I recently finished reading a list of things that a waiter hates about we patrons. As someone who eats out regularly I can understand why a waiter/waitress would be upset but at the same time service has not gotten better over time.
1. Refill the damn drink. When I go to a restaurant I see you having two jobs 1. take order, 2. refill drinks. In many restaurants that is your only job as far as from my side. I have had an instance where I got 2 refills in an hour (and I normally need about 5 – 6) in the same amount of time and paid $80 for the meal. No she did not get a tip, and she didn’t deserve one.
2. Don’t bitch about your tips. Good waiters/waitresses get good tips. I know people who don’t tip well and I don’t appreciate it, but if you’re good at your job it averages out.
3. If your memory isn’t good enough, write it down. I do appreciate you memorizing my order and relaying it to the cooks, but if you have to stop by to ask me what I ordered again you should have written it down.
4. Go away. I like good service as much as the next person but my best waiters were the ones who were invisible. Nothing says good more than “where did this full drink come from.”
5. Don’t ask if I need a refill. Have I paid my check? Am I still sitting there? If both those are true you refill the drink.
6. If something is bad, don’t make excuses or reasons for it. Nothing is more irritating than when I have to send something back (which is maybe once a year for me) than seeing a puzzled look that screams “why would they send this back.” Bad food is not your fault and I will not punish you for it, but I do expect you to get on the cooks’ ass to make it right. Also if I say the sweet tea isn’t sweet do NOT ever tell me there are sugar packets at the table. Learn the difference and try the tea out of the pitcher you poured mine from.
7. I’m not sure if it’s something they teach in waiter school, but for some odd reason you always stop by when my mouth is full and ask if I need anything. Should you see this, please wait for a hand signal to determine if I actually do need anything.
8. Phraseology: when taking my cash don’t ask “do you need change” it makes me feel like an ass when I say “yes.” Instead say “I’ll be right back with your change.” My response is then “keep it”, or just silence.
9. On the topic of change. Use your brain, you should have an idea of what your tip will be. On a $27 ticket your tip would be about $5. If I give you $40 in two $20 bills and you bring back a ten and 3 ones you’re getting 3 ones. Don’t bitch, learn your lesson.
10. I have a small high-chair bound child. I realize that you may/may not have children, but anyone knows that anything within reach of the child is fair game. Don’t put things in reach! The entire time you’re setting down items at my table I’m seeing if they’re in reach of the baby and pulling them away.
