My gauge of crowds:
When there are more than 15 cars at the light on Morse at Rio Grande!
Or, when I have to wait through two cycles to turn left from Buena Vista to westbound CR466.
Over time I and my usual "eating buddies" have learned that, in the winter, you don't expect to eat before 8:00pm unless you show up at your restaurant of choice close to 3:30pm! In summer, you can usually arrive about 7:00 and walk right in!
Considering that I almost never ate out before coming to TV, I think I've adjusted quite well!
SWR