Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Electricity
Food
Lunch is generally served between 11:30am and 2:30pm, and dinner between 5pm and
9pm daily, though some restaurants stay open later, especially on Friday and Saturday
nights.
If breakfast is served, it's usually between 7:30am and 10:30am. Some diners and cafes
keep serving breakfast into the afternoon, or all day. Weekend brunch is a laid-back af-
fair, usually available from 11am until 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Like all things Californian, restaurant etiquette tends to be informal. Only a handful of res-
taurants require more than a dressy shirt, slacks and a decent pair of shoes; most places
require far less.
Tipping 18% to 20% is expected anywhere you receive table service.
Smoking is illegal indoors. Some restaurants have patios or sidewalk tables where
smoking is tolerated (ask first, or look around for ashtrays), but don't expect your neigh-
bors to be happy about secondhand smoke.
You can bring your own wine to most restaurants; a 'corkage' fee of $15 to $30 usually
applies. Lunches rarely include booze, though a glass of wine or beer, while not common
everywhere, is socially acceptable.
