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Step 1
Ask if people are all set with drinks several times throughout the service. This is a general rule of thumb from when people sit down to when they leave. Because many people wait for a table in the bar, they may already have a drink or need a second drink; it never hurts to inquire as you are leaving the table.
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Step 2
Keep an eye on their glasses. Even if you are slammed with multiple tables, it is imperative you keep one eye on your customers' drinks. Keeping their drinks filled to the top tends to mitigate a slow kitchen or so-so food. If you see that they're nearing their last sip, then it is time to approach the table.
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Step 3
Refill the water glasses without asking the table. As a general rule of thumb, good service requires that a customer's water glass is always full. Bring your pitcher over and refill their glasses. As you are doing so, inquire if they need any other sodas or beverages and if they need additional ordering or food with their meal.
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Step 4
Be polite, courteous and always offer a smile. You never know who is going to be the big tipper of the night. The most vocal customer might be the cheapest and the guy who seems to be frowning may just toss you $100 on a $50 tab. You just never know. Approach each table as if they are your own family.
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Step 5
Inform the customer if there are not free refills on soda. Many restaurants make a lot of money on soda. They sell their food for cheap and then bank on the customer spending money on 4 or 5 sodas just by having them refilled. If this is your restaurant's policy, then it is your duty to inform them as a waiter. It'll save you from an unpleasant conversation when they receive their bill.
