First, the man was definitely loud about his dissatisfaction, not just disappointed. But you are right that he’s allowed to complain. Everyone’s allowed to complain. It’s just one of those annoying facts of life — the squeaky wheel gets the grease. He eats an entire plate of food, then complains loudly enough for my date and I to become fascinated, and then he gets 15% off. Also, his complaints were more about the flavors of the dish — and I feel like he should’ve been more considerate of that while reading the menu and choosing an item.

Second, I definitely agree that other cities are “less willing to be treated badly.” We do let people get away with murder in NYC. And I’m maybe more passive than most. But there is something about NY — maybe it’s the ability to choose from 10 different restaurants in one block — that feels like you have to succumb to the gamble. At least, if you’re a native here… I feel like I have to deal with the good days and the bad days… the good food and the bad food. The same way I have to deal with delayed subway trains, crowded sidewalks, and $7 beers… it’s just the deal you make to live in NYC. Just my opinion

It doesn’t sound like the man at the next table was loud about his dissatisfaction, just disappointed. And he had every right to complain although he should have done it before he ate his meal. It’s not like he made a scene, and the server did ask.

I happen to live on the other coast–maybe we are more forgiving than you New Yorkers? Or less willing to be treated badly?

The only time I was in Manhattan I was treated well and the food was awesome everywhere we ate, by the way. But to imply that you have to put up with poor service or poor food just because it’s ***NewYork*** is silly. I wouldn’t put up with it anywhere, New York or any other city from San Francisco to Paris.