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Yelp has released its first-ever etiquette guide, detailing the dos and don'ts of dining out.
After surveying nearly 2,000 Yelp users who had previously left restaurant reviews, Yelp consulted etiquette expert Myka Meier on some of the most debated table manners in the modern world, including who pays the bill and how to handle cell phones.
One of the most commonly discussed debates surrounding dining at restaurants concerns the appropriate amount of time for cell phone use at the table.
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While 80% of Yelp respondents believe cell phones should be put away at the dinner table, especially with a date, only 54% of those surveyed said cell phones should be put away during family meals.
When dining out with friends, 50% of people said they would put their phone away so they could enjoy the meal.
Putting your phone away at the dinner table was a sentiment shared by 80% of Yelp users surveyed. (iStock)
To stay on good terms in terms of etiquette, Meyer suggested that diners who must place their cell phone on the table during a meal should explain to their companions why.
“Modern etiquette dictates that personal items such as wallets, sunglasses and, unfortunately, cell phones should be kept off the table while dining,” she told Yelp.
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“Transparency is the polite thing to do.”
Another question asked of Yelp respondents was who should pay for a date.
68% of people believe that the person who asks on a date should pay for it. (iStock)
A Yelp survey found that 68% of people believe the person who asks for a date should pay.
Among those surveyed who live in the southern U.S., 74% of respondents thought this was true.
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Meyer recommended simplifying the process and said that if you're splitting a bill, it's better to limit the number of cards on the table and settle the bill later using a money-sharing app.
“This approach streamlines the process for servers, allowing them to split the bill equally or based on each other's orders,” she said.
Etiquette experts weigh in on the proper way to handle the bill on a date. (iStock)
The Yelp survey also found that 65% of Southern respondents ask their server to split the bill per person, while 34% of Northeastern respondents prefer one person to pay up front.
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Arriving on time for a restaurant reservation was also noted as a sign of proper etiquette.
76% of survey participants said it would be unacceptable to be more than 10 minutes late for a sit-down restaurant reservation.
However, opinions regarding timeliness varied by gender, age, and geographic location.
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The survey found that more men than women believe that any degree of lateness is unacceptable.
The Yelp survey also found that people ages 25-34 are more lenient when it comes to arriving on time.
(Yelp conducted a survey by asking users their opinions on proper dining etiquette, then had etiquette experts rate those opinions.)
With tipping increasingly required at coffee shops, fast food restaurants and many other places, Yelp asked survey participants what percentage they typically tip.
In sit-down restaurants, 65% of people said a standard tip of 20% of the bill is appropriate, but almost 90% said they would like to tip an appropriate amount and would also appreciate being notified in advance whether a tip would be automatically added to the final bill.
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“Being aware of the automatic tipping system in advance is key to avoiding surprises,” Meyer said.
She adds: “When tipping, always think about the service you received and remember that generosity and gratitude go a long way in creating a good dining experience for everyone involved.”
