What makes a someone a good server to you? And how would you tip someone who did these things?

Answer 1

What makes a good server:

1. A smile and a sincere greeting
2. Attentiveness - don't let my drink sit empty, or make me flag someone down if I need something.
3. Ability to answer questions I may have about the menu
4. Attentiveness - please, if there's a delay in the kitchen (which totally happens!!) let me know you haven't forgotten about me!! Slow service is not bad service!!
5. Check on me after you've brought my food to me
6. Thank me for being there.

I've been known to tip 25-30% for outstanding service. I know servers aren't perfect, people make mistakes, and if the food's not right, or the kitchen is slow, I know it's not the server's fault. It's how the server handles my concerns that makes or breaks him/her.

Answer 2

I prefer a server who doesn't approach you when your mouth is full of food then walk away before you can swallow.

Don't hover but make yourself obvious enough so if a patron signals to you, you'll be able to come right over. Keep an eye on the drink glasses and offer a refill when they get low - about 1/3 of the glass left. Stop at the table within a few minutes after the food is served and ask if they need anything else like condiments, additional items, more butter, etc.

DON'T have an attitude if you're having a bad day. I don't think anything makes a tip drop faster than a sarcastic reply to a question. You'd do better to take the day off than waste your time and the restaurant's reputation by being nasty due to a fight with your boyfriend, cramps, etc.

I usually tip about 20% of the total bill, 15% if I'm not really that happy with the service but never below that because I know these servers rely on their tips so if someone's having a rough day, being cheated on a tip isn't going to help the next patron get better service, either.

Answer 3

I like to have a server that comes to me with a smile, and the menu,and glass of water. He/she tells me about any specials and gives me enough time to decide what I want. Doesn't forget I'm waiting to order.

I like it when the food arrives fairly quickly, tho this often is more the kitchen's doing than the server's.

Server should come by once or twice and ask if everything is alright, bring more coffee. Server should NOT hover over my table. If I want to converse with him/her, I will start the conversation. Sometimes I want to be left alone.

Server should wait till I've finished before whisking away my plate. Dessert menu should always be offered. The bill should always be there then, too.

If these things are done, I tip about 20%. Less service than this, I leave maybe 10%

Answer 4

I need a server who never lets my drink get low- VERY important. Also, someone who is always smiling- even if their having a bad day they need to act as if it's their best day! This is also important- put the right food with the right person. I hate when servers come over with the food and they can't remember who's is who's!

If all this is right, I will leave them a 20-25% tip (which I think is very generous). Even if my server is horrible I will never leave anything less than 10%.

Answer 5

To get a BIG tip from me ...my server needs to introduce themselves....never make suggestions or ask me questions unless I ask them too (it breaks my concentration lol) and then make sure my food is prepared correctly and my drink does not get empty.I am there with my guests so other than asking me if everything is OK I do not wish to engage in conversation.....so basically I just want my server to help things go smoothly without interrupting the conversation at the table....being able to anticipate the needs of our table gets a bonus tip.....I prefer efficient and respectful over friendly ANYTIME!

Edit....I hate it when they reach over my plate to grab something....automatic tip reduction when this is done....I start out tipping 30%...and deduct from there if necessary.

Answer 6

Good service is all about being friendly and attentive. I was at an Outback's this weekend and had fantastic service. Our waitress was quick to take our drink orders, even waited while we decided what to get. She got our appetizer out to us quickly and took our dinner order as soon as she set it on the table so that we had enough time to enjoy each course before moving onto the next. We were never overwhelmed with the amount of food on the table. She refilled drinks without being asked (just the water, she asked about the alcohol), chatted briefly with us, and went out of her way to be friendly and make our visit a pleasant one. We were so happy with her we called the manager over to tell him how much we liked her. And we left her almost 30%!

Answer 7

1. Friendly - yet not overly talkative - I did not come there to meet you, I came to dine and share time with my companion.

2. Don't let my glass go empty.

3. Don't tell me how the cook likes to prepare steaks!!!! I coudl care less if it makes him unhappy to cook it well done that is the way I want it and I am the one paying! If you say that to me youare at risk of no tip what so ever.

If these simple things are followed you get a very nice tip form me.

Answer 8

I'll tip $20 on a $80 meal if the server pays attention to the details.
1.brings my water
2.makes good drinks and knows when I need one
3.doesn't hit on me
4.doesn't bring me an empty steak sauce bottle
5.waits until I've finished with my meal before trying to take my plate or bringing me the check
6.acts as though she doesn't hate me or her job

Answer 9

I used to work in the food service industry and this is waht I base my tip on:

1. The server needs to tell me his/her name
2. The should make menu suggestions
3. The should never bring an entree if the appetizer is still on the table
4. Always return to see if the food is ok, and refill beverages at this time.

Hope this helps.

Answer 10

Attentive, polite, and aware of any problems and has a solution ready. I would tip very well for these services when dining out.