How to Wait Tables Like a Pro

Waiting tables is not an easy job by any means. You have to be personable, friendly, responsible and able to juggle a bunch of requests all at once. But if you follow these steps and do your job well, you can make excellent money as a server.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Be helpful to your fellow servers. The first step to being a great server is to be a great employee, period. Working in a restaurant is a team effort. So if you have a minute or two of downtime, help someone run food or take drinks from the bar to a table. The other servers will appreciate it and they'll be there for you when you need an extra hand.

2. Always greet your tables as soon as possible after they are seated. Even if you've got your hands full with drinks on the way to one of your other tables, smile and let them know that you'll be right with them.

3. Know the menu inside and out. Many customers will ask what comes on a certain sandwich, and some even ask their servers for recommendations. Plus, if you are trying to upsell the guests, it'll be easier if you have specific items to recommend. Ask any pertinent questions (whether they want dressing on the side, for example) as you are taking their order.

4. Keep an eye on your customers' drinks. If they're drinking soft drinks or water, swing by with refills if you see that they are getting low. If they are drinking alcoholic beverages, ask if they would like another before their first drink is finished, if possible.

5. Look over the customers' order again when their food comes out to make sure that it's right. Swing by their table about two minutes after they start eating to make sure everything is OK and their food was cooked to order.

6. Always ask if they want dessert before presenting the check. Never make your customers feel rushed when you do give them the check.

7. Thank your customers before they leave and invite them to come back again.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on your restaurant's style and your comfort level, you may want to consider crouching down at the table when you're taking the order. This puts you at the same level as your clients and makes some customers feel more comfortable.
• Always suggest appetizers, drinks and desserts. Upselling not only makes your managers happy, but it increases your check average and your tips. Plus, customers usually appreciate you making sure that they get everything they want or need--and sometimes, they won't know that they want something until you suggest it.
• Some servers like to impress their customers by committing their orders to memory without writing them down. Unless you have a stellar and extremely accurate memory, don't do this. It's easy to get sidetracked on the way to the computer, and the last thing you want is to have to approach the table and ask again how they want their steak cooked. Writing it down is much easier and saves you potential embarrassment.