Something shifted after the COVID-19 pandemic. People became much more lax–some for the better, some for the worse. Sneakers to the office? Nice. Showing up late for reservations? Uncouth. For whatever reason, many people have lost their restaurant etiquette during this time. Read on to learn the dos and don’ts for dining in at a restaurant as helpful reminder of how to act in public.

Do

• Do put your napkin in your lap as soon as drinks hit table. Spills happen.
• Do say “please” and “thank you” to everyone working there. Don’t start an order with “Give me…” or “I want…” but rather “I’d like… please,” or “May I have…”
• Do push your chair back in anytime you get up from the table. It is extremely self-centered to not do this.
• Do make an effort to talk to everyone seated at the table. Ask them how their week is going or what podcasts they’re listening to right now.
• Do tip well for great service. If you cannot afford to tip for a nice dinner at a nice restaurant, then you should eat at a tip-less establishment. I’m sorry. Speaking from experience, service industry workers have a strong memory. We don’t forget bad tippers.
• Do follow the dress code. Nicer restaurants will have dress codes listed on their website. If there’s no dress code on their website and you’re not sure, you can check the tagged location on Instagram to see what people are wearing there.
• Do become a regular at a place near you that you like. It’s rewarding to get to know your community (and get better service!).

Don’t

• Don’t be late to a reservation. It is not only rude to your friends, but also to those working in the restaurant.
• Don’t begin eat until everyone has received their food.
• Don’t order an alcoholic drink if no one else is drinking. When in doubt, just don’t. There has never been a time in my life where I’ve thought, wow, I wish I had drank more.
• Don’t talk with your mouth full, ever.
• Don’t assume your friend will share their plate; ask them before taking that french fry.
• Don’t smoke/vape at the table. I don’t care if it’s outdoors. Go somewhere else.
• Don’t overstay your welcome unless you are ordering the entire time. If you stay for four hours, and only order things for the first two, then your server is actively losing money due for the last two hours.
• Don’t be crass. You are in public. Watch your cursing and conversation topics.
• Don’t bring untrained pets out. Patios are great when you want to bring your furry friends along, just make sure they’re trained not to beg strangers for food, jump on people, or bark.
• Don’t get a to-go box for yourself for something you shared. Ask if anyone else wants to take it home as well first. This happened to me on a date once–he took my food home!