How you try and attract the waiter's attention in English
I want to know how to try and attract the waiter's attention at a restaurant. But I need it in English.
Thank you.
14 Answers
At the places where I eat, which may be considered "low-class" by most, one simply says, "Excuse me, sir? Sir?" Although, where I live, the waiters are usually waitresses, so I normally say, "Excuse me, ma'am? Ma'am?"
One might raise one's hand a bit and maybe even do a slight waving motion. If you do the hand-waving thing, it's called "flagging down someone."
Person 1: See if you can flag us down a waitress.
Person 2: Ok. [waving hand a bit] Excuse me, ma'am? Ma'am?
Look at him, raise your hand and say "waiter". It works for me.
In British English I'd never say 'waiter'. I'd sounds as out of place as calling a cook, teacher or cleaner by their charge.
Sir and ma'am is also strictly American. An American cop will call you sir whilst tasering you in the nuts, an odd usage for a term supposedly of respect. In British English, sir is used to refer to male teachers whlist in school, that is school school, not university. It is also used by those in service, both military and customer. You will be called sir by staff in hotels and restaurants and other places where it might be used for effect, such as those being theatrical.
I'd attract attention by looking directly at the waiter, raising or waving a hand, screaming or throwing an ashtray, depending on just how bad the service is. If you need to say something then 'excuse me' is fitting.
You can say:
Camarero, por favor
Disculpe, señor
Perdone, mesero
Joven, por favor
I personally do not address waiters by any other words than señor/señora/señorita. Calling out their profession makes me feel uncomfortable.
Dogwood's answer could work, or you could do as I and raise your hand, "excuse me". Don't say waiter, that can be taken as you talking down to them.... atleast down here in the South where people speak more friendly/neighborly with each other. (United States). 
Hi nila
You have to be specific. People here do not realise you are fluent in Spanish and are giving you Spanish translations, hehe.
I would go with dogwood's answer, hand in the air, calling "waiter", but wait until he is looking in your direction.
Frankly, in my experience you don't need to say anything.
Of course my experience is limited to Spain but I find that if you wait until the person serving the tables is likely to look in your direction you only need to raise your hand from the wrist, (if the chair has arms your elbow is resting on one) perhaps slightly extended forefinger and give an enquiring look and you will be given attention.
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There is a world of gesture in Spanish restaurants. For example. when you want the bill, you gently attract the persons attention in the same way and holding out the palm of your hand you pretend to write on it with the other= mime. (meaning La Cuenta or La Nota)
The waiter will nod and en seguida, you will be presented with the bill
I am a waiter, eye contact alone should signify you need something. A nod of the head, raise your finger. They realize they are there to get you what you need, so they should know if you are looking towards them that you are in need. If they are walking by, excuse me is fine. I don't even mind if they say waiter. Some may, but that is the line of work they have chosen so the shouldn't be offended.
Eye contact works best.
Yelling 'hey you', whistling and flicking your fingers usually works fine
Stare at the waiter until they turn and look at you, then raise your hand. It helps if you have a $20.00 bill in it.
If you tip well the first time, you won't have to do anything to get his attention on your second visit. 
According to a "Teach yourself Spanish" CD I borrowed, ladies would shout "¡Oiga!" at the top of their voice. I would never have the nerve - I'd probably get smacked
I very much agree with DJ Huero. Saying "Waiter?" can be a bit cold or abrupt. "Excuse me" is always fine. Adding "sir" or "miss" makes it a bit nicer also.
