You never have a second chance to make a first impression, so it is very important to dress the part. Dress well and you will be treated well. It is also important to act the part, and here’s how…

To eliminate the hassle of waiting for the bill and the awkwardness of who should pay, you can go into the restaurant to pay in advance. This will also give you an in with the headwaiter, manager or maitre d’. You can introduce yourself to the host who will be greeting you and then you can be greeted by name when you arrive. Everyone likes to be known right??

Befriend your server. They will usually tell you their name, but be sure to tell him your name. Ask what he recommends, or suggestions for what to do after dinner.

Become a regular. When you frequent a restaurant, the staff learns who you are and your tastes. So becoming a regular can mean anything from being greeted by name to a free tasting of a new wine they just got in.

Don’t be obnoxious; handing the host a folded twenty only works in movies. Don’t act like you should get VIP service; be humble. You are more likely to be treated to perks if you are genuine and generous to your service.

One thing that can really ease the tension of a stuffy restaurant is to buy the chef and maitre d’ a shot of nice tequila. Seriously, this will ensure fine treatment for the rest of the night. One time I did this and the chef came out to meet our table and we received complementary desserts and drinks! I only wish we had done this sooner!

The best thing to do when dinning is to feel out the atmosphere and act accordingly. You wouldn’t want to try any of these tips at a restaurant like Applebee’s. As the “golden rule” goes, treat others how you would like to be treated. Happy dining new VIPs!