Restaurant Talk - Modern Rules Of Dining (1 Viewer)

[parasaurolophus]

Happy to report mesa grill in caesars is gone.

That place went to crap.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Offshoot of the "Restaurants are expensive" thread.

And for sure, this is not for fast food or fast casual. This is an article on what industry experts (in the UK) think is acceptable for traditional restaurants.

How to eat now: 16 rules of modern dining – from dress codes to dogs

A restaurant visit should be a joy, but arguments over queues, booking deposits and cakeage can ruin the experience. Industry insiders explain what is and isn’t acceptable

www.theguardian.com

Dress Codes?
Dogs Allowed?
Adults ordering from kids menu?
Cost for cancelling reservation less than 24 hours out.
No Cell Phones?
90 minute table limit?
and more

Do you agree with the voting?

Any particular topics?

I do not eat at restaurants that allow dogs beyond an outside bar or outside seating. Even then I try to steer clear.
When I go into a dark bar inside, I do not expect to see a little ESD or "Service Dog" on one of the bar stools.
And let me define service dogs for those that don't seem to understand. You can always tell a B service dog when they are around others besides their owner, most true service dogs or dogs that typically help people that are legally blind, they don't look at anyone other than their owner. I've seen a few exceptions but mostly that is how it works. If they could look around at others and get side tracked or enjoy the attention of others then it's not much of a service dog.

-We see a lot of folks that need that ESD down here in Florida and slip the service dog vest on before entering a restaurant, owners should be ashamed of themselves.

Are some people using dogs as service dogs when they shouldn’t? Asking for a friend.

When we were teenagers, we spent time and money buying fake IDs to buy booze. Now, it's fake service papers for dogs. Big business on the dark web.

You dont have to do that. There are no federal certifications required, neither in most states. ADA allows people with disabilities to train their own dogs themselves if they want. You can only ask a disabled person 2 questions about their service dog. Is it a service dog and what task is it trained to perform. You cant ask to see a certification, because there is no standard. All you have to do is buy a service dog harness, if you want to advertise it, on Amazon.

ADA doesnt include emotional support animals as service dogs though so make sure to make up a task for it to do like bark when your blood sugar is low.

It's kind of like motorcycle helmets. You have to wear one in some states, but, there is no standard so they dont have to be a real helmet. Just something on your head.

You guys aren’t kidding are you? Emotional support animals is a real thing. I’m beside myself right now.

They are everywhere around here in Florida, I don't even think most people ask any more
Like I said, lot of creatures pop up out of purses and ladies handbags at the dinner tables in restaurants now
I'm not trying to make light of folks that truly need the ESD but every family dog can be brought into numerous places now and all you need to say is ESD
There is a coffee shop near my house that forbids them but they also roast their own beans and I think they simply don't want the dog hair getting into anything

I'll share since this is going to make me sound like a hypocrite but we let them into the craft beer store I'm involved in.
I was not into it at first BUT it's not everyone and the ones who do seem to have a good handle on the dogs, they're friendly and I even keep dog treats in the drive thru for those in cars
We don't have any food, just beer and wine, lots of it so I don't see the harm and these dog owners spend good money in our store.

-I'm sure some folks are going to scroll back, wait a minute you just said...but we're talking restaurants not what I'm involved with
But just for reference so folks don't think I hate dogs, not true at all.

 

[The Gator]

Offshoot of the "Restaurants are expensive" thread.

And for sure, this is not for fast food or fast casual. This is an article on what industry experts (in the UK) think is acceptable for traditional restaurants.

How to eat now: 16 rules of modern dining – from dress codes to dogs

A restaurant visit should be a joy, but arguments over queues, booking deposits and cakeage can ruin the experience. Industry insiders explain what is and isn’t acceptable

www.theguardian.com

Dress Codes?
Dogs Allowed?
Adults ordering from kids menu?
Cost for cancelling reservation less than 24 hours out.
No Cell Phones?
90 minute table limit?
and more

Do you agree with the voting?

Any particular topics?

