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45 Of The Most Relatable Memes And Posts For Those Working As Servers, Waiters Or Waitresses
Hello, dear Readers, welcome to Bored Panda. We’ll be your witty servers this evening. We have something tantalizing to share with you. The main dish consists of hilariously relatable server life memes with a side dish of, “Oh, God, that’s literally my life.” And for dessert, we have a fabulous concoction that we like to call Laughing Through The Pain(™). What can we get you to drink with that?
Working as a server or waiter can be utterly exhausting, thoroughly frustrating, and make you reevaluate what you think you know about humankind. It’s a tough job that can leave you daydreaming about greener pastures. The r/Serverlife subreddit is an online community that is dedicated to servers to talk and vent about work. Some of their memes are absolutely hilarious… and incredibly relatable to anyone who’s ever waited tables.
Scroll down for their funniest and most accurate memes, Pandas. While you’re upvoting the memes that hit waaay too close to home (or, well, work), have a think about what tips you’d share with someone who just started waiting tables. Don’t forget to tip your servers!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
A Spanish Speaking Couple Came Into The Restaurant Today. She Translated This On Her Phone For Me. Made My Day
Blurryface 2 years ago
Hello Pandas, and a pleasant evening to you all. Burnt Bagel has chosen to try and become banned tonight, but can we try not downvoting him, instead, we could each leave a mildly disapproving comment, or a wickedly sarcastic one. No worries if it’s a bad idea. :) Have a happy day!
RELATED:
#3
Works Every Single Time
The r/Serverlife subreddit has been around for more than 8 years. It was founded all the way back in late May of 2014. At the time of writing, the community was 73.3k members strong.
The mod team invites redditors to take off their aprons, have a glass, and chat about work. “Cause c'mon, as much as you act like you don't wanna talk about it, you do. I know!” Aside from hilarious memes, these internet users also speak up about their job experiences. Rude customers are just the tip of the iceberg!
#4
Amen
The Drowning Gorilla 2 years ago
Exactly! Don't experiment on animals, experiment on people who thought waiters are clueless animals.
#5
Where Are My Sunday Brunch People At?
At the core of working as a server lies a singular mission: making your guests’ experience at the restaurant memorable. In a good way, of course! Nobody wants to have wine spilled all over their fancy clothes, after all.
A great waiter is bound to have high emotional intelligence. In other words, they know how to communicate well with others, can adapt to unexpected social situations, and will be able to make someone feel right at home.
#7
Compliments To The Chef
#9
This Family Overheard Me Being Called The N Word And Cheered Me Up
Waiting on someone is all about balance. You have to be welcoming and helpful without groveling. You have to be genuinely pleasant without pretending to be over-the-top happy that your table is about to have the most amazing time everrrr! Professional, calm, and always present without disturbing anyone.
A great server enhances the entire dining experience and ensures repeat customers. Meanwhile, a bad server is someone who drives everyone away with rudeness, incompetence, and arrogance. In other words, any restaurant is more or less an accurate microcosm of human society!
#10
“Waiting Tables Is Just Entry Level Work. Anybody Can Do It…”
Josh Parkes 2 years ago
can people not belittle other peoples jobs/work ethic whilst understandably wanting recognition for their own.
v 2 years ago
Really? Any desk job? What does OP think is a passable day's work? Showing up and leaving on time? I'd love to see OP drop randomly into one of my days which generally consists of directly working on about 1/3 of the 36 projects I've got on my plate plus a variety of other tasks that are not tied directly to any one of the 36 projects. Service workers aren't some kind of all knowing super hero. Just the same as any person who has never worked service would be out of their league if dropped into a service position without any training a service worker would be out of their league if dropped into office work without any training.
Brian Garcia 2 years ago
Ease down there Ripley; my guess is OP's comment was mirroring the general lack of respect a decent portion of service workers experience given the quote that was posted. I get it, jobs/skills aren't exactly interchangeable, and I wouldn't expect the exceptionally kind staff that I enjoy at my local sushi joint to be able to pick up my duties...nor do I think I can competently expect to manage theirs. If you want to rant about your career choice go for it, but let's not make this a pissing contest.
