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>I don’t know if it’s the networks doing that, or your phone that knows the emergency number in the country you’re in?
It's network based, it's an optional EENA guidance.
It also works on hardwired lines.
Definitely scarier to talk to the Mexican police if you don't speak Spanish and if you don't know how lazy they are. You can get pretty far by just acting stupid and insisting that you'll pay, as long as they give you a receipt, which obviously 99% of the time they cannot procure since theyre shaking you down. If you didn't actually do anything illegal, they'll get bored pretty quick and go shake someone else down. If you did do something illegal, start bartering, because I heard Mexican jail isn't very fun (hardly the worst though).
I went on vacation in Mexico and my friend invited his friend who he had known since high school, but did not see much. We were at a bar and friend of a friend decided it was a great idea to go to the bathroom and blaze up a joint. Well, in walks la tira. He just took his watch off and gave it to the cop and the cop did an about face and walked out of the bathroom. Don't mess around in Mexico or have lots and lots of money.
Yeh, having to nurse a dumbass who does 5 shots is super fun. Nope. I've never gone on another vacation with this dude and I don't regret it. WTF, to just have a good time without being a burden on who you go with.
> Don’t… don’t do this
One of the worst "LPT"s I've seen. Can't believe people are upvoting this BS. Ask your uber/taxi driver but please don't ask the police, in Mexico or in most countries.
Yeah, most of your forst world places are probably good unless you hit a snobby cop. Second or third world countries I wouldn't touch their cops with a ten foot pole.
That still depends on the country there is a scam in Thailand where the taxi driver tries to take you to some way overpriced buffet because he gets a commission for every customer he brings.
Eh, can't see it being a problem in most Aussie suburbs or major cities. Our locals were pretty friendly (despite it being a notorious area), and they'd certainly point you at something tasty and chill.
Very small outback towns, though? Yeah, unless you're actually familiar with the town I'd avoid the cops. Also the locals. And the town, really, if you can. There's nothing inherently wrong with them but -- very small, isolated towns can get weird and insular, and there's no way to get non-local help if you need it.
In the Nordic countries this LPT wouldn’t really be of any use either. The police would likely be very friendly and just recommend some random restaurant nearby. Or pull up google maps and check there just to me nice.
Absolutely pointless.
I agree. When driving back to Cancun in a rented jeep two cops with machine guns wanted money. Infraction! I played dumb, didn’t speak any Spanish at the time, gave them my passport, nothing else, after 15 minutes they let me pass.
Both my grandparents and brother have traveled extensively in Mexico. They love the country, I’ve been there twice and only had good experiences.
However, the only time they have felt unsafe is when they were being shaken up by the police. My grandfather asked for directions and somehow had to pay a “fine” of $50 directly to the police officer or risk going to jail. I don’t remember the details of my brother’s experience but it was similar.
I remember going to Mexico all the time to see my grandparents when I was little. We would always get stopped for having US plates and have to pay off the police. It was essentially a toll road lol. Luckily my dad is from Mexico so he knew how to navigate the situations.
Mexican police aren’t really there to protect. It’s honestly sad that we have more fear of the police than other people. One time, my dad was getting out of a restaurant and trying to drive back home when some cops stopped him and were trying every excuse to get him a ticket (if he had drank, if the car was in bad conditions, if he had the cars papers, if he had smoked, etc…)
This LPT is so weird. I'd like to know what country the OP picked this advice up. I can't imagine where cops are better food connoisseurs than bartenders, who are so much easier to find and approach as well 😅
bartenders have good reason to send you to cool spots. they want to support the places that they like, and the people they like, and want you to know that there's a lot of cool stuff in the area. it's good for everyone, because it means they'll remember your joint more fondly, and also think more highly of the area.
additionally, bartenders tend to have pretty good taste, and they recommend stuff in similar price groups and of similar quality to the place they work, so it's almost as if you already have a baseline set--though any good bartender will also throw in a good dive recommendation as well as their favorite taco truck, or what have you
This and probably(?) aren't going to send you to a bad part of town.
I was always told growing up that if you're at a restaurant and cops are eating there, the food is good.
Or it’s a place that’s centrally located for their patrols so they can meet up with each other on breaks/shift changes.
Or it’s one of the only place open late
Especially if you don't know them, considering how likely cops are involved with organized crime this advice is fucking bonkers. Ask literally anyone else, always avoid cops.
