This is no different than the silly threads about how much to tip. "Tipping isn't expected where I live, so I shouldn't tip elsewhere".

"Lingering" is about the location and the type of restaurant. 15 extra minutes at a diner in Manhattan at lunch is an eternity. Not so at a Michelin 3-4 star on the Continent.

I know it was rude, but it still made me feel good for a second when a server asked Mrs BV and me at lunch today if we had saved room for dessert while we were less than halfway through our entrees with fork in hand and I replied "How would I know at this point in the meal?" So she handed me the check. 100% clueless. I have to assume they're trained this way. And BTW it's spring break and half the town is on vacation and the restaurant was no more than 20% occupied at 12:30.

Au contraire, my friend. It is the European model where the waiters needlessly delay your departure for hours by never bringing the bill that is rude.

Different customs, for goodness sake.:rolleyes:

In terms of the OP's question, if there are people waiting for tables, you should leave within a reasonable amount of time. If the place is nearly empty and you leave a nice tip, take your time.

^^^
That's what I was going to post, and there it was at #2. :D

Can honestly say I don't do ANY of those and agree with every single one of them and honestly, no matter how much you tip, it doesn't give you the right to stay 3 hours.

Meh....

A picture of that famous old inventor Ben Franklin goes a long ways....

Appreciate all the responses so far, I think I like starting threads in this forum more than any other on FT ^

What's a Michelin 4 star, and where can I get a reservation?

Classic

:D

Is that a word?:D

It is now :D

There's more than one thing in that list that is a bit stupid but on the issue here it depends on the restaurant and the situation. If the place isn't busy and there aren't people waiting I might linger a bit.

There's a fine line however. I don't like being rushed or hurried because the manager wants to shove through another seating.

Invitation only, I'll put in a good word for you if you like :cool:

There's a small restaurant in Toronto which encourages the customer to linger. They'll continue to refill your coffee until you explicitly ask for the bill.

I ran into a college friend this week who I hadn't seen in years. We decided to have breakfast at a local popular breakfast place in the Gold Coast.

Before we knew it, almost 2.5 hours passed. We were definitely lingering, unless you consider numerous coffee refills not lingering. The waitress at no time seemed to rush us or be bothered that we were taking up a table (a 4-top for the two of us).

I left here a 50 percent tip. I think that was fair.