What's the restaurant etiquette for this?

[Marseeya]

When you see someone you know at a restaurant, what's the proper time to approach their table to say hi? I don't like to interrupt people's dinners, and I know it's awkward when ours is being interrupted, so I was wondering everyone's thoughts on this. Also, we tend to eat out quite a bit and my DD is constantly seeing teachers. I always make her wait until they are finished eating and only let her say a quick hello.

 

[dmslush]

I usually just say a quick hello as I am passing by the table. I cannot stand people who swarm around a table while other diners and waitstaff are trying to get through. I don't chat with someone I see in a restaurant, just a quick hello.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

I usually crawl on the floor out the back way when I see someone I know in a restaurant because more often than not, I owe them money and I'm eating lobster.

 

[Cantw8]

I agree with DuckFan..I am usually wearing a fake nose with mustache and glasses.....dang paparazzi is always trying to get exclusive photos of me

 

[Ava83]

We would normally say hi in passing and then take the que from the other couple/family, although once my ob (who delivered our Ava) walked into this real nice steak place (small) that was crowded at the time (we were dining with others) and yelled at me and DH (across the room) "When are you going to have your second one" IT was actually very funny cause it was Doctor night at Hugo's and we had seen tons of doc's we know. Then I got a hug...and people think this man is stoic..