I do not eat at restaurants that allow dogs beyond an outside bar or outside seating. Even then I try to steer clear.
When I go into a dark bar inside, I do not expect to see a little ESD or "Service Dog" on one of the bar stools.
And let me define service dogs for those that don't seem to understand. You can always tell a B service dog when they are around others besides their owner, most true service dogs or dogs that typically help people that are legally blind, they don't look at anyone other than their owner. I've seen a few exceptions but mostly that is how it works. If they could look around at others and get side tracked or enjoy the attention of others then it's not much of a service dog.

-We see a lot of folks that need that ESD down here in Florida and slip the service dog vest on before entering a restaurant, owners should be ashamed of themselves.

Are some people using dogs as service dogs when they shouldn’t? Asking for a friend.

When we were teenagers, we spent time and money buying fake IDs to buy booze. Now, it's fake service papers for dogs. Big business on the dark web.

You dont have to do that. There are no federal certifications required, neither in most states. ADA allows people with disabilities to train their own dogs themselves if they want. You can only ask a disabled person 2 questions about their service dog. Is it a service dog and what task is it trained to perform. You cant ask to see a certification, because there is no standard. All you have to do is buy a service dog harness, if you want to advertise it, on Amazon.

ADA doesnt include emotional support animals as service dogs though so make sure to make up a task for it to do like bark when your blood sugar is low.

It's kind of like motorcycle helmets. You have to wear one in some states, but, there is no standard so they dont have to be a real helmet. Just something on your head.

You guys aren’t kidding are you? Emotional support animals is a real thing. I’m beside myself right now.

You're obviously not a dog guy

 

[The Gator]

Happy to report mesa grill in caesars is gone.

That place went to crap.

That was replaced by Amalfi right?

upgrade indeed

 

[Scoresman]

Leave the dogs at home folks.

I’ll leave my dog home if folks leave their screaming kids home. Society, do we have a deal?

 

[FairWarning]

But not to derail, for restaurants, I think the decision is interesting.

It does seem a little easier as it's usually pretty clear if dogs are welcome or not.

So if prefer not to have dogs allowed, you know what you're getting into.

It’s illegal in Michigan to bring a dog to a restaurant (service dogs are ok).

Are you sure? According to Bring Fido, there's quite a few Michigan restaurants that are dog friendly:

BringFido: Dog Friendly Restaurants in Michigan

There are 1,873 pet friendly restaurants in Michigan. Need help to decide where to eat? View pictures of each dog friendly restaurant and read reviews of other guests with dogs here. Bone appetit!

www.bringfido.com

Good link, thanks. I’ll have to ask if it’s a local law or what. The only ones I know in my area that allow dogs dont have a kitchen, but that must have changed somewhat.

 

[eoMMan]

Big NO!!! to dogs in a restaurant! I've left pubs that allowed them and I certainly don't want poochie wandering around slobbering all over the place and shedding his fur into my food. People who bring dogs to restaurants are ignorant, entitled jagoffs in my book. Whats that? your little poochie never bit any one before?!? I guess I'm the first then.

I will unapologetically bring my dog to a dog-friendly establishment and think you're over exagerating how this experience typically goes. If you got bit at a restaurant by a dog, that's a problem and I hope you took it up with the dog's owner and the restaurant.

There's nothing wrong with bringing a well behaved dog to a dog-friendly restaurant. Those of us that vacation by car with our dogs would much rather bring them to the table than leave the dog in the car.

And I’d much rather have a well behaved dog near me in a restaurant than someone’s human toddler/baby.

 

[JohnnyU]

Offshoot of the "Restaurants are expensive" thread.

And for sure, this is not for fast food or fast casual. This is an article on what industry experts (in the UK) think is acceptable for traditional restaurants.

How to eat now: 16 rules of modern dining – from dress codes to dogs

A restaurant visit should be a joy, but arguments over queues, booking deposits and cakeage can ruin the experience. Industry insiders explain what is and isn’t acceptable

www.theguardian.com

Dress Codes?
Dogs Allowed?
Adults ordering from kids menu?
Cost for cancelling reservation less than 24 hours out.
No Cell Phones?
90 minute table limit?
and more

Do you agree with the voting?

Any particular topics?

