10 Simple Tips for Dining Out During COVID

#1 Don’t Go

No, seriously just stay home. We’ll get to the real tips on dining out during COVID, but we would be remiss if we did not mention that it is OK to stay at home. God made Netflix for a time such as this.

Also, most of your favorite restaurants are offering delivery and curbside pickup options so that you can order your favorites while quarantining. The Toni Girls have been ordering our favorites for curbside delivery and takeout (For example, we ordered all of the biscuits in our “Palm Beach’s Best Biscuits” blog post for pickup.) Also, if you’re feeling under the weather or think you might have been exposed to the virus, please keep yourself and others safe by staying home.

#2 Opt for Outdoor Seating

With fall weather (everywhere except Florida, of course), outdoor seating is a lovely option for dining during the pandemic. Even if you live in a warmer climate like the Toni Girls, waterfront views or a gorgeous outdoor patio could provide fabulous scenery for your brunch or date night. Eating outdoors will also reduce the risk of transmission of the virus, according to the experts.

#3 Call Ahead

It’s a good idea to call or go online to find out what your restaurant of choice is doing to prevent the spread of COVID, particularly now that certain areas have allowed restaurants to open at full capacity. Take some time to learn about the restaurant’s COVID policies. The CDC has published guidance for restaurants and bars. Also, many states have issued guidance for the food and restaurant industry to follow. Make sure that your favorite spot is following the recommended protocol and trying to keep its patrons safe.

Toni N called a Palm Beach restaurant to inquire about what safety protocols the restaurant was implementing in light of COVID. The restaurant worker replied, “Ummm…We’re open at full capacity.” We interpreted that to mean that they have no safety protocols in place. (Needless to say that we did not make a reservation.)

#4 Don’t Go at Rush Hour

While Rush Hour is one of the Toni Girls’ favorite featured films, we think it is wise to avoid the rush hour when dining out during COVID. If you’re headed to a popular lunch spot, then avoid the lunch hour. For the hot night spots, catch the Early Bird Special and go earlier in the day.

#5 Treat the Restaurant Staff Well

This should go without saying, but please be respectful to the folks who are serving you at these restaurants. Don’t give them a hard time. Everyone has been hit hard during the pandemic, so try to extend a little grace while you are dining out during COVID. We have also learned from our research that many restaurant staff members would appreciate if you pull your mask up when they approach your table.

Leave a tip, and don’t be “that person.” By “that person” we mean the individual who is a pain in the neck, poor tipper, who hounds the staff, and complains over every small thing. Be courteous and treat those around you in the way that you would want to be treated.

#6 Wear Your Mask

This is another tip that should go without saying, but we will say it just in case: WEAR YOUR MASK. This is a commandment, not a request. Thou shall wear thy mask! We walked into a local barbecue restaurant just this past week to find folks hanging out at the bar—not eating—with no mask on their faces. Why? Do not stretch the “I can’t wear the mask while I’m eating” argument to the extreme. Put on your mask when you’re not eating.

#7 Go Solo or in Small Groups

If the Toni Taste Buds had a dime for every time during this pandemic that we’ve heard that someone is going to a birthday party or celebration at a restaurant, we would be blogging from our Singer Island mansion with oceanfront views. We can’t tell anyone how to live. Of course, this is a free country, and you are free to move about as you please. But, dining in smaller groups will limit your exposure and the exposure of others around you. There is a reason why large gatherings are discouraged. If you’re dining out during COVID, consider limiting your dinner party to people in your household, or leave your housemates behind and get some quality alone time.

#8 Choose Wisely

If you do your homework and find that the restaurant you plan to visit is hosting huge crowds or is not implementing proper safety measures, then find another restaurant in your area. Dining out during COVID can be done safely, but you must choose your restaurant wisely. If you’re looking for ideas, you can check out our Toni Taste Buds food reviews for trustworthy recommendations.

#9 Avoid Shared Utensils and Spaces

To the extent possible, it is a good idea to avoid any high-touch items and surfaces. Kroger Health provided some practical considerations on this front. Hopefully, the restaurant has disposable or contact-free menus. Don’t touch the door knobs if you can avoid it. Also, opt for touchless pay options if they are available. We would steer clear of gathering places like drink stations, bars, and buffet areas.

#10 Wash Your Hands

Go do it right now: wash your hands. When you’re dining out during COVID, wash your hands before you eat anything. We know it might be hard to believe, but there are folks who skip past the sink, and sit down at the restaurant table and eat food without washing their hands. That is not a good choice during the pandemic. Everyone probably has hand sanitizer in every purse, pocket, car, and bag that they own.

It goes without saying, but the Toni Girls are not doctors or medical professionals. Please follow the guidance of your doctor, the CDC, and abide by any local or state rules in your area. Most of all, stay safe!

Now we’ll have a word from Pastor @Iamwill.Johnson:

Taste Buddies, have you dined out during the pandemic? Let us know what measures you took to stay safe.

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