Man Rules: Restaurant Dining

As you have undoubtedly noticed (at least our faithful readers anyways) our posts this summer have been less than regular.  This is mostly due to the fact that, between Matt and myself, we have been away for a combined month and a half.  But our summers have come to a close and things are getting back to normal.  Now, during this time abroad, I had the opportunity to dine out at a variety of different restaurants for the majority of my meals.  During this time I observed many different situations and scenarios and I feel a discourse is needed on the art of dining out.  So, my long lost friends, let’s begin.

Before we jump in, I want to establish some parameters. We are all aware that “dining out” is a very broad term.  For the sake of this post, I am going to divide the dining scenarios into two categories: With Kids and Without Kids.  As you may or may not know, I am not yet a father so I am not one to offer advice on how to control your little wildlings in a restaurant environment.  Matt, on the other hand, is the father of two adorable little bundles of joy and has experience in this department.  So, as we pool our knowledge, wisdom, and experience (ok, so it’s probably only enough to fill one of those little kiddie pools you buy at Walmart, but it’s something) we bring you “Man Rules: Restaurant Dining.”

Section One: Dining Without Kids

I could write an entire post about what is wrong with this picture. Mostly: WHAT IS SHE WEARING?!

Ah the peace and tranquility that is dining out without kids.  That is until the little nose-picker in the booth behind you starts throwing a fit and screaming it’s adorable (and snot covered) little head off.

Rule #1: Treat the Restaurant Staff with Respect

I can’t help but feel this shouldn’t even need to be a rule. Sadly, I see many people at restaurants walk in and immediately start treating the wait staff as second hand citizens.  I have found that 9 times out of 10, the first impression you give to your waiter will directly affect the remainder of your visit.  This will also affect how other people in your party interact with you.  If you are on a date, don’t try to impress your significant other by acting rudely to the wait staff.  That doesn’t make you look macho, it makes you look like a jerk. And no one likes a guys who is a jerk. Except maybe girl jerks.

Rule #2: Tip Well

Ok, I know this is a bit of a hot topic for some people and a lot of folks have very differing opinions on tipping.  All I want to communicate is what I believe to be common courtesy.  Don’t jump down my throat if you don’t agree. Thank you. That being said, I believe the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM YOU SHOULD TIP IS 15%. Now, if your service is so terrible that tipping 15% seems out of the question, then you have a responsibility (and right) to inform the manager and let them deal with the situation. Please don’t take it upon yourself to lecture the waiter/waitress involved about how they should be doing their job. You probably wouldn’t like it if someone came into your place of employment and starting hammering you about how you are incompetent and unable to perform a simple task (by the way, waiting tables is not a simple task), so don’t do it to someone else.

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