I do not eat at restaurants that allow dogs beyond an outside bar or outside seating. Even then I try to steer clear.
When I go into a dark bar inside, I do not expect to see a little ESD or "Service Dog" on one of the bar stools.
And let me define service dogs for those that don't seem to understand. You can always tell a B service dog when they are around others besides their owner, most true service dogs or dogs that typically help people that are legally blind, they don't look at anyone other than their owner. I've seen a few exceptions but mostly that is how it works. If they could look around at others and get side tracked or enjoy the attention of others then it's not much of a service dog.

-We see a lot of folks that need that ESD down here in Florida and slip the service dog vest on before entering a restaurant, owners should be ashamed of themselves.

Are some people using dogs as service dogs when they shouldn’t? Asking for a friend.

When we were teenagers, we spent time and money buying fake IDs to buy booze. Now, it's fake service papers for dogs. Big business on the dark web.

You dont have to do that. There are no federal certifications required, neither in most states. ADA allows people with disabilities to train their own dogs themselves if they want. You can only ask a disabled person 2 questions about their service dog. Is it a service dog and what task is it trained to perform. You cant ask to see a certification, because there is no standard. All you have to do is buy a service dog harness, if you want to advertise it, on Amazon.

ADA doesnt include emotional support animals as service dogs though so make sure to make up a task for it to do like bark when your blood sugar is low.

It's kind of like motorcycle helmets. You have to wear one in some states, but, there is no standard so they dont have to be a real helmet. Just something on your head.

You guys aren’t kidding are you? Emotional support animals is a real thing. I’m beside myself right now.

You're obviously not a dog guy

I love dogs. They are called pets, not emotional support animals. Not to be confused with necessary service animals.

 

[The Z Machine]

Only dogs allowed in restaurants should be service animals. Would you bring your horse or goat into a sit down restaurant where you had to make a reservation?

I get it, you love your dog and don't want them to suffer by being alone and or cold or hot. It's understandable. But animals in restaurants (and really most other retail establishments) are disruptive and can cause food safety problems. Just leave them home.

Children need to be socialized and instructed on how to behave in public. They are not animals as they will eventually grow up into adult humans. While I think it irresponsible of parents to bring their toddler that likes to throw food to a fine dining establishment, I don't think children should be barred from restaurants generally speaking, unlike how I feel about animals.

 

[Osaurus]

My emotional support purcupine is not liking many of these responses

 

[ProstheticRGK]

So, what's the verdict about dogs on stools in restaurants?

Are they playing poker? I love when they play poker.

 

[Goldminer1]

I think the key to being a good restaurant - is doing what you do - really well.

Are you a dive bar? Be the best dive bar.

Are you a fine dining establishment? Be the best version of that.

I think my biggest issue with restaurants is how homogenized the industry seems to be. Same menus. Same decor. Same 'culture.' The memes floating around about every restaurant having industrial furniture and $20 cheeseburgers with no sides are pretty accurate. It feels like everything you can categorize between Fast Food/Quick Service and Fine Dining has become some version of the same experience.

I don't need you to be themed like a Disney World restaurant, I just need you - to be you. If you being you, means there is a patio area for dogs? Great. If that means no phones in the dining room? Great.

My genuine answer to pretty much every question in the article Joe posted is - "it depends." It some cases, dogs being allowed at the establishment adds to the experience, in others, it's a detriment.

Figure out who you are as a restaurant and dining experience, and lean into it.

 

[eoMMan]

Few restaurants are in the position to turn away money, but I would love to see some sort of dress code enforced at higher end places. Rarely happens. People make so little of an effort these days.

I think more restaurants should actually go the other way (assuming it’s not an upscale place). I live in a golf community and our clubhouse doesn’t even allow nice jeans (with a collared shirt) for their regular dinner service. A dress code like this is ridiculous, imo. We’re not in 1950 anymore.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

The memes floating around about every restaurant having industrial furniture and $20 cheeseburgers with no sides are pretty accurate. It feels like everything you can categorize between Fast Food/Quick Service and Fine Dining has become some version of the same experience.

this must be location dependent, because that's not my experience - my town alone has a wide variety of different style places and a huge variety of choices including seafood, British pub, sushi. brick oven pizza, Italian, Cajun fusion, Ethiopian, Mediterranean, comfort foods, Mexican, sports bars/restaurants, French, BBQ, German Bierhalle, and I'm sure I'm leaving stuff out.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Phones in the dining room is a little vague