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over it already 2 years ago
I think that's only half of it. I've done both. While the information that you have to retain as a server isn't complex, it's the volume of info (rules, options, orders, needs/wants, etc) that gets thrown at you at one time that's overwhelming. Then 20 minutes later, toss 2/3 of that and replace it with new info, but don't lose the 1/3 you were supposed to keep or people will get angry. It's def mental and physical.
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Alison Hell 2 years ago (edited)
I can work in an office and a restuarant..have done both...office on the weekdays, server on the weekends. I was a server first in my younger years so guessing that's how I was able to do the desk job.....
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 2 years ago
Son & DIL are both servers at a restaurant/movie theater. Its hard work. And DIL is currently 8 months pregnant - try that!
General Anaesthesia 2 years ago
In a lot of countries your DIL would already be on paid maternity leave.
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Daniel Mattock 2 years ago
That’s a reality show I would actually watch. Seems like an obvious idea.
michele mbennett1010@att.net 2 years ago
Most under appreciated job ever. Pay attention all you entitled Karens.
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
I was a server for a little over 3 years before I got a really good office job offer. It took so long for me to slow my pace and not cringe every time the phone rang; so many nasty people called the restaurant I had worked at.
Looks like an Angel 2 years ago
I started serving, then moved up to management, then moved on to a different career. I can HONESTLY say that serving is comparable to nursing in a walk in clinic.
Furious George 2 years ago
This is why I think every kid needs to take a gap year if they plan to go to college. My "highly skilled" office job is so much easier then any of the jobs I did for near minimum wage it's not even funny. The perspective is important.
Gingergirl 2 years ago
My daughter works as a server…whilst studying medicine. Most customers don’t realise that many servers are also college students with more brains than half the people they serve!
v 2 years ago
Except for the one about a service worker being able to drop into any desk job and be successful.
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CJT MSG 2 years ago
Being a server means one has to have some sense of coordination, memorization, and organization. Without those, one will never survive.
CJT MSG 2 years ago
And let me add listening skills and patience to that. It takes a patient person to deal with indecisive people, as well as to deal with real a**holes--and there are any good many of those!
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Lisa Pockat Bork 2 years ago
I'm a desk jockey and I totally agree with this comment. I would not want to, nor would I be able to, do the job of a restaurant server. I try to be as nice as possible and tip a minimum of 20% because I realize how hard they work.
Dawnieangel76 2 years ago
I'm a well-oiled office machine, but I'd be sobbing on the floor after 10 minutes in food service or retail.
Laura Mitchell 2 years ago
Being a server takes skill, strength, agility, and a remarkable sense of balance, PLUS the patience to deal with all types of people. I salute you.
Caroline Overill 2 years ago (edited)
Speaking as someone with a lousy memory, a shaky left hand and a left leg one and a half inches shorter than my right leg which has occasionally made me look like I’m drunk as I do not have great balance I feel that I would not be first choice to be a waiter and I admire the job they do.
Stephanie Barr 2 years ago
It's been decades since I last did so and I can say with assurance I wouldn't like to have to do it again. I'm a rocket scientist so I'm not sure we could swap, but I don't doubt it would far more painful for me to make the attempt than it would be for the server.
gilliansl aka Gillian Silverlight 2 years ago
Having worked as a waitress, and spent 35+ years as a nurse (as a single mother, I often worked more than one job to make ends meet. Ga hospitals are stingy with nursing pay!) Both jobs have you on your feet, doing double shifts, some really horrible people to "take care of" (been bitten, pooped and peed on, pinched, hit, thrown up on,etc) Both jobs are very similar. Poor treatment, missed meals, no breaks, a bladder the size of Texas from delayed bathroom breaks. The main difference is nurses have to have medical training.
Max Fox 2 years ago (edited)
I have worked as a medic in an emergency room, and as a orderly/nurse's help in the closed ward of a mental care facility. I have, though, never worked in the food service industry because I knew that I would not be able to keep up. My wife cleaned houses for a living when we were in college, but left after one day of waiting tables.
