1. Asking for Modifications to the Menu
Americans love to personalize their dining experience, and nowhere is that more obvious than at restaurants. Whether it’s asking for dressing on the side, substituting a salad for fries, or requesting no onions, the culture of customization is alive and well. This is especially true in fast-casual or chain restaurants, where the expectation is that patrons will have the freedom to alter their meals however they see fit. Many restaurants even provide options for various dietary needs, from gluten-free to vegan to low-carb options, offering a level of customization that can be rare in other parts of the world.
For people from places like France or Italy, where the food culture is built around respecting the chef’s vision, this constant need to modify dishes might seem baffling. The idea of changing a carefully crafted dish can be seen as an affront to the culinary tradition. In America, however, the customer is often viewed as “always right,” and restaurants cater to that by allowing (and even encouraging) requests for alterations. The trend speaks to a larger cultural value in the U.S. of individualism, where personal preferences take precedence over tradition. Still, while the American penchant for customizing meals is widely accepted, it’s worth noting that some fine dining establishments may have stricter policies regarding modifications, focusing more on the integrity of the dish.
2. Tipping More Than 20%
In the U.S., tipping is more than just a polite gesture; it’s considered a significant part of the compensation for restaurant workers. The standard tip for good service is typically 15% to 20% of the bill, but many Americans go above and beyond, tipping 25% or even 30% if they’re really impressed by the service. This may seem excessive compared to countries where tipping is either not expected or not as generous, but in America, it is deeply ingrained in the restaurant culture. According to the Financial Times, it may have gone too far.
The reason for this custom dates back to the 19th century when tipping was introduced as a way for restaurant owners to reduce the costs of paying servers a livable wage. Today, many servers are paid below minimum wage and rely on tips to make ends meet. The expectation of a tip, therefore, is not just for good service, but often as a necessity for the server’s livelihood. This can catch international visitors off guard, as they may not be accustomed to tipping on top of the cost of their meal. The practice can also create confusion when tips are not automatically included in the bill, as is common in other countries like the U.K. or Australia, where service charge is often already factored in.
3. Sharing Plates
It’s very common in American restaurants, especially casual and family-style eateries, to see people sharing dishes. This practice, while common in some parts of the world, is often taken to another level in the U.S. where groups of people may share multiple plates during a single meal. It’s not unusual for diners to order a few different items, then pass them around the table so everyone can try a little bit of everything. Sharing plates can also be seen in the rising trend of “tapas” or small plates, where the focus is on sampling a variety of flavors rather than ordering one entrée per person.
While sharing is normal in the U.S., it can be confusing for visitors from places where individual portions are the norm. In countries like Japan or France, for instance, meals are often served as a personal experience, and sharing isn’t always the default approach. In America, though, this social aspect of eating can create a more communal and interactive dining experience. Restaurants have even capitalized on this with “family-style” meals designed for sharing, promoting a sense of togetherness over individual consumption. However, it’s not just about the food—there’s a certain pleasure Americans find in trying different dishes, enjoying each other’s company, and making the meal itself a social event.
4. Drinking Water with Ice
While most of the world prefers their water at room temperature, Americans have an undeniable penchant for cold, icy water. At nearly every restaurant in the U.S., the default when you ask for water is a glass filled with ice cubes, and it’s considered unusual if the water is served without it. The ice water phenomenon has deep roots in American history and is often tied to the desire for refreshment in warmer climates, particularly in the summer months. The availability of ice and the love for cold beverages were both products of innovations in refrigeration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
For travelers from Europe or Asia, where water served with ice can be seen as unnecessary or even wasteful, this can be a perplexing custom. In fact, in many countries, water is served at room temperature or even warm, particularly in places where there is less of a tradition of ice in drinks. In the U.S., however, ice is seen as a quick way to cool down and add refreshment, especially in the hot summer months. Restaurants also typically refill your glass of ice water for free, which further distinguishes the U.S. dining experience from that of countries where water is a paid item on the menu. Though this practice may seem odd to some, it’s very much embedded in the American way of dining.
