Things You'll Need:
- Transportation to check out various dining options (i.e., walking, car, bike)
- Good judgment to consider your options.
- Money or credit card to pay for your meals.
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Step 1
Visit or walk by two, three or more restaurants in the area that you choose to dine in. Consider only those restaurants that are the type of restaurant that you want (i.e., fine dining, quick service), and have the type of food and drink that you desire (i.e., Chinese, Italian). And, ensure that the restaurants that you consider have the atmosphere that you like (i.e., quiet/noisy, adults/mix of adults/kids, lots of loud kids, light/dark lighting, outdoors/inside.)
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Step 2
Select only from restaurants where there are three or more tables already occupied with guests. This is especially true during popular dining periods, such as noon to 2pm for lunch, and 6pm to 9pm for dinner. If a restaurant has no guests or just a few, it could be a sign that their food isn't so good.
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Step 3
Look at each restaurant's menu which could be posted in the front window, or, you can ask the host or wait staff for a copy to review the menu choices and prices. Also, check to see if the restaurant can seat you as quick as needed; has a table location that you would like; and has proper lighting and temperature. If the menu, prices or other factors are not appealing, then say "thank you" if someone is helping you, and exit the restaurant to go to the next restaurant.
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Step 4
Once you find a restaurant that meets your needs, get the table location that you want, and be sure the environment suits you. If the air is too cool, if the table next door is too noisy, if you'd like a table outside instead of inside -- whatever you want, ask for it and usually the restaurant will do what they can to make you happy.
Enjoy your meal!
