Language is one thing the U.K. and the U.S. have in common, but when it comes to dining out, the experience is worlds apart. Brits visiting American restaurants are likely to be taken aback by everything, including the portion size and how they pay for it. Some practices endear them to restaurants there while others leave them flummoxed. Here’s what Brits find most odd about American restaurants.
20% or more in tips
In the U.S., tipping is a must, and 18 percent to 22 percent is the norm at sit-down restaurants. Many servers are paid a small salary and depend on tips. In the U.K., a 12.5 percent service charge may be added to your bill, and tipping is optional.
Prices excluding tax
Sales taxes: If you eat in the US, do not assume the prices on the menu include sales tax. This is added to your bill at the end and the rate depends on which state, city or municipality you are dining in. In the UK, menus usually include VAT, so British diners in the US often have a surprise when their check is presented.
Complimentary refills of beverages
A lot of American restaurants will fill your drink to the brim for free, including in some places where you aren’t told to order a fresh soda or tea. In the U.K., you generally pay for each soft drink. But bottomless drinks is one American practice to which many British visitors are willing to get used.
Free iced water
In most American restaurants, a glass of iced water arrives at the table as soon as guests sit down, without anyone asking. In the U.K., diners usually need to request tap water. The automatic refills that follow can surprise visitors even more.
Huge portions
Portion sizes in the U.S. are often much larger than in the U.K. A single entrée can be enough for two people. Taking leftovers home in a to-go box is completely normal, and servers frequently offer one before diners even ask.
Entrée means main course
On American menus, an entrée is the main course. In the U.K., as in France, the word usually refers to a starter. British diners ordering an entrée may be surprised when a full meal arrives instead of a small first course.
Frequent server check-ins
American servers often check on tables several times during a meal, asking how everything is tasting. Many introduce themselves by name at the start. British diners, used to a more hands-off style of service, can find the attention friendly but sometimes a little intense.
The bill arrives fast
In a lot of American eating places, the examine, or the invoice, could also be left in your desk earlier than you even ask for it, quickly after the final plates are taken, and even with out asking. In the UK you most probably ask for the invoice earlier than they take the plates away, and lingering is the norm.
Gratis bread and chips
Many American restaurants provide a small selection of free bread, rolls or chips and salsa to the table before the main meal. In the U.K., bread is usually listed as a paid item on the menu. Many foreign visitors are pleased to find the free basket.
Biscuits and gravy
In the American South, biscuits are soft scone-like bread rolls, and gravy is a white, sausage-based sauce. To the Brits, who are more familiar with biscuits as sweet cookies and gravy as a brown sauce made from the drippings of meat, the idea of all these things on a breakfast menu sounds rather odd.