5. Free Refills on Soft Drinks
In many parts of the world, ordering a soft drink at a restaurant comes with the expectation that you’ll pay for each refill. But in the U.S., most casual dining establishments offer free refills on beverages like soda, coffee, and iced tea. This has become such a standard that Americans often take it for granted, but for those from other countries, it can seem like an unusual bonus. The practice of free refills is not only a way to encourage customer satisfaction but also a marketing tool to get people to stay longer, order more, and feel like they’re getting good value for their money.
This custom can be traced back to American restaurants and fast-food chains trying to provide more value to customers, especially in a competitive market. The idea was to offer customers a more affordable dining experience by encouraging them to order beverages as part of a meal without worrying about running up the bill with additional drink orders. International visitors, however, may be surprised by this extra perk, particularly when they see that the bill for a drink rarely reflects the multiple refills they’ve enjoyed. In places like Europe, drinks are generally seen as a separate cost, and free refills are less common, making the U.S. system stand out as a distinctly American approach.
6. Using Mobile Phones to Pay the Bill
In the U.S., particularly with the rise of mobile payment apps like Venmo, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, it has become increasingly common for diners to pay their restaurant bills using their mobile phones. Whether you’re splitting the check with friends or covering the whole bill yourself, it’s now as simple as scanning a QR code or using an app to transfer the money. For younger generations, paying via phone has become the norm, and many restaurants have adopted the technology to make payments quicker and more efficient.
This trend is somewhat unique to the U.S. compared to other countries where cash or credit cards are still the dominant forms of payment. In places like Japan or much of Europe, traditional payment methods are still very much in use, and mobile payments haven’t reached the same level of ubiquity. However, with the rise of tech-savvy, app-based dining experiences in major U.S. cities, the convenience of paying by phone is increasingly popular. The ease of paying this way—without needing to wait for the check to be processed or dealing with physical cash—has helped to streamline the dining process. For visitors from places with more traditional payment habits, this can feel like a futuristic dining experience.
7. The Bottomless Breadbasket or Chips
Many American restaurants—especially those in the casual dining or chain restaurant category—offer complimentary bread, chips, or appetizers with the meal, with the promise of “bottomless” refills. It’s not unusual for a basket of bread or chips to arrive at the table within minutes of sitting down, with waitstaff offering to refill the basket throughout the meal. This custom is typically seen at restaurants like Olive Garden or Red Lobster, where free appetizers are seen as a way to make customers feel valued and to enhance their dining experience.
For visitors from other countries, this can seem like a strange extra, especially since bread or appetizers are often paid items in many parts of the world. In Italy or France, for example, bread is rarely served for free as an accompaniment to meals, and appetizers are often ordered separately. But in America, the concept of “bottomless” refills plays into the country’s emphasis on abundance and value. Diners often appreciate this little extra touch, especially since it can make a meal feel more substantial without the added cost. For restaurants, it’s also a marketing tool—getting customers to fill up on bread or chips before the main course arrives, ensuring they leave satisfied without ever needing to pay for extras.
8. Sharing Personal Information with the Waitstaff
Americans are generally known for being friendly and outgoing, and this extends to interactions with restaurant staff. It’s not unusual for waitstaff to engage in personal conversations with guests, asking about their day, their plans, or even how they’re feeling about the food. In fact, it’s often expected that servers will be chatty and attentive, trying to create a personal connection with the customers to enhance the dining experience.
This type of interaction can be surprising for visitors from cultures where more formal, professional relationships between customers and waitstaff are the norm. In countries like Japan, for example, it’s typical for servers to maintain a distance, focusing only on their professional duties without much casual conversation. In America, however, the idea is that engaging in small talk helps make the meal more enjoyable and makes the service feel more personalized. It’s not uncommon for waiters to ask if you’re celebrating something special or even share a personal story about themselves. This approach to service can feel very informal, but it’s part of the American charm and hospitality. It also reflects the cultural value placed on making customers feel like they’re part of a social environment rather than just a transaction.
