I HATE waitstaff that wants to be your best friend!! I don't need any new friends, I just want you to bring me my damn food! At a good restaurant, they'll walk that fine line.
As in the way the waiter at La Veranda handled himself. Was very warm, friendly, but yet remained professional the whole time. He never crossed that fine line. Same with the matr'd at Panicos.
You'll usually find that in most upscale restaurants.
However if I frequent a local restaurant in my neighborhood, I want the waiter or waitress that usually serves me to be a bit more friendly than normal. I almost invite them to cross that line a bit. I think it's more acceptable, and somewhat expected when you frequent a local restaurant.
