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Practical information : Eating out California
Timetable
In the United States, we dine early: it is rare to find restaurants open after 10 pm. Moreover, it is often necessary to make reservations.
Budget & Tips
The price range is quite wide. If tacos, hot-dogs and other street-food specialties cost only a few dollars, a lunch in a restaurant or a small cosy café will quickly approach 20 dollars, including the tip and taxes. As for the very good restaurants, they start at 40 US$. Wherever you eat, the plates are often copious: don't forget the doggy bags if you can't finish.
What costs extra
Here, not tipping is extremely frowned upon: when you order, take into account that you will probably leave 10% to 15% of the bill as a tip. Similarly, taxes are rarely included in the menu prices. They vary by state and even by county. For example, in April 2022, taxes were 9.5% in Los Angeles, 7.75% in San Diego and 8.5% in Sonoma. Check out their evolution here: www.cdtfa.ca.gov.
The local way
The United States is famous for its "Taco Tuesday": every Tuesday, many Mexican restaurants offer happy hours on their tacos. Another local speciality, especially on the West Coast, is the Farmers Markets, a succession of stands that animate the streets of certain neighborhoods every week. From Lebanese to Italian specialties, you can find tasty international cuisine prepared with local products.
Kids
Children are welcome, as the locals themselves go to restaurants with their families - sometimes without worrying too much about the noise made by their children. The dishes are rarely spicy, so even untrained palates will find something to enjoy.
Smokers
As in France, smoking is prohibited in restaurants.
Tourist traps
As everywhere, some restaurants that claim to be "authentic" are far from being so. It is easy to recognize them: for example, an "Italian" establishment whose menu indicates "pastas"... When you know that this word does not exist in their language.