Drinking Etiquette at a Restaurant

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But what if I want a scotch? Is it proper to order a scotch (or other liquor drink) before dinner? During? After?

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If you want to blow out your taste buds before a meal, I doubt the chef will care.

It's more about strategy than etiquette.

I think as long as you are paying for your food and drink, you drink and eat whatever you want.

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I think as long as you are paying for your food and drink, you drink and eat whatever you want.

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This isn't really true though, right?

I'm out to a nice dinner at Commander's. I order dessert first. No one has a critical response?

There's always a proper way to enjoy a meal. You hear that red wine pairs well with steak. Port is an after dinner drink.

What about other drinks?

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I understand that in today's age, you can just do whatever you want.

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That's not entirely true. You need to take your cues from your host. Let him pace the meal and the imbibing. He may even be a teetotaler in which case you stick with iced tea.

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I think a two drink maximum is appropriate.

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nerd

Agreed, Two drinks in a dinner setting is where you generally cross the line from drinking for taste to drinking for a buzz. Drinking to get a buzz is not classy.

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Business? If with people in a higher status, I'll generally wait and see what they order and go along equally, or order a premium beer by default. I'll generally avoid liquor for lunch or early evening unless it's clear that it's one of those nights.

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This. Follow the lead of the boss. Great advice earlier on saying "water for now while I look at the menu," especially if you're asked to order drinks first by the server, which can be awkward.

Then when your boss says, "I'd like the Laphroig 12" don't immediately say, "The same for me." because that looks like you're just copying what he does, which is also annoying.

just follow the lead of the boss, customer, whoever you're with.

if i'm with a good customer, ill usually let them order their entree first, then i'll order the same thing. makes them feel good about their choice.

Have a nice martini before dinner, sip, enjoy and socialize, wine and water with dinner and a nice nightcap - a good brandy, cognac or coffee. If you want a good scotch in lieu of a martini (which I might do in the winter) then do so.

Maybe after you leave the table have one more at the bar prior to leaving if the crowd is so inclined. If they are not, go home and get shitfaced if you desire.

If you need more to that prior than have a drink or glass of wine while you are getting dressed at home - if for some reason one is not enough at dinner.

I might have two martini's with my boss and tell him to frick off and have a third - but then again I am my own boss so I would be hammered cussing out myself. For some reason I believe I've done just that before.