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Overview
One of life’s simplest pleasures is going out to eat, but dining looks different today
than it did just a few months ago due to the coronavirus pandemic. With new normals
of life, there are also new rules of etiquette that apply during this time.With that in
mind, we’ve put together these guidelines to better your dining experience for both
your party and your servers.
Wear Your
Mask
Wear your mask at your table, while waiting in line, between bites, while chatting
with your dining companion and while giving your order to your server—at all times
except while eating or drinking. Also, try not to touch your mask too much or adjust
it unless you’re eating.
Bring Hand
Sanitizer and
Wipes
Just wearing a facemask isn’t enough. CDC guidelines require employees to wash their
hands frequently and use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Diners
should follow similar precautions for their own safety, as well as that of fellow
customers and their servers.
Silverware
Because of FDA guidelines, the utensils and dinnerware at the restaurant are probably
cleaner than what you have at home.
Where to Put
What
Storing your mask in a clean, dry place while you’re not using is the most hygienic
practice. Consider bringing a brown bag or a Ziploc.
Stay home if
you’re not
feeling well
While states have been reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic, the No. 1 rule that
the CDC recommends is that you stay home if you’re not feeling well. Symptoms of
COVID-19 include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and a recent loss of
taste or smell. Because so much of etiquette is about being considerate of those around
you, staying home if you’re sick is proper behavior.
Call ahead and
ask about any
policy changes
If you know what to expect when entering a restaurant or bar, you'll know how to
conduct yourself. The CDC recommends calling before you go so that you can find out
what preventative measures the establishment is taking. Calling ahead also may allow you
to make a reservation, which is polite to do, as it can help prevent crowding in a common
waiting area.
Follow local
laws and
regulations
Some states have more coronavirus restrictions than others. If your city, county or
state has declared a face mask mandate, earlier closing time for restaurants and bars,
or a requirement that one must order food along with an alcoholic beverage, follow
those regulations. A mask mandate, for instance, may not have been made by a
restaurant manager, so don’t hassle the staff for something out of their control.
Abide by
individual
restaurants’
rules
Some states have more coronavirus restrictions than others. If your city, county or
state has declared a face mask mandate, earlier closing time for restaurants and bars,
or a requirement that one must order food along with an alcoholic beverage, follow
those regulations. A mask mandate, for instance, may not have been made by a
restaurant manager, so don’t hassle the staff for something out of their control.
Be patient
There are certainly some pain points when it comes to visiting reopened bars and
restaurants amid the pandemic. If you have to wait longer for your table than stated, if
service is a little slow or if anything else is different or delayed, it’s important to be
patient and realize restaurants, employees and diners are all adjusting to a new normal.
Understand
different
In addition to exercising patience, the No. 1 rule of etiquette is to exercise compassion
and understanding. Among the many ways restaurants have changed during the
pandemic, your favorite booth may be unavailable, the menu may be limited and some
experiences, such as live entertainment or free popcorn, may be cut. If this happens to
you, show that compassion and realize that your favorite menu item is likely to come
back someday.
doors
Typically, it would be a rude habit to allow a door to shut when someone else is
approaching. But during the coronavirus pandemic, your safety and the safety of
those around you is more important than being polite.
Wash your
hands
Cleanliness and proper hygiene is always an element of etiquette, and that’s more
important now than ever. The CDC recommends properly washing your hands with
warm soap and water for 20 seconds when you get to a restaurant. If that option is
unavailable, use hand sanitizer.
distancing
Some restaurants have been practicing social distancing in truly unique ways. But you
should practice social distancing too. Pay attention to any markers on the floor that
designate where you should stand. Try to keep 6 feet away from other people and
parties whenever possible.
flow of traffic
If there are arrows indicating what direction you should go to get to your table, how
to approach the bar or where to find the restroom, follow those directions — they are
for your safety and the safety of those around you.
Remember
manners
Sure, you’re eating at a restaurant during a pandemic, but you are still eating at a
restaurant. Standard rules of dining etiquette still apply. That means your napkin goes
in your lap, you chew with your mouth closed and you should hold that single-use,
plastic wine glass by its stem.
Be careful
restroom
The public restroom can feel like a minefield even when there is no global health crisis.
In addition to remembering classic health tips — like the fact that air dryers are not
especially sanitary — Harvard Health recommends wearing a mask and glasses if
possible, washing your hands before and after using the bathroom and using your foot,
toilet paper or a paper towel for high-touch surfaces such as a door handle or toilet
handle. Follow other rules and regulations as well, including capacity limits and social
distancing.
Use
touchless
payment
when
possible
If possible, use touchless payment methods, which mean you don’t need to use a
keypad, paper money or a credit card. Contactless payment methods include Apple
Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay and EMV chip cards. This hygienic practice helps
protect you and your server.
Tip generously
It’s not always easy to know how to tip when dining out, especially how much to tip
during the coronavirus pandemic. A general rule of thumb is to start by tipping either
20% or $5, whichever is the higher amount. If you had exceptionally good service,
feel free to tip more than usual during these times to support the staff.
Keep your visit
short
Lingering over that last bite of lava cake or those final few sips of your beer is a great
part of socializing while dining out, but now you should try to keep your visit short.
Dining out is not an activity without risk, and the longer you stay, the bigger the risk.
Keep It
Small
Now is not the time to start planning a huge birthday party.That's really in the rules
that you can only dine right now with people in your household.You can't go out to
dinner with friends. A table should have no more than six customers from the same
household.
Times
While that coveted 7pm dinner slot might sound enticing, the more people you sit
around, the higher your risk of contracting coronavirus. It’s OK to ask the restaurant
when peak times are too.
Welcome
Temperature
Checks
Restaurants doing this are top choices for many people: It shows how much they care
about keeping everyone safe at all times.
Give Them Your
Contact Info
If you made a reservation, chances are that the restaurant has a way of contacting you
because you gave an email or phone number. If you didn’t, the restaurant may ask for
your information in case they learn someone who was at the restaurant came into
contact with or contracted COVID-19.
Conclusion
There’s a new, pandemic-era social contract, the first rules of which are maintaining
social distancing and wearing a mask. Understanding the risk before deciding to eat at
a restaurant is another. Everyone’s comfort level is different, and it’s important to
communicate your limits politely and effectively. It’s OK, for instance, to tell
someone from a safe distance that you’d like a little bit more space while waiting in