How to Take a Table's Order

Know your restaurant's pivot point system. For ease of food delivery, many restaurants have a specific numbering system for each seat at the table. Usually, it involves finding the first position and continuing by going clockwise around the table. If you think are not going to get everybody's order in the correct sequence, number the lines on your pad and fill in the correct order as you go along.

Start with ladies first. It is the polite thing to do.

Be responsive as your customer gives their order. Unless your are a hardened professional, most people like to see evidence that their order is being recorded. Nod and make eye contact as you listen.

Ask the right follow-up questions. Does the menu item come with the customer's choice of sides? Does the beef dish need a temperature? Finding the answers to these questions right away will prevent you from having to go back and ask.

Note any additions or substitutions your customer makes to the dish. If you are not sure that the kitchen will be able to prepare the meal as your customer would like it, make a note and ask immediately. If your customer indicates that they are altering the item because of an allergy, make a note of that too.

Repeat back the customer's order. You can find ways to do this subtly, without sounding like the cashier at a fast food drive through. For instance, if the customer orders the chicken you could say, "Oh, I like the chicken." If the guest was actually trying to order the steak, this would be her opportunity to speak up.

Thank the customer. This doesn't have to be elaborate, just a quick "Thanks" or even a smile after each order.