10 Tips for a better dining experience. For you and me

I originally started this blog because I was stumped on what to write about. I realized that most of my time has been spent either at school or work but enough is enough about school, we all know what that's like. But not everyone knows about restaurants or what goes on behind the scenes.
I decided to write a few tips and tricks for people, like you, who have never worked in a restaurant.


Here are 10 tips that will make yours and your servers time more enjoyable:


Tip #1: If you are ready to order, stop looking at your menu. We come over to your table when you don't have your head buried. We think its rude to keep going up to you if we don't think your ready, we don't want you to feel rushed. 


Tip #2: If your waiter is MIA. Don't go looking for a manger and get the server in trouble. Simply look around the restaurant, someone (most likely your server)  is bound to come over to you almost right away. This is the sign for, I need or want something but don't know who to ask.


Tip #3: If you are in a rush, DON'T GET YOUR MEAL COURSED. If you insist on an appetizer, tell the server you are in a rush and don't have time to wait for your meal to be cooked while your app is being eaten. Ask for it all to come out at once, or as soon as you get the app to "fire" your meal. 


Tip #4: If you have allergies, to ANYTHING, tell us! Even if the ingredient is not in the food it may be near the food you are allergic to.




Tip #5: If your silverware LOOKS dirty, don't make us feel bad about it. Dishwashers leave water marks and we don't always have time to shine your silverware. We will gladly get you a new set, no attitudes and dirty looks needed.


Tip #6: If you are with a big group of people and plan on using one million credit cards, make a plan ahead of time. Don't ask the server to make separate checks for everyone, it takes forever to do and is a pain in the ass for the kitchen to keep track of all your food when its on separate checks. This could be resolved very easily. Pay cash or simply split it evenly. When you say "30 on this card, 10 on this card" you often leave us short because you didn't include tax... 


Tip #7: If you think we are the ones making your food, think again. The kitchen (Chef) will literally scream at us when we are asking where your food is. It's not easy for us so try to be patient. 


TIp #8: If you are starving and expect your food to come out fast but your friend orders a steak well done... ask your friendly kindly if we can bring your food out first. It makes it awkward for everyone when you are starving and wondering why your food is taking so long when you ordered a salad.


Tip #9: If you are going to make your server run around like a chicken with no head, at least tip well. I understand not everyone has extra money to throw around but we don't work for free. When you make us go above and beyond than give us a standard or below standard tip, thats just mean. 


Tip #10: If you get a server that truly made your night, tell a manager. Managers often only get complaints about their staff but when there is positive feedback it is good for everyone. It doesn't take much to do, so why not make someones day.