9. Ordering Water for the Table
Another strange but common practice in U.S. restaurants is when people order a large bottle of water to share among everyone at the table, especially when dining in groups. Often, this water will be delivered in a large jug or pitcher, and it’s expected that everyone will take turns pouring. While this may not be too unusual in other parts of the world, it’s particularly widespread in the U.S. because of the custom of offering free water (with ice) to diners.
In other countries, water is usually ordered individually or not served for free at all, which makes this practice stand out. The fact that the U.S. dining experience often includes free access to water, especially in casual dining establishments, makes this an even more notable custom. Guests may choose water over soft drinks or alcohol, both to stay hydrated and to keep costs low. It also reflects the American approach to dining, where the idea of “free refills” extends beyond soft drinks to include water, ensuring that no one ever has to go thirsty during their meal.
10. Having Extensive Vegetarian or Vegan Menus
Another notable feature of American dining is the abundance of vegetarian and vegan options. With a growing emphasis on plant-based diets, many restaurants now have separate vegetarian and vegan menus or clearly mark vegan options on their main menus. This trend is driven by the increasing number of people choosing plant-based lifestyles for health, ethical, or environmental reasons. While vegetarian and vegan diets are common worldwide, the sheer availability and variety of plant-based options in U.S. restaurants is relatively unique.
In countries like Italy or Spain, where meat-based dishes are staples of the culinary tradition, finding a variety of vegan options can be difficult. However, in the U.S., especially in larger cities, it’s common to see fully vegetarian or vegan restaurants, as well as plenty of non-vegan restaurants offering plant-based alternatives. This has made it easier for people to maintain their dietary preferences while dining out, and it reflects the growing awareness and acceptance of diverse dietary needs across the nation.
11. Ordering Desserts to Go
In the U.S., it’s not unusual for people to order a dessert and then ask for it to be boxed up to go, even if they’re sitting down at the table. While ordering food “to-go” is common, particularly in fast-casual or takeout-focused restaurants, the practice of having dessert boxed up instead of eaten on the spot is a little more specific to America. This happens often because American portion sizes tend to be large, and diners may feel too full after a meal to finish a dessert.
This practice is less common in countries where desserts are generally smaller or seen as an integral part of the meal. In European countries, for example, it’s more common to finish a meal with a small, carefully crafted dessert that’s meant to be eaten immediately. In the U.S., however, the idea of taking a dessert home is part of the culture of abundance, where customers are given the opportunity to enjoy their treat later or share it with others. Some restaurants even market their desserts specifically as “to-go” options, knowing they’ll likely be enjoyed at home.
12. The Over-Use of Condiments
Americans are notorious for their love of condiments, and it’s not uncommon for a restaurant table to be loaded with bottles of ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and other additions. In fact, many restaurants offer a variety of sauces, dips, and condiments that go far beyond the basics. This can be baffling for international visitors, who may not be used to having an entire array of sauces at their disposal for every type of food.
In some countries, the idea of drowning a dish in condiments may be seen as an affront to the original flavors of the meal. But in the U.S., condiments are seen as a way to enhance the dining experience and give diners more control over the taste of their food. Whether it’s a side of ranch with pizza or hot sauce with tacos, the condiment culture in the U.S. reflects a desire to personalize every part of the meal. It’s also worth noting that many of these condiments, like ketchup or ranch dressing, have become iconic in American cuisine, often used as the “standard” complement to certain dishes.
13. Self-Serve Water Stations
In certain American restaurants, especially casual dining spots or fast-casual chains, you may encounter self-serve drink stations where diners are encouraged to fill their own glasses. This practice may be unusual to visitors from countries where waitstaff are expected to bring drinks to the table throughout the meal. In the U.S., however, the self-serve model is often implemented as a way to increase convenience and efficiency, especially in restaurants with high turnover rates.
In places like the U.K. or France, where drinks are almost always served by the waiter, the idea of having to get your own water or soda from a communal fountain might seem strange. But in America, the approach allows customers to serve themselves quickly, ensuring they don’t have to wait for refills. The self-serve system also helps save time, especially during busy meal hours, and can make diners feel more in control of their experience. For international visitors, though, this can feel like an odd departure from the more formal service model they might be accustomed to back home.
