restaurant line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "restaurant line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a queue or line of people waiting to be seated or served at a restaurant. Example: "We had to wait in the restaurant line for over an hour before getting a table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Beauty shops, Internet cafes, video stores and a McDonald's restaurant line its streets.

The New York Times

A hot chef relying only on Pret's training could have a hard time as a restaurant line cook, or even cooking a meal at home.

The New York Times

As a young child, her mother's meager salary as a restaurant line cook qualified the family for public assistance.

Huffington Post

Conceived of as a startup accelerator ― Silicon Valley-ese for a firm that provides space and resources to entrepreneurs ― the company injects The Kitchen's restaurant line with a dose of the tech-industry mindset the Musks are known for.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He had no exit strategy: no new restaurant lined up, no cookbook, no television deal.

The New York Times - Food

People tend to eat at home, so restaurant lines are almost nonexistent.

The New York Times

But this doesn't stop him from quickly voicing his doubt about Rothko's conviction that a restaurant lined with his canvases will feel like a chapel.

The New York Times - Arts

The palate-dazzling newcomer is the eighth restaurant lining the short Village block that also boasts Po (Mario Batali's first venture) and Pearl Oyster Bar (the lobster-roll-craze pioneer).

The New Yorker

What I dread now is a return to the normality we're all supposed to seek: instead of public memorials, private consumption; instead of lines to give blood, restaurant lines.

The New York Times - Magazine

One of the best places to branch out is Zerda Café, a cosy Algerian restaurant lined with North African tiles just off Place de la République.

BBC

Then, to gild the lily, the restaurant lines the creation with beautiful strips of bacon, just like a present.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a physical line of people waiting, "restaurant line" is suitable. However, consider using "waiting list" if the restaurant manages seating that way.

Common error

Avoid using "restaurant line" to describe the assembly line in a kitchen; use "kitchen line" or "service line" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "restaurant line" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a group of people waiting at a restaurant. Ludwig confirms its usability, reflecting common usage in contexts involving dining and customer service.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "restaurant line" is a grammatically sound and understandable noun phrase used to describe a queue of people waiting at a restaurant. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and utility, although it's relatively infrequent. While suitable for general use, consider more precise terms like "waiting list" or "seating queue" in formal contexts. The phrase appears mostly in News & Media. Remember to avoid using it to describe a kitchen production line.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

queue for the restaurant

This alternative uses the term "queue", common in British English, instead of "line" to describe waiting.

lineup at the restaurant

This uses "lineup" as a synonym for "line", implying a sequence of people.

queue outside the restaurant

Specifies that the line or queue is located outside the restaurant.

restaurant waitlist

A shorter and more direct term for the waiting list at a restaurant.

waiting list at the restaurant

This phrase refers to a list managed by the restaurant to seat customers.

restaurant entrance line

This pinpoints the location of the line at the entrance of the restaurant.

restaurant waiting area

This refers to the physical space where people wait for a table.

line to get into the restaurant

Explicitly states the purpose of the line is to enter the restaurant.

customers waiting for a table

This more explicitly describes the situation of people waiting.

restaurant reservation queue

This pertains to a queue specifically designated for customers with reservations.

FAQs

What does "restaurant line" mean?

The term "restaurant line" typically refers to a queue of people waiting to be seated or served at a restaurant.

How can I use "restaurant line" in a sentence?

You could say, "We had to wait in the "restaurant line" for 30 minutes before we got a table."

What can I say instead of "restaurant line"?

Alternatives include "queue for the restaurant", "waiting list at the restaurant", or "customers waiting for a table".

Is it correct to use "restaurant line" in formal writing?

While acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "waiting list" or "seating queue" for clarity.