13 Things Your Waiter Won't Tell You

I have worked in a restaurant for three years. Some of these things are true, but not for every place. Some places have integrity and truly want you to have a wonderful dining experience. Bottom line, we are humans too and want to be treated with respect, just as you do. Waiting tables is challening physically and mentally, and we still make $2.13 an hour! If you can't tip, don't go out! So next time you go eat just treat your server with respect and you will be too!

Very enlightening article! Very down-to-earth and true. May I make a comment about the annoying wait person who asks if you need change when you're paying the bill?

In the December article about secrets waiters won't tell you there is a section about customer stereotypes titled "Surefire Stereotypes". In that section the last point wonders why corporate women do not tip as high as corporate men tip. I was just wondering if they were aware that even in the year 2009 women are still not paid as high as men are in their professions. This would mean that less funds are available for tips right off the bat!

My brother-in-law is a waiter and has raved about the book Waiter Rant. After listening to him and reading your December article, I am disgusted. What dismisses waitstaff from behaving as professionals? Why should consumers who pay hard-earned money to eat in your establishments have to worry about retaliation tactics for asking too many questions, requesting water, or returning something not prepared well? It is your job/profession. Do it as best you can or choose a new profession.

If you treat me rudely, tip poorly and allow your children to make a huge mess, I WILL tell all of my coworkers and point you out. After that point, you can forget about getting good service in my restaurant. Why is it that the Golden Rule ceases to apply in the minds of some people when it applies to workers in the service industry?

One thing to remember is that we need to be sure that we are treating others like we want to be treated. Yes, it is our job as servers to serve you, but it is a lot better for us if you make that easier instead of more difficult. We'll like you better and you'll get better service. Just saying. If you are going to make our job harder, you better be prepared to tip well. Biggest pet peeve: going up to a table and asking them how they are doing (I DO care) and them just saying: Coke.

When I come to your table to take your order, and 2 or more of you are on a cell phones, you ignore me or give me the "just a minute" when I have other customers to wait on and food to be delivered, please be considerate of me too, I also have a job to do, and I might get back to you to take your order...maybe

When I come to your table to take your order, and 2 or more of you are on a cell phones, you ignore me or give me the "just a minute" when I have other customers to wait on and food to be delivered, please be considerate of me too, I also have a job to do, and I might get back to you to take your order...maybe

Of all the jobs in the service industry, waiters and waitresses probably have about the roughest. I think it takes a special person to be a good waiter/waitress. With that being said, since most are not special people, most are in the wrong profession. If you can't provided quality service in spite of the customer, it's time to get out.

Hey Robert....not every server behaves in this manner, there were some critically disgusting comments and those servers should retire and get out of the food service ind. I would never damage another persons food, even thought there are real freak jerks who should stay the heck home...thank you!!! We are not dogs, don't treat us like one, because chances are.... you will get what you dispense, poor attitude!!!! whoof whoof!!!!!