Split Checks?

[sam_gordon]

We ask for separate checks in most cases. I tip very generously when this happens since the server has more to do.

OK, I've never been a server, so this is coming from total ignorance... they do?

Isn't everything on a computer? If they write each order on a separate page on their note pad, put in one sheet on the computer, total, second sheet, total, third sheet, total, etc.

I'll agree if they're doing everything by hand it's more.

 

[DISvirgin1]

Many of the resturants in my area will not do separate checks for large parties. So we have gotten used to just splitting the bill. That said, we typically all order similar things, and I'd have no issue telling a person who odered an expensive drink/wine bottle to pony up more. If I was routinly going out with people who ordered expensive things expecting to split the bill, I would stop going out to eat with them and tell them exactly why.

 

[design_mom]

I think that it's more likely that it will continue to be 'uneven'. I tend to drink water. My wife typically has a soft drink. We also typically purchase a moderately priced meal. My sister in law is almost certainly going to have two glasses of wine and order everything ala carte.

If we split the checks evenly, my SIL is going to get a heck of a deal. If we keep doing that over time, it's never going to even out.

Who was it that said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results?

This has been my experience, too. People I know tend to order similar amounts of food each time we go out. A person who orders an appetizer, an entree, and two glasses of wine at one meal is unlikely to order "just a salad and water" at the next meal. (Maybe it would happen once in a blue moon, but not normally.) Unless you generally have similar eating habits to that person, its never going to even out.

I can't think of any restaurants around here that refuse to do separate checks. It just makes everything easier -- and there are so many fewer hard feelings. That way, I am not judging you on what you wish to order; nor am I paying more/less than I owe for what I ordered.

 

[kirstenb1]

I voted split evenly only because we tend to go out with friends with similar tastes.

Having said that, we do much more entertaining at home, partly so we don't even have to deal with this.

 

[mickeysgal]

Another thing - a lot of us don't carry much cash anymore, so splitting a bill means asking the restaurant to take several credit cards to cover one bill. Some places are used to doing that and they don't blink an eye, but other places get thoroughly confused or just don't want to do it. Separate checks is easier for paying by credit card. And I pay every single thing by credit card that I can in order to earn airmiles, so I deliberately don't go and get cash before going out to lunch/dinner.

This is what we do as well. I would say that the last three couples we had dinner with did the same (credit or debit cards). We ask for separate checks right from the start. However, the wait staff usually beats us to the punch and asks us "will this be on separate checks?"

Now when we lived in Chicago, it wasn't so common to see separate checks. There it was one check, and you have to divide it up, if you so chose, right there at the table. Now that we've moved south, separate checks from the start is very commone - more so than not.

ETA: I don't get offended if someone asks for separate checks; I don't consider them cheap, and I certainly wouldn't base and/or judge a friendship on whether they ask for separate checks. Just sayin;

 

[KristaTX]

So most people here prefer to split the check. Me, too, except with certain special friends where we know each other well and just take turns paying.

But the bigger question is. . . Does everyone who prefers split checks also butter their whole piece of bread at once, and actually bite the whole piece of bread??

 

[Albort]

anyone play credit card roulette?

other than that, i tend to like to pay for my own. I notice that when my friends buy alcoholic drinks, the checks always doubles... I never like to drink...

 

[Gumbo4x4]

It depends on the people and situation.

Some people, we usually just alternate picking up the check.

Some people we just generally split down the middle.

Some situations, like at a bar where some people are drinking much more, we'll generally throw in for our share.

It generally just works out that way. If it's been unbalanced, people know it and everyone checks the bill for what they owe. If it's been fairly even, people just shrug and toss in half.

I have never though, asked for separate checks or had anyone else ask for separate checks, anyplace. It's a weird idea to me - like, you can't just look at the check?

NYC.

So, everyone in your circle always pays with cash & always has plenty of change so their portion of the bill works with what's in their wallet? And you've never had a separate check anywhere - including a BAR? Honestly??? I've been to many bars (not all) where they refuse to do a table check anymore. Everyone gets a separate check or you pay for your rounds as you go.

Here's my experience when everyone looks at the bill & tosses in their share - somehow, there's never enough $$$ and the server gets a lousy tip. I'd rather one person take charge of the check, calculate a generous tip, and tell everyone what their share is.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Once, one friend only ordered a $10 entree. When the bill arrived, one guy divided up the bill and told everyone they owe $25. Sorry! But, I fought for my friend who was in shock and rather timid. She should NOT be paying one and a half times what she bought to cover other people's food/alcohol choices. A couple other people spoke up for her, too. We actually live in NYC, where we speak our mind. We ended up paying our own share, much to the guy's irritation, who had ordered a LOT.

