That's just what I did today for lunch. It was so cool because I had read about it in a magazine... Restaurants where you order via a vending machine instead of ordering from the cook or waitress.
There are different types of food restaurants that offer this. The place my coworker took me to was close to the office. Outside, next to the front door of the restaurant is a vending machine. It's not like a snacks vending machine, but more like ticket machine for the subway.
Here's what you do:
1. Put in your money into the machine.
2. Select the item you want.
Then a ticket will print out.
3. You can select more if there is enough money left, or you have to put in more money.
If you selected another item, then another ticket will print out.
4. Once you have purchased what you want to eat, walk into the restuarant. Usually, these are restaurants with a round bar and the cooks are on the other side.
5. Take a seat.
6. Hand the cook your printed tickets.
7. There's probably a drink machine or a water spiget for you to serve yourself a glass of cold water.
8. Food comes to you and you eat.
9. Leave when you're done.
No need for tipping!
I'll be sure to take some pictures of a restaurant vending machine next time.
Lily