7 top tips for discovering fun restaurants this summer
(BPT) - Summer is finally here which means warmer weather and a reason to get out. Everyone loves to find fun new favorite restaurants that are delicious, unique and reasonably priced. Chase Freedom shares seven tips for discovering and enjoying fun restaurants in your neighborhood!
1. Consider your company
Enjoying a restaurant isn’t just about what’s on your plate. Music, design, service and dining room size all factor into making a night great and are important to the experience. Take into account who you’re dining with and what their preferences are. Even though you may love the food at your neighborhood gastropub it might not always be right for dinner with your parents or a first date.
2. Skim social media
Find a few trusted voices in the food space (bloggers, chefs, writers, critics, travelers) and follow them on social media. When you see a dish or restaurant that inspires you, make a list in your phone to guide your explorations of new food finds.
3. Ask to receive
When planning a night out for a date or group celebration, don’t be afraid to ask the restaurant what they can do to make it special. Restaurants are in the business of hospitality and are often happy to help with requests. And if you are pitching in for the tab, don’t forget to take advantage of deals like Chase Freedom’s 5 percent cash back at restaurants.
4. Cafe casual
These days there’s a growing trend of fine dining chefs opening more casual locations (Gramercy Tavern=Shake Shack, Carbone=Parm, Momofuku Ko=Noodle Bar). It’s a great way to try an acclaimed chef’s food at a more affordable price.
5. Resourceful recommendations
When you’re traveling, seek restaurant recommendations from your hotel concierge, your cab driver, local shopkeepers and fellow travelers. Consider asking the servers, managers and cooks at your favorite restaurants where they like to eat. Chances are, if you love their food they’ll be able to lead you to like-minded spots that they respect and admire.
6. Seek expert advice
Find the best restaurants ahead of time by doing your homework using blogs, newspapers, city magazines or crowdsourcing sites. For example, Chase Freedom partnered with Zagat to develop A Taste of Summer Fun, lists of fun, accessible restaurants that may be right in your neighborhood.
7. Waitlist it out
If you have trouble getting a reservation at a restaurant always ask if there’s a waitlist. Put your name down and call back around 4 p.m. on the day of. You’ll be surprised at how often there are cancellations.
