Waiting Tables in Spain
Seat guests, take orders, keep the kitchen moving and handle the bill like a Spanish camarero.
Spanish waiters are quick and informal: groups get vosotros, drinks come first with ¿Qué os pongo?, and lunch often means a menú del día with primero, segundo and postre. Diners rarely tip much and usually ask for the bill themselves. The cards follow one evening shift from setting up to the last bill.
- 1
Buenas noches, ¿cuántos sois?
Good evening, how many of you are there?
- 2
¿Os va bien esta mesa o preferís terraza?
Is this table OK, or would you rather sit outside?
- 3
¿Qué os pongo de beber?
What can I get you to drink?
- 4
Aquí tenéis la carta; el menú del día está en la pizarra.
Here's the menu; the set lunch is on the board.
- 5
¿Agua con gas o sin gas?
Still or sparkling water?
- 6
¿Qué vais a tomar de primero?
What are you having as a starter?
- 7
El pescado del día es merluza.
The fish of the day is hake.
- 8
Os recomiendo los calamares, están muy buenos.
I'd go for the squid, it's really good.
- 9
¿Alguna alergia o intolerancia?
Any allergies or intolerances?
- 10
¿Cómo queréis la carne, al punto o poco hecha?
How would you like the steak, medium or rare?
- 11
¡Marchando dos refrescos!
Two soft drinks coming right up!
- 12
¿Todo bien por aquí?
Everything OK here?
- 13
Perdonad la espera, la cocina va a tope.
Sorry about the wait, the kitchen's flat out.
- 14
¿Os apetece algo de postre o un café?
Do you fancy something for dessert, or a coffee?
- 15
¿Lo cobro junto o por separado?
Shall I charge it together or separately?
- 16
El datáfono no va, ¿podéis pagar en efectivo?
The card machine isn't working, can you pay in cash?
- 17
¡Sale la mesa cinco!
Table five, order up!
- 18
A la mesa tres le faltan dos zumos de naranja.
Table three is still missing two orange juices.
- 19
¿Me cambias el turno del sábado?
Could you swap your Saturday shift with me?
- 20
Venga, que abrimos en cinco minutos.
Come on, we open in five minutes.