I just don't get it thread!!!

They have always split a check for me in Houston and in Denver whenever I have traveled for business to those 2 places, however they are not eastcoast cities.

Yes that depends on who had what and if squabbling comes naturally to them all. I don't like paying for things I did'nt order either. So, I mentally calculate what I or my party consumes, round it to even number, depending on service, add gratuity, place cash with the bill and simply say to everyone..."that takes care of me" and I'm done with it.

That's certainly a great way to handle it and I've been there myself. I think I talked about it earlier... I've lost track to be honest. The only trouble I've run into with that method is trusting other people will get their part right. A couple times the total has come up short that way. Unfortunately not everyone is good at doing that kind of math in their heads. For that sort of possibility, it might be in the best interest of the server to do the split, so all their customers know exactly what they owe.

All depends on the situation. No one right way.

I went back and looked at Erin's post. It's not edited by me or anyone else that I can see. I wouldn't know how to go about editing someone else's post. As for editing what part of her quote I was responding to, I think that is just being accurate. It is done all the time on these forums. It is very confusing to quote an entire post if you are only replying to a portion of it. Most of your posts today seem to be directed at me rather than the topic, so I think if I continue to respond to you I am only making the matter worse.

Yes, of course, I was speaking specificly about editting the quote, which is why I referrenced editting the response, not the post. And yes, quote editting is done routinely to respond to only a portion of it. I'll note that you left in the entirety of the previously quoted text as well, but only editted out the portion which illustrated why she did not see what the big deal was. Editting for brevity is fine, but edits which remove the context of the statement are problematic for obvious reasons.

I'm sorry if you feel this is directed personally at you. It's not. It's only directed at what you have said in this particular thread. If there were other posts as vehemently opposed to check splitting as you are, I assure you I'd be addressing those as well, and indeed I have responded to posts other than yours. I've agreed with you in the past more than I've disagreed with you, this is just one of the latter...

It doesn't matter to me whether you agree with me or not.

OK, I'm going to be a Smart a$$ here.

Presuming that the establishment has a standing rule they don't split checks, Yes there are a few in this city.

How hard is this one. 5 Diners, $137.00 Check, divided by 5 = $27.40 + 15% from each, round it up for even numbers saying $4.60 totals $32.00 per person. The server just made $ 2.45 more than 15% of total check and everyone should be fine.

Yes that depends on who had what and if squabbling comes naturally to them all. I don't like paying for things I did'nt order either. So, I mentally calculate what I or my party consumes, round it to even number, depending on service, add gratuity, place cash with the bill and simply say to everyone..."that takes care of me" and I'm done with it.

Whew, I feel better now...

That's what I do as well. Rare that I even go out with groups though but all this is based on the past.

I've agreed with you in the past more than I've disagreed with you, this is just one of the latter...

It doesn't matter to me whether you agree with me or not.

... I only said that as demonstration that it isn't about you: that it isn't personal. As it appears that I can't convince you of that, then I guess I really should just let it drop. Consider it done.

Holly - I noticed that too on the east coast. I rationalized the situation with a guy in New York and lucky for me he bought it. I told him that we are separate couples who are sitting at the same table so we just made it easier for him so he doesnt have to go to more than one table.

I would say that I go out a fair amount with checks split. Most servers are quite happy to do it, and it isn't a big problem. My theory on the table splitting its own check is that someone always pays more than their share. That's fine with me, but many folks get really antsy if they think they're paying for part of my entree. So, usually we get the server to split the check (again, with modern computer restaurant software, it doesn't seem very hard to them), or I figure I'll be the one to overpay.

I don't find asking the waiter to split the check to be rude or tacky for lunch. When it is a nice dinner at a nice restaurant, we'll get one person to pay for it and the others pay up that night or in the next few days just so it is more relaxed.

you have much better friends than I so you prefer 1 check.

wow, I am very sorry that you took it that I somehow implied this. You obviously don't know my friends. Most have a fairly extensive criminal record, a drinking problem, or both.

Which one does Robin fit in?

Responding to Holly- as a fairly new Louisvillian after 25+ yrs in NYC- I was shocked when a server asked me if the check should be split. I worked in and around the restaurant business all those years and in all establishments it was policy not to split checks. Most guests would split the bill on a number of cards. Or everyone would figure out how much they owed and threw the $$ in the pot. I've done this numerous times myself, and rarely, if ever, has anyone felt cheated. And believe me, my friends would let me know if they felt gypped.
That being said, with the newer generations of POS systems it is pleasent not having to use your brain at the end of a long meal.
I appreciate hearing the differing (and evidently heartfelt) view points on these subjects. You Louisvillians are a passionate bunch.

Hi, is this thread still about things we don't like in restaurants? Mine go back some time. About ten years ago, in Detroit, we ate at a Greek restaurant and I ordered a coke to drink. It came quite small, in a very skinny glass. Over the dinner, I requested 3 refills, being from Louisville where colas are either big or they provide free refills. After dinner, we learned that my "coke" had been $2.00...each. Eight dollars for a coke.
I did not complain, but it would have been nice if we had been warned that my subsequent requests were not refills. My other complaint still makes me laugh after 20 years. I was a cashier at the Brown Hotel in J.Graham's Cafe. When the MacCauley (sp?) had a show, everyone seemed to come in about an hour before showtime. Then, at almost the same moment, most of them stood and approached my Cashier station. It was a very long line and many, when they were maybe 3 or 4 customers back in the line would tell me I had to take their money or they'd be late for the show. I was responsible for my money. I worked fast but there was a process to ensure accuracy. The ones at the back would end up mad at me. Not the manager...just little ole' me. One time the manager did come behind the register and took the money and the check and just put them down anywhere without counting them. She kept slowing me down as she took people from the back I could just see my paycheck flying out the window. When it was over that time, I looked around at the money all over the place and decided maybe college might not be such a bad idea after all. Actually, show nites weren't usually bad but just really, really busy. One nite, after the show rush and when I was totally worn out, 4 men in tuxes came in after our usual closing time. So I told them I was sorry but we were closed. I told them repeatedly as they teased me to get me to let them in, I thought. I learned that nite that Wynton Marsalis has a great sense of humor!

I'm originally from upstate New York (Rochester area) and there split checks are done on a fairly normal basis except in high end restaurants. Also when I lived in South Carolina it was done there. Of course in Europe it is a different matter entirely, service compris (menu price includes tip) is the norm, dining out is a more social experience and most servers expect to split tips for large parties.

When going out with another couple, it is easier for me to pick up the check than split it. We had some out of state friends who wanted to split the check, I finally agreed. I was appalled when they left less than a 10% tip. I tip well and felt embarassed by that, in MY CITY! Now, I don't take them anywhere good, where I am known or grab the check.
In college I roomed with a couple of business majors and when we went out, one check, the business majors would add 15% tip and then divide by the number of people. The core group never complained. One guy did and we stopped asking him to dinner.