How To Pay The Bill At A Restaurant: A Step-By-Step Guide

Paying the bill at a restaurant can be awkward and confusing if you don’t know the proper etiquette. As someone who has worked as a server for over 5 years, I’ve seen it all – from people getting into arguments over who should pay, to credit cards getting declined, and everything in between

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of paying the bill from start to finish, so you can avoid looking like a fool or making things weird and uncomfortable at the table.

Frequency of Entities

Based on the provided content, here are the key entities involved in paying the bill and their frequency:

• Guest: 6 times
• Server/Waiter: 5 times
• Check/Bill: 5 times
• Credit Card: 3 times
• POS System: 1 time
• Bartender: 1 time

Step 1: Request the Check

Once you are finished with your meal and ready to leave, you need to signal to your server that you are ready for the check There are a few ways to go about doing this

• Make eye contact with your server and ask for the check. Just say “excuse me, could we get the check please?”
• If your server is busy, try catching their attention discreetly by putting up your hand. Do not call out to them from across the room.
• Some restaurants will bring the check automatically without you having to ask. But don’t rely on this – it’s better to request it when ready.

Pro Tip: If you are in a hurry, you can ask for the check any time during the meal instead of waiting until the end. Just let your server know you need to pay early.

Step 2: The Check Arrives

Once requested, the server will print out the check and bring it to your table. Depending on the restaurant, it could come in a bill folder, on a small tray, or just printed on paper.

Here is what you need to know about the check itself:

• It will itemize everything ordered and show the total amount owed. Make sure to look it over for accuracy.
• There may be a line for adding tip. This is optional and up to your discretion.
• Sometimes the check includes a ‘suggested tip’ percentage – feel free to ignore this.
• The total at the bottom is the full amount you need to pay. This does not include tip.

If everything on the check looks correct, you are ready for the next step.

Step 3: Decide on Payment Method

Before the server picks up the check, you need to decide how you will be paying. Here are some common payment options:

• Credit Card: This is the most convenient option. Just insert your card into the check folder or hand it to the server.
• Cash: Take out the cash and either place it inside the check folder, or place on top of the folder. Don’t forget to calculate tip.
• Splitting: Separate checks or divide total evenly. Communicate clearly to server.
• Gift card/certificate: Use like a credit card. The balance will be applied to the check.

If paying together, either choose one person to pay or split evenly. Never assume someone else will cover the full bill without asking.

Step 4: The Server Retrieves Payment

Put the check folder at the edge of the table to show that you are ready to pay once the money is ready. The server will then discreetly pick it up.

If paying cash, they may ask if you need change. If paying by card, they will take it to process payment and bring it back.

Never grab the check back or try to hand it directly to the server. Let them pick it up when ready.

Step 5: The Check Returns

After processing payment, the server will return the check folder to the table. If paying by card, your card will be returned and the itemized receipt will be inside the folder for your signature.

Review the receipt amount and ensure tip has been added if paying cash. Then sign the receipt and place it back in the folder on the edge of the table when finished.

The server will take the folder, and you’ll be paid! Remember to thank the server before you leave.

Mistakes to Avoid

When paying the restaurant bill, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Forgetting to check the total or itemization before paying
• Not signalling when ready to pay
• Grabbing the check back before the server picks it up
• Arguing with others at the table over who should pay
• Paying with a card that gets declined
• Forgetting to add tip for cash payments
• Leaving before signing the receipt

Following proper etiquette makes paying the check quick and seamless for everyone involved.

Who Should Pay the Bill?

For casual meals with friends, it’s generally accepted nowadays to just split the bill evenly. With dates, it depends on your dynamic as a couple. Men don’t necessarily always have to pay – just communicate with your partner.

With family and special occasions, it’s typical for one person to treat the table. For business meals, the party who extended the invitation or made reservations usually pays.

Paying Separate Checks

If you want to pay for your share only, it’s perfectly ok to ask for separate checks. Just make the request before ordering. Servers can print individual checks if communicated up front.

Some restaurants allow guests to download an app and pay for their items separately. Or you can calculate your portion and pay cash based on what you had.

While splitting everything evenly is simpler, don’t feel pressured to overpay if you only had an appetizer while others had entrees and drinks.

Handling Credit Card Declines

If the credit card you planned to pay with gets declined, don’t panic. Apologize to the server and ask them to run another card. If you don’t have a second form of payment, most restaurants will hold the table briefly while you run to an ATM.

Just don’t dine and dash – that’s illegal. As long as you stick around and settle up, declines aren’t a huge deal. Servers are trained to handle this discreetly.

Leaving the Tip

Tipping is expected at sit-down restaurants with table service in the United States. 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard.

For cash, calculate tip, add to total, and leave bills on the table. For card, write in tip and total before signing.

Never stiff your server – tip based on service, not food. Remember that tips make up the bulk of their wages in many states.

Ask for Help If Needed

Don’t feel embarrassed to ask your server for help with the payment process, especially if a restaurant has an unusual system. Servers deal with confused customers daily – they won’t judge you for asking questions.

Paying the check is the last impression you’ll make, so ask for assistance if unsure. Leaving with smiles all around is the goal.

And that covers everything you need to know about properly paying the bill and tipping at a restaurant! Follow these steps and tips to handle payment seamlessly. Focus on being prepared, communicating clearly, and thanking your server. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Mastering check etiquette will ensure you make a graceful exit each time.