Food

How To Not Wait For A Table At A Restaurant, According To A Hostess

February 2, 2017 by Amanda Seale
shefinds | Food

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You’re starving and craving food from a particular restaurant but it’s dinner rush and the hostess says it’ll be a 45-minute wait. 45 minutes!? You think you’ll pass out by then so what do you do?

 

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Bar

To point out the obvious, the most effective and rule-abiding tip is to make a reservation ahead of time. This is especially important when you’re going with a bunch of friends or colleagues. With a larger group, the restaurant probably has to rearrange tables and if it’s 8PM on a Saturday night, chances are they won’t be able to accommodate you. Not because they don’t want to but because they physically can’t.

 

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Outside seating

Be polite. This should go without saying but hostesses have it rough when customers take their frustrations out on them. Hostesses don’t have control over the wait time. It’s based on your fellow customers taking their sweet time eating. Hostesses aren’t wizards who can wave a magic wand around to speed up time. Give them a break and there’s a possibility they’ll do the same for you.

 

[Photo: Pexels]

Table setting

Here’s a little secret from Thrillist: bribing actually works. Not 100% of the time but if you’re willing to throw down extra cash, it’s worth a shot. While cash is the most effective, little gifts like chocolate also work. Desperate times call for desperate measures, right?

 

[Photo: Pexels]

café

According to Hannah Palmer Egan, a hostess at a New York restaurant which she gives the pseudonym "Chez Bowery," admits bribery isn't dead and she has a pro-tip. She says, "Most non-management staff absolutely accept T.I.P.S. (To Insure Prompt Service). To be clear, $20 is great here at Chez Bowery, but you’ll need to find more for somewhere fancier." Also, don't be aggressive about it. Keep it relaxed!

 

[Photo: Pexels]

table

Hangry is a very real emotion. We’ve all been there but be careful, it could affect your dining experience. According to a hostess on Spoon University, if you make your hostess happy, you’re starting your meal off on a positive note and things are likely to continue that way. All in all, a happy host means a happy (not hangry) you!

 

[Photo: Pexels]

Friends eating

Don't forget to check out The One Thing You Should Never Order At Arby's (It's Over 800 Calories!) and The One Meal You Should Never Order At McDonald's, According To An Employee

 

[Photo: Pexels]

 

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