What was the best service you had at a restaurant and what made the service so good?

Answer 1

Providing good service is:

Managing the restaurant so that nobody is left standing and waiting too long.

Always seat at CLEAN tables (and don't forget the chairs)

Provide clean (and no water spots either) silverware and glassware.

Order for drinks should be taken as soon as parties are seated.

Food should be served promptly (and accurately).

The waiter/waitress need to know that there is a fine balance of how often they should check on the table. Too little is terrible and a sure fire way not to get a tip. They should never have to call you over or ask another waiter/waitress because you have been MIA from the time you put their food in front of them. BUT, stopping by the table over (and over) again is just as annoying. Especially if the guests have to continually stop their own conversations to reply to the waiter/waitress.
Get the bill RIGHT. Get it wrong and that's another way not to get a tip.

I think most people (though not all) are understanding enough to know that sometimes restaurants get busy and are short of staff, so every once in a great while one has to be patient...however, that should always be compensated for by the owners with extra h'orderves or drinks, etc.

I seldom frequent chain restaurants and like to stick to privately owned/family owned restaurants where 9 times out of 10 you do get better service, so any place I would mention you would not know unless you live in my little town in PA...but if I had to pick one chain restaurant that does give fairly good service, I would say Applebees or Bravos.

Answer 2

Hey Abby,

I am taken by the fact that so many had their best service only a few days/weeks ago....

On a date, many years ago, I was with my g/f at a place called the "Greenhouse" outside of Chicago. Everything that night was perfect.

The server was so great that, we in fact, never really saw him. Other than our initial ordering, we only had a symphony of unseen hands that would add and remove plates, refill waters etc. Whatever we needed, magically appeared. It was as if her and I were the only two that were dining that night.

I have had exceptional service from many places throughout the world but nothing has ever equaled this. I only wish when I proposed, I had the exact same experience.

So I guess the key word for the "WHAT" would be -- We felt uninterrupted, unrushed and definately appreciated!

Thanks for a great question.

James in San Diego

Answer 3

I was at TGIF Fridays Saturday night and the service was GREAT because our server was sweet she smiled at us from the time she took our order brought our drinks to the table and then our food and would check back with us to see if there was anything we needed and if everything was ok. All the while doing so asking etc she had a very nice smile and pleasing personality. Now the food was so GOOD, This restaurant is one of my top favorites here in my state. I LOVE THE ALL in ONE Appetizer that can be a main meal.

Answer 4

The Butcher Shop in Kearny Mesa. (San Diego area) It's an upscale restaurant and the Fillet Mignon is outstanding! Their service is impeccable! They are friendly, courteous, and the prices aren't outrageously high, but for the atmosphere, service and food it's worth it. They pay attention - when you finish a course, they clear your plate and 3 seconds later, the next course comes out. I even had my wedding reception there I love it that much! They park your car and when you walk in you see all the celebrities who have dined there (autographed pictures on the walls). There is always someone to greet you and seat you in a very friendly, elegant manner. Makes this a special place for my husband and I on special occasions and of course, every anniversary!

Answer 5

I have had awesome service at a number of restaurants. I like Egg Harbor. The last server I had took the order quickly, came back to tell me the kitchen was out of what I wanted and suggested something else, served me quicklly, checked on me that I liked it and refilled my ice tea three times.

Answer 6

I like restaurants where the owner goes around to each table and thanks their customers for patronizing their restaurant. One night in Charlottesville, Virginia, not only were we thanked, but the chef shared his recipe with us when we complimented him on the meal. He even came out from the kitchen and hand delivered it and thanked us for enjoying it. That's service - and that's a restaurant memory we will always have. I hope they are still open and thriving. The name of the restaurant is Rococco.

Answer 7

several months ago at an outback steakhouse...she was AWESOME...I liked her because she was very honest about stuff, not just bsin us to get the bill up so she could get a big tip (which she did anyway) We ordered an appetizer and she was like you can get it if you want, but it only come with like 4 wings....which did change our mind. She was very attentive with refilling our drinks and really knew a lot about the menu. I will tell you what drives me nuts is when you order something spicy and the waiter is stingy with the refills! and don't make me wait 15 minutes before you come get my drink order like happened at GARFIELDs this weekend.....because of that, we were late to our movie!

Answer 8

When a server brings you food to your table as soon as you sit down. Mostly Mexican Restaurants.

Answer 9

when personal realizes I am left-handed and act accordingly -like moving glasses, forks, spoons etc on my left side! This happened to me once in Paris... on the contrary in Turkey when I move the glasse son my left side, waiters keep moving them on my right!

Answer 10

Any place that gives me the bill when they take the plates. I hate waiting forever on the bill and getting stuck in limbo.