Restaurant Experience 2021

[olbriar]

I'm curious as to the experience and atmosphere of dining out these days. I've pretty much been a recluse for the last year or so... imagine that. I'm wanting to take my family out for a nice dinner to celebrate my youngest child's graduation. I don't want the evening to be a bummer. She has worked long and hard for years and a night out with family at her favorite restaurant seems in order. Any idea if this is a good or bad idea? Please share your recent experiences so I have a clue what I'm getting into.

 

[dontpanicbobby]

None.

 

[Unforgiven]

Aside from wearing a mask hen you aren't seated at your table, I find it pretty much the same as it was before. I've been going since last June (the most affected) and more frequently lately. Check if there is a party size restriction. Here in MA it is 6 people, so if you have more than that you have to split tables.

 

[dontpanicbobby]

Nope just sub shops. Call it in. Pick it up.

 

[Brian706]

I have pretty much the same experience as Unforgiven. Other than wearing a mask while you walk to the table it's basically exactly the same.

There is; however, one improvement. Due to distancing, they usually skip every other table/booth to keep people farther apart. I do not mind this at all because I hate sitting right next to random people and listening to their conversations.

 

[olbriar]

I appreciate the input. It doesn't sound so negative that it would not be enjoyable. I will have eight and perhaps ten in our party. I will call for reservations and see what they can do for us. I know that they have a private dinning room. I used it years ago for a large party for the university BBS staff and mods but it accommodates a party of thirty to forty people. I don't want separate seating but I doubt they will hold the room for such a small group.

 

[mikedt]

Only real difference I've noticed in many restaurants, is that waiters no longer hands out menus and takes your orders. Now each table has a QR code, you scan with WeChat or AliPay, and that shows you the menu items and you order and pay via that. And a server will bring the dishes to the table. Other than that nothing has changed AFAICT.

I know KFC and McDonald's have had smart-phone food ordering systems for about 4 or 5 years, and in some of their restaurants you have to order via your phone, you can't order at the counter. They'll often have a touch-screen kiosk you can use as well.

In Shandong Province at the moment, pretty much the only places where wearing masks is compulsory is on public transport and some museums.

 

[The_Chief]

Good luck finding good service and adequate staff! Not that it's not out there... there are dedicated people doing the best they can with what they have. But we have made it way too comfortable to be unemployed in America. Why work when you can stay home and get money? Even our town's McDonald's has a sign saying "Our shake machine works - you can too"

 

[Milo Williamson]

I have not went really out into a restaurant since I think was it my mother's birthday? I think so, on mine, I pretty much stood with my girl, most of the time at my side occupation, I think it was probably an Arby's drive through, or was it inside their lobby, it was probably inside their lobby at one point. I think it was maybe before the epidemic, was somewhere new, maybe we did eat at an Arby's in the local town. But I donno what is open.

 

[puppykickr]

I refuse to give business to anywhere that requires a face diaper.

The Chinese have been wearing masks for many years.

If the masks worked, the Chinese would not have caught it.

 

[ocnbrze]

ok enough of the politics!!!!!! its getting a tad bit off topic

I appreciate the input. It doesn't sound so negative that it would not be enjoyable. I will have eight and perhaps ten in our party. I will call for reservations and see what they can do for us. I know that they have a private dinning room. I used it years ago for a large party for the university BBS staff and mods but it accommodates a party of thirty to forty people. I don't want separate seating but I doubt they will hold the room for such a small group.

for me i have not dined out yet even though i am vaccinated already. i have been in a few Mexican restaurants for lunch, but those are kind of close to fastfood more than anything. i do want to go out and eat out at some point. but to be honest i don't mind eating take out at home. there is a bbq place near my house that always has a full outdoor seating under tents. it has been fairly cool out here in LA. might be a perfect time to try it out this weekend.

 

[olbriar]

I didn't intend to start a thread that's on a slippery slope but I see that I have.

(Closed)