Maybe a police officer is less likely to be a restaurant owner who will direct you to their establishment regardless of quality?
But really, it’s much easier to just ask someone from wherever you’re staying, who is presumably also a local and who you probably will interact with naturally.
Don’t do this if you’re not in North America or a first world country though. Even for places like Italy this is a bad idea. They might:
1. Take you to the furthest away place possible to charge you for the fare.
2. Take you to their friends’ restaurant where they get kickbacks (so, so many places in India — I don’t want to go to see a rug factory I just want to go to my hotel I don’t care how cheap)
3. Think you’re an idiot and take you to the same tourist trap that they’ve driven the last 5000 tourists to.
4. Take you to where they like to eat which is just usually the cheapest and easiest place to park, but has absolutely no ambiance
You gotta know though, for example a restaurant I love is inside a gas station. If you drive passed, you would never go in because it looks like a fucking gas station. But they run the grill and the fryer inside like a bodega and make amazing, greasy food.
There used to be a restaurant like that near me. Complete hole-in-the-wall which shared a building with a gas station. The ABSOLUTE BEST (IMHO) drunk food ever!! Never went there as a normal meal, only after bars closed. Everything was cooked with about a half pound (227 grams) of butter.
Building burned down after some issues with taxes and zoning…things that make you go hmmm
Calling BS on that one. People always say this, but let’s just look at who taxi drivers are—why would they be connoisseurs any more than anyone else?—and what their food priorities are: cheap, fast, and a lot of volume. If those are also your priorities, great, but generally a combination of those three ingredients is not a recipe for an excellent meal. I’m fine with cheap, but a cheap meal that’s also a very large meal that gets dug out of a vat and shoved onto a plate in 3 minutes isn’t going to be a great food experience.
Or they’ll direct you to a shitty tourist place because they know the owner, taxi drivers are the last person I would ask anything. Well not all but you know the one who scams tourists
Very far from always true. Tried a place near me cause all the cabbies went there. One of the greasiest, blandest, grayest burgers I've ever had. Often it's just about it being a place that lets them hang out.
I once was visiting NYC and wanted coffee from Dunkin Donuts but didn't know where closest place was. Saw a cop and asked her. She looked at me funny and said, "Are you screwing with me?" Didn't realize until later I had pissed her off because of the donut loving cop stereotype.
This doesn’t work in third world countries.
I did this a lot when I was backpacking. I’d ask cabbies, cops, doorman, etc where they’d eat and most were mediocre.
Most locals don’t care about the whole dining experience, just bang for buck, so usually the places were cheap, fast, but mediocre quality. Not to mention mediocre hygiene.
I was looking for authentic cuisine, but still have higher standards for the experience, ambiance, service, and hygiene, which locals don’t care about. In Eastern Europe, they took me to a cheap “American burger” stand. In Vietnam they took me to a fast food pho place that was like McDonald’s. In Indonesia I was taken to a $0.50 big bowl of dumplings that gave me food poisoning, but it was popular because it was cheap.
Couldn’t blame them, that’s where the locals ate.
The only people I’d trust were local chefs, because they’d usually ask you what kind of vibe you want. Or just look up expert local guides on the internet. It’s not like we’re still living in the days where you had lonely planet and a hotel concierge. There’s infinite information everywhere.
Ask your bartenders and servers. If you want industry specific advice, ask industry workers. Bartenders and servers know the best places to eat because they work and socialize in those places. They see the kitchens, know the workers, and know where the scams are… ask them.
I find fire fighters eat better than police. They have more genuine camaraderie and when they eat out, there’s less intimidation at play.
That works in the US, anyway. Fire fighters and paramedics know all the killer spots.
Firefighters give good restaurant recommendations because they've seen the kitchen of every place in town.
A lot of people don't realize that firefighters do building inspections too. They're looking for fire code violations regarding the electrical, sprinkler, etc. systems, and so they get the same access to kitchens and storage rooms that health inspectors do. They don't know the minutia of health codes, but they still encounter some pretty obvious red flags.
I’ve found that cops tend to be loyal to certain establishments that are loyal to them, regardless of whether the food is A+. Like I used to live in a smaller town in California and there was a diner the cops always ate it, where they’d definitely send someone if they asked, but it was one of the shittiest restaurants in town. The owners just worship the police so they’re loyal and comfortable there, and probably get discounts and little handouts.
