Top 10+ Food Court Etiquette Rules You Should Follow & 10 You Shouldn't

Food Court Manners

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Food courts might be different from restaurants, but that doesn't give you an excuse to act like a caveman and do whatever you want! Eating in public spaces like this comes with its own set of rules everyone should follow. To ensure you're a respectful guest, here are 10 food court etiquette rules to keep in mind the next time you go, and 10 things you shouldn't be doing. 

1. Wipe Down Your Table

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Nobody appreciates having to sit with someone else's dirty leftover mess sprawled across the table. After you've finished your meal, always take a moment to clean up. In fact, many food court stalls provide napkins, so use them! It's a simple, kind act that showcases your respect for sharing public spaces. 

2. Share Seating

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Just because you want to eat alone in the food court doesn't give you the right to hog an entire table just for one. If you notice others desperately looking for somewhere to eat their food, scoot over. You've got tons of room to spare and the table isn't private property. 

3. Return Your Tray

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Although there usually are staff members responsible for keeping the food court clean, it doesn't mean you can't give them a lending hand. Returning your tray at the designated drop-off station takes little to no effort on your part, but can help out the staff a ton. It also helps keep the table open and clean for the next customer. 

4. Be Decisive in Line

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Remember, food courts are considered fast food, so try not to delay the line. If you can't make a quick decision when it's your turn, maybe it's a good idea to step aside instead of contemplating between spicy or mild for ten minutes. We guarantee other customers will appreciate this gesture. 

5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

If you've accidentally made a bigger mess than you can handle on your own, make sure you immediately alert a janitor. When you're dealing with dangerous spills like liquids on the floor, you want to prevent any accidents from happening. The moment it becomes a matter of safety, it's time to take action.

6. Return Whatever You Rearranged

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Came to eat with a big group? While moving tables and chairs to accommodate everyone is okay, make sure you return everything when you're done. That responsibility shouldn't have to fall on other guests' shoulders when they're looking for a table to eat their food.

7. Don't Block Walkways

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Whether you're sitting with a big group or simply have your belongings thrown across a chair, make sure you're not blocking pathways for people to get through. In the worst case scenario, someone could even trip with all their food in hand! Being mindful of others and space is key to being a considerate person. 

8. Dispose of Trash Properly

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Trash bins are always labeled so you know what goes where, so why make things harder and ignore it? Don't dump your burger wrapper in the compost, don't throw your plastic utensils in the recycling, and don't leave your tray randomly where it doesn't belong. It's simple manners.

9. Be Patient With Staff

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

It can get incredibly busy in the food court. From the restaurant workers to the janitors, always show a bit of patience. If they can't help you right away, understand that it's likely because they're occupied. Never be rude to someone just trying to do their job.

10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Sitting at a four-person table with just two people? If someone comes up to you asking for a chair, there's no reason not to give it to them. After all, it's not like it belongs to you! We're sure you can find somewhere else to prop your backpack or shopping bags on. 

1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

No matter how hard you stare, it's important to realize tables don't come with time limits. Hovering won't make people eat faster, you'll just make them feel uncomfortable and come off incredibly rudely. If you don't want it done to you, don't do it to others. 

2. Feel Pressured To Tip

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Would you agree that tipping culture is getting out of hand these days? Because food court stalls don't generally offer service, you shouldn't feel pressured to tip the workers unless you want to. Though most places will all flash a tipping screen as you pay, don't feel ashamed if you click on "no tip."

3. Being Too Loud

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Inside voices only! Whether you're watching a video, listening to music, or talking with a big group, keep in mind you're in a public space with others trying to enjoy a meal too. Don't go overboard and speak too loudly creating a ruckus. You'll definitely catch a few nasty side-eyes if you do so.

4. Saving a Table During a Rush

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Sorry, "dibs" doesn't quite work at the food court. Tables are offered on a first come, first serve basis, especially when it's busy. Unless you're with someone who can hold it down while you order, you're going to have to take your chances just like everybody else.

5. Let Your Children Run Free

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Not just a safety hazard, letting your children run free all around the food court can be very disruptive to other eaters - especially if they're screaming and making noise. As the parent or guardian, it's your responsibility to ensure your children are being respectful of others. 

6. Taking All The Napkins

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Sure, napkin stations are free for people to use and grab as they please, but it doesn't mean you should hog and take everything. Other people will likely need them too, and it'd be wasteful to take so many but use so few, only for most to end up in the trash. It might be cheesy, but sharing really is caring.

7. Arguing Over Table Spots

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

Even if you're hungry and have been looking for a table for several minutes, it's never worth shouting over. If someone else decides to be rude and claim a seat you found, move on. Do you really want hundreds of eyes on you as you become everyone's lunch-time spectacle? 

8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

While you're welcome to eat whatever in the food court, bringing in strong-smelling foods might be a step too far. It's important to remember you're in a public space, and some foods simply don't rub people the right way. Because that durian or stinky tofu you want to enjoy? You might be ruining someone else's lunch.

9. Overstaying Without Eating

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

It's true that food court tables don't come with time limits, but it's simple etiquette to not overstay your welcome. During rush hour when people are trying to find somewhere to sit, if you've long been finished, it's time to move. There are other spots in the mall where you can sit and chat, watch your videos, or do whatever you want.

10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

1. Wipe Down Your Table, 2. Share Seating, 3. Return Your Tray, 4. Be Decisive in Line, 5. Alert Janitors Of Dangerous Spills, 6. Return Whatever You Rearranged, 7. Don't Block Walkways, 8. Dispose of Trash Properly, 9. Be Patient With Staff, 10. Give Up Chairs You Don't Need, 1. Table-Hunting While Someone's Still Eating, 2. Feel Pressured To Tip, 3. Being Too Loud, 4. Saving a Table During a Rush, 5. Let Your Children Run Free, 6. Taking All The Napkins, 7. Arguing Over Table Spots, 8. Bringing in Strong-Smelling Outside Food, 9. Overstaying Without Eating, 10. Ask Before Taking Chairs

While we mentioned unused chairs should be given up freely, it's still important to ask. You should never just swoop in and take away a chair from an occupied table as if it's yours. Ask politely first before coming in all high and mighty. 

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