Restaurants are terrific places to network with fellow artists. Just a heads-up, bartenders don't ever say "tend bar"; it's just "bartend".
Anyway, there's definitely some truth to the stereotype of restaurant workers being aspiring artists, or "starving artists". You'll definitely find some fellow filmmakers, but remember, filmmaking requires working with artists of all variety, and you'll also meet non-filmmakers who you might find a way to use their talent on your film.
DO IT!!!