Dining out has a different level of significance for every family. For some it is a daily occurrence and is the norm, while for others it is an occasional special treat. Regardless of which category your family falls into, you want the experience to be enjoyable. There are seldom any guarantees when you enter a restaurant that everything will end up exactly the way expect it to, but being aware of a few things up front can help you avoid some of the pitfalls of dining out. These tips are presented in the context of a family outing, but some can apply just as well to couples or a group of friends.
If time permits, the very first thing that should be done is research. That is not to say you should perform an in-depth study of each restaurant you would like to patronize, but listen to what other people have to say about it. Reputation in the restaurant business is an absolute. Restaurants do not get good reputations by providing lousy service or food. Keep in mind that everyone has different tastes and opinions, but a reputation is built on consistent quality service. A few minutes on the internet or talking to some friends could preclude a dinner disaster.
Once you have chosen the restaurant, you should decide if you are budgeting for this outing or if this will is a special, spare-no-expense’ outing. That decision absolutely should be made beforehand as it will help avoid any disappointments when ordering. If you are budgeting and want to minimize the expense, try having everyone drink water instead of soft drinks. The cost of soft drinks can really add up for a family of five. Appetizers and sides can add up as well, and dessert can sometimes be as much as the rest of the meal. Of course, if you are not budgeting, make sure you save room for dessert!
The restaurant industry is a service industry. Waiters and waitresses are there to provide a service for you, and most of them enjoy doing so. Don’t be afraid to ask for something. Usually, when you are seated, they will ask you if the location is acceptable. If it isn’t, politely let them know that you would rather sit somewhere else. As long as you are polite about it, they usually do not mind. They want your experience to be enjoyable. Keep in mind, however, that they have to deal with many other people throughout the day that may not be as polite or friendly as you. A little consideration for your waitress or waiter can go a long way for your dining experience.
When you have finished, be sure to continue that consideration in the form of a fair tip. If the service you received was simply marginal, but adequate, then the tip should be equal to the going rate. Current rates are around 15% to 18% for average service, higher if the service was exceptional. If the service was not acceptable, do not simply leave a lesser tip. Talk to the manager first and let them know what the problem was, and try to make sure you do not blame the server for problems that were beyond their control.
It does not take a whole lot of preparation to have a good dining out experience. Just a little pre-planning and attention to detail can make it a night to remember for the entire family.