I'm reminded of the episode of friends when they all went out to eat "somewhere nice" and Joey, Phoebe, and Rachel were all broke so they ordered nearly nothing. And at the end of the night, someone suggested splitting the bill 6 ways only to have Phoebe blow a gasket

 

[Gumbo4x4]

At least I know that, even if I'm cheap, I'm not in the minority on this one.

High Five!

 

[BlovesC]

Split checks. I don't know anyone, except my father, who carries cash on them at all times. No matter where I go and who I go with, whether the party is 2 people or 20, we always split checks, and we each always pay with our debit/credit cards.

 

[LBIJim]

Can't even remember the last time I've been out that people asked for separate checks. Must be at least 30 years.

With another couple we'll often just split the cost evenly. Or take turns treating. Yes, sometimes one couple will order something more expensive than the other, but in general it's no big deal.

With a group of about 6 to 8, sometimes it's evenly split and other times each person looks at the check and contributes the appropriate amount. This usually works out fine too.

When it's a larger group, I'm always wary when someone suggests spliting the check evenly. In my experience, in large groups, those who suggest or are adamant about dividing evenly ("hey, it's just easier that way") are ALWAYS the ones who've ordered significanty more than the others.

What I really hate is the tightwad who pays exactly what he owes for food and drink, but neglects to include tax and tip. It only took one or two times out with this guy before we decided it would always be separate checks, and someone always comments if he doesn't leave a tip!

Even worse, the person who orders the $15.95 chicken meal, a cocktail, appetizer, coffee, and dessert, then somehow comes to the conclusion that all he owes is an even $15. This usually occurs in a large group situation. In large groups, more often than not, it's been my experience that at least one person is looking to have his meal subsidized.

Jim

 

[Gumbo4x4]

When it's a larger group, I'm always wary when someone suggests spliting the check evenly. In my experience, in large groups, those who suggest or are adamant about dividing evenly ("hey, it's just easier that way") are ALWAYS the ones who've ordered significanty more than the others.




Even worse, the person who orders the $15.95 chicken meal, a cocktail, appetizer, coffee, and dessert, then somehow comes to the conclusion that all he owes is an even $15. This usually occurs in a large group situation. In large groups, more often than not, it's been my experience that at least one person is looking to have his meal subsidized.

Jim

^^^Exactly the experience I usually have with large groups, especially if drinking is involved. No matter how many times the check goes around the table, the money pile is always short & a couple people have to toss in an extra $10-20 each so the waitress doesn't get stiffed. It's why I typically demand separate checks for larger groups.

The same issue doesn't typically happen with 2 couples as it's pretty obvious who's trying to welch out of their portion were someone to try

 

[Katy Belle]

When we lived overseas we would do a girls night out every other month. It was always to very nice restaurants usually in 5 star hotels. The check would always be split evenly at the end of the night. Some people would order apetisers, nice bottles of wine, dessert...it was always high dollar! My friend Lynnette still jokes about her $200 plate of ravioli! We learned in a hurry to go hungry and order what you want, dont try and save!

In general, we are in the seperate check group.

 

[Janepod]

So, everyone in your circle always pays with cash & always has plenty of change so their portion of the bill works with what's in their wallet? And you've never had a separate check anywhere - including a BAR? Honestly??? I've been to many bars (not all) where they refuse to do a table check anymore. Everyone gets a separate check or you pay for your rounds as you go.

Here's my experience when everyone looks at the bill & tosses in their share - somehow, there's never enough $$$ and the server gets a lousy tip. I'd rather one person take charge of the check, calculate a generous tip, and tell everyone what their share is.

Not addressed to me, but these questions are so tempting:

People always pay with cash or pull out a credit card for their share.

I have *never* had a separate check anywhere and have never been asked if I want a separate check. That includes bars. NYC bars, if you're drinking as a group, there is one check. Always. Never separate checks. That's what I've seen everywhere from Ace Bar to Death & Co. to the Bemelmans Bar.

No server has ever suffered on account of us. We (my family and friends) all tip 20% around here. If anything, people try to show off just how magnanimous they are about tipping. It's like something off Curb Your Enthusiasm.

