No, we don't spit in your food if we don't like you. But servers are people, too. And just because it's our job to serve you, doesn't mean we deserve to be treated like servants. Here are some easy, little things you can do to be a great customer, and maybe make your server's day a little bit better.
1. Tipping
Most restaurants pay servers less than minimum wage, making tips their main source of income. That doesn't mean you should feel obligated to drop an extra ten dollars on each meal, but maybe if your order was customized or large, or your server gave you over-the-top fantastic service, you could thank them for their efforts with a little extra.
2. Learn your server's name.
Again, servers are people, too. Brightening their day is as easy as asking for and using their name.
3. Try not to leave a huge mess.
Sure, it's someone else's job to clean it up, not yours. But if you used sugar packets, it's considerate to put the trash into one pile. Or if you dropped a spoon or straw wrapper, please take the extra second to pick it up; it's just good manners.
4. Take-out orders
A lot of people don't think about tipping on a take-out order. No, you aren't sitting down and being served, but whoever filled your order had to write it down, take it to the kitchen, package your meal, and bring it to the front, all while taking care of their other customers. Tipping on take-out is appropriate and appreciated.
5. Use manners.
When we ask, "Hi, how are you today?", the answer shouldn't be your drink order. Be friendly, as you would to someone who isn't your server.
6. Remember that you aren't the only customer.
If the restaurant is busy, your server is busy. Servers have more to balance than just trays of your food.
7. Try to ask for what you'll need all at once.
If you're ordering french fries, ask for ketchup up front. If you think you'll need more coffee creamers, ask when you order your coffee. Asking for what you need all at once helps to lessen the amount of time your server is running around stressed like a chicken with no head trying to grab everything everyone needs.
Obviously, things happen. Drinks spill, you forget to ask for a side of applesauce, you're just having one of those days. In the end, it boils down to this: to be the best customer, or best person, that you can be, just remember that everybody else is a person who has feelings and makes mistakes, too.
