Dos And Don'ts When Dining At A Beachfront Restaurant
Dining at a beachfront restaurant is an experience you must have at least once in your life. There's something special about walking straight up out of the sand and into a restaurant. Plus, what better way is there to enjoy a meal than with the waves crashing within your line of vision? Beachfront restaurants tend to be pretty relaxed, and nobody is going to get too worked up if you don't quite adhere to the expected etiquette. Still, if you want to fit in and enjoy your time to the fullest, here are some dos and don'ts to follow.
Don't: Dress up
You'll look out of place if you walk in dressed in a long dress or a suit. Most people will be wearing their beach attire, so if you're not in your beachy items, at least be casual.
Do: Cover up a bit if you're in a bathing suit
Dining in your bathing suit is okay at a beachfront restaurant, but it is considered to be in good taste to put on a cover-up or a t-shirt, especially if your bathing suit is really revealing. Eating lobster in a string bikini is not recommended.
Don't: Track too much sand into the restaurant.
The restaurant floor will end up with some sand on it; that's just part of the game. However, it is still polite to do what you can to avoid tracking too much sand in. Stomp your shoes off before you enter the restaurant. If there are rough mats in the doorway, wipe your feet on them — they are there specifically to collect the sand.
Do: Be ready to order.
It's perfectly okay to linger at a beachfront restaurant. Many customers will order a drink or two after dinner and just stay to relax for a while. But leave the lingering until after you have ordered. Once you sit down, decide what you want in a timely manner so you do not keep your server waiting. Servers at these restaurants are usually pretty busy and will appreciate your promptness.
Don't: Leave until you are done eating.
Especially if the restaurant's patio dining area is directly on the beach, you might be tempted to go walk the shore or play in the sand as you wait for your meal. But this is considered to be poor form. Your server may be uncertain whether you are staying or going, so stay in the dining area until you are done eating and have paid your bill.
For more information, contact a restaurant with beachfront dining options.