Dear Jacquelyn,

Stay-at-home restrictions are gradually being lifted and many people are heading back to their favorite restaurants. I remain cautious and uncomfortable about the idea of eating out. Could you please offer some tips on respecting workers, other diners, and myself?

Dear Reader,

Dining out, especially right now during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, can seem very awkward to navigate.

Everyone’s comfort level is different. Restaurant owners and managers are working hard to figure out new, pandemic-era service styles.

It’s natural to feel cautious, but there are some things you can do to have a comfortable experience if you should decide to venture out.

When you do make the decision to dine out, try to ensure the restaurant you chose is taking the appropriate precautions. There’s nothing wrong with calling before you go. You can ask the restaurant staff what their protocols are or check out the restaurant’s website to make sure you’re comfortable with their protocols.

Keep in mind some restaurants have only recently reopened. To avoid waiting in long lines, you will want to make a reservation, if the restaurant accepts reservations. Most restaurants are working with much smaller capacity, and every reservation slot is carefully calculated.

It’s a courtesy for yourself and others to wear a mask when seated and especially when ordering from wait staff. When it’s time to order, order smartly. Ask your server to put your whole order in so the server doesn’t have to come back more times than needed.

The goal is to limit your exposure and theirs. This includes being mindful of the time. As nice as it is to spend a couple of hours lingering over a meal, try not to stay longer than necessary.

While dining beyond the home has resumed, things don’t look quite the same. We all need to dine out with an extra order of patience and respect for staff and fellow diners.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2020 Jacquelyn Youst