Efficient Ways to Take Drink Orders: Tips for Servers is a video by Real Server Training that shows you how to take drink orders like a pro.
When a customer sits down at a table, one of the first things a server does is take their drink order. It seems simple, but there’s actually technique to it. Here’s how a server thinks to make it happen.
Table of Contents
Greeting Tables: Connect First
When you first approach a freshly seated table, don’t dive into specials or drink orders right away. Instead, take 15-30 seconds to just connect as a human.
Welcome guests warmly and make eye contact to show you’re fully present and ready to guide them through an amazing meal. This sets the foundation for smooth service.
Reading the Table
Before you take drink orders, quickly glance at the table. Are guests chatting and looking around distractedly? Or are they focused on menus and ordering? Adjust your approach accordingly.
If they seem open and ready, ask confidently, “What can I get started for y’all tonight?” But lively conversation means they need a minute. Ask politely, “Would you folks like a minute with the menus?” Then show them drink options and tell them you’ll grab waters while they look. More on this later!
Pro Tip: Don’t lead with water. Dropping glasses off too early steals minutes better spent guiding drink decisions.
Decisions
If they need a minute, I point out our drink menu. This helps them focus. I tell them I’ll be back with waters. This sets a timeline in their head that I’ll be back soon to take their order. They know they have a few minutes to decide.
I’m not rushing them; I’m just steering the experience. My goal is to get them to make a drink decision when I get back. This keeps things flowing.
Enter Alcoholic Drink Orders Now
If someone orders an alcoholic drink that my bartender needs to make, I enter the drink order into the system or tell the bartender. This way you minimize the wait time for your guests and show them you’re on top of it.
This gets the bartender started. I tell the table, “I’ll go ahead and put your drink order in right away since that will take a few minutes.” This sets the expectation upfront that their cocktails won’t be instant but are being made.
Related >> How to Sell More Drinks as a Restaurant Server
Drink Timing
Timing is everything. Allow natural lulls after appetizers, clear empty glasses and offer thoughtful refills. Before entrees, glance at each guest’s beverage status quietly.
See glasses getting low and swoop in, knowing exactly when they’ll need more so the meal isn’t disrupted. Anticipating needs and delivering refills before asked is what advanced servers do.
Water Service
Remember how suggesting water buys you minutes upfront? Dropping checks too early also annoys guests by rushing the experience. Smart servers deploy water strategically again during transitions like dessert menus or coffee orders to give guests a chance to settle before the conclusion cues arise naturally.
Conclusion
Drink timing and table reading are the building blocks of a smooth server. From the first personalized hello to keeping glasses full at exactly the right time, every drink detail adds up to a show worth tipping for!
