Spanish Restaurant Service, by Catherine Vickery

I have observed many differences between Spanish and American culture while here in Sevilla.
However, one difference that really stands out to me is the service in restaurants. In the United
States, servers are highly attentive to the customers. They consistently ask if people need more
to drink or need anything else for their meal. As soon as someone sits down at a table, there is
a waiter there to ask if you are ready to order. However, here in Spain the waiters often do not
check on you at all. If you want more to eat or drink, you have to call the waiter to your table.
I’ve gotten used to this custom, but I do miss american food service. I enjoy someone coming
and asking if everything is okay. I prefer not to have to put in effort to find the server at a
restaurant. One benefit to the service in Spain is that you do not feel rushed to leave the table.
In the US, servers often want you to leave when you are done because they want new
customers so they can receive tips. This often results in you feeling rushed. In Spain, though,
you can sit at a table for a long time and the waiters do not typically mind. Although there are
benefits to both types of food service, I think I will be happy to be back in american restaurants.