Mrs. EW 2 years ago
Desk job, easy peasy. Juggling an entire section, remembering multiple orders, how to put them in and when, being blamed when the cooks mess up their orders, waiting for mixed drinks that you already know inside out from waiting for mixed drinks, the entire restaurants staff mistakes being put on your shoulders and oh, here’s a 10% tip on top of your $2.13/ hr wage. Make sure you seem grateful. Smile, bow, go home and wonder why you’re still allowing yourself to live.
Misty Z 2 years ago
I'm not a food service employee but I do work fashion retail and it really bothers me when people are like "YoUr JoB iS sO eAsY aNyOnE cAn Do It" like that's one reason why some people just can't make it through the first 2 weeks because customer service can be very stressful and draining.
Brian Stanton 2 years ago
Wait til you learn about all the bureaucratic nonsense in an office!!!
Joe Bloe 2 years ago
LOL, she hate office worker?? Why?!? This isn't a competition. You need a degree for most office work, so...
Mason Kronol 2 years ago
You do not need a degree to work in most offices. Many office managers I have worked with did not go to college but had a lot of experience.
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Show thyself 2 years ago
At least for those working at customer support (in- & outbound) the hindering point would be physical exhaustion. We're trained handling a**holes - the hiding of digust in our faces might be difficult. But almost everyone of us is a pretty fast learner.
Diane Aguilar 2 years ago
A lot of wait staff are studying for various bachelor's degrees, computer science included. I was a TA when I was studying for my master's in CS and the number of CS students in the bachelor's program who were balancing that and a server job were astounding. Me, I did call center/customer service work when studying for my bachelor's.
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Upvote Or Face 10 Shifts Bad Luck
#12
Personality
Sooner or later, you’ll have to deal with a rude customer. There’s hardly a job in the world without run-ins with unpleasant peeps from time to time. But in the food service industry, it’s part and parcel of the job experience. Servers don’t just take your orders, bring you food, and send you the check in paper airplane form. They’re problem solvers! They are the face of the entire establishment and act as the bridge between the hungry-hungry customers and the kitchen.
So there you are, always on your feet, dealing with dissatisfaction, and juggling gastronomic vernacular as well as Gordon Ramsay. If you work at a fancy restaurant with a good reputation, and you’ve got a ton of experience to back up your awesome skills, you can rest assured—you’re financially stable. However, if you’re employed at your regular, run-of-the-mill restaurant, whether you’re compensated fairly depends a lot on your country’s laws.
#13
I Need A Job
#14
Guilty As Charged
#15
Every. Time
Echidna learns extreme ironing 2 years ago (edited)
The Red Hatters!!!! 😍 https://redhatsvictoria.com/
For instance, tipping your server isn’t a custom that’s regularly practiced in European countries. There are laws in place which mean that the service charge is already included in the price you see on the menu. Things are pretty darn straightforward.
Meanwhile, in the US, it all depends on your particular state. If you’re considered to be a ‘tipped employee,’ the way your minimum wage is calculated can be very different from the actual minimum wage. Say you’re living in California, right? The minimum wage there is $15/hour. Meanwhile, the tipped wage is also $15/hour. However, in Alabama, the minimum wage is $7.25. The tipped wage? $2.13. The rest of their wage comes from tips. This means that some American servers desperately need their customers to tip. And to tip well.
#16
The Sunday Brunch Crowd Has Finally Been Served
#17
Table Of 12 People, Last To Leave The Restaurant. Totally Worth It!!
Vasana Phong 2 years ago
My son who works as a server, told be all tips made that day are split equally with all the servers, I think this is a bad idea, also he just told me his employer sent out a memo that they will be getting a portion of their tips( now this isn’t a mom and pop) it’s a ok sized chain) is any of this legal? He said lots of servers already quit
#18
This Happened Last Night
Vasana Phong 2 years ago
My son just started a job as a server, they close at about 10 this day, his dad waited until 11, he said the restaurant has to serve people that come in before 10, so yep people really come in at 9:50 and order food and drinks, one day he said 3 different people came in 5 minutes before closing, who the hell does that??
