Basically I start off showing them a lot of appreciation and respect and that usually brings in return great service and a nice experience.
I'm not difficult but I'm crystal clear that I'm not settling for poor service. I come across as knowing exactly what I want in an appreciative, very nice but assertive enough way where they know I will not hesitate to speak up.
I don't make a lot of substitutions or swaps or complicate the order, so they don't think I'm a demanding diva. I don't think asking for things on the side or to be left off completely is asking too much.
I don't send them all over the place with request after request like some people do and for things like extra napkins, bread/chips, etc., I tell them, "don't make a special trip but next time you come by, could you bring..."
I do make sure they know everything they do and bring to the table is appreciated and I thank them each time.
If things so south anyway, I don't rip into them individually on the spot, but I do discretely let the manager know what is going on and let them know I'm not happy. 4951