[General] At a restaurant and in a restaurant.

[arjitsharma]

I am confused in the following sentences:
1. Adam, I saw you at a restaurant with a woman yesterday.
2. Adam, I saw you in a restaurant with a woman yesterday.

Which one should I use ? I hear native speakers say both of them.

 

[emsr2d2]

They're both acceptable. I prefer "at" but "in" is not wrong.

 

[jutfrank]

Using in gives an added meaning of inside.

 

[GoesStation]

In this particular context, at could mean "near the door", "on the terrace", or "in the dining room". In can only mean "inside".

 

[arjitsharma]

But, native speakers, say " at the restaurant" when they are in the restaurant. I just don't get it.

 

[andrewg927]

Please read what GS said again. He explained it well.