it.
Image credits: ConfidentlyLearning
#5
When I was in high school I met Yoko Ono standing in line at a deli in Brooklyn, and had no idea who she was. I’d’ve expected Yoko Ono would have had “people” who did stuff like that for her. We really hit it off in line while we waited for our numbers to be called. She was fun!
She asked where I was going and if I needed a lift. I declined, explaining how I loved walking up Smith St. and people watching. My number was called and as I was picking out my stuff, I heard a worker say, “Miss Ono, welcome— this is an honor!” I realized my new friend was Yoko and I had turned down a ride.
She was awesome—friendly, engaging, humble and kind to me, in spite of our big age difference, and her immense fame.
We said goodbyes and when I walked out of the shop there was a limo with a driver waiting at the curb. “My” ride…. ugh.
Image credits: UpperMacungie
#6
YES!!! Gordon Ramsey came to my work and he was so nice. Literally just the best. I’m not joking, it was for his show uncharted when he came to alaska.
Image credits: Nearby_wonderer
#7
Chris Cornell used to come to my espresso stand up the street from his practice space in the late 90s. Couldn’t have been more of a gentleman. Used to bring his mom and her dogs sometimes. He was a sweet dude.
Image credits: shutthefuckupdonnie_
#8
Gave Kurt Russel a club sandwich. He said, “thank you” and I said, “no, thank you”. He smiled back and was like, “Alright”. In like a happy surfer way. It took everything I had to not chat him up. Escape from New York and the thing are like my favorite movies.
Image credits: Prolificus1
#9
I’ve had multiple celebrities come into my old job, where I was a host, so my encounters with them were generally brief, as I did not serve them.
Drew Barrymore was by far the nicest, most genuine person. I did not even recognize her at first and we were a few moments away from closing the kitchen between lunch and dinner service, so I gave her the whole “you’ll have to place your order quickly but you can stay as long as you’d like” run-down and she was super understanding and kind about it. The server came over after and informed me who I just had sat.
Daniel Radcliffe and his parents were also super nice.
Nicole Kidman was very intimidating, but did not act in any negative way, her presence was just very powerful.
David Byrne frequented our bar and read on his iPad. he was very kind.
Kristen Stewart was very outgoing and talkative. David Schwimmer was quiet. I did not recognize Katie Couric and almost turned her away because of aforementioned closing between service – oops.
Image credits: bringmaeflowers
#10
I worked in Vegas for 5 years and met tons, but honestly the majority of them just wanted to be another guest. With few exceptions, they were all relaxed, polite, kind, and respectful. I treated them like I’d treat any stranger who sat in my section.
Nicolas Cage is the biggest exception. Dude is real weird, but a good tipper at least.
Image credits: pleasantly-dumb
#11
Jerry Springer came into my restaurant by himself after his show. He sat in the back of the restaurant with his face buried in a book (that he was genuinely reading) with his legs crossed. Not a soul noticed him. He was very nice and quiet. Just wanted to be left alone but was not rude about it.
Image credits: Crimetenders
#12
Tommy Chong was in a few months back.
He was the sweetest old man!!! Very nice, polite, and respectful. He offered to take pics with staff as well.
Image credits: Ineedasnackandanap
#13
I work at a board game cafe that also happens to be connected to a very large Magic The Gathering singles selling business. We’ve had Post Malone come in a few times to dine in, and he was super nice to all the staff. Him and his posse booked a private room once, we allowed them to stay way past close to play Commander, and they allowed some of the staff to join them. They pretty much drank us dry of our mead and ate all of our meatballs.
Image credits: mptyv
#14
I randomly met Harrison Ford once in Colorado like ten or so years ago. Literally in line at a Barnes and noble. No one was even looking twice so I fonly asked “Am I crazy or are you Harrison Ford?” He immediately said “Can’t it be both?” And slapped me on the shoulder as he checked out. He went to leave and turned me like in a “pic? Autograph?”type way without saying out and I just said no this was too cool so he just winked and left. I met Elizabeth Olsen 5 years ago at the airport in Atlanta. I had just finished basic so I was out of touch with the world for like 5 months. Had no idea it was her. Flirted and had a great time chatting. My flight boarded and then I saw her in one of the avengers trailers. Like a month or two later.
Image credits: FourLeafArcher
#15
I worked in a green room before. I met Michael Moore. I asked him if he wanted anything to eat. He said “I’m good I already had my cocoa puffs this morning”.
I believe this was around the time Sicko was coming out.
Image credits: 22point3years911
#16
I had T.J. Miller come into my bar when I ran the bar at the best fine dining restaurant at town. Super nice guy, was on a FaceTime with his wife or girlfriend most the meal telling her about the city. He came in an complimented my martini skills and that he appreciates a bartender that stirs a martini. Very generous with all the workers who wanted a brief chat after his meal.