-I hate people who start talking on the phone at the tables in restaurants, especially if it's not a noisy atmosphere
Cheescake Factory which is not a place I frequent at all but I've been there and it's noisy so if you want to talk for 30 minutes on the phone at the table, it doesn't matter
But in a quiet restaurant where people are eating and not talking as much or in low voices, it's really annoying to hear someone answer and start a brief conversation 3 booths down

 

[bigbottom]

People okay with folks bringing their cats into restaurants? Let's assume they are leashed.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Restaurants are there to feed people. Not animals. I can understand service animals, or outdoor seating at brunch. But that is about it. There are some restaurants that openly encourage and invite people to bring their dogs around here, but that is strictly outdoor seating and you know what you are getting yourself into if you go there. But to just roll up to a regular restaurant for dinner service, and think it is totally normal and acceptable to bring your dog along to sit at an inside table with you is insanity.

 

[Joe Schmo]

People okay with folks bringing their cats into restaurants? Let's assume they are leashed.

Cats are the devil's work so no

 

[Joe Schmo]

And I'm a cat owner, but mine is well behaved.

 

[JohnnyU]

Phones in the dining room is a little vague

-I hate people who start talking on the phone at the tables in restaurants, especially if it's not a noisy atmosphere
Cheescake Factory which is not a place I frequent at all but I've been there and it's noisy so if you want to talk for 30 minutes on the phone at the table, it doesn't matter
But in a quiet restaurant where people are eating and not talking as much or in low voices, it's really annoying to hear someone answer and start a brief conversation 3 booths down

……or elevators

 

[Scoresman]

Only dogs allowed in restaurants should be service animals. Would you bring your horse or goat into a sit down restaurant where you had to make a reservation?

I get it, you love your dog and don't want them to suffer by being alone and or cold or hot. It's understandable. But animals in restaurants (and really most other retail establishments) are disruptive and can cause food safety problems. Just leave them home.

Children need to be socialized and instructed on how to behave in public. They are not animals as they will eventually grow up into adult humans. While I think it irresponsible of parents to bring their toddler that likes to throw food to a fine dining establishment, I don't think children should be barred from restaurants generally speaking, unlike how I feel about animals.

I would not bring my horse or goat to a restaurant because they are not trained and would piss and crap all over the floor. My dog would no do this. It would sit on the floor by my feet and not disturb anyone or anything.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t bring my dog to restaurants unless it’s outdoors, but the hyperbole in this thread is off the charts.

I do think similar rules for animals and kids makes sense. Let the well behaved ones in, leave the disruptive ones home.

There is nothing unsafe or unsanitary about eating in the presence of a dog.

 

[Joe Schmo]

The problem I see is how to verify a pet dog is actually a well behaved animal? As I said before, a lot of dog owners have blinders on when it comes to their furry family members so self verification is not a reliable method, imo. Best to just have a No Dogs Allowed indoors policy.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

People okay with folks bringing their cats into restaurants? Let's assume they are leashed.

I'm in favor of business owners running their business the way they see fit. Consumers then get to decide what works for them and what doesn't.

I'm not sure if this is meant as a "gotcha" question for those in favor of dogs (or legit question), but I'll answer sincerely and say personally in outdoor seating situations people can bring their dogs, cats, or lizards, if they are leashed and tied up and aren't bothering anyone. Children don't bother me either - even the occasional not so well behaved ones, as long as the parents address it (and they usually do).

I personally haven't really experienced most of the stuff people in here have experienced as far as dogs being everywhere - and I live in an extremely dog friendly city (there's a dog beach, Yappy Hour Bar, and poles with poop bags on every other street. I've only seen dogs in outside dining areas that invite them. I have never seen one in a supermarket, fast food place, deli or department store (outside of the rare tiny dog in a handbag and that's maybe been twice in 4 years). The only stores I've seen people bring their dogs in is PetSmart, and I have to since my vet is located in there.

While New Jersey gets a bad rep, I guess we are respectful of rules and others here.

 

[Scoresman]

The problem I see is how to verify a pet dog is actually a well behaved animal? As I said before, a lot of dog owners have blinders on when it comes to their furry family members so self verification is not a reliable method, imo. Best to just have a No Dogs Allowed indoors policy.

