Why do waiters serve from the right and take from the left?

Question

Why do waiters serve from the right and take from the left?

Answer 1

its called waiting 'etiquette'

Answer 2

They also serve your water on the left and food from the right. It is more along the natural "flow". I was a waitress for an up scale diner and we were forced to do it. I know this isn't Best Answer, but just some input

Answer 3

It depends on what the boss tells you to do.  Seriously.  I find that with people chatting it can vary from side to side.  I've tried to follow the rules, but when patrons don't notice you, you can't just stand there with food getting cold.  I threw the rules out the window.  As long as they get their food they don't care which side it got served or cleared from.

Answer 4

That's what is supposed to be done in good restaurants.

Answer 5

it's proper etiquette

Answer 6

It has something to do with the customers body position .Especially when you clear from the left . you just have to picture it yourself. As far of serving water from the left , I don't think so , all liquids are served from the right,that includes soups... trust me on that.