Reply #17: I have done the same thing

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sometimes, but mostly when the restaurant isn't overcrowded, and there is little to no demand for the table. And I would never do it in any fancier restaurants, just the equivalent of fast food ones, like Friendly's, Papa Ginos or their like (West Coasters read Coco's, Carrow's, El Pollo Loco)

I know it can be annoying, but I have physical limitations, and can't walk very much, very far, and often times, it's all I can do is sit until I've collected myself. Other times, I might stay longer waiting for someone to come. And I have to sit in a chair because I would need strong arms and lots of them to get up from a lower position!

If you are having problems with such people who are hogging a table and there are customers waiting, I would suggest telling your manager, and having someone higher up the food chain to ask the people to move on because someone is waiting. A gentle hint might be all they need--some people are so into their conversations and discussions that they are oblivious to the needs of others around them.

I have also found from my own going out that sometimes I wait forever for a bill, and somehow get ignored for the longest time. I do need to make note that I always leave a good tip (at least 15%, or 20% or more if I felt the service warranted it) and will quite often have both an appetizer and a dessert (there are always a couple of us).

That's my spin on the subject!