Bumping because I have a few to add from a server POV:
- Don't ignore your server or act annoyed when they come by to get your order/check on you/clear plates. You wouldn't believe how many people act like it's an inconvenience that I'm providing them service. This happens a lot with business people, but it's also common when 2 women are dining together. If you don't want to be served, I suggest a fast food restaurant.
- If a phone call is really that important, take it outside.
- If you're dining in during Happy Hour and getting $100 worth of food for $50, tip accordingly. 18-20% on the $100 is not expected, but people tend to order more during HH and it's more work for the server overall. Getting half the usual tip for that much work sucks.
- If you're going to take up a booth for numerous hours during a rush, don't leave a few dollars because that table could have been turned a few times, giving the server more money. I had a couple sit in one of my booths for 6 1/2 hours the other night and stiff me on a $200 bill.
- Tell your server what extra condiments you'll need in advance, that way when your food comes, you're not waiting for anything while your food gets cold (ranch, extra plates, extra dressing, bread, hot sauce, etc). And please, if you need more than 1 item, tell your server all at once.
- Don’t interrupt a server who is attending to customers at another table. (You would think this would be common sense etiquette, but it gets broken a lot)
- Never put your hands on the staff. I've been grabbed once pretty hard, luckily it wasn't in anger or it would have freaked me out.
- If you're under 35 and order alcohol, have your ID ready. I find it odd when 22 year olds order alcohol, act shocked when I ask for ID, then have to dig through their purse while I stand there awkwardly silent.
- Ask in advance for separate checks and allow more time for dropping off of bills and payment tendering.
- Even if you see open tables, don't assume the hostess doesn't know what they're doing when they put you on a waiting list.
- If you would like to sit somewhere other than where the hostess takes you, don't demand a certain booth immediately. Understand that people are sat in rotation and your demand might take away from your service and the service of others.
- If you're in a hurry, let your server know in advance so they can drop off the bill and tender your payment fast. If you wait until a minute before you have to leave, the server might be swamped and not able to fulfill your request immediately.
I hope these didn't come across as rants, I meant them to be educational from the other side of the fence so the dining experience for everyone is easier and more enjoyable.