Waiters and waitresses serve food in restaurants and other dining establishments.

Waiter and waitresses are also called servers. Their job duties may vary depending on the size and type of restaurant.

In fine-dining restaurants, waiters and waitresses offer formal service. They explain specials and explain how they are prepared. They offer suggestions for wine and other beverages. Other staff members usually take reservations, seat customers, and clean up dishes after the meal.

In casual restaurants, waiters and waitresses serve food and may also seat customers and remove dishes from the table in order to prepare the table for the next customer.

Waiters and waitresses spend time learning the restaurant's menu including the wine list. They also learn about ingredients and food safety issues including food allergies.

In restaurants that serve alcohol, waiter and waitresses learn their state's laws and regulations about serving alcohol to people.