Similar to Americans, Spaniards like to go out to eat. Like everything else though, there are a few noticeable differences. Let me take you through a normal dining experience in Spain. Upon arrival, one rarely is seated by a hostess. it is very common to find a seat outside and wait for someone to take your order. The waitors are pretty casual. While eating, its common to order a beer, no matter what time it is. Meals, especially with a group, can last a long time--up to three hours! People just keep ordering new courses and drinks. The waitor never checks int o see how you are doing or how the food is. If you want something, you have to wave them down or call for them. This goes for the bill, too. I learned this the hard way. If you're ready to go, you have to give the waiter a head's up, or else you'll be sitting htere for a while. When you do get the bill, don't expect spearate checks. And if all you have is a credit card, you're in trouble. In Spain it is custom to split the bill equally among diners, no matter who ate or drank waht. If i got a salad, for example, and you got chicken and wine, we would pay the same. Because to spaniards, they eat together to be together. Money doesn't matter. (I am quoting my gastronomy professor on this).
The last major differnece is that in Spain, it is not custom to tip. People dont tip waiters, cab drivers, hair stylists, nothing. It makes me wonder how much money I have spent in my life on tips, but at the same time I feel bad that these people don't get a little extra money for their hard work.
Dining out in Spain is definitely different than in the United States. Sometimes I like it though, because it is more casual and comfortable.
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