I make it a point to never go anywhere that either I have not been before, or anywhere I have not received a good recommendation from — from someone I trust well enough to make one.
I believe any business naturally makes it a point to treat their regulars right. And, if I go into a place and say “so-n-so said I had to check out this particular dish”, I get delighted smiles and great service.
It works for me, anyhow.
Compliments generally work.
But not always. I have seen some real substandard offerings lately.
Best breakfasts I have had in while are the short order places where you order form the cook and await your plate.
Greet them by name and with a smile, tell a joke, compliment the last thing you ordered there.
Most places, you never even see the cook.