Lesson 1 of 6
Restaurants and Cafés
Order, customize, ask questions and pay like a local.
Ordering food in the US moves fast, and staff ask a lot of follow-up questions: "For here or to go?", "What kind of bread?", "Anything else?" Knowing the typical script means you'll never freeze at the counter.
LearnThe key ideas
The ordering script
| They say | You say |
|---|---|
| Hi, what can I get for you? | Can I get a medium latte, please? |
| For here or to go? | To go, please. / For here. |
| Anything else? | That's it, thanks. / Can I also get a muffin? |
| How would you like your steak? | Medium, please. |
| Are you ready to order? | I think we need a few more minutes. |
| How's everything? | Great, thanks! |
Paying and tipping
Ask for "the check", not "the bill". In US sit-down restaurants, tipping 15–20% is expected because servers rely on tips. At counters, tipping is optional.
To split: "Could we get separate checks?" or "Can we split it?"
ListenListen and repeat
- Can I get a cheeseburger with no onions?Customizing.
- Could I get that to go?Takeaway.
- What do you recommend?Asking the server.
- Could we get the check, please?Ready to pay.
AvoidCommon mistakes
SpeakShadowing practice
Press Listen, then repeat straight away, copying the speed, rhythm and tone. Say each sentence three times, then record yourself.
- Hi, can I get a large iced coffee with oat milk?
- Could I get the chicken sandwich, no mayo?
- Excuse me, could we get the check when you get a chance?
CheckQuick quiz
1. "For here or to go?" means:
2. Typical tip at a US sit-down restaurant:
3. Natural way to order:
PracticeToday's speaking task
Role-play a full café order out loud: greeting, a customized order, "for here or to go", adding an item and paying.