What is the proper way to address a waiter in a restaurant?

By

SweetCali40

When I was a foodserver, we wore tags with our name on them. However, I also introduced myself after welcoming them to the restaurant. Now if I go to a restaurant where my server is not wearing a name tag or hasn't introduced themselves, I ask :)
I would NEVER and have NEVER liked to be yoo hoo'ed at or called 'Hey Waitress'
rule of thumb, anyone in the sevice industry ie. grocery clerk, plumber, auto store, dept. store ect.. if they are wearing a name tag, please call them by their name

By rosenamemy (Guest Post)

Here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we say "adik" (means small brother or sister) for someone who looks younger and "abang" (means big brother) or "kakak" (means big sister) if you see someone older.

By

elliecat

Hmm. I don't think I ever have.. called them anything I mean.. I just usually smile and say please and thank you when they come to the table.
Elliecat.

By

micksgirl

Dont ever and I mean ever, call one honey. My stepdad did that once, he called every woman that, hes from the south, and she reamed him but good. Thought it was a little unneccessary, but he has never forgotten it. He now addresses them by name, if the have the tag on he reads it and if not he asks their name.

By diana (Guest Post)

al of the above but with an added "Excuse me" Excuse me, miss or excuse me, sir

By

pamphyila

We always have said "miss" to a waitress and "waiter" to a man...Just be polite. Ma'am and sir sound too deferential to me. You say that when you are serving someone - not the other way around.

By

Debbie52

Gee, good question....not sure what I've ever said in the past but probably sir or m'am or miss is good if you don't know their name. Countless times they introduce themselves but I usually forget immediately! It always helps if they are wearing a name tag. It's terrible but sometimes I am busy or distracted and don't even get a good look at my server!

By

Lily May

Just call them " waiter" or " waitress" .

By

FFL

If they give you their name, use their name or take a look at their tag when they seat you.
If you are grabbing someone passing by, say sir or ma'am