Page 31 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  29

Alcohol Reservations
eye out for roadside stands and
snack bars; if there is a queue, Beer and wine can be found just Reservations are recommended
chances are that you have about anywhere food is served; for the best and most popular
found a hidden gem serving basic mixed drinks are also restaurants in any given city,
restaurant-quality fare at common. Visitors need to be and many establishments will
reasonably affordable prices, 21 years or older to buy alcohol. only accept reservations for
albeit without waiter service Be sure to carry a form of ident- large groups or parties of six
and other frills. ification as it is often requested or more. However, the majority
Foodies across the country before you are served. Some of restaurants do not require
are keen to enjoy the best regions still prohibit restaurants reservations, and most high-
of what is fresh and locally from serving alcohol, so look for profile restaurants allow space
sourced. In response, thousands a “BYOB” (“bring your own for walk-in guests who do not
of restaurants have placed a bottle”) sign in the window and book in advance. For those
heavy emphasis on filling their consider picking up a bottle of booking more than a day in
menus with dishes composed wine before settling in for a advance, it would be wise to
of seasonal specialties and farm- meal. Alcohol is forbidden on all confirm the booking on the
fresh ingredients. Regional Native American reservations. day of your reservation.
highlights include world-class
seafood in the Pacific Northwest
and New England, hearty steaks Disabled Facilities Smoking
and chops in the Midwest, and Federal and state legislation Smoking laws vary from
stunning year-round produce has made most restaurants state to state and city to city.
in California and Florida. in the US at least partially Almost all restaurants that
accessible by wheelchair, allow smoking have non-
and many more are accessible smoking sections. Smokers
Coffeehouses and to people with other disabilities. are often completely out of
Cafés Historic structures are luck when looking to light up
Coffeehouses are popular sometimes exempted from while dining in key destinations
throughout the country, with the accessibility requirements. such as New York and Los
one seemingly on every other Entrances are generally ramped, Angeles; their best bet is to
corner in major cities. Along doors may be fitted with an hope for a smoker-friendly
with specialty coffees, they automatic opener, and patio, or to have a smoke
generally serve pastries, bagels, restrooms usually include the pre- or post-meal out front
desserts, and sandwiches. appropriate stalls and sinks. on the sidewalk.
Cafés range from simple
establishments serving snacks Children Recommended
to trendy eateries offering a
variety of dining options. Restaurants across the country Restaurants
are generally very child-friendly. The restaurants featured in
Most establishments serve this guide have been selected
Vegetarian Options children’s portions and will across a wide price range for
Classic American cuisine is provide a high chair upon their value, good food, atmos-
largely meat-based, which request. Many bars, lounges, phere, and location. From
means that vegetarians may and restaurants with a focus on authentic, no-frills snack
not find much variety outside nightlife prohibit guests under shacks to pricey temples of
the larger cities and resorts. 18 or 21 years in the evening. gastronomy, these restaurants
However, salads can be found Also, some of the nation’s finest run the gamut across all price
everywhere, from fine-dining restaurants dissuade customers levels and cuisine types.
restaurants to fast-food chains, from bringing babies and small For the best of the best, look
and could constitute a meal in children to ensure comfort and out for restaurants featuring
themselves; they generally quiet for other customers. When the DK Choice label. These
come topped with meat or in doubt, call ahead to check. establishments have been
seafood, but vegetarian orders highlighted in recognition of
are often accommodated. Dress Codes their exceptional qualities – a
Many fast-food chains also celebrity chef, exquisite food,
now serve salads, soups, or Dining is usually a casual a beautiful setting, an inviting
baked potatoes to cater to pastime throughout the US. ambience – or a combination
the more health-conscious Even in high-end restaurants, of these. Most of these venues
among their customers. there is seldom a need for a are exceptionally popular
Additionally, ethnic restaurants jacket and tie; only the finest among local residents and
can usually be counted on to and most traditional upscale visitors, so be sure to inquire
offer a few meatless options establishments enforce a dress regarding reservations or you
such as veggie stir-fries and code. Make enquiries while may end up facing a lengthy
rice dishes. reserving a table. wait for a table.

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