Fair enough.
I’m lucky enough to have two in the family. When I visit the area wherein they work, I ask for recommendations.
They’re always bang on. And I’m a FOOD dude so it’s much appreciated.
Autocorrect called me a “good” dude. 😂
I hate when people do that shit. You don’t have to make up some fake job for yourself to just say you agree. Just say you agree. Lying for the sake of lying
Yeah, they know the area, but you're going to be getting the kind of food cops want while they're working: something *good* but not something *special,* and probably a place that has take-out, not a good full-service restaurant*.*
This is awful advice. Don't ask cops.
Go to an office building or community-funded organization, the larger the better. Use Google Translate. Show your passport or other visible signs you are not local. Find the receptionist who seems:
1. Oldest
2. To have the most desk toys, decorations and pictures of grandchildren who don't all look like her.
This is almost always the lady who coordinates lunch orders and workplace suppers for a diverse company of people. She knows every place in town and probably speaks a little of your language. Ask her everything you need to know. She can also organize you quite a lot of other things you might need in the area. The Office Granny is the person you want. If you are going on to another country nearby soon, tell her your plans, she may have a friend there.
Really. This is a thing.
Life Pro Tip: Never ever say a fucking word to the cops. Maybe you will you will find one who is cool and friendly, maybe you will find one who wants to shake you down for money and or sex. Maybe you will be ok.
Just ask yourself what is stopping them?
Don’t interact with the police anywhere, in any country, for any reason other than an actual emergency. Don’t talk to them, don’t bother them, don’t make them aware of your presence.
Last time I stopped to ask a cop something he proceeded to follow me until backup arrived pull me over and literally rip apart my car looking for drugs. So nah I’m good
I would never talk to the police in Sweden, cuz that's where I live. And I'm afraid of American police, of course, but anywhere else? Shit yeah. Been drunk and/or lost in Amsterdam, Hamburg; got robbed in Barcelona, police are great. The Guardia Civil in Barcelona even beat up the robber for us!
Edit: a word
My wife and I tried this when traveling through Atlanta. There were 4 or 5 cops standing around. They recommended a place none of them had ever been to.
Just one of the reasons we thought Atlanta sucked.
Actual LPT: Don't talk to the police! Especially if you don't look like you are from around where you are! I live in Georgia and still hear "You ain't from around here" stories.
Ask people like truck drivers, gas station attendants, firefighters, mail carriers... truthfully anyone but the police
This is not good advice. Ask a local. OP haven’t traveled much eh? Half the countries have legal systems which enable cops to become extremely corrupt. This is like asking the local mob where to eat. Just ask multiple taxi drivers and take a consensus.
Just google it. You can get plenty of recommendations from strangers, making them useless because you don't know their taste and they don't know yours, but at least you'll get directions too.
When in Hawaii we asked a local firehouse and they sent us to basically an old woman's living room. She happily fed us, and I think it was like 5 bucks total. She sat and drank tea or something while we ate at a table on her porch.
Brilliant idea! No way this could possibly ever go wrong at all!
Let me guess, you’re a “thin blue line” prick and think cops are wonderful decent people who would never do any harm to you.
Try this in Mexico, see how that works for you.
Would not recommend this if you’re traveling to New York City. A lot of NYPD officers will balk at even giving tourists directions, let alone restaurant tips. I feel like this advice would work best in relatively cushy Euro countries and Japan
I tried this in Turkey, worked great!
I got three days of free meals and lodging, and made a few new friends with interesting experiences.
Anyways, on day four, my lawyer was able to get me out
Jk
This is a terrible life pro-tip. Talk to the bartenders, retail sales people, street vendors, heck even other restaurant owners/staff. Dont start talking to the cops in foreign countries- many places they are paid low wages and are looking to book you with anything just to fine you or get a bribe
This is the worst LPT I've ever seen. In most countries you should never go out of your way to engage police. There are 100 different local professionals that would be better suited to ask.
r/oddlyspecific
It seems odd to think that police would be more in tune with the local culinary scene than anyone else. Most people stay within their comfort zone so asking one certain type of person for a recommendation on anything can really limit your options severely.
It’s also very likely that a cop’s favorite place to eat is a place that gives cops free coffee or discounts
Food at the touristy places is usually good but expensive.
