One More Tip -- Courant.com

Linda Giuca [Life section, July 2, "Secret To Good Service"] offers waiters and waitresses 10 good suggestions that will lead to good tips.

[Diner]

Yes, that 11th tip is right on. I personally don't care for the server to try to act like they have known you for years, unless they have. Nothing more annoying than : "So, how you guys doin? Still workin on that?".

[WTF]

I don't mind a server working for their tip. I like that they can be personable. I'm not some tight wad and I'll tip 30% if I get some good service rather than the usual 20....if you have to be so anal about "are you still working on that" well, you should go shoot yourself in the foot. I'm not eating out to be all uptight, I go out to eat to unwind.

[Jan E Toore]

Diner wrote:

Yes, that 11th tip is right on. I personally don't care for the server to try to act like they have known you for years, unless they have. Nothing more annoying than : "So, how you guys doin? Still workin on that?".

I too am annoyed by a friendly waiter.

[Diner]

Oh yea, "Have a good one".

[Jan E Toore]

Diner wrote:

Oh yea, "Have a good one".

Who do they think they are, saying things like that It makes me sick.

[Dave B]

I'd like to ad another tip for wait staff: PLEASE DON"T INTERRUPT YOUR CUSTOMERS; wait for a lull in conversation to ask if anything is needed. I've had so many stories and jokes interrupted by waiters just as the conclusion or punch line is about to be delivered, that I now anticipate an interruption, hold up my palm as the waiter tries to interrupt, signal my dining partner finish what is being said, and request the wait person wait next time and please don't interrupt. If they try to interrupt us again the wait person is informed that their interruption is going to cut the tip in half. If basic manners are not being taught to the wait staff, cutting off some money should do some teaching.

[Jan E Toore]

Dave B wrote:

I'd like to ad another tip for wait staff: PLEASE DON"T INTERRUPT YOUR CUSTOMERS; wait for a lull in conversation to ask if anything is needed. I've had so many stories and jokes interrupted by waiters just as the conclusion or punch line is about to be delivered, that I now anticipate an interruption, hold up my palm as the waiter tries to interrupt, signal my dining partner finish what is being said, and request the wait person wait next time and please don't interrupt. If they try to interrupt us again the wait person is informed that their interruption is going to cut the tip in half. If basic manners are not being taught to the wait staff, cutting off some money should do some teaching.

Good manners works both ways. It's rude to ignore a person who is standing at your table waiting to take your order.

[Middletown Joe]

Dave B wrote:

I'd like to ad another tip for wait staff: PLEASE DON"T INTERRUPT YOUR CUSTOMERS; wait for a lull in conversation to ask if anything is needed. I've had so many stories and jokes interrupted by waiters just as the conclusion or punch line is about to be delivered, that I now anticipate an interruption, hold up my palm as the waiter tries to interrupt, signal my dining partner finish what is being said, and request the wait person wait next time and please don't interrupt. If they try to interrupt us again the wait person is informed that their interruption is going to cut the tip in half. If basic manners are not being taught to the wait staff, cutting off some money should do some teaching.

Wait for a lull? Not sure where you eat, but I have only had dedicated wait staff a few times. That is, I have to share my wait staff with 3 or more tables. So how does my waiter assess when the lull would be? Do you signal them with a closed palm indicating a 15 second end to your conversation? Then you expect them to do this to the other tables they are assigned to as well????

Wow, you are truly a wait staff's dream. I understand common courtesy, but I also understand common sense as well.

As for training the waiter. Interesting, so as you degrade that person in front of other patrons I trust you are not anticipating returning to that restaurant. I am sure that same wait staff would also be anticipating your return for other reasons.

[t stu]

Many times we don't have all night to wait for your rude ass to shut up. The guests with you probably think you are rude as well. You self important prick, we have manors, you don't!

Dave B wrote:

I'd like to ad another tip for wait staff: PLEASE DON"T INTERRUPT YOUR CUSTOMERS; wait for a lull in conversation to ask if anything is needed. I've had so many stories and jokes interrupted by waiters just as the conclusion or punch line is about to be delivered, that I now anticipate an interruption, hold up my palm as the waiter tries to interrupt, signal my dining partner finish what is being said, and request the wait person wait next time and please don't interrupt. If they try to interrupt us again the wait person is informed that their interruption is going to cut the tip in half. If basic manners are not being taught to the wait staff, cutting off some money should do some teaching.

[clandestine]

the t stu, you guys have manors, as in landed estates? LOL, just kidding, but no, seriously, I am satisfied with every wait staff I've ever encountered. I know how to treat people and I give them their 30% because they deserve it. some work and some don't, but it doesn't matter because you don't know what rude S.O.B. like Dave B they've encountered. For the most part I've never had a waiter/waitress that never greeted me with a smile. I love their service and they should be commended. don't know where this prick Dave B is from but I can only guess he's got no friends, only co-workers.

[Diner in Waterloo]

Your ideas are both rude and totally impractical. A waiter has to serve everyone at your table and several other tables as well. He cannot possible wait for a lull in every coversation, especially when he needs to take your order. What would he do at a large table with several conversations going?

Dave B wrote:

I'd like to ad another tip for wait staff: PLEASE DON"T INTERRUPT YOUR CUSTOMERS; wait for a lull in conversation to ask if anything is needed. I've had so many stories and jokes interrupted by waiters just as the conclusion or punch line is about to be delivered, that I now anticipate an interruption, hold up my palm as the waiter tries to interrupt, signal my dining partner finish what is being said, and request the wait person wait next time and please don't interrupt. If they try to interrupt us again the wait person is informed that their interruption is going to cut the tip in half. If basic manners are not being taught to the wait staff, cutting off some money should do some teaching.