cheap and tacky?

[Pats Dragon]

Has anyone gone to a nice restaurant like Jiko and just ordered appetizers and drinks?

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

I've been to San Angel Inn and done the same thing. I don't think it's tacky. It's your vacation and your money. I am sure there are some on here who will say it is tacky. Pay no attention and have a great time.

 

[Bob P]

Absolutely! It's not cheap and it's not tacky.

Enjoy,

Bob

 

[Kaycee]

I don't think it's cheap or tacky.

 

[Took]

Perhaps, it might be extra thoughtful if you left a better-than-average tip since poor servers need those 'big meal' tippers (but only if you get good service, of course).

took

 

[Lewisc]

I think it's cheap and tacky to make an ADR during the peak dinner time but think it's fine if you go when they're not busy and ask first.

 

[Pats Dragon]

Thank you for all your thoughts. I think we'll try to go late in the evening.

 

[sleepyone]

Dh and I would like to go to Epcot without the kids and do this very thing.

 

[webray]

Has anyone gone to a nice restaurant like Jiko and just ordered appetizers and drinks?

I suggest if you want just appetizers and drinks, to sit and be served at Jiko's small bar area rather than taking up a table for dinner guests. The bar area serves the full menu so it wouldn't be a problem at all.

 

[bellarella]

I think it's cheap and tacky to make an ADR during the peak dinner time but think it's fine if you go when they're not busy and ask first.

Why? Where do you draw the line? Only individuals who plan on having full three course meals (which probably have 3x the recommended daily allowance on many categories, including fat and callories) should be allowed to eat during "peak" times? Is is ok to order just an entree? What if you don't drink alcohol? Is that rude?

You could also flip the argument and say during peak times only people ordering a single course should be allowed to make ADRs, as they will take less time at a table and allow for more people to eat.



As long as you don't linger needlessly (not saying you need to rush) for however much food you order (whether that be a single course or a multicourse meal) it isn't rude. To split a dessert and a drink and stay at a table for 3 hours is rude. To order whatever you feel like (however little or much that may be) and eat in a timely manner is fine.

Now there may be a few restaurants that don't allow just appetizers or just desserts because people have abused the system, which is unfortunate. Because of that I would ask.

 

[Nikayla]

I have to agree... have fun and get drinks and appetizers when you want. You're at Disney and that's what it's all about!

 

[Laurajean1014]

We've not done this, but they do have a bar and bar tables for just that purpose.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

When we went to AKL in May, we ate at Jiko, walk in / no ADR on our arrival night and loved it so we went back for just drinks and appetizers another night. No one seemed to care...

 

[Lewisc]

All good questions but OP was asking for opinions and I gave mine. I think ordering only a milkshake and staying long enough to enjoy the atmosphere without paying for a meal is over the line if it's done during peak meal time and if you make a reservation. Going when the restaurant isn't busy is a reasonable compromise.

I think it's reasonable to assume people making reservations at meal time intend to eat a meal. For some people it might just be appetizers and dessert other just an entrée and a drink. Just a dessert or a drink isn't really fair to the restaurant or to other guests.

Why? Where do you draw the line? Only individuals who plan on having full three course meals (which probably have 3x the recommended daily allowance on many categories, including fat and callories) should be allowed to eat during "peak" times? Is is ok to order just an entree? What if you don't drink alcohol? Is that rude?

You could also flip the argument and say during peak times only people ordering a single course should be allowed to make ADRs, as they will take less time at a table and allow for more people to eat.



As long as you don't linger needlessly (not saying you need to rush) for however much food you order (whether that be a single course or a multicourse meal) it isn't rude. To split a dessert and a drink and stay at a table for 3 hours is rude. To order whatever you feel like (however little or much that may be) and eat in a timely manner is fine.

Now there may be a few restaurants that don't allow just appetizers or just desserts because people have abused the system, which is unfortunate. Because of that I would ask.

 

[Viki]

I'm blown away that anyone would have a problem with what you suggest. In a day and age when Americans in particular supersize everything I think keeping your "meal" on the small side is a terrific idea all the way around and if you finish earlier than might be expected, you make room for another diner. It's called turnover. You will make some hapless walk-up VERY happy indeed!

Please don't do anything less than what you want.

 

[Yellow_Stitch]

It's neither cheap, nor tacky. Drinks and appetizers are big profit makers for restaurants. Non-alcoholic drinks cost the place about 10 cents, and alcoholic drinks maybe a dollar of 2 of booze. Whomever is watching the books loves customers like you, so enjoy your visit!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I don't see any problem with that at all. As a matter of fact, about 15 min from my hometown is a 5 Star resturant that has the best drink selection around and yummy deserts. I have went there before just for a drink and desert. I also think this would be a good way to "sample" one of the more expensive eatiries around the world before you actually commit to spending some serious $$ there.

 

[bellarella]

All good questions but OP was asking for opinions and I gave mine. I think ordering only a milkshake and staying long enough to enjoy the atmosphere without paying for a meal is over the line if it's done during peak meal time and if you make a reservation. Going when the restaurant isn't busy is a reasonable compromise.

I think it's reasonable to assume people making reservations at meal time intend to eat a meal. For some people it might just be appetizers and dessert other just an entrée and a drink. Just a dessert or a drink isn't really fair to the restaurant or to other guests.

Again, I'm not questioning your right to an opinion. Just your logic.

These items have the highest margin for the restaurant. They make the most money off of them. That you only order them improves their bottom line. As long is someone isn't table squatting (which can happen no matter how much or little food is being served) the restaurant *and* fellow diners are benefitting if someone just orders appetizers or dessert. Someone who is ordering just one of these items will spend much less time at the table than someone ordering a full course meal, or even just an entree. That means the table gets turned over quicker and more guests get seated. These items also tend to have less prep time, which means the kitchen can get them out faster.

Now because of table squatters there may be restaurants that don't allow just getting appetizers or desserts, but short of running afoul of restaurant rules, there is no logical reason that someone would be inconveniencing anyone if they ordered just drinks with appetizers or dessert. Even during "prime" seating time.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Why would anyone "take sides."

Jiko has a bar that serves all the same foods (it's in the restaurant). Also, to the right of the bar at entrance are about 6-8 tables for apps and drinks.

Jiko has taken care of these types of needs and requests.

This is a good thing.

 

[Viki]

I think that's great and I can see what you're getting at, but what if they don't want to sit at the bar - or along the side?

I think what I am getting at is that I don't see this as a special request. I see it as someone using their discretion about what and how much they eat. I imagine - though, again, I expect this is hard for many of us to get - there are people who never order entrees out - it just doesn't suit their waistlines, dietary needs, or health issues. Good for them.

Pull up a chair and "be our guest!"