Good advise Dmax. I don't go out to dinner all that much, I hit my favorite food hole with my lady about once a month. The owner has been cooking prime rib for 40 years in my town at one resturant or another over time and finally purchased his own about 8 years ago. Needless to say it's a good meal. His creamed spinich is...well unbelievable. Really.
When I go out to dinner, I go out to have a good time, besides filling my belly. The people that serve me are the people I have a good time with. From the bartender, the bus boy to the server. Those are the people I interact with, they are the people I have a good time with.
It amazes me the amount of people that treat those that try to make their stay enjoyable as if they were a servant or in some cases a slave. A way to "get back at the world" for the miserable week they had.
I'm a child of the sixties and my warped sense of humor comes from that era. The only time I go back now to my "roots" is just before I go out to dinner
..I have a good time, everyone is glad to see us. We get the best table regardless of how many are waiting. I know all the servers on a first name basis, they're guarenteed a laugh or two when the "poops" show up. For most of them serving is their second job of the day..
I have two cheep draft beers waiting at the table when we're seated ( jodgi take note ) and another served with dinner. I don't ask, they know.
When we leave those that served us aren't saying "Jeez I'm glad they're gone". They had a good time. As it should be. My tip is around 35%. Which just might help
