Been there. Know the feeling. No matter how many times we try to flag for service or politely inquire why food is taking so long, it's still terrible service. Only solution is to not go back. And complain when you pay the bill. Last time this happened I clearly explained why we were cutting the tip to 10% to the manager, who could only nod red faced in embarrassment and apologize.

Did you mean indentured servants that you are there to get no tip but be at your back and call?
I think there was some Queen that acted the same way and ended up with no head.

Not sure why you think wait staff is sitting on DCUM at 1pm on a busy week.

I arrive at a restaurant knowing how much I'll drink and don't deviate from that. Sorry you don't ... have self control?

If you want the check, ask for it. If you need to leave to catch a show, say that as you meet the waiter or waitress. "Hi, we have to leave by 8pm sharp so can we order apps and our main at the same time, and then get the check when our main dishes come out please?"

You know you can smile and wave at your server and they will come over to your table and do your bidding ... right?

Ugh, people who complain about wait staff are so gross.

Hey OP- use your words and say to the server, “we need to be somewhere at X time”

Dear Wait Staff-Just because of family of 3 or 4 or even 5 shows up for lunch or dinner it does not mean that they want to sit for 2-3 hours. Swift attentive service please.

Don’t think “I’ll just let them be. They probably want to sit and talk.” NOPE we are there to eat!

And don’t try to drive up the bill with slow service so adults have more than 1 or 2 rounds of drinks.

Thanks