Same thing with kids. How do you know the well behaved ones vs the demon spawns that will scream and make a mess?

You can have a policy where anything disruptive will cause management to ask you to leave, but I don't know how servers and cooks can enforce this.

 

[Scoresman]

Also for what it's worth, I go to dog friendly restaurants a lot, and dont ever recall there being an instance of a rowdy, or untrained dog causing a real issue to where they should be asked to leave. Unruly kids, however? All the freakin' time.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Any place that serves food inside that allows men to eat while wearing sandals or flip flops etc without socks should be shut down immediately imo

I hear you, but what about for beach towns? If I'm down in San Diego for the day and I go out to eat at Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach, almost all the guests are going to be in flip-flops or sandals.

I know. I get it. Men’s feet are ******* gross and I don’t want to see them especially when I’m eating

 

[Goldminer1]

The memes floating around about every restaurant having industrial furniture and $20 cheeseburgers with no sides are pretty accurate. It feels like everything you can categorize between Fast Food/Quick Service and Fine Dining has become some version of the same experience.

this must be location dependent, because that's not my experience - my town alone has a wide variety of different style places and a huge variety of choices including seafood, British pub, sushi. brick oven pizza, Italian, Cajun fusion, Ethiopian, Mediterranean, comfort foods, Mexican, sports bars/restaurants, French, BBQ, German Bierhalle, and I'm sure I'm leaving stuff out.

I live in Orlando. Which on the surface you would think would have a lot of variety. Can I go and get Italian, Pub or Mexican...? Sure. But, it all feels like the same "package" or "experience" just with different food on the plate.

When I go home to Small Town, USA in the Pacific Northwest, I genuinely enjoy the food there more, because a lot of the places are locally owned Mom & Pop type of spots rather than - "The Chinese Food Version of Corporately Owned Restaurant Group."

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Also for what it's worth, I go to dog friendly restaurants a lot, and dont ever recall there being an instance of a rowdy, or untrained dog causing a real issue to where they should be asked to leave. Unruly kids, however? All the freakin' time.

I've never seen a dog do anything at a restaurant other than lay on the floor by their table.

I'm not even sure how someone else's dog could possibly slobber all over some other diner's food. Are they putting their food dishes on the ground?

 

[Scoresman]

Also for what it's worth, I go to dog friendly restaurants a lot, and dont ever recall there being an instance of a rowdy, or untrained dog causing a real issue to where they should be asked to leave. Unruly kids, however? All the freakin' time.

I've never seen a dog do anything at a restaurant other than lay on the floor by their table.

I'm not even sure how someone else's dog could possibly slobber all over some other diner's food. Are they putting their food dishes on the ground?

I mean if a dog was on a stool or something, it technically could happen, but no one here is advocating allowing something like this.

 

[ChiefD]

I saw a dog laying at the owners feet trip the waiter as he walked by. The dog was laying out from under the table into the aisle and it was a corner table. So the waiter couldn't see the dog until it was too late.

Waiter just about fell with a whole tray of food. It was a miracle he was able to maintain his balance.

 

[Drunken knight]

Very active work week for me...haven't been able to post much.

In general, I believe that it is up to the restaurant to determine, and announce their standards. It is up to consumers decide if they correspond to what they are seeking

Offshoot of the "Restaurants are expensive" thread.

And for sure, this is not for fast food or fast casual. This is an article on what industry experts (in the UK) think is acceptable for traditional restaurants.

How to eat now: 16 rules of modern dining – from dress codes to dogs

A restaurant visit should be a joy, but arguments over queues, booking deposits and cakeage can ruin the experience. Industry insiders explain what is and isn’t acceptable

www.theguardian.com

Dress Codes? No problem with it
Dogs Allowed? No problem with it
Adults ordering from kids menu? This is an issues for the business. They lose money if adults order off of the child's menu.
Cost for cancelling reservation less than 24 hours out. OK, within reason.
No Cell Phones? No problem with it
90 minute table limit? Depends upon the restaurant
and more

Do you agree with the voting?

Any particular topics?

Dress code: i generally do not care. My parents belong to a Golf club (we held our wedding and reception there 30 yrs ago). They have a dress code for their nicer dining room. There have been times where we choose to dine elsewhere because of this.

