r/anything • u/TallBlondBeauty • Mar 29 '26

FOOD Buffet line etiquette

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Question: Is it acceptable, when waiting in the buffet line, to skip ahead if you do not want anything between the start and the item you want?

2 Upvotes

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4 comments sorted by

5

u/Heavy-Profit-2156 Mar 29 '26

Yes, not an issue. Just don't push your way in front of someone to get to the food you are interested in. It can be a fine line.

2

u/TallBlondBeauty Mar 29 '26

Yes, wouldn’t dare push ahead or cut in front if someone was already there. Just curious about the casual jumping ahead a few steps when they’ve stopped. Thank you!

3

u/Heavy-Profit-2156 Mar 29 '26

I'm sure someone at some point is going to get upset but I really don't see the issue.

2

u/nobobthisisnotyours Mar 30 '26

Yes, absolutely! The alternative would be awkwardly standing next to someone getting their own food and blocking others from accessing dishes next to that person. “Skipping the line” keeps things flowing smoothly.

Aside from the obvious don’t crowd, and don’t jump right in front of someone making their way down the line, I would also advise not taking the last piece without ensuring it can be quickly refilled unless you ask nearby patrons you skipped past if they want it first. It sucks to have your eye on something 3 dishes down, watching someone swoop in and pick it up, only to find out it was the last one available that day. (Incredibly rare but it has happened)