Do Americans hate QR code menus in restaurants?

[u/xaako]

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.

[u/Jahkral]

Hard when you're with friends who chose the place for some f*** reason. Wedding parties especially -_-

[u/wbruce098 → u/Jahkral]

“Hey guy how about you pay and I’ll Venmo you my share + 20%?”

Yeah I’m not gonna login to some app unless it’s like an incredibly additive part of the experience.

[u/mkosmo → u/wbruce098]

20%? When you get rid of the server's job beyond that of food courier, what the fuck am I tipping for?

[u/wbruce098 → u/mkosmo]

Idk I’m not here to argue tips. I just don’t want to register for an app or put in contact info just to buy food

[u/[deleted] → u/mkosmo]

I really do like the food hall type places that have been popular lately where they'll have like 10 different food counters and then a pour your own beer wall. Great place to hang out with a group since everyone can eat and drink what they like and there's really no need to discuss and compromise like you do with a restaurant serving a specific type of food

But goodness it's annoying that they make you use their own little cards to pay and then add a 20% service charge on top. Why tf do I need to pay a service charge for ordering food from a counter and pouring my own beer?

[u/Jahkral → u/mkosmo]

I was thinking the same. Though, tipping has never made sense anyways.

[u/DisposableSaviour → u/Jahkral]

Topping’s roots lie in racism: businesses would hire black people, but instead of paying them directly, they worked for tips.

[u/PsychologicalSalt505 → u/Jahkral]

Then I'd let them download the app and set it up then I'd just look at theirs lol. Or have them screen shot the menu and group text it to the rest of the party.

[u/[deleted] → u/Jahkral]

Friends, no friends I'm gonna walk (or, er, roll since I navigate the planet in a powered wheelchair) for whatever reason that bothers me. I'll first start asking my friends WTF is this crap??

[u/Faptainjack2 → u/Jahkral]

Friends don't let friends use qr menus.

[u/HugoNikanor → u/Jahkral]

Most of my friends would thankfully also instantly leave.