I don't love comedy but I can watch someone who's kind of interesting forever. I think a waitress who's having a bad day is a lot more fun than Robin Williams doing forty minutes of material.
~Bruce McCulloch

Years ago, when I first started waiting tables, I did it purely to make money. I was a pretty crappy waitress back then. But over time I realized that I actually enjoy taking care of people. I like seeing you happy! I like serving good food and drinks, sharing a laugh with perfect strangers and watching you come back time and again for more. But it's not always fun waiting on you. These are a few things I've learned over the years:

#1 People are strange. Very, very strange.

#2 Communication is the key to getting what you want.

#3 Always treat people with the same amount of respect.

That last one is huge! And it goes both ways. You never know who you might be waiting on, and you never know who might be waiting on you. Just because you're sitting at the table and I'm wearing and apron doesn't mean that I'm sub-human or that I don't deserve your respect. All sorts of people wait tables! Artists, actors, musicians, writers, mothers, fathers, teachers, people who own businesses, people who run farms, people who are brilliant, interesting and creative, people who have been all over the world... you just never know. 

On the other hand, occasionally you'll end up with a disgruntled server who clearly doesn't care about you or whether or not you're having a good time. It happens. I can't vouch for anyone who isn't happy doing their job. Other things that are sure to ruin your experience; the food is horrible, you have to send your food back - perhaps more than once, you end up with a tray of drinks in your lap, you find a fingernail in your food (or worse; a finger), you get seated next to an obnoxious group of 20 something amateur drinkers or a table of screaming children (which is basically the same thing) or your server is in a horrible mood and makes you feel bad for asking for a side of mayo. I could go on, but I won't.

There are certainly times when a bad review is warranted. I've had numerous horrible experiences eating out. Perhaps it's because I'm a waitress that I expect the same type of service that I would give. It doesn't always work out that way though.  

The fact is, your waiter or waitress is not solely responsible for you having a good time. Part of that responsibility lies with you. If you can roll with the punches, have a sense of humor and not take things too seriously, you'll have a good time no matter what you do. But if you have a tendency to blame others for your problems, make a big deal out of small things and have unrealistic expectations, I'm afraid there's nothing we can bring to the table that's going to fix your bad attitude. 

Essentially, this blog is for both servers and customers alike. It is a place to share stories, learn from one another's experiences and shed some light on the etiquette of dining out. Most of all, this blog is meant to create a bridge of understanding between the server and the consumer. We are all human and we all deserve respect. Dining out should be fun! Unless you're there to break up with your girlfriend. In that case, your next drink is on me.