Pets Allowed: seems to be our hot topic. We have had dogs since before we were married. We travel to Lake Tahoe, Carmel (and area), Mendocino), and even southern California by car with our dogs. We seek out pet friendly restaurants/lodging when doing so. I can't say that we ever had the expectation of having them indoors (unless the restaurant allows and it's raining). Our dogs have typically laid down under the table. most staff and customers do not know we have them with us. Keep them out of harms way. I have not witnessed much bad behavior from other dogs, but usually owners have been pretty attentive when their pets start misbehaving.

As for hosting: We let guests know that we have pets. I ask if they have any allergies we need to know about. weird that when out, she is pretty quiet and well behaved, but at home she begs and whines... making rounds around the table. during meals we put her in our room, but let her roam otherwise.

Child's menu: adult's should not order off of it. as for fees for split plate...depends on the restaurant. i am not opposed... it can be extra effort for staff depending upon service.

No Cell phones: i do not like this. silence it. if you need to take a call, take it away from crowds.

90 minute limit: depends upon the restaurant and the type of experience they are trying to provide...also, how busy their night is. I took my 4 closest friends and wives out for my 50th (hakkasan in San Francisco). reserved a private room for us at the restaurant. They gave us a 2 or 3 hour limit. The manager checked in with us and allowed us to stay until closing

Children: depends upon the restaurant, children and parents. they really cannot allow children running throughout the restaurant (even at casual restaurants). Well behaved, quiet children...great.. no problem.

 

[jhib]

Big NO!!! to dogs in a restaurant! I've left pubs that allowed them and I certainly don't want poochie wandering around slobbering all over the place and shedding his fur into my food. People who bring dogs to restaurants are ignorant, entitled jagoffs in my book. Whats that? your little poochie never bit any one before?!? I guess I'm the first then.

I will unapologetically bring my dog to a dog-friendly establishment and think you're over exagerating how this experience typically goes. If you got bit at a restaurant by a dog, that's a problem and I hope you took it up with the dog's owner and the restaurant.

There's nothing wrong with bringing a well behaved dog to a dog-friendly restaurant. Those of us that vacation by car with our dogs would much rather bring them to the table than leave the dog in the car.

And I’d much rather have a well behaved dog near me in a restaurant than someone’s human toddler/baby.

I don't know why it's always the kids that are brought up in defense of dogs. I'd rather have kids and dogs near me than the lady with the loud piercing voice and the annoying laugh.
Seriously, if I'm ever annoyed at a restaurant, there's an overwhelming chance that it's because of an adult human.

 

[jhib]

As much as it seems we are arguing over dogs at restaurants, is it safe to say that most of us agree that the assumption should be no dogs allowed rather than the other way around?
Meaning, it's cool for a restaurant to be dog friendly, but dog owners should ask beforehand before bringing their dog (assuming they don't already know of course), and if not made clear somehow by the restaurant, everyone (dog owners and not) should assume indoor dining will not include dogs.

 

[JohnnyU]

The problem I see is how to verify a pet dog is actually a well behaved animal? As I said before, a lot of dog owners have blinders on when it comes to their furry family members so self verification is not a reliable method, imo. Best to just have a No Dogs Allowed indoors policy.

Same thing with kids. How do you know the well behaved ones vs the demon spawns that will scream and make a mess?

You can have a policy where anything disruptive will cause management to ask you to leave, but I don't know how servers and cooks can enforce this.

I remember one time at a nice restaurant someone coming over to our table when we were ready to leave and told us how well behaved our granddaughter was. She.was around 2 years old. We raised her. I remember how good that made my wife and I feel. Too bad that didn’t carryover to adulthood.

 

[Gally]

Same thing with kids. How do you know the well behaved ones vs the demon spawns that will scream and make a mess?

I believe that you should take kids to restaurants to help teach them how to behave. If they don't behave you (as the parent and adult) need to remove the demon spawn like child from the restaurant so they don't bother other people. This basically comes down to good parenting and doing the right thing. Nobody should ever allow their kids to act inappropriately at a restaurant and just let them keep going. This is the real issue.

