# You go into a "family restaurant" -- what's already on the table? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 6, 2007, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849 "2007-03-06T20:34:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/1 "2007-03-06T20:34:23Z")
In these parts and in most restaurants where you can expect to get a full and decent meal for under $10 each, you can count on: salt pepper sugar varieties of fake sugar ketchup (usually Heinz) hot sauce (usually not Tabasco) pepper/vinegar sauce Depending on the ethnic nature or specialties of the place, you might encounter: syrup salsa sweet and sour sauce(s) peanuts in the shell prepackaged butter substitute prepackaged tartar sauce What am I leaving out, Southerners? What do you non-Southerners have that we don’t? What such item would you get up and leave the place if they didn’t have it? ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/2 "2007-03-06T20:38:17Z")
Some places around here have single serve containers of jelly of various flavors on the table. The Pizza Huts here have red pepper flakes, the Long John Silver’s here have malt vinegar, and the good Chinese buffett place nearby has Kikkoman soy sauce. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/3 "2007-03-06T20:39:29Z")
I’d say they’re about split here on whether there’s creamer there when you sit down, or it’s brought if you order coffee. But the rest of your list looks pretty complete. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/4 "2007-03-06T20:40:49Z")
Yeah, and often there are little single serve packets of creamer powder, and sometimes single serves of liquid creamer on the table as well. I thought I was forgetting something! ---
**Author:** ![pinkfreud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pinkfreud/32/17603_2.png) [@pinkfreud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pinkfreud)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/5 "2007-03-06T20:41:12Z")
It’s not uncommon in my area for restaurants to have single-serve packets of honey on the table, sometimes in a little basket with various jellies and jams. Many of us Okies can’t imagine eating rolls or biscuits without honey. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/6 "2007-03-06T20:42:27Z")
[QUOTE=Zabali\_Clawbane] Some places around here have single serve containers of jelly of various flavors on the table. The Pizza Huts here have red pepper flakes, the Long John Silver’s here have malt vinegar, and the good Chinese buffett place nearby has Kikkoman soy sauce. [/QUOTE] Excellent additions that I should have thought of. All to be expected around here. ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/7 "2007-03-06T20:44:11Z")
A1 sauce ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/8 "2007-03-06T20:46:47Z")
Depends on the time of day with some things, especially creamers, syrups, and such. But no matter what time of day, each table has the spring-loaded dispensers for paper napkins. (Notice I said _dispensers_. The napkins, not always so much.) ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/9 "2007-03-06T20:47:54Z")
Damn! You folks are good. So far, everything mentioned should have been on my list. Not every restaurant has all this stuff, not by a long shot. But it’s uncommon to go to a place that doesn’t have a bare minimum of at least four of these items. And depending on which restaurant, so far there’s nothing that’s been mentioned that I haven’t seen at least twice before. Keep 'em coming. Maybe we can find some regional oddities that are common for that area but not elsewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/10 "2007-03-06T21:04:57Z")
I wonder what it’s like in other countries? What about England, say? Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/11 "2007-03-06T21:13:12Z")
[QUOTE=Left Hand of Dorkness] I wonder what it’s like in other countries? What about England, say? Daniel [/QUOTE] Good idea. I’m also suspecting that coastal areas will have different condiments and table items from inland areas, and that areas with more heavily ethnic influences (near the borders for example) will be different enough from those that don’t. Before somebody beats me to it, there’s a more than even chance that if you go in when it’s busy, there may be a tip on the table that the busboy didn’t pick up as he was clearing the table. There may even be dirty dishes if it’s a really popular place and they’re trying to process as many customers as possible. If you go into a place that’s almost empty and there’s dirty dishes everywhere, no matter the lower prices and the reputation for great food, it’s probably time to move on down the road. ---
**Author:** ![Neidhart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Neidhart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neidhart)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/12 "2007-03-06T21:15:34Z")
The drinks list and a cardboard tent advertising some dish they’re pushing this week. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/13 "2007-03-06T22:14:42Z")
I am under the impression that people on the other side of the Atlantic like mayonaise with their fries, so that might a common thing on the table over there. I was actually curious and tried it once. It was not up to my standards as it was too bland for me so I’ll be sticking with my bbq sauce with fries. ---
**Author:** ![Wee\_Bairn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/90db22/32.png) [@Wee\_Bairn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wee_Bairn)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/14 "2007-03-06T22:34:34Z")
I was going to say maple syrup, but then remembered they only bring the maple syrup after you order the pancakes. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/15 "2007-03-06T22:45:01Z")
[QUOTE=Wee Bairn] I was going to say maple syrup, but then remembered they only bring the maple syrup after you order the pancakes. [/QUOTE] Nashville’s _Pancake Pantry_ (quite the tourist attraction since the 60’s) is essentially a breakfast and lunch business, but you can order from a couple dozen varieties of pancakes and crepes anytime they’re open. Syrup and molasses are on the tables all the time. If your order includes some of the specialties that require other condiments, they’re brought with the order, but you can still douse them with syrup, too, if that’s your thing. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/16 "2007-03-06T22:47:57Z")
An “authentic” New York-style deli will have a jar of kosher dills, either whole, or cut into spears. ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/17 "2007-03-06T22:53:35Z")
I often see those little green peppers in a vinegar liquid I think it has a little spout so you can shake out the spicy liquid and use like a hot sauce. I don’t know if anyone eats the peppers. I know someone who tried it once and regretted it. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/18 "2007-03-06T22:58:26Z")
[QUOTE=Wile E] I often see those little green peppers in a vinegar liquid I think it has a little spout so you can shake out the spicy liquid and use like a hot sauce. I don’t know if anyone eats the peppers. I know someone who tried it once and regretted it. [/QUOTE] That’s the “pepper/vinegar sauce” I mentioned in the OP. It’s great on turnip greens and most other vegetables prepared by boiling them. It’s better than plain vinegar, but I’m like you in that I steer clear of the peppers. But you can never tell how some people will eat them without blinking. Same kind of folks who eat jalapenos without a thought. ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/19 "2007-03-06T23:08:16Z")
[QUOTE=Zeldar] That’s the “pepper/vinegar sauce” I mentioned in the OP. It’s great on turnip greens and most other vegetables prepared by boiling them. It’s better than plain vinegar, but I’m like you in that I steer clear of the peppers. But you can never tell how some people will eat them without blinking. Same kind of folks who eat jalapenos without a thought. [/QUOTE] Oops, I didn’t even see that and I was even looking for it. I blame the headache. ---
**Author:** ![Lazlo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lazlo/32/9678_2.png) [@Lazlo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lazlo)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2007, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849/20 "2007-03-06T23:24:54Z")
[QUOTE=Wile E] I often see those little green peppers in a vinegar liquid I think it has a little spout so you can shake out the spicy liquid and use like a hot sauce. I don’t know if anyone eats the peppers. I know someone who tried it once and regretted it. [/QUOTE] Those are actually comfort food for me. My dad used to make us sandwiches when my mom was busy and he’d pull out those peppers. The proper way to eat those at our house was to take a bite of sandwich, throw a pepper in your mouth, chew, scream, take a few bites of sandwich, repeat. I’m going to have to buy a jar now. 😃 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-go-into-a-family-restaurant-whats-already-on-the-table/394849.md?page=2)