86’d is a restaurant slang term that means a food or drink item is no longer available, sold out, or taken off service. In some cases, it also means staff must stop serving a customer or remove them from the premises.
Restaurants rely on fast, clear communication. During a busy shift, there is no time for long explanations or confusion. That is exactly why terms like 86’d exist. If you have ever watched a cooking show, worked in hospitality, or overheard kitchen talk, you have likely heard someone call out, “Eighty six the steak.”
At first, the phrase can sound strange. However, inside a restaurant, everyone understands it instantly. In this guide, you will learn what 86’d means in a restaurant, where it comes from, how staff use it during service, and how its meaning changes depending on context.
What Does 86’d Mean in a Restaurant?
In restaurant language, 86’d means stop selling or serving something immediately.
Most of the time, staff use it when:
- A dish sells out
- A drink ingredient runs out
- Equipment breaks
- Management removes an item for the shift
Less commonly, staff also use 86’d to describe cutting off or banning a customer.
The Origin of 86’d in Restaurant Culture
No single source confirms the exact origin of 86’d, but several popular theories exist.
One explanation suggests that early diners used number codes to communicate quickly, and 86 meant an item had run out. Another theory links the term to bar and military slang, where numbers carried specific instructions. Some people trace it back to an old speakeasy on 86 Bedford Street, where staff removed unruly guests.
Although the origin remains uncertain, restaurant workers have used 86’d for decades. Today, it remains a core part of kitchen vocabulary worldwide.
Why Restaurants Use the Term 86’d
Restaurants move fast, especially during peak hours. Clear communication prevents mistakes and keeps service smooth.
Staff use 86’d because it:
- Saves time during busy shifts
- Prevents servers from selling unavailable items
- Keeps the kitchen and front of house aligned
- Reduces guest frustration
Instead of explaining a long situation, a cook can simply say, “86 the salmon,” and everyone understands the message.
How Restaurants Use 86’d During Service
The meaning of 86’d depends on the situation. Below are the most common ways restaurants use it.
1. Food or Drink Sells Out
This is the most common use.
Example:
- “We are 86’d on the ribeye.”
Meaning:
- The restaurant has sold all ribeye steaks for the shift.
Once the kitchen calls an item 86’d, servers should stop offering it immediately.
2. Missing Ingredients
Sometimes a dish disappears because a key ingredient runs out.
Example:
- “86 the Caesar salad. We ran out of romaine.”
Meaning:
- The kitchen cannot prepare the salad anymore.
In this case, the restaurant may bring the item back once supplies arrive.
3. Equipment Problems
Equipment issues can also force staff to 86 items.
Example:
- “The fryer broke. 86 all fried items.”
Meaning:
- The kitchen cannot prepare anything fried until repairs happen.
4. Removing or Cutting Off a Customer
Although less common, staff sometimes use 86’d for people.
Example:
- “That guest is 86’d from the bar.”
Meaning:
- Staff must stop serving that customer or deny them entry in the future.
This usually happens due to safety concerns or disruptive behavior.
Examples of 86’d in Real Restaurant Conversations
Tone often signals urgency or seriousness. These examples show how staff use the term in real situations.
Neutral and Informational Tone
- “We are 86’d on the soup of the day.”
- “Just letting you know, the margarita mix is 86’d.”
Urgent Kitchen Tone
- “Eighty six the chicken. We are out.”
- “86 all desserts until further notice.”
Serious Management Tone
- “That guest is 86’d effective immediately.”
Each example delivers clear instructions without extra explanation.
86’d vs Similar Restaurant Terms
Restaurants use several phrases to talk about availability. Here is how 86’d compares to other common terms.
Comparison Table
| Term | Meaning | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 86’d | Completely unavailable | Internal communication |
| Sold out | No inventory left | Guest facing |
| Off the menu | Not offered | Temporary or permanent |
| Unavailable | Cannot serve | Neutral alternative |
| Pulled | Removed from service | Kitchen focused |
Among these options, 86’d remains the fastest and clearest for staff communication.
Is 86’d Rude or Unprofessional?
Inside the restaurant, 86’d is not rude at all. Staff consider it standard professional slang.
However, most servers avoid using the term with guests. Instead, they choose more polite and friendly language to maintain a positive dining experience.
Polite and Professional Alternatives to 86’d
When speaking with guests, servers usually replace 86’d with clearer explanations.
Common alternatives include:
- “We are out of that item at the moment.”
- “That dish is no longer available tonight.”
- “We have sold out of that item.”
- “Unfortunately, we cannot offer that today.”
These phrases sound more welcoming and customer friendly.
Common Mistakes When Using 86’d
Even experienced teams can misuse the term.
Announcing It Too Late
If staff delay calling an item 86’d, servers may continue selling it, which leads to guest disappointment.
Failing to Communicate Clearly
When the kitchen forgets to inform the front of house, orders keep coming in for unavailable items.
Using It Directly with Guests
Although some casual restaurants allow this, many prefer guest friendly wording instead.
Alternate Meanings of 86’d Outside Restaurants
Outside hospitality, people still use 86’d to mean removed or eliminated.
Examples include:
- Canceling a plan
- Discontinuing a product
- Banning someone from a location
Even so, restaurant usage remains the most common and recognizable.
Why Understanding 86’d Matters
For restaurant staff, understanding 86’d improves teamwork and prevents mistakes. For guests, knowing the term offers insight into what happens behind the scenes.
Clear communication keeps service running smoothly, especially during busy shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does 86’d mean in a restaurant?
It means staff must stop serving an item because it is unavailable.
2. Why do restaurants say 86?
Restaurants use the term as fast shorthand. The exact origin remains unclear.
3. Can drinks be 86’d?
Yes. Bars often 86 drinks when ingredients run out.
4. Can a customer be 86’d?
Yes. Staff may 86 a guest for safety or behavioral reasons.
5. Is 86’d only used in restaurants?
No. Bars and informal settings also use it, but restaurants use it most often.
6. Is 86’d professional language?
Internally, yes. With guests, polite alternatives work better.
7. Does 86’d always mean permanent?
No. In many cases, it only applies to the current shift.
8. Should servers explain an item is 86’d to guests?
Servers usually explain it in clear, friendly language rather than using the slang.
Conclusion
So, what does 86’d mean in a restaurant? It means staff must stop serving something immediately, whether that refers to food, drinks, or even a customer.
To summarize:
- 86’d signals unavailability
- Restaurants use it for speed and clarity
- It applies to food, drinks, equipment issues, and people
- Staff usually translate it into polite language for guests
- Context determines its exact meaning
Understanding 86’d gives you a clearer picture of how restaurants communicate and why quick language matters during service.
