Rate-A-Restaurant.com's
"Timeline of Acceptability" Service Ruler

At an Average Family Restaurant
Minutes start after being seated.

• To be greeted by your server and have drink order taken
  Acceptable: 1-5 minutes
  Not Acceptable: After 7 minutes

• To receive drinks:
  Acceptable: 5-15 minutes
  Not Acceptable: After 20 minutes

• Have dinner order taken:
  Acceptable: 5-20 minutes
  Not Acceptable: After 25 minutes

• To receive appetizers/salads:
  Acceptable: 5-25 minutes
  Not Acceptable: After 30 minutes

• To receive main course:
  Acceptable: 10-45 minutes
  Not Acceptable: After 45 minutes

At a Fine Dining Establishment


Minutes start after being seated.

• To be greeted by server, have drink order taken:
  Acceptable: 1-7 minutes
  Not Acceptable: After 10 minutes.

• To receive drinks:
  Acceptable: up to15 minutes
  Not Acceptable: After 20 minutes

• To have appetizer order taken:
  Acceptable: up to 10 minutes after drinks are served
  Not Acceptable: After 20 minutes

• To receive appetizers:
  Acceptable: up to 25 minutes
  Not Acceptable: After 30 minutes

• Have dinner order taken after appetizer is served**:
  Acceptable: up to 20 minutes
  Not Acceptable: After 25 minutes

• To receive main course:
  Acceptable: up to 35 minutes
  Not Acceptable: After 45 minutes

** Sometimes the appetizer and main course are ordered at the same time.
Varies by establishment.


Articles

• The "Tag Team" Method of Serving

• Top 10 List of Common Waiter/Waitress Errors

• The Art of Serving (A note to Servers)

• A letter to Restaurant Management

• How Much Should You Tip?

• "Time Line of Acceptability" Ruler

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