When should a waiter remove a plate?

Question

It irks me when waiters snatch your plate away when you are still chewing. And the last person eating always seems uncomfortable when everyone else's plate has been taken away. Do waiters do this just in the U.S. where everyone is in a huge hurry all the time, or elsewhere as well? Is there an actual rule on when they should remove plates from the table?

The other annoying thing they do is constantly refill your soft drink without asking. I may want one Coke, but not five!

Answer 1

I am a waitress.

First, refilling beverages is done as a courtesy. If you do not want more to drink then dont finish the beverages off or kindly say, "I will have nothing further to drink".

Next, plates are removed faster when crowds grow larger however a dish should only be removed when the person has agreed for you (the waiter/waitress) to take the dish.

I always ask, "Can I take away any plates"?

Answer 2

The dinning etiquette says a waiter can take your plates away if you have your silverware left in the plate upside down. This indicates that you are done with the meal and its okay to take the plate. There are further myths about what position this should be in but I have found keeping them upside down to be sufficient enough.

Usually waiters tend to take away old plates away due to the small tables and large amounts of plates/glasses in the table plus in general it looks unhygienic if you have finished plates on the table while someone is eating.

As far as the drink goes usually waiters should ask before refilling the drink (unless its water).

Hope above helps.

Answer 3

There are signs that well trained wait staff should look for. The properly placed utencils is the cue. You also need to communicate your do not wish anymore refills. Finally, the term is "finished", not "done". When the meal is finished, the wait staff should clear the plates. It is not proper to ask if a person is done as though they are a steak, one should ask if the person is finished. My own pet peeve is when food servers call the people at the table "you guys". Elderly people find this disrespectful, and so do I.

Answer 4

To answer the original question, a waiter or waitress should take the plate from in front of you if you have it pushed a little bit in front of you, when everything is gone, or when it looks like you are not going to eat anymore cause you haven't touched anymore of the food. They might grab the plate before you are done if the place is busy or something but personally it has not happened to me.

Answer 5

I always ask. "are you done?" or "can I get some of these plates out of the way for you?" if I'm not sure if they are done. You know for sure if they are done if the plate is pusehd to the side of the table or their napkin is on top of the plate.

As for refills, I always just ask. "Do you want some more tea?" or whatever it is they are drinking. I find a lot of times people change what they want to drink. Maybe they only wanted one cup of coffee and now they want water or they wanted one cup of regular and now they want decaf, etc. Some people have that delicate balance of cream and sugar that they don't want disturbed so you have to wait until their coffee cup is empty. Some people want more coffee after every single freaking sip they take. Sooo yah, I just ask.

Answer 6

ars a rule the waiter should take you plate when
1 you place you napkin on you plate
2 you push it away
or he ask if you are done with your plate.

so it you do any of the first 2 wait until you are ready for the plate to be taken.

the reason why he takes it is so you can feel free to put your hands on the table and you do not have to look at a dirty plate.

i usually wait for about 2 minutes after i see some one done eating. or i watch for eye contact to move the plate.

Answer 7

Where I work as a server we are taught to "pre-bus" meaning take dishes from the table before the customers leave. It makes more room on the table for the customers feel more comfortable, helps the actual busser, and helps with turnover of the table (so you don't have to wait longer.) I personally try not to be too annoying, but if we're slow I try to help out and do more.

As far as the drinks are concerned it is easier to bring them when you have time and can bring them. Soda and drinks are one of the things that cost the least, so if you don't drink them, it's not a big deal.

I personally try to ask before doing anything because it makes the customers happier.

I can understand why you are frustrated, but just remember they are doing their job and trying to be a better server.

Answer 8

I waited tables for many years. I would never take a plate without asking if you're finished or saying "may I take this?' The plate might be licked clean but I've had people tell me they weren't finished if I didn't ask.

Answer 9

You are right. Plates should be removed when everyone at the table is finished-that's the etiquette.
And drinks should be refilled on request.

Answer 10

A waiter should take your plate when you place your napkin in your plate. Placing your napkin in your plate tells the waiter you have completed your meal.