When your ability to put food on the table and keep a roof over your family’s heads depends almost entirely on the goodwill of your customers, you’re left with a ton of pressure in your daily life. If you happen to get a stingy or rude customer, you might not be able to make ends meet.
Of course, not everyone who’s rude to their waiters is evil incarnate. Some folks simply had a bad day. However, there are people out there who use their rudeness as a weapon, trying to weasel out discounts and to generally make others have an awful day. The way to handle them is to stay professional throughout the interaction. Try not to take their comments personally. If you’re harassed, however, speak to your manager. Ask them to step in.
#19
This Deserves To Be Here
#20
Customers Have Been Completely Unhinged Post-Quarantine
Sweetpotato314 2 years ago
As a teacher, I'd say the same about students. I've never seen them the way they are now. I get that the pandemic was hard on them, but most have zero empathy anymore, and one of my favorite things about my students was how much empathy they had. They're vicious now.
#21
I Love Our Cooks But This Is How It Is At The Restaurant I Work At Lol (Slight Exaggeration)
A while back, Bored Panda spoke to a server at a fancy restaurant, who had once waited on the musician, Seal. “He could not have been nicer. Tipped well, made friendly, genuine, conversation with the staff, just radiated kindness. It was really an encounter I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” she told us during an interview, earlier.
Unfortunately, not everyone was as pleasant to work with as him. The server explained to Bored Panda that before the Covid-19 pandemic, the biggest challenge was working for little pay. Since the start of the pandemic, some new problems appeared alongside the abysmal wages that are unable to catch up with inflation. Some customers physically threatened the members of staff over safety requirements. Others pick fights over insignificant details. More and more people have been on edge.
#22
I Haven’t Served In A Year Because Of The Pandemic (I Miss It) But I Saw This Photo And Immediately Was Triggered. I Thought I’d Share With Fellow Servers
#23
It Finally Happened!! Told My Customer I Would Be Lucky If I Made $200 On This Horrific Shift, And He Made Sure I Did. People Can Be Great
#24
Forever The Struggle
Potty pagan panda 2 years ago
Been there. Time goes sooo much faster when you’re busy and bonus! - you don’t need gym membership
“I spend more time now soothing tantruming adults than I do running food. Just last night a customer followed me out to the parking lot and tried to take down my license plate because I charged him for extra ketchup, (as per our business policy, written on the menu),” the restaurant employee revealed to us.
“So, the biggest problem with being a server right now is, in short, that many people treat us as sub-human trash. Say hello, look us in the eye when you order, leave a tip, and don’t call us names or threaten us. Is it so much to ask?” she said.
#25
Yall
John Barber 2 years ago
I worked at a place in Alaska where I was the only line cook without a tracking bracelet.
#26
Double Shifts For Days…
#27
Door Dasher Asked For A Drink Holder…. Hold My Apron
“The essence of being a good server is making sure everyone leaves the meal having had a nice time. The essence of being a great server is making sure everyone leaves the meal having had a memorable time. I’m always on the lookout for anything extra I can do to make the night special for our guests. If I overhear a birthday mentioned, we bring out a piece of cake. If someone comes in wearing a Dolphins jersey, we’ll turn on that game if they’re playing. We take pride in our work.”
If you happen to see someone raging at a server, think about stepping in. Even if they appear to be unbothered by all of the rudeness, it means a lot to the staff to have someone on their side.
#28
Church Crowd Sucks
#29
Order
Brian Droste 2 years ago
I have friend who does that sometimes. I get irritated with him if he orders something a head I of me. Waiting for him to get done so I can order what I want w/o modify my order.
#30
I Felt This Belonged Here!
“The server may look unbothered, but that’s because it’s their job. ‘The customer is always right,’ is one of the only pieces of training many of us get. It is literally our job to be sure tables leave happy. We cannot argue with you. So, just because they’re smiling on the outside doesn’t mean they’re not offended, or even feeling unsafe, on the inside,” the server told Bored Panda.
