The next time you are in a restaurant for dinner, consider doing the server, and the establishment, a favor. It’s a fair bet that the server would like to make a good impression (and a good tip) by giving each customer outstanding service. It is also a safe assumption that the restaurant would like a steady customer who will speak volumes about the great service and good food. Given that these things are desired, there are some good methods that we, the customers, can do to help accomplish them.

First, let us understand that most people are not mind readers; if we don’t tell the server what we want, it is difficult to have him or her guess correctly what is in our minds. Since most patrons order whatever is on the menu, the task of pleasing the customer becomes limited. Few people take the time to explain how they would like their food prepared, what to eliminate from the meal, what to add so that it is tailored perfectly for the taste of the customer. These people reason that they do not want to annoy the server with copious instructions on how the burger should be cooked, prepared, and served. Hell, it’s only a hamburger! Yeah, right, it’s only a burger, just like all the other burgers served that day to any number of people. Think for a moment about the server’s day. He or she must be bored silly by having to prepare a lot of burgers, all cooked the same way, because no one is letting them know anything different. After a while, the poor server gets tired of hearing the same old order again and again. What if we were to help out our server by making the order more interesting. Let’s say, for example, that you order your burger cooked the way you like it. Then you tell the server to add (or subtract) certain condiments, hold the mayo, extra onion, et cetera. Make certain that the person understands that you are not kidding, you are not trying to make his or her job tougher, but that you are interested in having the best burger ever. Instead of annoying the poor soul, you will find that he or she will come to appreciate the fact that you are trusting them to give you an outstanding meal. People like it when you trust them, it makes them special in your eyes.

Occasionally, your meal may come to table less than the quality that you ordered. Instead of quietly eating whatever is put in front of you, it makes more sense to point out to the server that something needs to change. If the server cares about his or her customers, and the restaurant values quality, then they will appreciate the opportunity to please the patron, you. A pleasant attitude on the part of the patron is very important as no one likes to deal with rude or unruly customers.

When it is time for an additional order, a dessert for instance, it is usually wise to ask the server what they would recommend. Can you imagine a server recommending a bad tasting dessert? Unthinkable. They know what is in the kitchen, how fresh it is, and if they cared about you during the meal, they will know what to suggest to round out your meal for your ultimate satisfaction. Good servers always seek to understand their customers; it is a welcome challenge for them. To date, this writer has never had a poor dessert, or meal for that matter, when the suggestion of the server was taken.

Second, after the meal it is our turn to do the right thing. Good service deserves a good reward; poor service deserves nothing. Depending upon the circumstances, leaving a fifty percent tip is not unheard of in a decent restaurant. The next time you visit that same establishment you know that you will be welcomed with a great smile and happy attitude. You will get the best of service, relevant suggestions, and great fare. Management will always be interested in a happy customer who has taken the time to work with the restaurant’s personnel to exceed their customer’s expectations.

Also, take the time to seek out the manager, and/or the cook, to compliment them on the meal and the server. Again, good service deserves recognition and rewards. After you leave the restaurant, your work is not done. You need to recommend the establishment to friends and co-workers who may savor the same level of service that you enjoy. Discerning patrons, such as yourself, always appreciate knowing where superior products are located. All of this can come about because you sought to work with the server to get your burger "just right".