These questions are written for hiring a server specifically. Each one includes what you learn from asking it and what a strong answer sounds like.
1. Walk me through how you would handle a table of six that arrives at the same time as two other tables.
Why ask it: Shows how the candidate prioritizes and communicates when the section gets slammed.
A strong answer: Greets every table quickly even if only to say hello, takes drinks first, and asks a teammate or the host for help rather than letting anyone sit unacknowledged.
2. A guest tells you they have a severe nut allergy. What do you do next?
Why ask it: Tests food safety judgment and respect for allergy protocol.
A strong answer: Takes it seriously, asks specifics, checks ingredients with the kitchen or manager, flags the ticket clearly, and never guesses about what is safe.
3. How do you describe a dish you have never tasted?
Why ask it: Reveals honesty and preparation habits.
A strong answer: Says they would taste it at pre-shift or ask the chef, and describes what they do know without making things up.
4. Tell me about a time a guest was unhappy with their food. What did you do?
Why ask it: Measures service recovery and ownership.
A strong answer: Listens first, apologizes without blame, fixes the problem or brings a manager, and follows up so the guest leaves satisfied.
5. How do you decide when to check back on a table?
Why ask it: Looks for table awareness and the right level of attention.
A strong answer: Explains timing around first bites, empty drinks, and body language, adjusting for guests who want space versus those who want more attention.
6. What would you do if the kitchen forgot an entree and the table has been waiting a long time?
Why ask it: Tests communication with guests and with the line.
A strong answer: Informs the guest honestly, gets an updated time from the kitchen, offers a small gesture with manager approval, and keeps checking in.
7. How do you split a large check among guests who want separate payments?
Why ask it: Checks POS comfort and patience with a common headache.
A strong answer: Asks early, uses seat numbers when ordering, and knows how to split items in the POS cleanly.
8. How would you suggest a wine or cocktail to a guest who says they do not drink much?
Why ask it: Shows upselling without pressure and basic beverage knowledge.
A strong answer: Asks about flavors they like, offers one or two easy options, and accepts a no gracefully.
9. What do you do when you have no tables but the restaurant is busy?
Why ask it: Reveals work ethic and team mindset.
A strong answer: Finds work: running food, bussing, refilling water, or restocking, without waiting to be told.
10. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a coworker during a rush.
Why ask it: Looks at conflict handling when stress is high.
A strong answer: Stayed professional, finished the shift, and talked it through privately afterward to fix the root problem.
11. What does great service look like to you?
Why ask it: Gives a sense of the candidate's standards and fit with the restaurant's style.
A strong answer: Describes anticipating needs, accuracy, warmth, and pace, with a concrete example from a place they have worked or dined.
12. How do you handle a guest who has had too much to drink?
Why ask it: Tests responsible alcohol service and willingness to involve a manager.
A strong answer: Stops service politely, offers water or food, tells the manager, and follows the house policy and local law.