The rate in the SF Bay Area is around $125-200 night, + tips & free dinner with pay scale commenserate with musicianship experience & your drawing power. Bigger (in demand) entertainer-musicians obviously can command even more $. The advantage of playing in a restaurant with a dedicated bar-lounge is that this type of venue encourages more song requests + singing, & audience interaction, reaping more tips, often equal or more than the house pay itself.

Bill, your new restaurant gig venture sounds like a promising opportunity for both you and the restaurant. I agree with Tony in starting out 'low key' to test the waters & management & diners mood-response. I believe your job in this venue is primarily providing restaurant BACKGROUND music abience. The dinners should still be able to easily hear & carry on a conversation with each other. After establishing yourself, perhaps adding vocals later in the evening would be a welcome addition and attract a later crowd to come for after dinner cocktails & dessert & enjoy your music & singing.

Scott