Living In USA

Because the United States is home to so many different nationalities, you will be able to find almost any kind of restaurant in the large cities. Listings in the Yellow Pages may be by national cuisine or by area of the city or both. Restaurants range widely in price. Many post their menus in the window so you can get an idea of prices before you enter. If not, you may want to ask to see a menu before you are seated, or else just ask about the price range. Appearances from the outside can be deceptive — what looks small and inconspicuous may turn out to be very expensive, or a nicely decorated place may be quite moderate. It works both ways. You can get a good meal for about five to eight dollars in cafeterias or fast-food chains, but in a medium-priced city restaurant you should expect to pay fifteen dollars and up per person — with wine or drinks extra. Prices in big cities go up fast! Beware of state no-smoking laws in all establishments serving food. In most states patrons in restaurants are no longer permitted to smoke — and you will be unpleasantly surprised if you light up (see "Smoking" below).

If you are going to a middle - or upper-level restaurant to dine, telephone ahead for a reservation — the earlier the better. Keep to the time of your reservation or else phone to say you will be late. Good restaurants will not hold reservations for more than a short time. If you are turned away or asked to wait because you have not reserved ahead, don't take it personally. The management has no choice. Fire laws are extremely strict about the number of occupants, and unannounced fire inspections are frequent. No restaurant owner dares overcrowd his or her establishment.

Many mid-level restaurants will not accept reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The only way to find out if a restaurant takes reservations is to call.