What Kind Of Service Do You Want?

Question

I am a waitress. Some people want to chat, some people don't even look me in the eye. When people are that obvious it's no problem. However, many others are hard to read. I could give the exact same service to two different couples and one could complain while the other sings my praises. What is good service to you? What are your expectations when dining out in an upscale restaurant?

Answer 1

a friendly efficient waitress, who will talk a little but not too much, but the main thing is good service

Answer 2

It's all about reading your tables. When you greet your table, you should be able to tell what kind of service you need to provide. If they joke around with you right off the bat, I'd say there's nothing wrong with striking up a conversation and having a little fun with them. Some go out to eat because they enjoy the social interaction.

On the other hand, if you approach your table and they seem more interested in talking with their companions, just provide them with unobtrusive service. Your tables are always going to be different, so you can't really provide the same exact service to everyone and be 100% successful.

Answer 3

My expectations vary depending on the style of restaurant that it is.  If you are working at an Applebees or Outback Steakhouse or something, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with talking with the customers a little.  It is practically expected that you are going to do that.  Making jokes and stuff is fine

If you are working in a fine dining establishment, however, I prefer my server to tell me about the specials, take my order , properly present the wine I order and make sure to keep all glasses at the table full, and make sure to place all dishes on the table so that they appear to the guests in the most flattering position.  It is necessary that the server stop by to make sure that everything is ok with our food once, but unlike at casual restaurants this should be done with as little small talk as possible.  Indeed, the mark of truly fine service at a truly fine restaurant is that the server will anticipate your needs and resolve them before they are noticeable to the guests at the table, and will do so in such an unobtrusive manner that you almost can't tell they are present

Answer 4

You should just go with the flow.  So people are chatty some are not.  If you just be like them they will reward you with a big tip.

Answer 5

I feel your pain, I'm a waitress too. I think people just want to know that you are available if you need them, but they don't want you to be bugging them every 5 minutes either. Stay busy where they can still see you so if they need to get your attention they can. Still make sure you stop by just don't go too too often. Smile no matter how you are feeling that day.

Answer 6

I hate it when a server sits at the table with us. I know in some places they are encouraged to do so, but it's very imposing to me. I also can't stand when a server comes to the table and sees empty, dirty dishes and just leaves them there. I greatly appreciate it when a server anticipates our needs, like refilling drinks before they're completely empty, or suggesting something to complement what I've already ordered. I don't mind small talk, and often initiate conversation with servers myself, however, I don't need to hear about what a long day it's been before I ask... it just sets a tone that the server isn't really interested in helping me.