Ever order JUSt appetizers at a sit-down?

[ralfrick]

Here's the thread I mentioned - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=791105. It doesn't seem like something that's necessarily an issue unless they're crowded.

While I don't doubt the poster in that thread, I also see no way that you won't be seated unless you:

Announce what you're going to order upon arrival, which I've never done.
or
Be asked what you intend to order upon arrival, which I've never had happen.

Smile, be polite, and order what you wish. It's hard to envision security arriving to force you to order more.

Cheers.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I've done it at 50's Prime Time at MGM since I love the cheese fries(usually the cheese fries and a coke)

 

[ducklite]

I'm not heartless or mindless, though. If I order "less than usual" I will always be sure to tip my server much more than usual, as I do feel that I may have "cheated" the server out of the opportunity for a larger tip on a larger check.

-- Eric

Although I personally wouldn't go in during peak lunch or dinner hour to order just an appetizer, I think that Eric has captured the situation and the fair way to handle it quite well.

What is never acceptable is to take a table at the California Grill with your family of six, order one appetizer to share, and six waters, and wait two hours for the fireworks. I think we can all agree that this is abuse. Regretfully I've seen it happen (and seen people on these boards brag about doing it at the CG and R&C).

Anne

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Although I personally wouldn't go in during peak lunch or dinner hour to order just an appetizer, I think that Eric has captured the situation and the fair way to handle it quite well.

What is never acceptable is to take a table at the California Grill with your family of six, order one appetizer to share, and six waters, and wait two hours for the fireworks. I think we can all agree that this is abuse. Regretfully I've seen it happen (and seen people on these boards brag about doing it at the CG and R&C).

Anne

I have to agree with that scenario...it reeks of abuse of not only the system, but the other patrons. But I strongly disagree that anyone should tell me what and how much to order. I will make PS's to whatever restaurant I wish, and order whatever I feel like eating at that moment in time. If the service is good, regardless of what I order, I tip accordingly. The reverse is also true...if I'm treated like a second-class citizen because I'm having sugar fits and chocolate attacks rather than ordering all the courses, well, the tip will reflect that as well. And I feel I have the right to sit in a wonderful atmosphere, the same as the other patrons, enjoying the ambience as well as my preferred food choice. And guess what? Desserts, appetizers, drinks? Not cheap. Ok, I stop preach now.

 

[Bracho]

We hit 3 sit-down rooms every day and we always have a lite meal in at least one of them per day.. it changes from day to day... so yes, all the time and for the record...the queso fundido is a GREAT reason to visit San Angel Inn for dinner....

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

Count me in as a person who will often order just an appetizer. I am not only one of those people who do the 5 small meals a day thing (I am simply full very quickly so large meals have never worked) plus I have some unusual food allergies. Often the meals at restaurants are themed to a certain cuisine or nation's cuisine, and it's impossible for them to accomodate my allergies. However, sometimes they have appetizers that I can eat and in those cases I get those. My husband however enjoys normal meals there then!

 

[babybunrab]

Entrees are always so much bigger than what I make at home, I can't possibly eat it all. I just about always order an appetizer, salad, dessert and wine. I don't think I should have to order just an entree and leave too full and without dessert just because I can't eat as much as someone else.

That said, I do agree with another poster that if I don't spend as much, I will usually get wine (which I both enjoy and which drives the bill up) or leave a larger tip, since I don't want to take money away from the wait staff.

In addition, if it's the amount of money spent we're talking about, then why should restaurants even seat a single woman and her child (referring to myself her, not single women with children in general)? We won't spend as much as a family of four, but just because we eat less doesn't mean we don't deserve to have nice meals, too.

I'm not trying to be cheap, just enjoy my meals like other folks do.

 

[jonestavern]

Totally agree w/ CleveRocks (Eric)--
Often we order appetizers when they seem so much more interesting than the entrees. When the guys do this they do order 2 appetizers apiece, which $ wise most often comes to more than a single entree. we always spend a decent amount on beverages & desserts vs when we go w/ entrees we most often don't have room for desserts. We've never had any server blink twice, we always tip generously & both of us having been, long ago, in the food biz, never thought twice about folks doing this either.
If you feel ill at ease & the restaurant has a lounge that serves food also, order the appetizers &/or desserts in there & enjoy!
If a server has an attitude politely ask straight out the policy. Any restaurant worth a hill of gently roasted beans wouldn't mind at all!
As for the 6 folks just water & 1 appetizer, save it for McD's or make it in under 15 minutes & tip 25%


Jean, of tavern fame

 

[NCombs]

I guess I've never felt obligated to order a certain thing. You should be able to order whatever you want-appetizers, desserts, whatever. I'm not going to let a dining establishment make me feel I need to do things a certain way-they are a service industry and should accomodate their guests.

I feel this way about any restaurant and Disney is no different.

I wouldn't worry about Disney coming up with any kind of minimum or an order requirement. They make plenty of money off desserts, drinks and appetizers.