| Travel tips and advice posted by real travelers and Los Angeles locals. • 6 Photos
• 14 Reviews
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 | Los Angeles Tipping / Taxes / Restaurants Reviews | 1 - 10 of 14 |  |
Tipping in restaurants (not fast food) is generally 15-20% of the bill. In most cases you can add the tip to your credit card total. Also, generally, if the bill is placed on your table by itself you must take it to the register to pay. If the bill is on a small tray or in a folder, simply place the cash or credit card into the tray or folder and wait for your server to pick it up. When paying by cash, some servers may ask, "Do you need change?" This question simply asks if the entire change amount is the tip, or if you wish to leave a separate tip. Saying "yes" does not imply you are cheap since you may even wish to leave more tip than the amount of change you are getting back. Leave a Comment
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If you want a more substantial hot meal, lunch is usually cheaper than dinner. Chinese and Thai restaurants are among those offering special set lunches for $7 or less. Dinners too can be affordable - even at fancy restaurants - if you stick to one main course and a single non-alcoholic beverage.
Restaurants are notorious for huge markups on beer, wine and even bottled water. If you're
concerned about money, stick with LA tap water; it's perfectly safe to drink. If you want alcohol, order beer or wine by the glass and avoid expensive cocktails.
Remember that your final bill will swell thanks to sales tax (8%) and a tip (15%); valet parking can also add another $2.50 to $5 to your total. Thus, a moderately priced $35 dinner for two (food only) will actually run you about $50.
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Dining out in LA tends toward the casual, although you should still dress appropriately. That definitely means shoes and shirt; a jacket is appropriate for men at some upscale restaurants.
When you arrive at a restaurant, it's customary to wait by the entrance until the host seats you; only in very casual places may you choose a table yourself.
Classic dinner time is 8pm.
Smoking inside restaurants and bars is prohibited by state law, although outdoor areas are usually exempt. Leave a Comment
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 the "A" restaurant
symbol, Los Angeles by marinarena
The guide is not 100% fool proof. The testing for the grades can be seen as questionable at times, if not more. Still, in the long run, I think that most food inspectors are doing their jobs and grade correctly to the best of their abilities!
In contrast, Orange county does not participate in the letter system.
Expect more restaurant tips for L.A. There are great dining spots here, especially downtown, in the Westside, Pasadena, Santa Monica and in the Valley. Oh I just need to go to more and do the work to make reviews! Leave a Comment
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...when you're done eating in a restaurant.
Being to NY and LA in one week, I experienced this in both cities.
I consider it to be rude, but as it happenend in "fancy" restaurants as well, I guessed it's just a local / national custom.
Tip: when you're having dinner with someone, and you're done, leave something on your plate so that the won't take it away, or at least ask you before they do.
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 by keeweechicLeave a Comment
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 Dollarnotes. by 10110
The tax does not include in the price. So don't be suprised that you have to pay more in the counter. Leave a Comment
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 CocaCola refill by 10110
So you can basically drink as much soda as you wish for the price of one. Leave a Comment
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Of course you have to tip at restaurant. The waiter's have to pay for their headshots, don't they?? If it's not enough, they'll let you know. Believe me.
Also, don't ask anybody where the stars are. They'll think you're talking about them. Leave a Comment
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Smokers and Europeans:
- As smoking indoor in restaurants is not allowed, find yourself a place on the terras. Being polite as a smoker and paying attention to the rules is highly appreciated by the Californians.
- Europeans, beware: when in a bar, restaurant or alike, it is forbidden to take beer or other alcoholic beverages outside. When holding an opened alcoholic drink, you must remain on the premises of the bar in which you are. Leave a Comment
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