The 10 Step Guide to Waiting Tables Stress-Free

Waiting tables at a restaurant can be a fun and moneymaking experience. And while the fast-paced environment of many restaurants can seem stressful, it doesn't have to be. Yes it's true, no matter where you wait tables, customers will have a certain level of expectations. In general, they will expect friendly service, to get what they ordered, to have it taste decent, and to get it in a reasonable amount of time. Since fulfilling these expectations as a waiter or waitress is often easier said than done, it can be stressful. Fortunately, after many years in the industry, I have discovered the most efficient way to get the job done. And I believe in sharing. Follow this 10 step guide and you will end your next 6-hour shift with less stress and full pockets.

1. Greet the table

Greet your table within 2 minutes of them sitting down. Granted, this is sometimes hard during a busy rush, but it’s vital. If you can't stop, at least say hello as you walk by. This way the customer knows that you’re aware of their presence. When you can, introduce yourself, make eye contact and ask how they are doing on this fine day. If there are young children, ask if they need a high-chair. Your kindness towards the customer will often be matched with their kindness towards you later on, in the form of a tip.

2. Take drink order

The customer is now seated at the table and ready to order drinks. If the restaurant sells any specialty drinks, wine, beer, or alcohol, offer these first. They usually cost more than soda or tea, which means a bigger check in the end (and a bigger tip). If they order a glass of house wine, suggest a bottle of something finer. If they order a vodka and tonic, suggest a particular top-shelf vodka like Grey Goose or Ketel One, in fact, make it a double. This practice is called upselling. Learn it, and you will increase your tips exponentially. If the table needs more time to decide on their drinks, offer them water in the meantime.

Once you have taken the drink order, return to the bar or the service station, fill the order, and deliver it to the table as soon as possible.

3. Offer appetizers

The customer has their drinks. Now is the time you will want to offer any appetizers. People are often indecisive about what they want, and they need your help. Suggest some of your favorite appetizers. Often times customers will have no intentions of ordering an appetizer, but will change their mind after hearing your suggestions.

If appetizers are ordered, deliver them as soon as possible. Make sure they have extra plates and silverware if necessary. It’s now time to take the order for the main course.

4. Take food order

This part is crucial, so don't mess it up. Okay, so everyone says you have an impeccable memory, and it’s true. I mean, you remember the last song you and Susan danced to at the senior prom. You even remember the color of her bra and panties. That's great, but it's irrelevant. When taking an order, write everything down. Be positive on what they order by reading it back to them. If you are unsure, double check.

If any of the items ordered involve a particular condiment, bring it to the table immediately. This makes your job easier for when the food is eventually delivered.

5. Deliver food

It’s important to embrace good manners, especially when dealing with other people’s food. Customers will notice and appreciate things like serving women and children first, and serving from the left. These are good habits to develop. When you set the plate on the table, face the main item (the sandwich, piece of meat etc.) towards the customer. Check that everyone is happy and ask if you can bring anything else to the table. Offer any refills or another round of drinks and leave the table to eat in peace.

6.Check back

Within a few minutes of delivering the food to the table, check back. As a restaurant customer, you know there’s nothing worse than salivating over a hot plate of food that isn’t yours, or one dripping in peanut sauce - when you’re allergic to peanuts. Make sure nothing is missing from their order, everything tastes good, and that they are happy.

Generally, after the initial check back, you can leave the table alone. If there is an empty drink, or an unhappy customer, you will see it from across the restaurant. Anticipate the needs of your customers by refilling drinks or bringing more bread, before they have to ask.

7. Clear dishes

If it’s not 100% obvious the customer is finished with their plate, ask first. However, as soon as they're done, clear all plates, silverware, napkins, condiments, and any trash that is on the table. It’s proper to clear plates from the right of the guest. If they have leftovers they want to keep, offer to put it in a to-go box for them.

8. Offer dessert

Once the table is cleared, offer dessert, coffee, and tea.

In the same way you baited the customer with appetizer suggestions, offer a few of your favorite desserts.

9. Deliver check

When all is said and done, leave the check in the middle or at the end of the table. Thank them kindly. Look back often to see if they have left a credit card for you to run through the machine. If there is cash in place of a card, always provide change. Asking “do you need change?” could be too assumptive, and might result in a smaller tip.

10. Rinse and repeat.