“If you’re not comfortable saying something to the abusive customer directly, just find a manager and quietly inform them of what’s going on, they’ll take it from there. A lot of servers are students who are too nervous about losing the job or looking unprofessional to ask for help. And, as someone eating in the restaurant rather than working there, your words will carry far more weight with the harasser than ours would anyways.”
#31
You Want The Behind The Scenes Dining Experience... You Got It
#32
This, But With Coffee
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 years ago
I once saw a manager come in very hungover and start brewing coffee without the pot.
#33
No, Its Ok, I'm Not Busy Or Anything
#34
I’ve Seen It Too Many Times
#35
Pls... Stop... Talking
#37
Impossible
#38
It Be Like That Tho
#39
Pain
Vasana Phong 2 years ago
If you can’t afford to tip then you obviously can’t afford to eat out either
#40
Anyone Else?
Cassi Lyris 2 years ago
Or even better, they're changing their baby on the table. That happened to me more than never, and that's way too damned much.
#41
If You Know, You Know
#42
Also During That Sunday Brunch Shift!
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 years ago
Generally outside smoking or in the office playing windows solitaire.
#43
A Fellow Server Got Hit Tonight
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
"Times are tough! Not so tough that we can't spend $123 on dinner. But too tough to spend more than $130. Nothing personal!"
#44
Every. Freaking. Table
Telepathetic 2 years ago
14 years cook/fast casual and never saw servers wash lemons--even if there was moldy ones in the case
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Geetha s 2 years ago
What is wrong with The US??? No Health Care... No living Wages for essential workers... No Jobs... Are you all alright? Do y'all need help? Are you guys held hostage and will be executed if y'all speak up? Is the FBI gonna come after me for this comment?
Old Roadie 2 years ago
Worked as roadie where I wobbled on scaffolding 100 feet above stage, and have even dangled from Navy helicopters at sea. Dodged handsy supervisors, loaded and unloaded semi trucks after driving all day. Hardest job? Wait staff. The fatigue! The memory glitches! The abuse! I am compelled to salute every one of you that has endured and is enduring such a difficult job... y'all rock.
Caroline Overill 2 years ago
To be honest I hate this compulsory tip thing. A tip should be a voluntary payment given to someone who has provided exceptional service. Restaurants should charge the customer enough to give their staff a proper living wage. Any tip given on top of that should be a bonus to that member of staff for a job well done.
Blenda Camargo 2 years ago
Wait, I don't get it: US servers don't get a salary? They solely rely on tips? Doesn't their boss pay them? Is this legal all over US?
Upper Enchilada 2 years ago
Servers: Sometimes I’m between two options, and I ask the server which one they’d suggest. Is this annoying?
Geetha s 2 years ago
What is wrong with The US??? No Health Care... No living Wages for essential workers... No Jobs... Are you all alright? Do y'all need help? Are you guys held hostage and will be executed if y'all speak up? Is the FBI gonna come after me for this comment?
Old Roadie 2 years ago
Worked as roadie where I wobbled on scaffolding 100 feet above stage, and have even dangled from Navy helicopters at sea. Dodged handsy supervisors, loaded and unloaded semi trucks after driving all day. Hardest job? Wait staff. The fatigue! The memory glitches! The abuse! I am compelled to salute every one of you that has endured and is enduring such a difficult job... y'all rock.
Caroline Overill 2 years ago
To be honest I hate this compulsory tip thing. A tip should be a voluntary payment given to someone who has provided exceptional service. Restaurants should charge the customer enough to give their staff a proper living wage. Any tip given on top of that should be a bonus to that member of staff for a job well done.
Blenda Camargo 2 years ago
Wait, I don't get it: US servers don't get a salary? They solely rely on tips? Doesn't their boss pay them? Is this legal all over US?
Upper Enchilada 2 years ago
Servers: Sometimes I’m between two options, and I ask the server which one they’d suggest. Is this annoying?
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