What's The Best Way to Get a Waiter's Attention in The Restaurant

lbsyc on 03/12/2019 - 11:51
Last edited 06/12/2019 - 00:37 by 2 other users

My housemate, boyfriend and I had a debate about it last night. Both the housemate and bf has/had experiences working in hospitality and they absolutely loathe people raise any of their body parts to grab the waiter's attention. So instead of my go to way of raising my finger slightly above my shoulder, they suggested a strong eye contact and smile is sufficient to get the waiter to come,even if they might not acknowledge it straight away,they'll notice you eventually.

So fellow OzBargainers, what method do you reckon is acceptable to get a waiter's attention? Poll below

Poll Options

  • 12
    Eye contact
  • 0
    Smile
  • 39
    Raise finger/s
  • 1
    Wave
  • 4
    Snap fingers
  • 2
    A quiet "excuse me"
  • 1
    A loud "excuse me"
  • 1
    Get up and go talk to the waiter
  • 0
    Too shy, will just wait quietly
Food & Grocery

Comments

  • oscargamer on 03/12/2019 - 11:59
    +2

    Nudity?

  • Xyzzy on 03/12/2019 - 12:16
    +3

    Garçon!

    • Mikeer on 03/12/2019 - 13:58
      +1

      Garçon means "Boy"

      • Halo375 on 03/12/2019 - 21:01

        Gold star for the Tarantino fan!

  • pyramid on 03/12/2019 - 12:19
    1. Shout
    2. Loud clap
    3. Drop plate or glass on the floor
  • geek001 on 03/12/2019 - 12:25
    +1

    Probaly raise finger or make a gesture(not a rude one) at the waiter as a start.

    For me, it goes like this: Raise finger/gesture > A quiet excuse me > Wave when waiter is looking at my direction > Get up and talk to the waiter.

    It really depends on how fancy the place is. Generally it is easier to get someone's attention at a fancier place, but if you go to McDonalds, you will probably need to get up and talk to the "waiter". :)

    If you work in hospitality and find that your customers are getting your attention at the extreme end, it is probably nothing else has worked and they have been sitting there stewing for a while trying to get someone's attention.

    • spackbace on 03/12/2019 - 12:44
      +6

      It really depends on how fancy the place is.

      I was just thinking that. The more expensive = more waiters = more attentive = just a look at them will be enough. Somewhere else, a raise of a finger/hand might be better

      Or just throw your bread roll in their general vicinity

      • geek001 on 03/12/2019 - 12:49
        +3

        Or just throw your bread roll in their general vicinity

        Lol

      • GG57 on 03/12/2019 - 12:59
        +1

        I think it comes down to how good the wait staff are, not where they work or the type of pub/cafe/restaurant/etc.
        Good wait staff will be constantly scanning their tables and pick up on the customers' needs. Some things should be pro-active (more water, check if more drinks needed, clear plates, etc.), with making eye contact enough for everything else.

        I make a point of engaging with the wait staff as early as possible. If you do that, you will most likely get more attention over someone that is dismissive etc.

  • brad1-8tsi on 03/12/2019 - 12:53
    +10

    Strong eye contact implies the wait staff bothered to look your way in the first place…

  • skid on 03/12/2019 - 13:01
    +2

    Raise finger or nod if you have eye contact.

    Why do your friends hate raised body parts? Is it because that is like waving down a taxi or something?

    Strong eye contact and a smile is how I flirt.

  • Seraphin7 on 03/12/2019 - 13:51
    +1

    Attempting to leave without paying the bill should attract attention.

  • happirt on 03/12/2019 - 13:51
    +2

    go to restaurants that have waiter/waitress summon buzzer button

  • SnowDragon on 03/12/2019 - 13:58

    Wait for them to walk on by and say "excuse me".

    I've waited a while sometimes…

  • [Deactivated] on 03/12/2019 - 14:30
    +1

    At bill time I ask them if they do influencer collabs.

    • poboy on 03/12/2019 - 20:24

      Comp me bro.

  • Bid Sniper on 03/12/2019 - 14:41
    +1

    Slam your mead on the table, sing Klingon songs about Glory and poor customer service in the Empire.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 03/12/2019 - 14:49
    +1

    I go for eye contact. Then the finger.

  • Numlock on 03/12/2019 - 14:51

    Put your hand up. Worked in school, works in the office in meetings (just don't be an overzealous 12 year old) and in restaurants.

  • JimmyF on 03/12/2019 - 15:15

    Eye contact, but lets be honest if they're not looking your way, you have little hope. So then its raise the hand.

  • iforgotmysocks on 03/12/2019 - 15:51
    +1

    My partner has no shame so I get her to do it.

  • Bargain80 on 03/12/2019 - 16:02

    eye contact will never work in busy restaurant.

    Don't know why you don't like people raising fingers/hand.
    That's the only effective way that is not rude, IMO.
    Unless you have bell on the table like in Korean restaurants.

  • Hardlyworkin on 03/12/2019 - 18:05

    Sumimaseeeeennnnn!in a loud nasily voice… Probably best not to try this in anything other than a Japanese restaurant though!

  • brendanm on 03/12/2019 - 20:51

    Waiter! There's a fly in my soup!

  • [Deactivated] on 03/12/2019 - 23:35

    If waiter is busy due to under staffing, I'd just raise my hand. I don't care if it is "not classy". I'm paying for my meal and if the owners don't like it, get more waiters.

    If it is because the waiters look like they are half arsing, I'd walk up and get their attention/cutlery/glass…

  • [Deactivated] on 04/12/2019 - 15:30

    Good god, snapping your fingers is sure to have extra spit' (or worse) mixed in with your next dish. BAD idea.

    Very much for those who are particularly self-absorbed/egotistical assholes IMO.

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