My wife has the same problem, something we do if we havent been to a place before (our regular places are goos about no ice) she will order “water no ice” and Ill get something that is not water. If her water comes with ice she tell the server “sorry I asked for not ice”, Ill chime in with “Ill take this glass then” and smile at the server. Next glass is always no ice and the server doesnt feel like they wasted effort because the water they did bring is going to be drunk.
Except I get water. I just want water, with no ice
My wife has the same problem, something we do if we havent been to a place before (our regular places are goos about no ice) she will order “water no ice” and Ill get something that is not water. If her water comes with ice she tell the server “sorry I asked for not ice”, Ill chime in with “Ill take this glass then” and smile at the server. Next glass is always no ice and the server doesnt feel like they wasted effort because the water they did bring is going to be drunk.