General Etiquette > Life...in general

Seperate Checks

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WillyNilly:
My understanding is its regional.

In my area many restaurants won't split checks, or at least not too many per table - you could probably request 2 checks for one table in many restaurants, but not 3 or 4, or more.

I think it also comes down to the local culture and nature of the meal.  In my social group, we dine out together often and tend towards just one bill and splitting evenly, figuring eventually it all evens out.  If one person orders significantly more or less (cost-wise) we just adjust a bit up or down for that one person, but its still only an "about" number - if someone nickled & dimed it down to the very cent, they would probably not get many more invites to join people for dinner.

Outdoor Girl:
I always get my own cheque.  I don't order expensively most of the time, I don't drink in restaurants (cost and driving) and so often, people have suggested we just split the bill.  Sorry, I'm not subsidizing you.  My friends are really good about separate checks because one couple is arithmetically challenged and can't figure out their portion fairly so it works out best for everyone - if they leave too little, it is all on them.

If I can't get a separate check, I add up what I had and add 30% (13% tax, 17% tip) and either throw in that amount of cash or ask for that much to be run on my card.

CakeBeret:
I always request separate checks. It makes it so much easier than trying to split a bill. Admittedly, I don't dine out with a lot of different people, but I've never had anyone object or seem put off by it either.

jpcher:

--- Quote from: WillyNilly on May 01, 2012, 05:11:31 PM ---My understanding is its regional.

In my area many restaurants won't split checks, or at least not too many per table - you could probably request 2 checks for one table in many restaurants, but not 3 or 4, or more.

--- End quote ---

In that case, I do think it's regional.

I was at a restaurant for lunch one day and I saw a group of people sitting at one table (maybe 10 or so?) I watched in amazement when their bill(s) came . . . every one of them brought out their credit card or cash . . . what amazed me was the server. How on earth did she keep everybody's card and bill organized without any confusion?


OP, I agree with PPers . . . if you want a separate check just ask your server. No need to involve your dinner mates.

Kaypeep:
I'm in NYC and twice I have been rebuffed by servers at very nice restaurants when I asked for a separate check.  I was the only one in the group of 8 asking for it, so it only would have been 2 checks.  (These friends are big wine drinkers and I learned the hard way once that their policy of just splitting the bill 8 ways was causing me to pay more than my fair share.)  I think they didn't want the trouble.  It put me off of asking for a separate check, and instead I just make it a point to bring a lot of cash in multiple denominations so that I can pay my fair share.

/And yes, I have spoken up at bill time and stated I'm only paying for my own share and not splitting evenly since I didn't drink bottles of wine.

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