🗣🗣🗣When you go to a restaurant, you usually have a good idea of whats going to happen. Thats because eating at a restaurant usually follows a set script. The wait staff isn't actually given a written script to memorize, of course. But even so, waiters and waitresses usually stick to a very narrow range of phrases. Here's what you can expect when you go to a restaurant.
The host or hostessWhen you first go in, the host or hostess will want to know how many people are eating with you. They might ask:How many?Or, in a fancier restaurant:How many are in your party?If they can see how many people walked in together, they might simply ask:Two?Some popular restaurants expect you to have a reservation before you come. In that case, the hostess might ask:Do you have a reservation?If the place is really busy, you might have to wait. They'll say:It's going to be about a 15-minute wait. If you decide to wait, they'll write your name on a list:Can I get your name?And then, when it's your turn to sit:Mr. Knight, your table is ready.The host or hostess will take you to your table with one of these phrases:Right this way.Follow me, please.If it's a nice restaurant, they may ask:Would you like me to take your jackets for you?And then they say goodbye:Jacob will be your server tonight.Enjoy your meal.
The waiter or waitressThe waiter will usually start off by introducing him- or herself:Welcome to D'Angelo's. My name is Rebecca.Depending on the atmosphere of the restaurant, they may try to make some small talk:How are you doing this evening?If the restaurant has daily specials, the server will tell you about them:Let me tell you about our specials today. We have a miso-glazed Chilean Sea Bass with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and sauteed spinach.Then you're expected to order drinks:Can I get you something to drink?If you're not sure, the server will offer to come back again in a few minutes:Do you need a little time to decide?They'll go around the table to each person, using phrases like these:And for you sir?And for you miss?What can I get for you?Then they'll leave:I'll be right back with your drinks.When the waiter or waitress returns, he or she will ask you to order your food:Are you ready to order?If the dish you order has a choice of side dishes, they'll offer to let you choose:That comes with either fries or a baked potato. Which would you prefer?Would you like fries with that, or a baked potato?If you ask for something, the server will say:Sure.Or at a fancier restaurant:Certainly.But if you ask for something that's not available, you'll hear:Oh, I'm sorry. We're all out of the salmon.When the waiter or waitress brings you your food, they'll probably ask:Can I get you anything else?After you're finished eating everything, someone will come to collect your dishes:Would you like me to take that?Then the server will come out to ask about your meal and offer dessert:How was everything?Can I interest you in our dessert menu?When you're finished with your meal, they'll offer to bring you the check:I'll bring the check right out.And sometimes there are questions about the check:Would you like me to split it?Do you need any change?
