General

Hahaha some of your answers crack me up I did my shift and woooooohooo the boss says so far so good. I'm going in tonight for more work for a few hrs. Since the restaurant is small I only manage a few tables so no pressure really and the girl I work with Is patient and funny. Anyway no rude customers... So far ;D

I remember my friend said that he had to memorize the whole menu.

It had over 70 different items.

I think the thing you need to worry about most is not crying when some asshole yells at you for giving him the sauce on the side instead of on the pasta.

Also act like a hoe to the customers who seem like they'd be receptive of that. That'll get you tips. Be flirty with the teenagers and young men who aren't with women.

You just have to be extremely patient with people.
Get familiar with the menu, so when they have questions about dishes you can answer them well.

There are so many annoying things, but you'll discover them on your own.

Good luck.

Remember to stay calm. Yes, you will deal with irrational people on a regular basis

learn the menu
ask questions about the menu
depending on the place, learn wine pairings
check on them every now and then
keep glasses full
have lots of communication with the kitchen - let them know if you're sending back a huge order, tell them asap if you mess up a ticket

Thanks for the info everyone! My nerves has calmed a bit. Hopefully tonight goes smooth and I'll prob update <3

The first time I worked as a waitress things were pretty chill, the manager didn't expect me to know most of the menu until about a month after working there, but that's because I wasn't taking orders.
Don't be afraid to ask the kitchen staff what dish you're taking since you're still new, they should be understanding. The only way I could remember the dishes was by seeing what they looked like and trying to keep that in mind, but that took a long time. It's also really good to learn the table numbers as soon as possible because it means you won't look lost and feel bad if you go to the wrong table.

Always ask your manager questions when the restaurant isn't busy, ask him/her to show you how to hold the tray with drinks on, how to pour bottled water or bottles of wine (if they serve that). It's important that you show them you want to work there. Another tip is to always look busy even if the restaurant isn't, walk around pouring water. Also, make sure you communicate with your co-workers about what you're doing so that they can help out if you need it. For example, if I was clearing a table and doing a takeaway I would ask someone that wasn't busy if they could wipe the table and show the customers the dessert menu if they wanted that.

You're likely to get tipped if you're friendly to the customers, welcoming them, saying goodbye to them, asking them how their lunch/dinner/dessert was when you're taking their plates. It's also really good to always smile when you're working, because customers will notice it and will be more likely to tip you. Make sure you ask customers if they would like to see the dessert menu after dinner, and if you see empty glasses ask if they would like another drink.

Keep in mind that these tips might not apply to your job depending on what your responsibilities are and what the restaurant serves but it's just what helped me keep my job and somewhat enjoy it. Good luck and have fun

It's good that you have an understanding boss...most people don't...so you're already +1 in that category.

Next....it's not so much the names you need to know, of course knowing your menu would be nice and make it seem like you care but....as a waiter/waitress it's more important to make your customers feel like they're being served by a courteous friend. Customers more times than not like to feel as if they're a regular to the restaurant.

Lastly, being a waiter means you will deal with some very rude and impatient people sometimes...learn to get used to that, it will happen guaranteed and it's just part of the job, but remember to just keep a smile, and accommodate the customer as best as you can.

Other than that, stop worrying. You will do just fine, and after 2 weeks or so, you'll feel like a seasoned veteran.

Ive never been a waiter, but believe in everyone there can be greatness

Just get familiar with the menu, take time to learn how to pronounce those "fancy pasta names", try to relax and focus on being your best

Once you are learned on these things and show confidence, along with great customer service you should do fine, customers will love you then

Ease into it if you have to

It sounds like the owner is willing to work with you, so long as you try it should eventually get easy, and when it does you should at least occasionally get good money in tips

well i think the good thing is that the owner is being very reasonable - it really is the effort that should just count at this point in time. perhaps take time to familiarise yourself with the menu? this way you'll be able to pick up on orders quicker (as in you'll actually have an idea of what they're ordering etc.)