May 6, 2011

#227: Peas 'n Love - The Economics of Eating Out (Friday, May 6)

If you're like me, you spend a lot of your time eating out--and it's usually group dining. Years ago it wasn't an issue, but recently dining out has become a complicated event. I've watched groups bicker over who pays for what and sometimes, it can end up being a financial burden when it should be about enjoying great company and good food. (I once paid $40 on a non-birthday dinner when I'd only had dessert, just to keep the peace.) I don't mind splitting the check evenly, but I do realize that not everyone is in the same financial situation. A regular Tuesday dinner for me could be someone's monthly treat.

My sorority sisters and I have a great plan that has worked for us for over 10 years. For birthday dinners, we add the birthday girl's tab, tax and tip and divide it by 6, then add that to whatever we ordered. And if we all ordered something comparable, we split the tab.

Eating out shouldn't break your wallet, nor should it be a complicated event. Here are some etiquette rules from the experts for group dining:
  • It is acceptable etiquette to ask for a separate check. If you're in a large group, ask the waiter quietly (so that every party at the table doesn't want a separate check) and do so before the meal begins.
  • If it is a birthday dinner, it is customary to split the check for the person celebrating the birthday.
  • If the group has opted for one check and everyone orders food in the same price range (within a few dollars), it is acceptable to split the bill evenly.
  • Conversely, if someone orders food that is significantly more expensive than others or more drinks, that person should offer to leave more. 
  • However, the taxes and tip should be split evenly among all diners regardless of how much individual meals cost.
  • Bring cash to group dinners.
  • Diners can opt to just pay for what they order, but it is rude to use calculators during dinner. Instead, round your portion to the nearest dollar.
Don't let a squabble over the bill ruin a great evening with friends.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I think this is great advice Debs...I've been in embarrassing situations where people start breaking the bill down to the nearest cent! Really sad:(