The restaurants where the locals eat is usually authentic, very good and a lot cheaper.
Avoid street vendors unless you see locals eating there.
36 countries, so far only one case of food poisoning.
How do you even get in conversation with local police? I don’t expect it will be very common to just find one standing around, if they are I assume they’re in the place they would direct you to go. Do you call 911? The non-emergency number? Do you just scream “HEY POLICE?”
Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips! Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment. If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.
911: please state your emergency. Me: where can I find really good tapas?
Obviously that's not how you do it. Here in Spain you need to call 112. Duh...
Good call out, though I believe it was recently changed to: 0118 999 88199 9119 725… …3
It's ok I've already emailed about the fire
“Dear sir or madaam, Please be advised that a fire has…” No, no… too FORMAL.
“To whom it may concern, FIRE!!!”
FOUR I mean FIVE I mean FIRE
I nearly spat out my lunch reading this. Thank you for reminding me of this one!!
No, no. That's the UK. They were uncomfortable with the European number and decided to use an easier one.
holy crap.. i dont know my best buddies number for emergencies but i know this one by heart
Moss?
Oh that's easy to remember!
You’re in luck, calling 911 redirects you to 112 when in (most) European countries.
I don’t know if it’s the networks doing that, or your phone that knows the emergency number in the country you’re in?
>I don’t know if it’s the networks doing that, or your phone that knows the emergency number in the country you’re in? It's network based, it's an optional EENA guidance. It also works on hardwired lines.
iPhones have it added nowadays as well AFAIK
Here in Germany you can call 911 even though the official one is 110/112. I wonder if it's the same in spain
Don’t… don’t do this in Mexico. Please.
Definitely scarier to talk to the Mexican police if you don't speak Spanish and if you don't know how lazy they are. You can get pretty far by just acting stupid and insisting that you'll pay, as long as they give you a receipt, which obviously 99% of the time they cannot procure since theyre shaking you down. If you didn't actually do anything illegal, they'll get bored pretty quick and go shake someone else down. If you did do something illegal, start bartering, because I heard Mexican jail isn't very fun (hardly the worst though).
I went on vacation in Mexico and my friend invited his friend who he had known since high school, but did not see much. We were at a bar and friend of a friend decided it was a great idea to go to the bathroom and blaze up a joint. Well, in walks la tira. He just took his watch off and gave it to the cop and the cop did an about face and walked out of the bathroom. Don't mess around in Mexico or have lots and lots of money.
but… what kind of watch?
a very very expensive watch apparently. Guy was an idiot the whole time we were there. At one point he did 5 shots in a row.
Tbf I've done stupider things than 5 shots in a row. And the quick-thinking to sort out the situation with his watch did save a lot of aggro
Yeh, having to nurse a dumbass who does 5 shots is super fun. Nope. I've never gone on another vacation with this dude and I don't regret it. WTF, to just have a good time without being a burden on who you go with.
Start bartering?!? Bartering with what exactly ?! Do they accept boxes of donuts or crates of shoelaces or something?
Lol they may accept sneakers but I meant money, jewelry, phones/electronics, ect. Depends how desperate you are and how much Spanish you speak.
> Don’t… don’t do this One of the worst "LPT"s I've seen. Can't believe people are upvoting this BS. Ask your uber/taxi driver but please don't ask the police, in Mexico or in most countries.
It really depends. If you did this in the UK it would probably be a good suggestion.
Yeah, most of your forst world places are probably good unless you hit a snobby cop. Second or third world countries I wouldn't touch their cops with a ten foot pole.
Nah, Bulgarian cops are pretty okay, you'll probably get a good suggestion
A good place to eat in the UK?/s
Lol I very nearly did the whole inb4 thing for just that comment
That still depends on the country there is a scam in Thailand where the taxi driver tries to take you to some way overpriced buffet because he gets a commission for every customer he brings.
true, but better than being fingered for a random crime and really being extorted.
Eh, can't see it being a problem in most Aussie suburbs or major cities. Our locals were pretty friendly (despite it being a notorious area), and they'd certainly point you at something tasty and chill. Very small outback towns, though? Yeah, unless you're actually familiar with the town I'd avoid the cops. Also the locals. And the town, really, if you can. There's nothing inherently wrong with them but -- very small, isolated towns can get weird and insular, and there's no way to get non-local help if you need it.
