There’s a very fine line between making a restaurant presentation memorable and making customers question how they’re supposed to consume their order. A fancy garnish or unusual serving style can be fun, but some chefs seem determined to make getting a simple drink feel like an obstacle course.
That’s why there’s a corner of Reddit dedicated to calling out these questionable serving choices. The We Want Cups subreddit is where people share pictures of drinks served in all sorts of unconventional containers, usually accompanied by one very reasonable request: Can we please have a regular cup?
Pandas, some of these presentations might make you appreciate your ordinary kitchen glasses more than ever. The people behind these serving ideas certainly deserve credit for trying something different. But you might find yourself siding with customers who would rather skip the spectacle and enjoy their drinks. Scroll on and see what we mean!
#1 You Had To Drink Out Of The Bird’s Backside
Image source: Missburr
#2 My Cocktail Came In A Blood Bag
Image source: Stabbymctits
#3 Petri Dish Jello Shot At A Spooky Bar
Image source: yikeslana
Restaurants are always looking for ways to make their customers’ experience a little more memorable. That means experimenting with the menu and getting creative with how food and drinks are presented.
A study found that innovative restaurant experiences could inspire customers and help create dining experiences they remember. After all, when several restaurants offer similar things, having something unusual about your service can help you stand out.
#4 Dollhouse And Monkey Head
Image source: CalmPanda5470
#5 This Creepy Vessel Included A Jelly Brain Garnish
Image source: EnvironmentalCry1962
#6 Life’s A Beach, So Drink Out Of A Shell?
Image source: af-10
Presentation can influence how people perceive what they’re about to eat or drink. Think about it: a beautifully arranged meal looks more appetizing before you’ve even taken your first bite.
In a study, diners were served the same meal arranged in two different ways. They reported enjoying the food more when it was presented more attractively. This helps explain why restaurants put so much thought into the appearance of their orders. Sometimes, a little attention to detail can make an otherwise ordinary meal feel more special.
#7 We Want Cups?
Image source: masticated_musings
#8 We Want Cups?
Image source: Nbednaz16
#9 Jagger, Gdańsk Poland
Image source: padajj
Interestingly, the container itself can influence the drinking experience. Researchers tested how people perceived cola and sparkling water when served in different vessels, including a typical cola glass, a water glass, and a plastic bottle.
In the study, participants rated the cola as more pleasant and intense when served in its usual branded glass. So, while an unusual container might look interesting, there’s something to be said for using the right glass for the right drink!
#10 My Fault For Ordering A Cocktail Called The Plant Pot
Image source: JustTomYo
#11 In A Bag…
Image source: idknemoar
#12 Cocktail I’ve Ordered
Image source: Justolliehere
Another reason restaurants experiment with presentation is that they know people love sharing a good dining experience online. A beautifully arranged meal or an unusual serving idea can make someone reach for their phone before they even take a bite.
Research found that a restaurant’s distinctive design could encourage customers to share photos on Instagram, partly because it created positive feelings.
For businesses, this can be a useful way to get noticed without paying for every bit of advertising. One customer’s photo can introduce an unusual restaurant experience to hundreds of other people.
#13 A Little Awkward To Pick Up
Image source: pickles4prez
#14 Apparently Op Wanted A Plate For The Cocktail
Image source: tyw7
#15 Drink Served In Barrel (Reposted)
Image source: salamipope
A study of more than 1,000 people across four countries explored what makes food and drink experiences memorable while traveling.
The researchers found that people don’t always remember just what they ordered; they may also remember the unusual place or experience that came with it. That could be why some restaurants are willing to experiment with serving ideas that customers might not encounter anywhere else.
#16 “Adult Drink Pouch” Or Milk Bag? You Decide
Image source: IntrovertedBumblebee
#17 A Cocktail In A Flower Pot
Image source: joinmewiththedinosau
#18 Just Found This Sub And I Remembered The Time My Wife Had A Cocktail Where Half Of It Came In A Perfume Atomizer
Image source: Beezneez86
However, being different doesn’t automatically make something a good idea. Some diners enjoy the novelty of an unusual presentation, but others would rather have a straightforward experience without having to figure out how to hold their order.
