Daron Cardoza, known as the “Bitchy Waiter,” recently recalled a particularly awful experience he had as a server. At Houlihan’s on West 49th Street, a group of rude women left just a penny as a tip. “I actually fished the penny out of my glass and tracked them down outside,” Cardoza shared. When confronted, he threw the penny at one of the women, which, surprisingly, made him a bit of a local legend at the restaurant.
Originally from Victoria, Texas, Cardoza moved to New York in 1993, aiming to become an actor. He worked in various restaurants, with his first job at Pizzeria Uno near South Street Seaport, where he humorously noted the clientele, which included tourists and, well, lots of rats.
Interestingly, the inspiration for his “Bitchy Waiter” blog came after dealing with an entitled customer at a now-closed diner called Vinl, who left behind dirty diapers on a plate. It was a conflict with celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten that led to his firing from ABC Kitchen after he shared unflattering details about the restaurant without revealing his identity.
Cardoza’s blog became a platform for sharing crazy stories from servers across the country, along with tips on dining behavior. For example, he cautions against public displays of affection at the table; he recalls a couple making out while eating steak—definitely not his idea of dining etiquette.
One of his more memorable encounters was serving pop star Katy Perry at ABC Kitchen. Perry asked if she could swap her fries for mashed potatoes, leading to a humorous exchange about restaurant policies.
Currently, Cardoza is working on a film titled “We’re So Dead,” which was primarily funded by his fans. It’s a comedy-horror set in a restaurant on Christmas Eve where unruly customers wreak havoc on the staff. His friend Ken McLaughlin wrote the script, adding a personal touch to the project.
In Cardoza’s words, “The title fits because, well, it starts slow and ends with everybody literally dead,” capturing both the humor and horror of the restaurant experience.
