Information on United States Restaurants in 2006

Although the amount of high quality restaurants have increased over the years the average price of the meals have remained steady. In 2006 the price of meals across the United States will only rise 2 to 3 percent with New York coming in 1st as the most pricey with the average single tab ranging approximately $40.00. That is 50% more than Atlanta, Georgia or Seattle, Washington. However, if you weigh against other cities in different countries like Tokyo, Japan, London, England or even Paris, France…you might regard New York, NY a steal!

While food assumption is rising, the service is seriously being criticized with "poor service" at the top of the list at the +70% in just about every city across the nation. Coming in at the high 20 percent and tying are complaints about noise and crowds. Prices and parking are vying at 4% while food itself is 5%. Time and again service has proven to be public's thorn in its side.

In 2000 the average tip in the United States was approximately 18% but this has been steadily rising and is now 18.7% for 2006. There is a definite distinction between the 2 coastlines. The East restaurateurs are by far the more openhanded tippers. The city of "Brotherly Love", Philadelphia has a tendency to tip at a high 19.2% with Atlanta coming in neck to neck at 19.1%. Bostonians are liberal as well tipping at 18.9%. LA and San Francisco are both even at 18.3 with Seattle turning out to be the worst at an even 18%.

It is true that casualness has become the way in regards to the usual customer apparel as hardly any top restaurants require a jacket and tie any longer. However, restaurants themselves have become more tasteful and trendy. Prestigious chefs are requesting high-style environments that are creating unforgettable restaurants! With hoteliers and real estate entrepreneurs financing multi-million deals, it's no surprise that chefs are classing up their eateries.