To correctly order food and drinks in an American restaurant, use polite phrases like "I'd like..." or "Could I have..." when speaking to your server. It's best to state your choice clearly, ask questions about the menu if you're unsure, and always be polite when getting your server's attention.
Going out to eat is a fun way to experience American culture, but it can be stressful if you're not confident in your English. You might worry about using the right restaurant vocabulary or understanding American dining etiquette. This guide will walk you through every step, from arriving at the restaurant to paying the bill, so you can order food and drinks in an American restaurant with confidence.
What Should I Say When I First Arrive?
When you enter a restaurant in the United States, a host or hostess will usually greet you near the entrance. They manage the seating. Here are a few common scenarios and what to say:
- If you have a reservation: "Hello, I have a reservation for two under the name [Your Last Name]."
- If you don't have a reservation: "Hi, a table for two, please." (Change the number based on your group size: "a table for four," etc.)
Sometimes, the host might ask, "Inside or outside?" if there is patio seating. You can simply answer with your preference: "Inside, please" or "Outside would be great, thank you."
How Do I Correctly Order Food and Drinks in an American Restaurant?
This is the main event! Once you are seated and have your menu, your server (or waiter/waitress) will come to your table. The process of placing an order usually happens in a few simple steps.
How do you get the server's attention?
If you are ready to order but your server is busy, avoid shouting or snapping your fingers, as this is considered rude. Instead, try to make eye contact with them. If they are nearby, a slight raise of your hand is also a polite way to signal you need them.
How do you order drinks?
In America, it's very common to order drinks first, often before you've decided on your food. Your server will usually start by asking, "Can I get you something to drink?"
Here are some basic English phrases for ordering drinks:
- "I'll have a lemonade, please."
- "Could I have a glass of water, please?"
- "We'd like to start with two sodas, please."
What are the best phrases for placing my food order?
After your drinks arrive, your server will return to take your food order. They might ask, "Are you ready to order?" or "What can I get for you?" Here is a step-by-step list of how to place your order clearly:
- Signal You're Ready: Start by saying, "I'm ready to order," or "I think we're ready."
- Use a Polite Opener: Instead of saying "I want," use more polite forms like "I'd like..." or "I'll have..."
- State Your Choice: Clearly name the item from the menu. For example: "I'd like the cheeseburger," or "I'll have the chicken pasta."
- Answer Questions: The server may ask you questions about your choice. For a burger, they might ask, "How would you like that cooked?" (common answers are rare, medium, or well-done). For a salad, they might ask, "What kind of dressing would you like?"
- Make Special Requests: If you have dietary restrictions or a preference, you can say: "Could I have the sauce on the side, please?" or "Does the salad contain nuts? I have an allergy."
What Phrases Are Important After the Meal?
Your job isn't over once the food arrives! There are a few more interactions you'll have with your server.
How should I respond when the server checks on me?
After you've started eating, your server will likely return to ask, "How is everything?" or "Is everything tasting okay?" A simple, positive response is perfect:
- "It's delicious, thank you!"
- "Everything is great, thanks."
If there is a problem, this is the right time to politely mention it. For example: "I'm sorry, but my soup is cold."
How do I ask for the bill?
When you are finished with your meal, you will need to ask for the bill (also called the "check" in American English). You can get your server's attention and say:
- "Could we have the check, please?"
- "Excuse me, we're ready for the bill."
A Guide to Tipping: A Final Step to Order Food Politely
In the United States, tipping is a very important part of dining etiquette. The standard tip for good service is between 15% and 20% of the total bill (before tax). Servers in the U.S. often rely on tips as a major part of their income.
You can leave a tip with cash on the table or add it to your credit card payment. The bill will have a line where you can write in the tip amount and a new total.
Conclusion
Dining out is a fantastic way to practice your English and enjoy new experiences. By using simple, polite phrases, you can feel comfortable and in control of the situation. Remember the key steps: greet the host, order drinks first, use "I'd like..." to order your meal, and don't forget to tip. With this guide, you can confidently order food and drinks in an American restaurant on your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What's the difference between 'I want' and 'I would like' when ordering?
While both phrases communicate your desire, "I would like" (or its contraction, "I'd like") is considered much more polite and is the standard way to order in a restaurant. "I want" can sound demanding or even rude to a server.
Q2: How do I ask for a refill on my drink in an American restaurant?
Many restaurants offer free refills on drinks like soda, iced tea, and coffee. If your glass is empty, you can catch your server's attention and ask, "Excuse me, could I get a refill, please?"
Q3: Is it rude to call a waiter 'waiter' or 'waitress'?
It's not necessarily rude, but it's less common today. People usually just try to make eye contact. If you do need to use a word to get their attention, a polite "Excuse me" or "Pardon me" is the best choice.
Q4: What should I do if my order is wrong?
Politely get your server's attention and explain the issue calmly. You can say, "Excuse me, I'm sorry but I think I received the wrong order. I ordered the chicken, but this is fish." Most restaurants are happy to correct a mistake.
Q5: How do I ask for a box for my leftovers?
American restaurants often serve large portions, and it's very common to take leftovers home. You can ask your server, "Could I get a to-go box, please?" or "Could we get a box for this?"