Dining Out? What's lacking?

all the above..just wanted to poke in and say where the heck u been? missed u..did u have your big day yet?

I've worked in both casual restaurants and fine dining.

If you bring the rules and the attitude from fine dining into the casual atmosphere, you will find your tips going up. It's all in the details. Someone asks for extra lemons? Arrange them on a plate in a pinwheel shape. Look for things you can do but don't have to do - like volunteering to get fresh to-go drinks when you close each table.

The worst mistake an otherwise good server can make - hovering. Don't be underattentive, but don't check on them every two minutes, either.

Right now, the economy will continue to keep people out of restaurants, so the best you can do is maximize the opportunities you do get.

I find that I get better service (and give it, too) in family-owned operations vs. corporate chains. There is more involvement from all levels of management, and more leeway to change things that are not working.

The quality of food could be improved in most casual dining places. I am ok with smaller portions as they always serve way too much. Also some places play the music too loud. It should be background music not loud enough to interfere with a conversation.

I think its a pretty broad question. I would hope its a trend for the better in terms of people eating out less. The obesity rate in this country is outrageous. I rarely eat out myself because a good portion of chain resturants are so terrible in terms of quality of food. Quantity does not equal quality. Fast food is equally as disturbing. Prices are a huge factor in my decision as is food quality. I perfer ethnic foods myself like Japanese/Pakistani/Indian and I can prepare those better under my control. I eat vegetarian/vegan as well so I'd rather make certain I'm not eating something I wouldn't want to have.

When I go out I don't really go out to socialise or have fun with the waiters. As long as they are polite and friendly I am good. Just bring me my drink promptly, take my order and make sure that is correct, bring my food when its ready and get me a drink refill if I need it. Make sure a few minutes after you bring me my food to check on me in case anything needs fixing as well. When I am done ask me if I want dessert. If not bring me the check. EASY. However, a lot of waiters can't be bothered with the basics of good customer service. Then servers get ticked when they get a less than decent tip. A clean establishment helps also now that I think about it. If the restrooms are messy or dirty then I am out of there with a quickness.

I have a friend who owns a cafe and the servers are trained to be fast, friendly and accurate. Also to ask and don't assume anything when it comes to order taking. Especially when dealing with refills. I dislike servers who refill coffee or tea and don't ask first if you actually want one.