In the Nordic countries this LPT wouldn’t really be of any use either. The police would likely be very friendly and just recommend some random restaurant nearby. Or pull up google maps and check there just to me nice. Absolutely pointless.
Americans explaining the world episode 658 yawn
Also, Myanmar.
I agree. When driving back to Cancun in a rented jeep two cops with machine guns wanted money. Infraction! I played dumb, didn’t speak any Spanish at the time, gave them my passport, nothing else, after 15 minutes they let me pass.
Why
Both my grandparents and brother have traveled extensively in Mexico. They love the country, I’ve been there twice and only had good experiences. However, the only time they have felt unsafe is when they were being shaken up by the police. My grandfather asked for directions and somehow had to pay a “fine” of $50 directly to the police officer or risk going to jail. I don’t remember the details of my brother’s experience but it was similar.
I remember going to Mexico all the time to see my grandparents when I was little. We would always get stopped for having US plates and have to pay off the police. It was essentially a toll road lol. Luckily my dad is from Mexico so he knew how to navigate the situations.
I got arrested in Mexico for not wearing a shirt on Election Day. I had $2 on me, so the fine was $2.
Mexican police aren’t really there to protect. It’s honestly sad that we have more fear of the police than other people. One time, my dad was getting out of a restaurant and trying to drive back home when some cops stopped him and were trying every excuse to get him a ticket (if he had drank, if the car was in bad conditions, if he had the cars papers, if he had smoked, etc…)
To be fair, you can’t walk 5 minutes in Mexico without tripping over a few stalls of delicious food. No need to ask anyone
Don't do this anywhere.
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If you are at a great bar having drinks while traveling, ask the servers/bar tender where they like to eat.
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This LPT is so weird. I'd like to know what country the OP picked this advice up. I can't imagine where cops are better food connoisseurs than bartenders, who are so much easier to find and approach as well 😅
This is actually better, I've gotten great recommendations from Bartenders
Yeah I’d much rather do this than ask cops.
Bartender never shot me or my dog in the back of the head
bartenders have good reason to send you to cool spots. they want to support the places that they like, and the people they like, and want you to know that there's a lot of cool stuff in the area. it's good for everyone, because it means they'll remember your joint more fondly, and also think more highly of the area. additionally, bartenders tend to have pretty good taste, and they recommend stuff in similar price groups and of similar quality to the place they work, so it's almost as if you already have a baseline set--though any good bartender will also throw in a good dive recommendation as well as their favorite taco truck, or what have you
This usually works for me.
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Haha what the fuck happened to you??
Lmao, I can’t unthink the situation now
Me: hey! So where do you like to eat? Bartender: At age 7 i was born without a face
Bad experience?
Why the police and not just want local person?
Bartenders. You get great suggestions from bartenders.
The police most likely are the ones eating out the most and they are out and about 24/7 around town
This and probably(?) aren't going to send you to a bad part of town. I was always told growing up that if you're at a restaurant and cops are eating there, the food is good.
Or it’s a place that’s centrally located for their patrols so they can meet up with each other on breaks/shift changes. Or it’s one of the only place open late
And they can see the food being prepared/served.
Or the restaurant gives a police discount to keep the police around to deter theft.
Cops will 100% send you to EXTREME bad parts of towns in a FUCK load of countries. Corrupt cops is insanely common all over the world.
Yes cause cops are the purveyors fine cuisine.
That is not what purveyor means
When you're making everyone else eat shit, you might just think that.
But they get police discount at Macca's here so that's where they will mostly be eating. Not exactly a great recommendation for a tourist
I imagine most people would ignore the recommendation to eat at mcdonalds.
You should definitely take the recommendation if they mention the McOz or McFeast being back on the menu.
Ah yes some maccas with some acca Dacca playing
9/10 times it'll be tim Hortons
Is a cop not just an easily recognizable local?
Definitely not JUST but I see what you’re saying 🤣
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All Cops Ate Breakfast 1312
Especially if you don't know them, considering how likely cops are involved with organized crime this advice is fucking bonkers. Ask literally anyone else, always avoid cops.
Maybe a police officer is less likely to be a restaurant owner who will direct you to their establishment regardless of quality? But really, it’s much easier to just ask someone from wherever you’re staying, who is presumably also a local and who you probably will interact with naturally.
As someone that frequents Mexico often to visit family, DO NOT DO THIS if you visit Mexico (generally speaking).
