How to Choose a Restaurant Fast (When Nobody Agrees)
A realistic, no-nonsense method for picking a place to eat when everyone says “I don’t care”… until they do.
If you’ve ever sat in a car, group text, or parking lot debating where to eat, you already know the problem isn’t a lack of restaurants—it’s decision paralysis. This guide is built for real people in real situations, not perfect planners.
The problem with “Where do you want to eat?”
Open-ended questions sound polite, but they almost always slow things down. Most people do have preferences— they just don’t want to negotiate.
The Two-Option Rule (the fastest fix)
Instead of asking for ideas, offer two real options. This limits the decision without forcing anyone. Keep it simple:
- One casual / quick option
- One sit-down / relaxed option
If nobody objects within a few seconds, you go. If someone objects, they must suggest the alternative.
The veto rule
Vetoing without replacing is how groups get stuck. Use a rule that keeps momentum:
When time matters more than preference
Hunger changes the decision. When people say “I’m starving,” the discussion phase is over. Prioritize:
- Close
- Familiar
- Fast service
Use a random picker (seriously)
Random choice feels fair. Nobody feels ignored, and the decision happens instantly. That’s why Cookeville Bites includes an “I Don’t Care” picker.