For many of us going out to dinner is a pretty fun and special experience. We’re often incredibly busy during the week, eating at home and working pretty hard to cook dinner each night. So, when we do go out, we want it to be a wonderful and memorable experience with great food and excellent service. Sometimes not everything goes as planned. To help ensure you have the dining experience you really want, here are 10 simple restaurant hacks you need to be using. Bon appetit!
- If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the price of wine, take look at the wines by the bottle. Often times, you can find an affordable bottle that actually ends up costing less than wine by the glass.
- Hit the hot spots at lunch rather than dinner. Trying a hip new restaurant at lunch is a great option for getting to experience those spots you just haven’t made it to or simply can’t swing the full dinner menu.
- You’re catching a movie after dinner and you just can’t be late. No worries! Let your waiter know you’re in a pretty big rush and ask for the check up front. Get your payment all set – this will save a whole bunch of time at the end.
- You’re traveling for business, which means you have to dine alone. Use this as time to catch up on your favorite magazine or newspaper. Even treat yourself to the paper version, rather than staring at your phone throughout the entire meal.
- You just can’t decide what to order. Skip the specials and go for a classic off the regular menu – that way you know it’ll be good.
- Nervous about a dirty kitchen? Perhaps you’re traveling or are in a new spot – and you just aren’t sure about the situation – order a drink at the bar and check the cleanliness of the glassware before ordering a full meal. Giving yourself a little glimpse is just the trick.
- Want to try out a super-fancy restaurant, but just can’t swing it for the full meal? Go enjoy a selection of appetizers and a couple of drinks at the bar rather than going for the full sit-down meal. You’ll get to taste the delicious eats and drinks without giving your wallet total shock.
- Take part in restaurant week and other promotional specials. This is a great way to get a glimpse and a taste of the restaurants you’ve been yearning to try. Plan your eating out for times when these specials take place, letting yourself try even the most extravagant spot.
- You want the best service there is. (This is an easy one!) Treat your server exactly the way you’d like to be treated. Human kindness goes a long way when it comes to having an experience you can be excited about.
- Have fun despite the situation. Restaurant experiences are also what you make of them, and if something goes wrong – ignore it! Put a smile on your face and keep enjoying the time you have with family or friends.
Have you ever tried any of these restaurant hacks to be sure you have the best experience possible?