I guess what I'm trying to say is whether we split the bill straight up (4 people, each pays 25% regardless what they order) or throw in a ballpark amount for your share, we never do separate checks, have never seen separate checks, have never been offered separate checks. I just can't imagine sitting at, say, Gramercy Tavern (where we're going Saturday) and having the server write up four separate checks for the four couples who are going to be there. I can see college students maybe getting separate checks at, I don't know, a gyro place, but adults? Really? It is just not something I've ever experienced with the people I go out with or the places we go. But hey, it's the Dis, YMMV significantly.

 

[cornflake]

So, everyone in your circle always pays with cash & always has plenty of change so their portion of the bill works with what's in their wallet? And you've never had a separate check anywhere - including a BAR? Honestly??? I've been to many bars (not all) where they refuse to do a table check anymore. Everyone gets a separate check or you pay for your rounds as you go.

Here's my experience when everyone looks at the bill & tosses in their share - somehow, there's never enough $$$ and the server gets a lousy tip. I'd rather one person take charge of the check, calculate a generous tip, and tell everyone what their share is.

No, occasionally someone won't have money or will want the cash so will pay with their card and take everyone else's cash - that's happened with two people or a large group. I remember a couple times late after work someone not having enough $ and someone spotting them $ until we left and went to an ATM. Other than that, yeah, everyone has money, though no, not everyone has exact change - either you take change from the money other people put in or simply overpay with large bills and ask for one to be broken with the change. They're adults, it's not that hard.

And no, I have never had, asked for, been offered or been part of a table that had separate checks including in any bar. I'm also not the only one who has said that, I think there were at least two others in this thread, probably not coincidentally, from the same area. I wouldn't like, be offended, it has simply never happened and thus I would think it weird and I don't really see the point, as I and everyone I've ever been out with has managed without it.

Generally, if it's a group, people pass the check and toss money in and someone takes it and organizes/counts, yes. If we're short, they say 'wait, we need X more' and usually everyone will toss in an extra $1 or 2 or whatever like evenly. Sometimes there's too much and it'll be offered back like 'did someone need change? We have more than enough' and if not, extra big tip.

I dunno, it's just never been that much drama.

 

[mickeysgal]

I dunno, it's just never been that much drama.

There really isn't any drama. Not sure where that is coming from. If you have a separate check, you know what you owe. No fuss, no drama. For those that have "never" asked for separate checks, you may want to try it, you may like it.

If you have to collect money, come up short, then have to go around the table again for people thrown in more money, or have to offer some back if there is too much (and who really wants to be the first to break down and ask for dollars back?), now that seems like more drama than the simple phrase "separate checks please". Three simple words eliminates the above, eliminates those with the chronic disease of short arms and deep pockets, and eliminates those that eat and drink up a storm knowing full well that they've run the bill up but will be covered when the check is split with the other dining companions. This person, is the ultimate cheapskate, in my opinion - not the person(s) asking for separate checks.

 

[DaisyLynn]

I can't remember the last time I paid cash for a sit-down meal, 1998 maybe?

I've been thinking this same thing as I've read through this entire thread. 1998 is probably a close estimate for me!

But the bigger question is. . . Does everyone who prefers split checks also butter their whole piece of bread at once, and actually bite the whole piece of bread??

I'm reminded of the episode of friends when they all went out to eat "somewhere nice" and Joey, Phoebe, and Rachel were all broke so they ordered nearly nothing. And at the end of the night, someone suggested splitting the bill 6 ways only to have Phoebe blow a gasket

Me too! I was actually going to post that same thing and then I saw yours.



We usually do separate checks because it's easy. If we split an appetizer, then throw it on mine. Or someone else might want to pay for it and they put it on theirs. I do whatever...I don't care. If we were to split the check evenly and I might have to pay a few bucks more than I may have eaten, then oh well. I'm not going to sweat a few bucks. We're probably not talking huge money in most cases.

If we go to a fine dining restaurant, then one person picks up the check. Typically we'd be going with close family and we rotate who pays. We pay this time, dad pays next time...for example.

 

[Mousemom234]

New England here, but I don't know if this is the usual practice in the rest of the area.

We normally pay our own way, all parties pooling cash to cover their orders and tip with one person paying the entire bill via credit card. If it's me or DH, of course we use the Disney Visa

We do this, because some of our friends don't always order appetizers, or drinks, while others do. We decided long ago, that the non-orderers shouldn't have to chip in for something they didn't order (or the lobster vs chicken price difference).
Sometimes we'll split appetizers, and that, for us, depends more on which group of friends we're with as to who pays for that. But it usually revolves, with the person who suggested it paying the whole appetizer for that bill.

 

[JessicaR]

We split it evenly.