Do many Americans still buy the obligatory (non-acoholic) beverage with all their meals? (burgers, cola)

[House4kids]

DH and I usually just order water with Lemon.

[Threerun]

I usually order a water and a beer.

[Pink90]

I always get water or no drink because I'd rather not have soda.

[Ohiogirl81]

Sometimes I just want something other than water. It's no skin off your nose.

[Old Town FFX]

Honestly, if I'm going out to eat, a beverage is part of it. If I was worried about the extra $3 or $4, I wouldn't be going out to eat.

[nanabush]

there's usually not that much available besides soda
if i'm at a mexican restaurant I'll get jamaica or a strawberry agua fresa

[Ginge McFantaPants]

Water or beer

[Gerania]

If I'm not going to have a beer or glass of wine with dinner, I often drink water, but sometimes order unsweetened iced tea. I've done that several times recently. I think it has something to do with summer.

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by Cantabridgienne

This depends entirely on the kind of restaurant. In some alcohol of some sort (wine or beer usually, but it depends on the bar's cocktail program) is by far what the majority orders (with water being a given).

I wasn't including alcoholic beverages nor was the OP asking about them.

Again, I've been associated with the business my entire life. I understand how the higher end restaurants have a much higher liquor mix.

[eggalegga]

I've always been a water drinker--regardless of where I'm dining. I don't like soda unless there's alcohol in it. But even then, I don't drink alcohol while eating.