Chances are that at one point or another you've gone out to eat at a restaurant. Going out to breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be a fun way to catch up with friends or family and just spend time together. For a waitress, your experience could be a little more than a get together—it could be a dreadful time for us, only if you make it one, though. Our mood most likely depends on how your mood is and how you treat us. Everyone has dealt with horrible waitresses, but also pretty good ones. But from being a waitress for over a year now, we've dealt with great tables and also horrible ones. Here's a short list of what your waitress would love to say to you, but most likely won't.
1. If the restaurant is super busy and you can tell that I am too, please do not ask me to make a special order for you.
Chances are that if you ask me to add this, delete that, and add extra of that, I will get yelled at by the kitchen. Also, making up your own meal on a slamming night just won't cut it, and I probably will tell you we can't do that.
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2. Most, if not all, of the money we make is from your tips.
It's a known thing that waitresses don't make much, other than what we are tipped. Don't be cheap when tipping your waitresses, people!
3. I do not cook your food.
If something is wrong with your food, do not get mad at us waitresses because we did not make it. I will do anything in my power to get it fixed for you so don't be rude to me if something is wrong with your dish.
4. I love kids, and I also love when your kids are polite.
Waitresses really do notice when a child is being parented correctly. When a 5 year old is ordering their food on their own and accompanies it with a please and thank you, then that might just make our day.
5. When I come over to your table to ask if you need anything, tell me everything right then and there.
There is nothing worse than going to a table to get them whatever they need, return with that item, and then be told something else over and over.
6. Asking for separate checks after your whole meal is done is a nightmare.
Honestly, asking for separate checks at all is not pleasant, but if you're going to do it then do it when you first sit down!
7. If I forget to get something for you, don't be mad!
Every waitress will tell you that having many tables can be extremely confusing. At times, we can have up to six or seven tables, and if you and five other people ask for something at the same time, then there's a good chance I won't remember it all. Please be patient with me—I didn't forget your grated cheese on purpose, and chances are the second that I see your face, I'll remember.
8. If you're in a bad mood, try not to take it out on me.
If today is just not your day or if you're a nasty person in general, please try to remember that waitresses are people, too. I don't get paid nearly enough to get yelled at by you.
9. Remembering my name will make my day.
I make sure to tell every table my name just so you can feel as if I'm less than just a stranger to you.
10. I am here to help you.
Chances are I've tried, heard about, or seen every item on the menu, so if you have a question, just ask! I have no issue with giving you my recommendation because, as many people will tell you, I am brutally honest.
After being a waitress for a year and a half, you really learn the pros and cons of this job. One thing I'll always be aware of is feeling the waitresses pain when something goes wrong because absolutely nobody is perfect, and chances are, I've made that exact same mistake. I love my job, and being able to meet new (nice) people every time I work is one thing that helps any waitress realize that they love what they do.
