Is it rude to order only appetizers?

No, it's neither wrong nor illegal to just order appetizers only or drinks only or whatever only in a restaurant. When you aren't too hungry but want something to tie you over, ordering appetizers is a smart way to go. As another answer has pointed out, tip generously in this case. The server will not feel cheated if you go heavy on the tips.

Here's a consideration though. If it's a very crowded time of the day/evening and many people are waiting in line for a table AND almost all of them are there for full meals,,, your taking up a table and the time but only order appetizers might be consider a bit unfair to the establishment. On the order hand, if it isn't a very crowded time of the day...your patronage, even for just appetizers, desserts or drinks represent a gain to the restaurant. Use your judgment.

Your additional info is very helpful. It sounds like you'll be just by yourself. I'd suggest you sit at the counter (if there's one) so as not to take up a table. A $1 tip on a $5 purchase in theory is reasonable (20%). However, since the purchase amount is so small, I'd suggest $ 2 tip instead. Also, most restaurants have a "to go" service so why not use that? Or go get your nachos at a fast food place where a $5 purchase is normal and no tips are expected?

It is not wrong or even illegal. You are just fine ordering only appetizers and leaving a $1 tip. That 20% is much more than the usual 10% most people leave. They will be happy!!

i assume I certainly have achieved that for the duration of a few circumstances, and ordered the largest salad the area has, mutually as each and every person has extensive steaks, in spite of the shown fact that it truly is rude for them to call interest to the shown fact which you probably did no longer order as much as all of them did. What in case you weren't feeling properly? What in case you have been disenchanted or something exchange into taking place with you the place you may desire to no longer consume a great deal? in case you have been having blood artwork the next day, then you definately could have been fasting, and it may be incorrect, any way one slices it, to call interest to somebody who's ordering much less, or greater effective than others. given which you're with regards to those people (whether you're no longer close-close) and you're beginning as much as get the gist of how they think of, it may be at the same time advantageous to easily flow alongside with what you be conscious of won't make waves interior the destiny and make contact with it an afternoon. Ordering something and having the server wrap it for you would be a ability to and end. They in all probability have faith which you probably did no longer experience tender eating with them, (and actuality be recommended, i assume you probably did no longer). She exchange into incorrect for harping on what you (did no longer) order and it exchange into awkward each and every of how around. in case you do no longer want a replay of those activities interior the destiny, then next time (if there's a next time) then convey a chum or 2, order up a hurricane, take a number of doggie bags homestead with you, and then each and every physique's satisfied.

No, whats rude is if you go to a restaurant that serves free chips and then sit there for half an hour pretending your going to order and while doing so stuff your face and then leave.

If you are going to get Nachos for $4.99 and water, tip them 2 bucks.

No. People do that all the time. I usually go to TGIFridays after a movie and get beer and wings.

No. Its not wrong or illegal. Business is business and they want to make money. Just don't be stingy when you are tipping your waiter or waitress.

Shandaleer, that wasn't the question.

But no, I don't think it's wrong at all :)

YES IF U LIVE ON MARS, WHERE IN THE HELL HAVE U HEARD ITS WRONG OR ILLEGAL. THAT'S WAT I DO WEN I TAKE ME AND MY 5 KIDS OUT TO EAT. YOU SEE WE CANT AFFORD FULL MEALS JUST APPETIZERS