Definition

Restaurant slang for a single diner or group, as in "a party of four" becomes "a four-top." Because counting people is easier when you pretend they're table configurations.

Example Usage

"We just sat a six-top in your section, good luck."

Origin

American restaurant industry shorthand, derived from 'tabletop'

Fun Fact

Large tops (8+) often trigger automatic gratuity policies, making them both loved and dreaded by servers.

Source: Restaurant service industry jargon

Related Terms

Beginner

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One of the five French mother sauces, made from a light stock thickened with a roux. It's basically gravy that went to an Ivy League school. Pronouncing it correctly at a restaurant earns you a subtle nod from the waiter and confused looks from everyone at your table.

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tnlnsl

Took nothing left nothing signed log...