Jonathan Frakes of Star Trek fame came in to the restaurant I work now. I dropped off his drinks and made a brief comment about loving his work, especially his directing on the latest season of Picard, and told him if he needed anything to let me know. He was beyond gracious, and took time to talk to the workers who were fans after his meal as well. He had a few people at the bar send him drinks as well and be personally went over and thanked them and had a quick chat.
Happy to have both my experiences as good ones.
Image credits: neuro_space_explorer
#17
Tracey Ullman, Michael J. Fox, John Carroll Lynch, Frank Langella, Jane Curtin
They were all polite and respectful and their celebrity was ignored, except John Carroll Lynch. As a character actor who probably doesnt get recognized as often, I think he actually appreciated when I complimented his work. Also, he was eating alone, so we chatted a bit.
My old roommate served Obama once during his presidency. He had to be vetted by the secret service and he was the only one allowed to handle his food or drinks.
Image credits: Dermott_54
#18
I live near a mall, and when it got a new flagship store Shirley Jones came to promote th le grand opening and came to stay at the hotel connected to the restaurant I work for. The first night she was frustrated, but once we got her set up with a couple Stolli martinis she was so nice and charming. She signed autographs for the line cooks and other staff, always tipped well, and was pretty normal really.
Also, same job. Jerry Springer came into eat. He was all by himself reading a book so i didnt realize at first who he was. This was also well after his show quit running so he was quite older. I talk to the kitchen and say “this dude looks just like Jerry Springer” so they all start sneaking peaks at him. When i delivered his dinner I just asked flat out if he was Jerry Springer, and he said yes, i said that was cool and left him to eat. He was just a normal guy, tipped well.
Image credits: MacX1423
#19
William Shatner
We offered him one of our private rooms and he declined stating he’d like to dine amongst the people. He then refuses any request at meeting him by both customers and staff. I don’t blame him for not wanting to be interrupted but then take the private room? He was over all very rude.
We have an older server in his 70s that is obsessed with Star Trek. Like wears Star Trek cufflinks and makes constant references. My boss asked Shatner for an autograph for his employee and he refused. My boss then chased down his limo and would not let him leave without an autograph for the coworker. I’m glad he wasn’t there to see his hero treat people so poorly.
Image credits: Flashy_Remove_3830
#20
I served in the airport so I saw a few. Andre 3000 is the only one I waited on. He’s a vegetarian so he ordered mozzarella sticks and the veggie burger. I advised against it but he insisted. At the end he tipped me $40 and told me he should have listened about the burger. It is indeed awful.
Image credits: tetsuo52
#21
I have waited on John Travolta many times over the years sometimes with his family but mostly just him and another person. Super nice guy! Always friendly and happy. Kelly was super nice as well
Image credits: johnpms
#22
I’ve met and served a few, none of the people I met were rude some were off putting but still respectful.
Ron Perlman: he ordered a expensive tequila neat, I brought him the wrong one and was super embarrassed he was nice about it though! He talked to me about different tequilas and all that. He tipped me $100 on $350-360? I was working at 2 restaurants (same style) downtown at the time. He saw me at the other place the next morning working brunch, he recognized me and remembered my name. He said I had worked a lot and one day it would pay off. I then saw him again smoking outside a cigar shop downtown and he offered for me to sit and smoke with him it was his last day in town, I was on the way to work so I couldn’t. That was the last time I saw him 🥲
Micheal Shannon: he wasn’t rude at all but very short and quiet spoken. He was intimidating, always played backgammon and guarded his food while he ate.
Judy Greer: her and her husband were super nice and asked me about myself and said they loved the town we were in. I saw her thrifting a few days later at a local shop which I thought was cute.
Image credits: Fun_Tea_2439
#23
Mark Ruffalos parents live in my teeny tiny hometown in Southern Maine. May 1000 local pop. His mom is an artist.
He visits them on Thanksgiving, etc. The second somebody spots him in town, everybody knows. We all tend to leave him alone, as he’s with his family.
Anyway, I’m standing at the cellphone carrier I work for, I get a text that Dr Banner is at the Red Cup(coffee), heading my way.
I sold him a charger. He was very quiet, shorter than youd think and dressed in chic hobo. Kept the customer copy of the receipt that he didn’t want, brought it to my bfs son. Told him the Hulk came into my store today.
Image credits: MrsMull92
#24
I waited on Dave Matthews. He’s very nice. This was in Charlottesville, VA, where he’s from and unfortunately he was swarmed leaving. But I did everything I could to keep it from happening during his meal. Everyone that asked, I said it wasn’t him. I kinda helicoptered near his table, it was a booth next to the empty bar, so I could keep watch without being a bother to him and his wife. I had to chase off two other people walking up to his table. Tipped 50%.
This didn’t happen to me but multiple friends of mine and I just love the story so much… Danny McBride. This was also in Charlottesville on the downtown mall which is essentially 8 or so blocks of shops and restaurants. Danny hit a *bunch* of restaurants that night. He basically ordered some food, ate, then would go and drink with the kitchen staff and then leave. He did this all the way down the mall, happened to at least three people I know from different restaurants.
