Even if the restaurant is clean and the surrounding areas are tidy, if you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, your first impression upon entering is probably going to be indicative of your treatment during the meal. If you aren’t greeted or if the host or hostess is rude, it may be time to turn and head out the door. Chef Tim Love told CNBC that not being greeted is one of three warning signs for him that a restaurant is no good, along with a bad smell upon entering and dirty kitchen or dirty floor.

Scope Out the Ladies' Room

Or men’s room. Restaurants that have high standards for cleanliness will make sure that bathrooms are cleaned and maintained properly without skipping steps or days, and addressing messes as they arise. If you find that there are filthy stalls, full garbage bins, dirty sink areas or sink areas that are pooled with sudsy water and look like they haven’t been cleaned, it may be a sign of what things look like out of view of the customer.

Your Server Will Make (Or Break) Your Night Out

Your server is your main point of interaction with the business you’re patronizing, and he or she has the ability to make the most delicious meal seem unpalatable or make an average-at-best meal seem truly enjoyable. You’ll likely be able to tell within the first few minutes into which camp your server falls. According to ChefTalk.com, your server should approach your table within about two minutes of you being seated, even if it’s just to acknowledge your presence on a busy night or during a dinner rush. Further, your server should have a decent knowledge of the menu or be willing to get you answers to questions you have about ingredients or preparation and ideally will be able to recommend a favorite or popular dish or two without suggesting the most expensive entree on the menu (unless it’s the chef’s specialty or the restaurant’s signature dish).