Leisurely Meal?

At different restaurants, there are different expectations of how long guests are expected to occupy a table while enjoying their meal. At a fast food restaurant, you're likely to spend less than 30 minutes at a table, while at a 4-star restaurant, the time frame is about 3 hours. There are also slight variations depending on when you happen to arrive, such as the early "pre-theater" crowd which cuts dining time down by 30-60 minutes, and the late arrivals who damn well better not stay until way past closing.

For most restaurants you would make a reservation at, the management expects you to be there for between 1.5 to 2 hours. This should be plenty of time to have a cocktail, order, and enjoy a three course meal. After that amount of time, the staff needs to get you out, clear, clean and reset the table, and seat the next party.

Some people simply have a little more to talk about, and others are totally oblivious to the concept of time. In the business, we call them "Campers." It's not entirely a bad thing to be a Camper, but if you don't want to piss off the staff (which usually means better service and happier people all around), please consider the following:

- Communication is key! When you make the reservation, whether online or on the phone, MENTION that it is a business dinner, or you're catching up with an old friend, or your group can't shut up and will likely be there all night. When you do this, the maitre'd will love you and almost always seat you at a table that does not need to be "turned" (cleared and set for the next party).

- Plan ahead! Weekdays are great for Camping. Weekends are not. If you're dining early (anytime before 7pm) on a weekend, chances are the table is scheduled to be turned. If you plan on lingering, come in after 7:30pm.

- If you're a walk-in, ask if there is a table available that you can linger at. The restaurant staff will think you are an AMAZING person if you ASK when the next reservation is for the table, and then decide whether that time frame works for you.

- Don't forget that there is almost always a bar. If you're going to spend an additional hour over dessert, coffee or after-dinner drinks, ask to be moved to the bar. Bar seats are first-come, first serve, so you won't get booted until the restaurant is empty. You might even get a little extra loving from the bartender since you were so considerate!

- Pay attention to the world around you. If you are through with dessert and there are people hovering in the doorway or standing at the bar looking irritated, chances are they are waiting for your table. This will not require much extra attention, as your server will be at your side with the check asking you if you need anything else - every two minutes. Put yourself in the shoes of the people waiting for your table and remember what it felt like to be hungry.

As a final note, if you are one of the unfortunate ones waiting for a table because of Campers - for God's sake, don't take it out on your server. He or she is already irritated that the other people won't leave, and bitching at them will only make things worse for you in the long run. Grab a cocktail and an appetizer at the bar. The management will probably comp something on your tab to apologize for the wait. Take advantage, don't be a pill.