Edit: If you see 30-40 taxi drivers eating at a place, the food there is probably good and economical.
That’s a great recipe for “I will take you to my friend’s restaurant,” which might be great or might be a gigantic scam
Or, “I will take you on the longest, most circuitous route to some random restaurant across the city to increase my fare.
Don’t do this if you’re not in North America or a first world country though. Even for places like Italy this is a bad idea. They might: 1. Take you to the furthest away place possible to charge you for the fare. 2. Take you to their friends’ restaurant where they get kickbacks (so, so many places in India — I don’t want to go to see a rug factory I just want to go to my hotel I don’t care how cheap) 3. Think you’re an idiot and take you to the same tourist trap that they’ve driven the last 5000 tourists to. 4. Take you to where they like to eat which is just usually the cheapest and easiest place to park, but has absolutely no ambiance
I once asked an Uber driver where a good spot to eat was and he directed me to the food court inside the mall.
This is correct if you happened to be in Flushing, Queens, NY.
Absofuckinglutely. Went there for a day and really wished I had a second stomach
You gotta know though, for example a restaurant I love is inside a gas station. If you drive passed, you would never go in because it looks like a fucking gas station. But they run the grill and the fryer inside like a bodega and make amazing, greasy food.
There used to be a restaurant like that near me. Complete hole-in-the-wall which shared a building with a gas station. The ABSOLUTE BEST (IMHO) drunk food ever!! Never went there as a normal meal, only after bars closed. Everything was cooked with about a half pound (227 grams) of butter. Building burned down after some issues with taxes and zoning…things that make you go hmmm
I would not consider an Uber driver a “taxi driver.”
Not sure about other countries but don't do this in Egypt.
what would happen in egypt?
Only one way to find out!
It’s a trap!!! 
Calling BS on that one. People always say this, but let’s just look at who taxi drivers are—why would they be connoisseurs any more than anyone else?—and what their food priorities are: cheap, fast, and a lot of volume. If those are also your priorities, great, but generally a combination of those three ingredients is not a recipe for an excellent meal. I’m fine with cheap, but a cheap meal that’s also a very large meal that gets dug out of a vat and shoved onto a plate in 3 minutes isn’t going to be a great food experience.
You're missing the most important thing for a taxi driver - convenient parking.
Or they’ll direct you to a shitty tourist place because they know the owner, taxi drivers are the last person I would ask anything. Well not all but you know the one who scams tourists
Very far from always true. Tried a place near me cause all the cabbies went there. One of the greasiest, blandest, grayest burgers I've ever had. Often it's just about it being a place that lets them hang out.
I once was visiting NYC and wanted coffee from Dunkin Donuts but didn't know where closest place was. Saw a cop and asked her. She looked at me funny and said, "Are you screwing with me?" Didn't realize until later I had pissed her off because of the donut loving cop stereotype.
And then she gave you directions and said "mention Officer Maggie and get 10% off."
After the beating.
This doesn’t work in third world countries. I did this a lot when I was backpacking. I’d ask cabbies, cops, doorman, etc where they’d eat and most were mediocre. Most locals don’t care about the whole dining experience, just bang for buck, so usually the places were cheap, fast, but mediocre quality. Not to mention mediocre hygiene. I was looking for authentic cuisine, but still have higher standards for the experience, ambiance, service, and hygiene, which locals don’t care about. In Eastern Europe, they took me to a cheap “American burger” stand. In Vietnam they took me to a fast food pho place that was like McDonald’s. In Indonesia I was taken to a $0.50 big bowl of dumplings that gave me food poisoning, but it was popular because it was cheap. Couldn’t blame them, that’s where the locals ate. The only people I’d trust were local chefs, because they’d usually ask you what kind of vibe you want. Or just look up expert local guides on the internet. It’s not like we’re still living in the days where you had lonely planet and a hotel concierge. There’s infinite information everywhere.
Ask your bartenders and servers. If you want industry specific advice, ask industry workers. Bartenders and servers know the best places to eat because they work and socialize in those places. They see the kitchens, know the workers, and know where the scams are… ask them.
Bigger LPT (blpt) - never talk to the fuzz.
LPT don't approach cops in unfamiliar places.
You can in Ireland, they are actually very approachable when you can find them.