Image credits: TheBIFFALLO87
#25
James Mardsen filmed those Mazda alien car commercials right outside my town. He was super nice and him and a small party came to the restaurant I worked at, everyone was in a frenzy but I was just trying to serve and seat people, boss made me ask him if he was gonna want the buffet or menu since I was the hostess but also buffet server, since we closed it at 9 and James came in a 8:56pm. He wouldn’t answer to his name and so I tried to tap his elbow as he was walking and he immediately whipped around and said “please don’t grab me” then kept walking. I don’t think he knew I worked there until I had to follow them to their table. He looked concerned until I explained ” HI! Sorry I’m the hostess and I was just trying to get your attention to ask if you guys were gonna want menus or our buffet? I’m so sorry for tapping you earlier, I was just told to ask” he looked SO relieved when he realized I wasn’t just following him around 🤣🤣🤣🤣 he even took a picture with me before I went home for the night. Super friendly and I will always be embarrassed for him thinking I was a crazy fan 🤣🤣
Image credits: creamcheese_wonton
#26
From personal experience , Talib Kweli, Quest Love, and Dave Chappelle are all very polite and good tippers. Michelle Wolf and Michael Moore are a little aloof and pretty typical as customers. I work in a small town frequented by celebrities, so a lot of my fellow industry employees have waited on celebrities. One of my coworkers waited on Hannibal Buress and he was friendly but so high he accidentally walked out on his tab. Apparently Bill Burr is very polite and a good tipper. Chris Rock wouldn’t talk to his server and communicated through other people in his party. Pete Davidson slept with his bar tender. Louis CK ordered the same breakfast every time he went to the breakfast place and was quiet. Sarah Silverman was super laid back and wearing pajamas.
Basically, except for Chris Rock, every celebrity I have heard of going to a restaurant in this town has acted anywhere from totally normal to better than average as a customer.
Image credits: samalosaurus
#27
Back in the day, Cameron Diaz lived near me. I would run into her at Starbucks regularly. She was as chill as normal as anyone else.
#28
I’m not a server, but the two celebs I’ve met were both in restaurants. I met Michael Stipe at a Pizza Hut in 1997 waiting on his to-go order. He was super nice, and chatted me up quite a bit. He asked me directions back to Athens, GA, where I was a student at the time. I also met Kenny Rogers at Chili’s in Athens in 1998. He was also very nice, and his speaking voice sounded so excellent: just like his singing voice. I was very star-struck. He signed an autograph on a Chili’s coaster for me, and we talked about Michael Jackson, of all things.
#29
Hunter Schafer from Euphoria comes to my sushi restaurant when she’s in Raleigh! Last time I served her, she brought her family in and they were all super polite, tipped well, and ordered all our best nigiri! She and Dominic Fike even took pictures with one of our servers. Makes me feel good about knowing they’re good people irl too
Image credits: SadAttorney8035
#30
I’ve had a few when I was a bartender / server back in the day.
* Kat Von D was super sweet and a good tipper.
* Natasha Lyonne, also very nice. I didn’t wait on her that night, but I chatted with her for a sec when I was bartending and she stopped on her way to the bathroom to ask a quick question.
* Fred Armisen is nice, but (as many people say) it seems like it’s a weird fake persona. Like something just isn’t right behind the eyes.
* Peter Buck from REM used to come into a restaurant I worked a few times a week. Nice guy. Would hang out for a while and tipped decently.
Image credits: Upset-Leek2600
#31
I work at a pro sports stadium so they come frequently. George strait and James harden are incredibly generous.
Image credits: Zezimalives
#32
I worked at a boutique hotel where a lot of celebs stayed and dined. I’ve waited on dozens of celebs, it was a different one or two every week. A few; Margot Robbie – about three yrs ago., I’m old and had no idea who she was. My table did and we’re asking if that was “her”. I assured them whoever they thought was, she wasn’t. I was wrong.she was very pleasant liked Moscow Mules. Julia Roberts was nice, almost didn’t recognize her. She was dressed like a plain Jane. Tom Hanks was extremely nice, took a photo with us that we shouldn’t have asked for but my buddy didn’t get the memo and I went along. A bunch more but I’d bore you, it’s what I do! Dana Carvey, Martin Short, Chris Rock, Will Ferrel, Gavin Newsome and Kimberly Guillfoyle at the end of their marriage multiple times, Diane Keaton, U2, Jane Fonda okay that’s enough for now.
Image credits: the68upvoter
#33
I’ve met a bunch but this guy takes the cake.
Colin Farrell, Saturday night at Hooters in Miami. We were SLAMMED, he picked out one of the waitresses and proceeded to make out with her in the kitchen.
We were like WTFFFFF
Image credits: cocomimi3
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