Top 5 ways to recognize a great restaurant before you order

If you are like me, you like to try new food at new restaurants (new to you anyways). If you are like me you also have been disappointed on more then one occasion and wished you had just gone to a good old standby instead of trying that "new" place.

Here are my top 5 ways to figure out if your stomach will thank you or curse you when looking for new digs to eat out at:

1.) Ask the locals: friends, neighbors, co-workers, people you meet, etc. Most people, even non-foodies, have favorite restaurants. Ask them what their favorite dishes are too.

2.) Packed parking lots. A good sign is a packed lot on a Friday or Saturday night. A great sign is a packed lot on a Monday night.

3.) Staying power aka they have been around for a while. Maybe there is that place you have driven by 100 times over the last few years but just never went to. They must be doing something right to still be in business.

4.) When you walk in you are greeted right away, staff is friendly. The place is clean. Worn looking can be ok, dirty is not.

5.) Ask your server what is popular. I think one of the biggest mistakes is ordering the wrong thing. Most places have a few items they make really good, and the rest are so-so. If you order the so-so chicken, you might never come back and have the awesome ribs.

So stick to these guidelines and you'll quickly find those hidden gems of gastrointestinal heaven.