13 Things Restaurant Servers Won't Tell You

This piece lists about the unspoken parts of being a restaurant server, like the problems that happen behind the scenes and the problems that customers have. It explores the reasons why servers often stay silent about certain things and offers an inside look at their work. Whether you eat out often or just once in a while, knowing these things will make your experience better and show your respect for the staff who are serving you.

1. They can tell if you’re going to be a good tipper within minutes.

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The best servers can read the room like a book, especially when it comes to figuring out how a customer will pay them. The way you talk to them and move around makes it easy for servers to guess how helpful they’ll be. If you’re rude or pushy right away, the person may already expect less of a tip. If you meet your server with a smile and talk to them in a friendly way, they will want to work harder for you.

2. They are not trying to rush you—it’s just their job.

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It may seem like workers are rushing you to finish your food, but they’re just trying to get you to leave quickly so they can get more tips. Serving more people means more tips, so they ensure everyone gets their food on time and is happy. However, just because they’re in a hurry doesn’t mean they don’t care about your meal; it’s a part of their job. Don’t stress; ask for more time if you need it.

3. Complaining about the food won’t get you a free meal.

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It might make you feel better about complaining if the meal doesn’t live up to your expectations, but servers rarely have the power to give you a free meal. They are just the link between the customer and the cook. If you’re upset, it’s better to talk to your boss because they can make changes. The servers only pass on the word; the management ultimately makes the decision.

4. They remember the really good tips (and the really bad ones).

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When someone leaves a big tip, servers don’t forget about it. The same goes for when someone leaves a small tip. If you leave a good tip, they will go the extra mile for you on future trips. In the same way, waiters remember bad tips, too, which can change how hard they work. The golden rule says that if you’re nice to workers, they’ll probably do the same for you.

5. They can’t always fix the mistakes that happen in the kitchen.

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It’s possible for the cook to mess up an order. The servers will do their best to fix it, but they often can’t change what happened in the back. It may look like the server is going back and forth, but the cooking staff is in charge of making the changes. They will do everything they can to fix any problems as soon as possible but keep in mind that it could take some time. When things like this happen, having patience and understanding really helps.

6. Yes, they’ve heard that joke before.

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There are lots of “funny” jokes about food that servers hear daily, so don’t think yours is unique. They might laugh along to keep things light, but it doesn’t make them laugh more. Servers are used to going along with it, but it gets old after the hundredth time. It’s much more welcomed if you say something nice about their service or food.

7. They’re trained to keep their cool, but they’re humans too.

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Servers are taught to smile and act polite, but they still have feelings. People who are rude or make unreasonable requests can get on their nerves, but they have to hide it to keep the level of service high. Remember that they are humans, so be nice to them, and they’ll give you the best service. Doing small things for them can make their whole day better.

8. They don’t always get paid well—your tip is everything.

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Servers depend on tips because their hourly pay is usually less than the minimum wage. Tips are how they make a good living. If you leave a small tip, they might not even be able to pay their own expenses for the shift. A nice tip can make their day by showing how much you appreciate their hard work. It can make a big difference for them if you do something nice for them and leave a good tip.

9. The menu descriptions aren’t always accurate.

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Servers may not know everything there is to know about each menu item. They do their best but can’t promise that every ingredient is correct. Some recipes’ ingredients may change daily or based on what’s in season. They’re not lying, but options change without warning sometimes. If you have questions or worries about your diet, you should always feel free to do so.

10. They’re doing their best to keep everyone happy.

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Servers often run from one side of the restaurant to the other while taking care of several tables simultaneously. It’s tough to keep everything in balance, especially when customers have issues or special requests. It might look like they’re not paying attention to you, but they’re probably just trying their best to please everyone. When they’re busy, try to wait; they’ll get to you as soon as they can.

11. They don’t control how long your food takes.

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It’s easy to get mad at your service if you have to wait a long time for your food. However, most of the time, delays aren’t the server’s fault; problems in the kitchen cause them. The staff will check on your order, but they can’t change when it’s being made. Most likely, they’ll say sorry and try to make things right if you have to wait a long time.

12. They can’t always recommend the healthiest option.

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Customers sometimes ask servers to suggest the healthiest food on the menu, but servers aren’t trained nutritionists. They know what’s in a dish but might not know how many calories it has or how good it is for you. If you need special diet advice, it’s best to ask for a menu or list of ingredients to ensure you pick the right thing for your needs.

13. They appreciate a ’thank you’ more than you think.

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When you’ve been running around and keeping track of many things, a simple “thank you” goes a long way. Getting credit for their hard work makes them feel liked and important. Thanking servers can make their job much more enjoyable since they work long hours. If you smile or say “thank you,” you can make a normal meal a great time for everyone.

• Tags:
• Restaurant
• Servers
• Tip
• Complain