1. Order takeout. Continue to order take out. And when you do, order direct rather than using a delivery service.

2. Think date night. Restaurants seem to have more tables for 2 than bigger tables.

3. Take dessert to go. In the spirit of not lingering (see the first tip in previous post), get dessert to go and eat it in the park on the way home.

4. Hold gift cards. Don’t use them until restaurants have a chance to stabilize.

5. Use cash. Credit card fees cut into restaurants’ profits. (Note: Some places are credit card only for now.)

6. Hold the pickles. Special requests don’t typically upset restaurants, but a lot of changes/substitutions can be tough with limited staff.

7. Be nice. If there’s an operational issue, be understanding. Be patient. Everyone needs to work together to make this work.

8. Don’t move. Tables or chairs, that is. Restaurants have arranged tables so patrons can social distance. Don’t rearrange them.

9. Review. Did the restaurant do a good job? Write a positive review on Yelp, Google and Facebook. And post on your social media platforms. Things weren’t perfect? Maybe cut them a break while they’re still figuring it out.

10. Be social. Help your favorite restaurants share their messages. Share, like and comment on their social media posts.

And for 10 more tips.

Note: Thanks to friends who offered ideas in response to a Facebook post -- Kelly, Lynn, Marilyn, Terry and Evelyn, who shared ideas from her blog, NYCOnTheCheap .com

by Irene Levy Baker, author, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia. Both books are full of tips. For even more tips, visit www.100ThingsToDoInPhiladelphia.com. Planning a staycation? Go to the website for signed copies of books. For free shipping, use promo code TheCityPulse.