So, what one person considers a fun dining experience might leave another wondering why their drink couldn’t just arrive in a normal cup!
#19 I’ll Allow It
Image source: alexbgoode84
#20 My Coffee Cup Is Edible
Image source: Stamferd
#21 My Brother Just Sent Me This From His Date. Who Even Made That Weird Banana Thing On The Right?
Image source: Gnomeopolis
That’s why practicality still matters when restaurants come up with unusual serving ideas. A container might look lovely on the table, but can customers hold it comfortably? Can they take a sip without spilling half their order?
These are small details that can make a big difference to the overall experience. A good presentation should enhance the enjoyment of a meal, not turn something as simple as drinking juice into an unexpected balancing act.
#22 Drinks In Measuring Cups
Image source: ehDuh
#23 Cocktail Served In A Conch Shell. I Have No Idea How They’re Able To Clean The Deeper Parts
Image source: hdeocampo
#24 Lovely Cocktails, One In A Treasure Chest/Bejewelled Horn Combo, The Other In A Little Wooden Bowl With A Pine Cone In It
Image source: Grommulox
Hygiene and food safety are important considerations in food presentation. Any unusual container used to serve a beverage needs to be suitable for contact with food and easy to clean properly.
The US Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code recommends that materials used for food-contact surfaces and reusable utensils should be safe, durable, nonabsorbent, and easy to clean.
So restaurants can certainly experiment with their serving styles, but they shouldn’t sacrifice the basics of safe food handling for a photo-worthy presentation.
#25 My Cold Brew Was Served To Me In A Plastic Bag
Image source: KnifeKnut
#26 Chicken Or Fish? Courtesy Of A Local Sushi Restaurant
Image source: potaytotomahto
#27 Drink In A Purse
Image source: FindYourselfACity
At the end of the day, a little creativity can make dining out more exciting, but customers should still be able to enjoy what they’ve ordered without needing a user manual!
Now, Pandas, which of these unusual serving ideas did you find the most ridiculous? Would you happily try any of them, or would you rather stick to your trusty old cups and glasses? Tell us in the comments!
#28 Pepper Coffee In Shanghai… Why?
Image source: OhJohnO
#29 Bro They Outta Cups In NY
Image source: Jackabing
#30 My “Bin Juice”
Image source: lashgirl97
#31 Mojito In A Bowl
Image source: moinepcie
#32 Garbage Can Drink
Image source: PaxadorWolfCastle
#33 Brain Juice
Image source: doggyloggy100
#34 Hot Sake For The Table
Image source: Baconbits1204
#35 Mai Tai
Image source: 0lliebobbie
#36 Not Sure How I Feel About Ducky Drink
Image source: sketchbookbaby
#37 These Can’t Be Pleasant To Drink From, Surely?
Image source: dontTouchMySnack
#38 At Least Beakers Are Good For Pouring
Image source: belbaba
#39 Coffee Cone
Image source: ncamack1988
#40 Pumpkin Spice Season Gone Too Far
Image source: snarklepop
#41 Does She Even Need A Straw?
Image source: FluffyShiny
#42 Who Would Want This?
Image source: szzanti
#43 Cocktail In A Bucket At A Street Kitchen Event
Image source: Jimijack
#44 Taken From A Friend’s Instagram Story: Cocktail In A Tiny Bathtub (Reposted From R/Wewantplates Ive Only Just Heard Of This Sub And I Dont Think The Other Sub Knows About It Much)
Image source: salamipope
#45 Anyone Know What Cup This Is And Where I Can Buy Another?
Image source: BumpBat
#46 My Margarita Is Drunk Driving
Image source: elonder
#47 My Tito’s Lavender Lemonade From Bj’s Brewhouse Takeout
Image source: Icy-Exam-6722
#48 Impromptu Piña Colada In Repurposed Drinkware
Image source: js8082
#49 Late Night Hangout With My Friends And I Ordered Like This (More Volume Than Ordinary Cup / Glass)
Image source: Flimsy_Club3792
#50 Or Cups
Image source: Skadiheim
#51 Shore-Ly Unstable
Image source: whenabouts
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