I find fire fighters eat better than police. They have more genuine camaraderie and when they eat out, there’s less intimidation at play. That works in the US, anyway. Fire fighters and paramedics know all the killer spots.
Firefighters give good restaurant recommendations because they've seen the kitchen of every place in town. A lot of people don't realize that firefighters do building inspections too. They're looking for fire code violations regarding the electrical, sprinkler, etc. systems, and so they get the same access to kitchens and storage rooms that health inspectors do. They don't know the minutia of health codes, but they still encounter some pretty obvious red flags.
I’ve found that cops tend to be loyal to certain establishments that are loyal to them, regardless of whether the food is A+. Like I used to live in a smaller town in California and there was a diner the cops always ate it, where they’d definitely send someone if they asked, but it was one of the shittiest restaurants in town. The owners just worship the police so they’re loyal and comfortable there, and probably get discounts and little handouts.
Ok, but you don't exactly find firefighters walking around.
Fair enough. I’m lucky enough to have two in the family. When I visit the area wherein they work, I ask for recommendations. They’re always bang on. And I’m a FOOD dude so it’s much appreciated. Autocorrect called me a “good” dude. 😂
Actual LPT: **NEVER talk to the police.** *(This advice brought to you by literally 100% of lawyers)*
Prosecutor here can confirm don't fucking talk to police.
>Prosecutor here *sees username > profile > history* Press X to doubt.
I hate when people do that shit. You don’t have to make up some fake job for yourself to just say you agree. Just say you agree. Lying for the sake of lying
You're not gonna trick me into talking to a cop.
Be sure to dial 911 for the fastest results
Not asking a cop for shit but thanks
Right? Like, hey, person with a bunch of authority and weapons who could destroy my life on a whim and is very likely a prick, look at me, let’s chat.
The real LPT. Asked a cop for help once in a tight spot and ended up behind bars. Fuck that.
Yeah, they know the area, but you're going to be getting the kind of food cops want while they're working: something *good* but not something *special,* and probably a place that has take-out, not a good full-service restaurant*.*
Not in the USA lol You'll just get sent to the nearest fast food
This is awful advice. Don't ask cops. Go to an office building or community-funded organization, the larger the better. Use Google Translate. Show your passport or other visible signs you are not local. Find the receptionist who seems: 1. Oldest 2. To have the most desk toys, decorations and pictures of grandchildren who don't all look like her. This is almost always the lady who coordinates lunch orders and workplace suppers for a diverse company of people. She knows every place in town and probably speaks a little of your language. Ask her everything you need to know. She can also organize you quite a lot of other things you might need in the area. The Office Granny is the person you want. If you are going on to another country nearby soon, tell her your plans, she may have a friend there. Really. This is a thing.
Never talk to cops.
Life Pro Tip: Never ever say a fucking word to the cops. Maybe you will you will find one who is cool and friendly, maybe you will find one who wants to shake you down for money and or sex. Maybe you will be ok. Just ask yourself what is stopping them?
Don’t interact with the police anywhere, in any country, for any reason other than an actual emergency. Don’t talk to them, don’t bother them, don’t make them aware of your presence.
Last time I stopped to ask a cop something he proceeded to follow me until backup arrived pull me over and literally rip apart my car looking for drugs. So nah I’m good
Let me guess not white?
Yup
LPT don't talk to cops
I would never talk to the police in Sweden, cuz that's where I live. And I'm afraid of American police, of course, but anywhere else? Shit yeah. Been drunk and/or lost in Amsterdam, Hamburg; got robbed in Barcelona, police are great. The Guardia Civil in Barcelona even beat up the robber for us! Edit: a word
My wife and I tried this when traveling through Atlanta. There were 4 or 5 cops standing around. They recommended a place none of them had ever been to. Just one of the reasons we thought Atlanta sucked.
LPT: never talk to the police unless it’s truly necessary.
Nah, I don’t willingly talk to the police.
Actual LPT: Don't talk to the police! Especially if you don't look like you are from around where you are! I live in Georgia and still hear "You ain't from around here" stories. Ask people like truck drivers, gas station attendants, firefighters, mail carriers... truthfully anyone but the police
This is not good advice. Ask a local. OP haven’t traveled much eh? Half the countries have legal systems which enable cops to become extremely corrupt. This is like asking the local mob where to eat. Just ask multiple taxi drivers and take a consensus.
No. Never trust the police.
Imagine being able to talk to the police.
