Honestly, we simply lost track of time. But, the customer is always right. If it's not clearly signed that seating is time-limited, I will assume it is not. I

Honestly, we simply lost track of time. But, the customer is always right. If it's not clearly signed that seating is time-limited, I will assume it is not. I have been at (rather popular, busy) restaurants where a waiter will politely inform you that they have another reservation on our table 30 minutes later, giving us time to finish up without feeling rushed. Perhaps it's just a polite way to get rid of lingering customers, but we certainly didn't feel as if we were thrown out. In a lot of cases, they'll even inform you beforehand that a reservation is for such and such time, usually 2 or 3 hours. That's perfectly fine and upfront, I certainly don't mind that. I don't go out to just eat and get the hell out. Conversation is absolutely a part of going out to eat, and people don't appreciate feeling rushed.