asking closing time of the restaurant

[katnoric32]

Can I ask this way?

"when does the restaurant close today?"

When I used this expression, it seems like the guy didn't understand instantly...

Thanks!

 

[Barb_D]

That's fine but "How late are you open?" may be what he was expecting to hear.

 

[katnoric32]

Thanks.

So..when you hear "when does the restaurant close today?", does it sound too textbook-like something? or is it an expression which native speakers never use?

 

[JMurray]

not a teacher

As Barb says, your expression is fine and not at all unnatural.
Perhaps he was used to the more simple "When do you close?", or something similar to Barb's suggestion.
Either way, there's nothing about your question that should have thrown him.

 

[Tdol]

What time do you stop serving?/What time are last orders? might also help if you're interested in getting food.

 

[emsr2d2]

"What time do you close today?" is what I would use and what I hear most often.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

"When does your restaurant close today?" (or "close tonight" or "close") is fine. You can also say "you" instead of "your restaurant."

All are natural. There are lots of ways to say it. Here are a few more:

When do you close?
How late are you open?
What's your closing time?
When's your closing time?
How late will you be open tonight?
What time will you be open till?
What time are you open till?