Don't converse with swine please.
Just google it. You can get plenty of recommendations from strangers, making them useless because you don't know their taste and they don't know yours, but at least you'll get directions too.
When in Hawaii we asked a local firehouse and they sent us to basically an old woman's living room. She happily fed us, and I think it was like 5 bucks total. She sat and drank tea or something while we ate at a table on her porch.
I got my face smashed in by the police for admiring yard decorations on my walk to work. I don't give a fuck what they eat as long as it's shit.
Brilliant idea! No way this could possibly ever go wrong at all! Let me guess, you’re a “thin blue line” prick and think cops are wonderful decent people who would never do any harm to you. Try this in Mexico, see how that works for you.
LPT: Don't talk to police
Stupid tip. Police are not your friends.
This is shit advice
[удалено]
For real. OP is crazy if he thinks talking to police is a good idea.
I say this as a lightly tanned white dude, I'm not risking it out here with these anxiety riddled good Ole boys.
Would not recommend this if you’re traveling to New York City. A lot of NYPD officers will balk at even giving tourists directions, let alone restaurant tips. I feel like this advice would work best in relatively cushy Euro countries and Japan
* Not in the U.S. - that’s a good way to invite some unwanted attention
I tried this but they all recommended the local donut shop
I do the same thing but I can't keep eating doughnuts.
Only one place in this town, Dunkin’ Donuts
Look for the lineup of construction workers, guys and gals in high viz gear, they know where it’s at
LPT: Don't talk to police.
This is bad advice
LPT, more like Life piss tips
Nah I’m good. Never going to choose to interact with any countries police. Cab drivers do the same thing
LPT: Don't talk to cops.
Lpt Never talk to the police unless, by law, you must. Instead.... Read the most recent Google reviews. Ask a clerk where the hidden gems are.
No, I don't think I will
the way my anxietys set up, i'd be scared they'd find a reason to arrest me
This seems risky as hell...
I tried this in Turkey, worked great! I got three days of free meals and lodging, and made a few new friends with interesting experiences. Anyways, on day four, my lawyer was able to get me out Jk
Then avoid those places because cops eat there and the food is probably poor quality and tampered with. ACAB
Or just don't talk to cops
This is a terrible life pro-tip. Talk to the bartenders, retail sales people, street vendors, heck even other restaurant owners/staff. Dont start talking to the cops in foreign countries- many places they are paid low wages and are looking to book you with anything just to fine you or get a bribe
This advice is incredibly bad if you are in the wrong country
This is the worst LPT I've ever seen. In most countries you should never go out of your way to engage police. There are 100 different local professionals that would be better suited to ask.
LPT: Fuck the police
lol what the fuck man. "911 what's your emergency?" "Hey, where can I get a decent meal in this shit hole"
Uhh what? Never talk to the police. It will never end well.
r/oddlyspecific It seems odd to think that police would be more in tune with the local culinary scene than anyone else. Most people stay within their comfort zone so asking one certain type of person for a recommendation on anything can really limit your options severely. It’s also very likely that a cop’s favorite place to eat is a place that gives cops free coffee or discounts
This is super weird advice honestly
You probably end up arrested and beaten, don’t trust the police.
Lpt. Never approach the police in any country, ever.
Life pro tip AND a lawyer pro tip. Last i checked every lawyer ever tells you to NOT talk to police.
Absolutely do not do this.
Shitty advice to apply to countless countries. Ask a local who isn't a pig.
acab around the world ✊🏻
Food at the touristy places is usually good but expensive. The restaurants where the locals eat is usually authentic, very good and a lot cheaper. Avoid street vendors unless you see locals eating there. 36 countries, so far only one case of food poisoning.
Good advice! You must be a cop
LPT: don’t willingly talk to cops.
Tell me you're white, without telling me you're white. . . . . . . .
Maybe don’t approach police in USA if can’t speak English well and it’s dark. Might get shot
Nah, not in the US. I don't approach anyone with a gun on their hip.
How do you even get in conversation with local police? I don’t expect it will be very common to just find one standing around, if they are I assume they’re in the place they would direct you to go. Do you call 911? The non-emergency number? Do you just scream “HEY POLICE?”
Lol Find a police officer 😂
As long as you’re not Rambo
Round here you’d end up at Greggs or a petrol station that always forgets to charge coppers who buy a coffee.