Sunshine, laughter, and a local specialty on your plate – summer is here, and café terraces are buzzing with vacationers. But while you might be savoring the simple pleasures of dining out, for the people working behind the smiles, happiness isn’t always shared equally. Ever wondered which customer habits drive restaurant workers up the wall? Grab your coffee (politely) and read on – it’s time for a crash course in restaurant savoir-vivre straight from the servers themselves!
When Enjoying Your Meal Means Mind Your Manners
Every summer, “Please!” echoes across restaurant patios, as eager guests flood in to taste local flavors. For customers, it’s pure joy – a well-earned treat under the sun. For servers, though, crowded tables mean a fast-paced environment with its own unique challenges. According to experienced server Élise, people often pin everything on the waitstaff: “They blame us for things we can’t control – the waiting time, the food not being to their liking… Fine, but we’re just the messengers!”
This habit of shooting the messenger isn’t just annoying – a study from 2016 even ranked waiting tables among the world’s most stressful jobs. So, the next time your steak arrives a tad overcooked, remember: your server didn’t personally burn it.
The Secret Sauce: A Generous Dash of Politeness
If there’s one ingredient that makes a server’s day, it’s simple: good manners. “A smile changes everything,” Élise assures us. As obvious as it sounds, that little gesture goes a long way, especially compared to less charming ways of getting attention. Snapping your fingers? That’s a universal faux pas. “I really don’t like being called over with finger snapping, and neither do my colleagues. So, please stop.”
- Smile – it’s contagious and free!
- Use polite greetings rather than impatient gestures.
- Respect your fellow diners: nobody wants their meal ruined by the shouts of a table next door. “There’s a big difference between having a good time and yelling like a fool.”
Be Proactive (But Not Pushy): The Model Customer Move
It’s not all about words – actions count, too. Picture this: you’ve accidentally tipped over the carafe. The typical reaction? Wave frantically at a server, who’s probably juggling six other tables. There’s a better way. Get up, ask for a towel, or something to soak up the mess. Usually, someone will come help, but it’s the thought that counts. Taking that initiative shows respect for the staff’s workload – and just might bump you into the “favorite customer” category.
Indulgence: Serving Up Some Patience
Good manners also mean a dose of indulgence – and not just in the dessert department. Take the classic wine service moment. “You open the bottle, let someone taste… and people start sulking because you aren’t pouring, even though lots of others are waiting to be served!” Patience, please – you’re not alone in this culinary adventure. Restaurant employees, after all, are masters at practicing patience with a parade of behaviors, from the ones who leave cigarette butts on the floor to those who skip the tip at the end of the meal.
- If your wine is being served, remember there are others to be attended to as well.
- Small gestures of patience are noticed and appreciated – much like that smile!
- Treating staff with kindness makes a difference, especially since they deal with a variety of forgetful or inconsiderate customers.
In short, being a star customer isn’t about ordering the fanciest dish or having the loudest laugh on the terrace. It’s about showing the very savoir-vivre that makes dining out a pleasure for everyone — including the people making your meal possible. So next time you’re tempted to snap your fingers or grumble about the wait, remember: your server is a messenger, not a magician. Smile, show a little patience, and you just might get the best service on the block.
Iveta is an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for coffee. Always curious and creative, she dreams of sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect people around the world