 

[Gally]

Big NO!!! to dogs in a restaurant! I've left pubs that allowed them and I certainly don't want poochie wandering around slobbering all over the place and shedding his fur into my food. People who bring dogs to restaurants are ignorant, entitled jagoffs in my book. Whats that? your little poochie never bit any one before?!? I guess I'm the first then.

I will unapologetically bring my dog to a dog-friendly establishment and think you're over exagerating how this experience typically goes. If you got bit at a restaurant by a dog, that's a problem and I hope you took it up with the dog's owner and the restaurant.

There's nothing wrong with bringing a well behaved dog to a dog-friendly restaurant. Those of us that vacation by car with our dogs would much rather bring them to the table than leave the dog in the car.

And I’d much rather have a well behaved dog near me in a restaurant than someone’s human toddler/baby.

What about a well behaved human toddler/baby vs a demon spawn animal? If all are well behaved what's the problem?

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I saw a dog laying at the owners feet trip the waiter as he walked by. The dog was laying out from under the table into the aisle and it was a corner table. So the waiter couldn't see the dog until it was too late.

Waiter just about fell with a whole tray of food. It was a miracle he was able to maintain his balance.

when people bring bigger dogs, they lay down. Often in the way. It’s annoying to deal with the owner in these instances.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

"Queue" and "Bookings". Crazy Brits.

 

[General Malaise]

Any place that serves food inside that allows men to eat while wearing sandals or flip flops etc without socks should be shut down immediately imo

I hear you, but what about for beach towns? If I'm down in San Diego for the day and I go out to eat at Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach, almost all the guests are going to be in flip-flops or sandals.

I know. I get it. Men’s feet are ******* gross and I don’t want to see them especially when I’m eating

I am with you on men's feet for sure, but I think if you're on a beach or its summer and you want to wear flip flops to a casual eatery, it's not uncommon or out of the ordinary. I think San Diego restaurants would shut down tomorrow if you outlawed flip flops/sandals.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Only dogs allowed in restaurants should be service animals. Would you bring your horse or goat into a sit down restaurant where you had to make a reservation?

I get it, you love your dog and don't want them to suffer by being alone and or cold or hot. It's understandable. But animals in restaurants (and really most other retail establishments) are disruptive and can cause food safety problems. Just leave them home.

Children need to be socialized and instructed on how to behave in public. They are not animals as they will eventually grow up into adult humans. While I think it irresponsible of parents to bring their toddler that likes to throw food to a fine dining establishment, I don't think children should be barred from restaurants generally speaking, unlike how I feel about animals.

I would not bring my horse or goat to a restaurant because they are not trained and would piss and crap all over the floor. My dog would no do this. It would sit on the floor by my feet and not disturb anyone or anything.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t bring my dog to restaurants unless it’s outdoors, but the hyperbole in this thread is off the charts.

I do think similar rules for animals and kids makes sense. Let the well behaved ones in, leave the disruptive ones home.

There is nothing unsafe or unsanitary about eating in the presence of a dog.

I understand your point and unruly kids should be removed from the establishment by the parents but there is a purpose to kids being in a restaurant. They are there to eat. Why is the dog there?

 

[gianmarco]

All this is just so complicated.

The general rule should be to be considerate of others. I don't care what any of you do as long as it's not significantly impacting my time out.

I couldn't care less if you bring a dog, or a kid, or have a cell phone, or how you're dressed. Until those things become disruptive, who cares.

Your kid screams out a couple times or cries for a little? So what. Sandals under a table? Dog with their owner minding his business? You do you. Have a great time.

Kids are running around and making it miserable for everyone? Tablet turned up so I have to listen to a cartoon my entire meal? You're talking on your phone or even to your table and I can hear your conversation better than my own? Feet up in my space? Yeah, that's just being inconsiderate. If that's how your kids or your dog or you are, then go back home until behavior can improve.

Unfortunately those that do those things have little to no self awareness. Same people standing in a doorway completely oblivious to others around them trying to get by or talking so loud that I can't even hear the people I'm with just a few feet away.

And of course, this doesn't apply to just restaurants, but it's a bigger deal there since you spend time there, spend money, and generally are out to have a good time. Almost everything on the list SHOULDN'T impact me. When it does is the only time I have an issue. Otherwise, enjoy yourself and I'll do the same.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

The time limit one has me torn.

