Food & drinkIntermediate

Complaining about slow service in English

Everyday English for complaining about slow service. Key line: “Hi, we've been waiting a while. Could you check on our order?”

Full script

LinHi, we've been waiting a while. Could you check on our order?
ThemOh no, I'm sorry. Let me look into that right away.
LinThanks. We were starting to think our dinner took the scenic route.
ThemI get it. The kitchen's running behind, but I'll nudge them.
LinI appreciate it. We've got a movie in about twenty minutes.
ThemThanks for telling me. I can bring your drinks first.
LinThat'd help. We want dinner, not its travel stories.
ThemFair enough—I'll hurry your food. No more scenic routes.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

Follow-up

✓ Could you check on our order?

Polite way to ask about your food

Polite for follow-up; check on is common

Explanation

✓ The kitchen's running behind.

A polite way to say food is late

Polite way to explain a delay

Timing

✓ We've got a movie in about twenty minutes.

Say you have something soon

Give timing so they can help

✓ That'd help.

Natural when help is offered

Natural when someone offers help

Quick answers

Follow-up: what to say in English

Say “Could you check on our order?” — polite way to ask about your food. Polite for follow-up; check on is common.

Explanation: what to say in English

Say “The kitchen's running behind.” — a polite way to say food is late. Polite way to explain a delay.

Timing: what to say in English

Say “We've got a movie in about twenty minutes.” — say you have something soon. Give timing so they can help.

Reply: what to say in English

Say “That'd help.” — natural when help is offered. Natural when someone offers help.

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