You arrive at a restaurant looking forward to a good meal, only to find yourself waiting longer than expected. Ten minutes turn into 20, then 30, and before you know it, you are wondering if your order has been forgotten.

Long wait times can be frustrating, but they’re not always a sign of poor service. A busy kitchen, a large group ahead of you or an unexpected rush can all slow things down. The key is knowing how to handle the situation without letting it spoil your dining experience.

Here are seven practical tips for dealing with long waits at a restaurant.

Find out the expected waiting time

Before placing your order, or as soon as you notice a delay, ask your server how long the wait is likely to be. Knowing whether your meal will take 15 minutes or 45 minutes helps you decide whether to stay or make other plans. It also sets realistic expectations and reduces frustration.

Be patient during peak hours

Restaurants are often busiest during lunch, dinner and weekends. During these periods, longer wait times are sometimes unavoidable. If the restaurant is full and staff are clearly attending to many tables, a little patience can go a long way.

Politely follow up if the wait becomes excessive

If you have been waiting well beyond the time you were given, don’t sit in silence. A simple, polite question like, “Excuse me, I just wanted to check on my order,” is usually enough. Most servers appreciate a courteous reminder and will check with the kitchen or update you on the delay.

Pay attention to communication

Good restaurants keep customers informed. If there is a delay because an ingredient has run out, a dish is taking longer to prepare or the kitchen is…