90 minutes is kinda tight for fine dining. If service comes around to cover dessert options in minute 75, you're going to bring dessert and guests need to eat it all within 15 minutes?

If a place is going to enforce any time limit, say 2 hours even, there needs to be a server at the table very, very regularly to make sure guests have everything they want in a timely fashion. Making people wait to order and then telling them their time is up doesn't seem to be a winning formula.

People may not eat out often, that night out could be something planned for an important milestone, etc.

Having said all that, turning tables is super important to the restaurant obviously. Perhaps the most important factor in a successful night.

Gonna go with "Avoid if at all possible" on this one. Some places will invite guests who are lingering to move it over to the bar with a free round on the manager. That seems to be a good outcome, but perhaps not always possible to offer either.

 

[Scoresman]

Same thing with kids. How do you know the well behaved ones vs the demon spawns that will scream and make a mess?

I believe that you should take kids to restaurants to help teach them how to behave. If they don't behave you (as the parent and adult) need to remove the demon spawn like child from the restaurant so they don't bother other people. This basically comes down to good parenting and doing the right thing. Nobody should ever allow their kids to act inappropriately at a restaurant and just let them keep going. This is the real issue.

The same thing applies to dogs. They need to be properly socialized in their early years to be well behaved in those situations. Of course, no dog owner should take a completely unsocialized dog to a restaurant or there will be a problem, but being around people like that absolutely helps establish and maintain good behavior in dogs.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

One of my favorite restaurants in the world is Galatoire's in New Orleans. They have a pretty strict dress code. Collared shirts and pants. And jackets for men after 5. https://www.galatoires.com/faq

It sounds grumpy old man I know but I like it. They do have a whole rack of jackets available if you need one.

I do agree though it's a fine line.

Love this place. One of my wife’s favorite NOLA spots as well.

 

[Gr00vus]

Leave the dogs at home folks.

I’ll leave my dog home if folks leave their screaming kids home. Society, do we have a deal?

Sounds great to me.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Side comment on restaurants.

Lunch today. I’ll be pretty surprised if Heaven doesn’t look and smell a lot like Cleburne Cafeteria in Houston Texas. Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, Carrot Salad, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Pea Salad, Lima Beans and more.

https://x.com/Football_Guys/status/1756020793077641396?s=20

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Any place that serves food inside that allows men to eat while wearing sandals or flip flops etc without socks should be shut down immediately imo

I hear you, but what about for beach towns? If I'm down in San Diego for the day and I go out to eat at Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach, almost all the guests are going to be in flip-flops or sandals.

I know. I get it. Men’s feet are ******* gross and I don’t want to see them especially when I’m eating

I am with you on men's feet for sure, but I think if you're on a beach or its summer and you want to wear flip flops to a casual eatery, it's not uncommon or out of the ordinary. I think San Diego restaurants would shut down tomorrow if you outlawed flip flops/sandals.

I may have gotten carried away a touch

 

[dgreen]

I find it interesting how we all have such different experiences. People are describing scenarios as regular occurrences that I really don't think I've ever experienced. Or maybe I've experienced them, but it's been so rare or so inconsequential that it hasn't even registered on my radar. For example, take the dog issue. Sure, I've seen some dogs at outdoor seating, but I honestly have no memory of a dog being inside a restaurant. I feel like maybe I've seen a really small dog that stayed in a bag the whole time while in a restaurant, but I can't say for sure. It certainly hasn't happened enough for me to have any memory of it and for it to be a topic that I feel we need to get to the bottom of. Same with dress codes or cell phones or kids at restaurants. I have no memory of my dining experience being lessened because of any of those things.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I’m guessing the 90 minute rule is only posted so that if you’re still dawdling for 30 minutes after dinner they can politely tell you to GTFO

 

[Scoresman]

I’m guessing the 90 minute rule is only posted so that if you’re still dawdling for 30 minutes after dinner they can politely tell you to GTFO

Restaurants here should cut their reservations down at least 25%. In Europe by contrast, they are much more relaxed and it is unheard of to rush people through a meal just to seat the next table. Hell, they don't even give you the bill until you ask for it. But here, it's all about how many butts you can serve and how much money you can make.