Tilted Cat Head
Administrator
Location: Manhattan, NY
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I love European dining for this very reason. Generally the table is yours for the duration of the evening. One of the best pasta experiences was in Salzburg where upon arriving at the restaurant we asked if we could be seated and how long until a table was available. The place sat no more than 30. We were told to come back tomorrow. Because it was our last night there we couldn't return. Shame too because it turned out it was a local favorite.
But here in the US, it depends on the place. There are restaurants that the dining experience is about 3 hours from start of seating to the coffee and check. While it seems like a long time, like a good movie, if it's good dining and good conversation, it will hardly seem like 3 hours.
I can say that any other place, coffee shop, small restaurant, I try to be considerate of the people standing at the door waiting for an open table.
I generally tip 20% as it is, so if it's crowded and we took up more time, I may tip a dollar more.
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