What do you consider good service at a restraunt?

Question

I am just wondering because I am starting serving at a restraunt. It just makes me nervous cuz everyone is different... some people get mad at you if you check up on them twice because they say they think you are bothering them... others get mad if you dont check up on them at least twice... some people get mad if you bring them the bill while they still have some food left, but others get mad if you dont bring them the food right away... I think serving is one of the toughest jobs, because alot of people do not have any patients when they go out to eat and they want everything right when they want it and they do not realize you have other tables that needs things too...

Answer 1

First, good luck! I agree that serving is one of the hardest jobs you will ever have.
My personal thing is I want my drink to stay filled. If it gets below halfway I want my server to fill it soon before it gets too low! I hate running out of tea or soda or whatever.
I don't really like to be bugged, especially after I've just taken a bite of food! But as you say everyone is different. Don't take anything personally--remember some people are just jerks and there is no pleasing them. And other people are wonderful. Be friendly, joke around a little if you can, it depends on the people...you will, with time, be able to gauge your customer and tell if you have to be super-polite or if you can be funny and casual.
It's a tough job and takes practice and a good memory! If something goes wrong just take a deep breath and remember all the good customers and know that most of them will be good. Hang in there!

Answer 2

I used to be a server and bartender and i think the best advice s to always be friendly and smile. Pay attention to your customers- each one's needs are different. I was never a very good tipper until I worked int he service industry- now I ALWAYS leave a good tip- 20% Minimum, unless the server was rude and absent. Otherwise as long as the order is correct, you are polite and friendly, and pay attention to the table. You don't always have to say anything when approaching the table. Look at the customers- if they need something they will make eye contact- but always notice drink glasses- don't wait untill they are empty 1/4 full and ask if they need more or just bring another full glass, depending on the type of restaurant and the type of beverage they are drinking. Make sure empty plates and trash are cleared away quickly to reduce clutter- people will usually set them near the edge of the table when they are done with them anyway. Make sure condiments that saty on tables are full or adequate before someone is seated if possible to reduce running for another bottle during the dinner or the customer going without. Also if it is a restaurant where kids can dine with family, pay attention to the kids- address them and say hi. Kids like the attention and parents appreciate your "sincere" kindness. Leave extra napkins just in case so they don't have to track you down when they need another one for any reason. And if smoking is still allowed in the establishment, ALWAYS make sure to empty the ashtry when clering empty plates- smokers like empty ashtrays. Sorry to go on- hope it helps. Keep smiling you will do great!

Answer 3

I'm a server and the best advice I can give you is that you can't please everyone all the time.

With that said, you should do your best to make the guest as happy as possible; but realize that you will have those tables that just will never be satisfied.

Also, you need to learn to read your guests. I usually always ask twice how a table is. Usually, once after the food has arrived to make sure everything is right and then sometime when they look about half way done or so.

I do walk by my tables often, but do not say anything. Sometimes, I will help one of my co-workers bring food or drinks to their table, just so I can walk by mine. That way I don't have to ask and interrupt a table, but if they really need something they can stop me.

Serving is tricky, and you definitely get to be better at it as time goes by. Experience is the best way to become a good server. Good Luck.

Answer 4

You are so right! Serving is a really tough job. The people who do it deserve much more credit than they get. I think on a whole, most people want to be served efficiently and by someone with a smile on their face. As for checking up on people and when to bring them their bill, just remember that every customer is different and has different expectations. When you start to serve a table, you will quickly pick up on whether they want as much service as you can give them, or whether they'd prefer to be left alone as much as possible. If you can pick up on that vibe, serving them will be really easy. At the end of the day, remember to be really friendly and even when you are having a crappy day, always show the customer that you are having fun. Everyone loves to be served by a cheerful person. Just do the best that you can, and I'm sure you'll do fine. Good luck!

Answer 5

Be attentive, say thank you, smile (but don't be annoyingly perky), always bring extra napkins, refill drinks before they're totally empty, check back about a minute after the food gets there, ask if they want separate checks,
You'll learn to gauge if people want to talk to you or if they want you to leave them alone. And if you make a mistake, apologize and do what you can to correct it.
Also - don't take everything personally - some people are just grouchy and some are bad tippers no matter what. Customers will blame everything on you because you're the one they see and it's usually not your fault. When some random person yells at you because they're high maintenance, remember that you're awesome and they are just grouchy. Don't dwell on the bad stuff or you'll quit in a few weeks.

Answer 6

It seems true that the waiter only comes when you have your mouth full. You nod your head because you don't want to spray food on your date!
After they bring the food and we've had a chance to try it, I hope they come back and check on us. I'd rather the waiter did not ask a question, just make eye contact.
Then about 20 minutes later (depending on the meal), I expect you to come back by again. Are the drinks okay, etc?
What will make or break a tip is if our waiter disappears and is not found until the check comes. They don't have to be at my elbow but at least somewhere where I can catch your eye.
Congrats on the new job. I think you'll do fine.

Answer 7

I'm a waitress. The trick is to smile and be courteous. Double check to make sure you got their order right when they place it, check up on them about every 15 to 20 minutes-- leave a medium length gap so that they won't feel pestered, but they'll know that you're putting in the effort. And REALLY make the effort to please them- ask if they need anything, how the meal is, offer coffee and dessert, and bring the bill when there is almost no food left, or they appear to be finished eating. You'll know how well you're doing by the size of your tips!

Answer 8

When I go to a restaurant I like my server to be very friendly and to check back on us only two times. I also like when the server waits till im done eating before droping off the check, to me I feel like im being pushed out or there telling me I need to hurry up.
I agree with you about serving isn't a easy job and it's alot of work. You have to deal with alot of different people and half of them are not the nicest people either. I tried to serve and I can't do it , you have to be able to put that fake smile on and that's not me.
All I can tell you is keep doing what your doing and put that big fake smile on lol .

Answer 9

What I do like are pleasant servers who keeps the glasses full,brings extra napkins and comes by no more than twice to see if I need anything else.What I don't like are servers who are so fake at being nice to get a tip and want in on your personal business to seem like you have something in common. I just don't like fake people period.Serving must be hard work for you can never please some people all of the time and you can never please all of the people some of the times. Best of luck to you.And bu the way, I'm usually a big tipper.

Answer 10

It's great when they show up the moment that my glass is empty. I think I would rather them bother me too little than too much. If I need something, I can try and get their attention. If they are persistently coming to my table interrupting my meal, there's not much I can do about that. As for the check, I don't mind asking for it at the register, if it hasn't been brought to me by the time I'm finished. If it is brought before I'm finished, then I feel I'm being rushed.