what to call a person who takes your order

[Gerianne]

it used to be that you would call that person  a waiter or a waitress.
Nowadays, there is a non gender term of "server" used as well.
A lot of women took that job.
Nowadays, both male and females hold that position.

[Teejai]

When I need their services, I just raise my hand and just call out *Excuse me*, while I'm looking at the waiter/waitress, they see, I'm looking at them so they easily head my way.   

[alice44]

I always thought "server" was used in upscale restaurants.  I will need to review my vocabulary 

[sherryfan]

Most of them will introduce their name to you, maybe just call their name next time 

[pkrahmer]

everywhere I go they introduce themselves as my server for the meal.
actually I like the term server better than waiter or waitress.

[Kimdud22]

I usually wait until they are nearby and ask for wait 

[ivyparkgirl]

I don't think it matters as long as the service and food  is good.

[nannycoe1]

Server is a good word for any gender

[lvstephanie]

For gender neutral terms, "server" or "wait staff" works. Even "Waiter" has become more of a neutral term as "waitress" has been losing its appeal in our lexicon...

[camellia0]

I try to remember their name so that I can ask for them by name. If I don't know the name, I'd say 'hun'. And I say that for female and males, that way I won't offend anyone.

[aggie49]

server is the correct term now a days

[autumnsparklemom]

I guess I am still old school and call the individual waiter or waitress.

[sharae90]

I noticed some restaurants are starting to say server. But I do still hear waiter and waitress a good number of times too.