Going out to eat….. Where do you sit? What do you look for?

[barstoolguru]

You and your wife, GF or friend (kids optional) are going out to eat dinner and are packing. it can be someplace local or somewhere new if you are out of town.

When you walk in to a place what do you look for? Do you really look for exits, seating near the back or close to the kitchen? Do you like a booth or table and chair? Do you want a seat facing the front door or a window seat that overlooks the parking lot?

Do you request a seat for a tactical advantage if something happens or do you just take what they offer and sit accordingly?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Hiram25]

If they seat you, I'll sit at the table they assign me to, I pick the seat I want to view entry points. If I seat myself, I put my back to the wall and face the entry points as best as possible.

[enigmaone]

Those are some ways among outhers to help keep you alive. How serious are you about keeping you and your loved ones alive? Life out and about you need to take serious.

[JerryMac]

I prefer sittin where i can see the entrance / es if at all possible.....keep an eye out for hotties / i mean BGs .....

[oakchas]

Most good restaurants don't have seating for you anywhere near a kitchen or the entry. I take what I get in those places.

Chains (mid range) tend to have a register (for seating)desk at the front, but you pay the waitress. and a maze of places to sit... like Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and the like. Pretty much take what I can get there as well.

Pub like places (Applebees, Chili's) are a bit more open.. but you still pay the wait staff. I want to sit away from the bar (that's where the money is).

Mom and pop outfits/diners etc. (including chains like IHOP, Denny's, WaffleHouse) you may or may not pay the wait staff... Register at the front, an obvious way to get to the back door, and for some reason, probably more likely to be robbed... more cash maybe. And usually, there's a lot of glass, so you can see out into a parking lot. Any way, in those types of places, I like a view of everything I can... outside, front, and a way out... And I try to sit there.

I mean what robberies have you heard of at the upscale french restaurant in town? If you have, it's after hours and they're after the bank bag. But, you do hear of Waffle House, IHOP, Denny's... robbing the register...

So, rule of thumb... If you see a register, get seating that lets you see as much as possible... or be completely away from it... and around a corner if possible...

[Rotorblade]

I sit where they seat me and look at the menu.........

[Mike1956]

I used to sit in the non-smoking section, but since we got rid of public smoking, I can sit anywhere now. First and foremost, I look for good food. Next, I'm wanting reasonable prices. Finally, I like prompt, friendly service.

[gunguy82]

My policy is back against the wall and keep an eye on all entry/exit locations, I prefer chairs over a booth, chairs are easier to stand up from or throw at the bg, or both...my personal preference

[OldVet]

Around here, during snowbird season, you sit wherever the host finds you a seat--or you wait hours on end or go elsewhere.

[Chad Rogers]

I don't obsess over these things. Life is too short.

[MadMac]

I look for good food, and a table far away from people with kids.

[mrm]

I don't obsess over these things. Life is too short.

This is my answer also.

[Billspider]

When my wife and I eat out we want to have a safe, relaxing meal with good service and good food.
As mentioned before we prefer not to be seated near small children, the bar or the cash register.
When seated I will face the entrance. I don't obsess over these things but I believe in the safety of
myself and my family. I look for fire exits everywhere we go especially in theaters and aircraft or any public transportation.
Life is short I just don't want to make it any shorter by not being aware of my surroundings.

[GentlemanJim]

I sit where they seat me, but I always note where the kitchen and emergency exits are. Other than that my family knows I always sit facing the front door and they will do what I tell them without asking questions if things get odd.

Jim

[Spade115]

If im on my bike I like to sit near a window to watch my bike where I can watch the door as well. my girlfriends picked up the same habbits. Ill either watch the bike or she will the other takes the main door.

If they seat me I try and put the less amount of people behind me as possible or the elderly couple.