🚀 go-pugleaf

  DM> From: entrpoop@access3.digex.net (Dexter Medley)

  DM> kbass@clark.net (Ken Bass) writes:
  DM> 
  > A lot of time I order ice tea. I expect the server to come by and bring
  > refills why I'm done with the glass. In a lot of places, the entire meal
  > can go by without seeing the server.
  > 
  DM> That's a reasonable expectation in the south, but not in the north.
  DM> Refills are not always included in the price anywhere else I've ever
  DM> been apart from the southeastern US, bounded by the Mississippi River
  DM> and the NC/VA border. Around here, some places offer free refills,
  DM> some don't. However, even if refills are not free, an attentive waiter
  DM> should ask if another drink is desired.

In Virginia and Maryland, the expectation of free refills for coffee and tea is
entirely reasonable.  I come from the northeast originally, and when I go up
there to visit and we eat out, coffee and iced tea are generally free refills. 
The only difference I've noticed is that down here, hot tea tends to be a free
refill (including a fresh teabag), and in the northeast you get additional hot
water but you pay for the second teabag, which makes a certain kind of sense.

Most places that I go with kids, ALL over the country (both coasts, north &
south), the kids are offered a small glass of milk-if-I'm-drinking-milk,
juice-if-I'm-drinking-juice (etc.) and I'm not charged for it.  In fact, I'm
pretty amazed at how /well/ I'm treated with one or two kids in tow, as long as
the kids behave perfectly.