Dear Jacquelyn,

How long before the stated closing time of a restaurant is it reasonable to enter and order a meal?

Dear Reader,

If you come in when a restaurant is open, you should expect good service.

Some places are better than others about this and some servers are better about it than others.

Choosing to come at the end of the night versus the beginning should have no bearing on the service. I see nothing wrong with showing up at a restaurant 30 minutes before closing and expecting a fine meal and great service.

Many dining guests assume that closing time is actually the “last seating” time and expect the restaurant to stay open for another hour to cook, serve and let them finish the meal.

If the expectation that last seating time is some fuzzy time before the posted closing, that contributes more to the confusion.

The most courteous way to handle a late-night dinner out is to call the restaurant ahead of time, find out what time it closes, and what is the latest reservation time. This avoids an uncomfortable rushed dining experience.

If you do arrive near closing time, be considerate of your server.

Acknowledge the inconvenience of arriving late and inquire if the kitchen is still open. When it is time to order, be respectful. Don’t take 20 minutes to look at the menu and then order.

Be even more considerate and ask for the check quickly so that if you’re the last table the server has, the checks can be closed out for the night and whatever side work can begin. This is not the time to hang around an extra hour talking.

To sum it up: If you like to sit, talk and enjoy a late dinner out, use common sense. Be considerate and, as always, tip adequately.

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; 2022 Jacquelyn Youst