How to: Get Your Server to Say ‘GOOD JOB!’
A Playful but Proven Guide to Impressing Your Server
The Moment of Validation:
A Wednesday night in January. A school night, some would say.
We arrived at Union (72 Ossington Ave) for our 8:30 reservation, excited for a night out of the house and mostly off of our phones.
We were also fraudulently celebrating an anniversary, as one of us finds it hilarious to add fake occasions to our reservations and leave the other out of the loop. (Try it)
Fueled on complimentary champagne, we studied the menus in front of us, volleying options back and forth before narrowing down our order to something that sounded like:
“Hi! No, we’re ready. Okay. So. We’re gonna dooooo… the steak tartare, the salad, two (2) orders of (the best) fries, the sticky ribs, annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd the rotisserie cornish hen. Yes, all to share :) Thanks!”
And then, it happened.
Reading our order back to herself, our sever glanced back up at us, smiled, and said,
“Good. Job.”
Complete with a little nod of approval.
We’d nailed it. We always know we do (in the most unbiased way possible, of course) but in that moment we felt like winners. Of what, you may ask?
Ordering.
Beyond it being the ultimate validation for two girls who love a menu as much as we do, her compliment was also a reminder that mastering the art of ordering is all about confidence, enthusiasm, and checking the restaurant’s tagged photos on Instagram.
Clearly, we’re still not over it.
Which brings us to the point of this post: we want to offer our unsolicited advice to help you (hi, thanks for making it this far) hopefully receive the same validation from your next unsuspecting yet all-knowing server.
Our tips for ordering like us:
Nº 1
Appetizers are Everything
You know what they say about first impressions…
We’ve forgotten the exact idiom, but they’re important!
Starting strong is key; the best appetizer order will include a little bit of everything. They’re the easiest way to get to know a new restaurant, sus out a first date, and make friends with the table next to you (Chez Fernand, Paris).
They’ll also give you a sense of what’s to come (see Tip No. 3) and allow you to adjust your expectations accordingly.
In our opinion, appetizers are meant to be fun, shared, and immediately discussed.
So, have some fun with it! Make your friends say, “This is so delicious!”
What’s better than a plate of something delicious at the table and everyone saying, “This is so delicious”?
If your party isn't down to share (condolences), we highly discourage everyone from ordering the same thing…lest we forget the Norcina pasta incident (Terroni, Price Street).
We suggest: Charcuterie, ceviche, dips, salads, oysters, tartare of all kinds
Nº 2
Sharing is Caring
Just because a menu doesn't specify that it's designed ‘to share’ doesn't mean it can't be - we split a burger 9 ways the other day.
It worked. It was extremely messy, but it worked!
Aim for dishes that can be easily passed around the table and transferred onto individual plates; you'll want the steak to be sliced, the burger to be cut (in less than nine sections, hopefully), and an extra set of cutlery to serve.
This is a great strategy for Libras, who love to try everything and decide nothing.
We promise, you’ll still get full. Here’s the math to prove it:
12 bites is 12 bites, but 12 different bites is better. Make sense?
We suggest: paella, pastas, steak frites, octopus, pizzas, whole fish (specifically one named John Dory)
Tip: Avoid trying to split a soup unless it’s a giant bowl of pho—then you can ask for two small bowls! (Proof that everything can be shared)
Nº 3
Every Dish, Everywhere, All At Once
Try to get into the habit of placing your entire order (apps, mains, sides; lions, tigers, and bears) the first time your server asks if you’ve “made any decisions?”
It’s easier for them, takes the pressure off you and your friends, and frees up table space for fries!
Always make sure everyone’s input is included. Before your server comes back, we’d recommend reading your group’s order out loud and asking, “Is there anything anyone really wanted that we missed?” Chances are it’ll be something you’ll all really love.
You know the “I can’t believe we almost didn’t get the _______!” remarks on the way home? We try to avoid those at all costs.
Nº 4
A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That
Balance, meet Variety - you’re going to be great friends!
Rich dishes are the best but don’t forget to mix in some lighter options so you don't get full too fast. We recommend one vegetable for every two heavier plates.
Nº 5
Always, Always, Always Ask…
“So, what's your favourite one?” (I.A., Booster Jucie)
Don't be shy! Ask your server what they think of your order, what their favs are, if there's anything they would change, recommend, add, remove - this is their job.
Nº 6
Please Don't Ask: “Do you think this is too much?”
Unless you're ordering the entire menu for 2 people, probably not! This is a subjective question. Your server doesn’t know how hungry you are or how much you love a lobster spoon! (One Restaurant, Yorkville)
You’re here for a good time, not to second-guess yourself – if you're willing to try it, go for it. You can always bring it home
Nº 7
Don’t Sleep on the Specials
Specifically, the ‘special thing’ at 416 Snack Bar
Think of the ‘Specials’ spiel as your invitation to a limited-time, one night only, seasonal experience. Why would you not try something you’re likely never (or at least not for a while) going to get the opportunity to taste again?
Nº 8
Order Dessert.
Do it.
And if you need more convincing, here’s a since deleted post from Twitter (never X) we both separately found but mutually love:
“Yeah, olive oil and cheese and pastries can make you a little fat. Yeah, sunshine gives you wrinkles and wine ruins your liver and spending money on pretty things eats up your savings. But unfortunately, I’ve decided to enjoy life anyways.”
Happy ordering!