cowbellz's Diaryland Diary

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rules to follow

here are some guidelines to help you all become better restaurant customers. not that anyone i know really needs this, but maybe one of those punks who do need it will stumble across it and make life much easier for all their future servers.

• when the server walks up to your table to take your drink order, don't ignore them and continue with your conversation. pause, tell them what you'd like to drink, and then return to your story. it takes all of 5 seconds and the server can get on with all of the million other things she has to do.
• if you want lemon for your water or no ice in your tea, please tell your server this at the same time you order your drinks. not after they've already brought them.
• remember that you are not that server's only table. (unless, of course, it's really slow and you really are the only table)
• maybe this one is just me. but expect me to clinch my teeth or give you a small glare if you order a cappuccino when it's busy. those things take a while to make and it takes me away from my section for too long.
• this is a big one. NEVER ever take off your shoes in a restaurant. i don't care if said restaurant used to be an old house and you feel comfortable. it isn't your home. please keep your shoes on. this 26 year old girl took her shoes off today and sat cross legged in the chair in her bare feet. it was so gross.
• learn how to tip. this should be a given but you'd be surprised. 10% is not a tip. don't even try to pretend it is. servers make $2.13 an hour. most of that goes to taxes. so they live on tips. TIP THEM. i know money is tight and people are kind of freaking out about the future, but please be nice.
• no separate checks. please, people. you're smart. figure it out on your own.
• if it's busy, don't camp out at the table for a long time after you're done. the server can get more tables in there and actually make money. don't get me wrong, i don't want you to rush. enjoy your meal. talk with your friends. but don't overstay your welcome. if you do, tip accordingly. i had two ladies sit at one of my tables for 3 hours today during the busiest part of lunch. they sat there FOREVER. and tipped me 12%. BLEH.
• don't run your server all over the place. ask for things all at one time. don't wait until they go get the straw to ask for a slice of lime or extra butter. ask them all at once. they'll be much nicer to you.

5:14 pm - 19 february 2003

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