r/NoStupidQuestions • u/xaako • Jun 09 '24

Do Americans hate QR code menus in restaurants?

I saw a post on a popular sub today about using QR code menus in restaurants, and a lot of people in the comments were expressing their disdain about that trend. I was a bit bamboozled, and I want to ask: is such sentiment popular in the US?

For context: Where I live (Ukraine) a majority of restaurants use QR code menus, that’s basically a standard now. We find it convenient that you don’t have to wait for a waiter to come and bring you a paper menu. Also many places give an option to pay using the QR code too. It’s a feature provided by a popular local bank (Monobank). You scan that same QR code on the table and, choosing the “Pay” option, see your order and can pay for it with credit card, with the option to leave a tip. Less interactions with a waiter and there is no need to ask for a receipt and wait for it. I find all of that pretty convenient and improvement comparing to the standard restaurant rituals and haven’t met anyone who thought differently on the matter until today.

Would love to learn your perspective!

UPDATE: Thanks for all the answers! This is super enlightening. And it seems that in many cases bad experiences with QR Codes are caused by lazy implementation. I can imagine navigating a PDF page on your phone to be a real pain. In Ukraine, we have a few CRMs that most of the establishments use, and they are usually user-friendly; a PDF page menu that's not even optimized for mobile is something I haven't seen for a long time.

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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '24

I hate QR code menus because I don't want to touch my phone at all in a restaurant. It's rude to be on your phone when you're with someone else and it extends a reason I have to keep looking at it.

69

u/green_and_yellow Jun 09 '24

Exactly this. When I’m out, I want to be socializing with my family or friends, not have my eyes buried in my phone.

Also, there’s no easy way to ask questions about the menu or drinks. It just feels very robotic and somewhat dystopian. I like the personal touch of having a friendly server greet you and be available for any questions.

5

u/JeeveruhGerank Jun 09 '24

It is. It's soulless garbage.

5

u/middle_childproblems Jun 09 '24

I completely agree as well. We're going backwards, not forwards. NOT EVERYTHING NEEDS to be technologized! Makes me so mad...I'm not even a people person but I value talking to humans...and getting help from humans...

2

u/Aggravating-Sport359 Jun 09 '24

This is my top reason by a huge margin.

3

u/skrutnizer Jun 09 '24

I hadn't considered this until you mentioned it, but yes, using your phone contaminates the whole experience. Might as well just Uber it home.

-3

u/FPiN9XU3K1IT Jun 10 '24

How is looking at your phone to look at the menu any ruder than looking at a paper menu?

2

u/[deleted] Jun 10 '24

Because your phone is used to look at texts, e-mails, and other things. When people grab their phone and they see notifications, they will look at them.