You are 3 shrimp appetizers and four martinis deep and now you're trying to split the bill evenly among the 3 of us. You are not slick. Stunts like this will revoke your lifetime invitation to go out to eat with your family friends forever. I hate that I have to visit this topic but it is apparent that it is needed. We are going to discuss Group Dining Etiquette. Make sure you share this with whoever needs this.
Everyone Pays for What They Ordered
I recently heard a story about a girl who attended her friend's Birthday Dinner at a restaurant that sold predominantly seafood. However, she is allergic to seafood. She decided to order from the very limited section they had for non-seafood eaters. She had a salad and potatoes. Everyone else had pounds of shrimp, drinks, and appetizers. When the bill came out, the people with the highest bills said: "Hey, let's split this bill evenly amongst everyone." It was a pretty high bill which meant she would have to pay $40 for salad and potatoes. That was not what they agreed on upon attending the dinner.
Not only is that unfair and can easily result in an argument, but it's also an uncomfortable position to be put in. Typically the people who suggest paying the bill that way can't afford everything they've ordered and they are trying to finesse their way out of that. Everyone should pay for what they've ordered. If you ordered a salad, pay for your salad. If you ordered lobster, pay for your lobster. Unless everyone planned and agreed on splitting the bill evenly, you should be paying your own bill. The only thing you should be splitting is the tip which brings me to my next point.
Treat the Servers With Respect
There is nothing fun about eating with someone who gives the server such a hard time. "Take this back and bring this back" " like my food a certain temperature" "Also, I want my lemons cut into thinner slices for my water". The interesting part is those are usually the customers who never tip. I had one person tell me they give servers a difficult time so that they can pretend the service was poor so they won't have to tip and maybe even get a discount. This behavior is a bad look at them and your group.
Servers have such a high-stress, labor-intensive job that they are expected to do with high energy and a smile on their face. Please don't treat the server like a fetch dog. We should be kind in general but please consider the fact that your server is a person. Also, appropriately tip.
Don't Forget That You Are Not At Home
Have you ever went out to eat and the table by you was so loud that you can't hear the person you're sitting at the table with? Try not to be extremely loud because everyone at the restaurant is trying to have an enjoyable experience as well as you. and your group I know when you're in a group it's easy for volume to get out of control, but just be mindful of your surroundings.
Also, don't trash the table. I know that there are people who clean the booth/table but they shouldn't have to scrub gum off of the seats. One time I went out to eat with my mother and table nearby had pizza crust all on the ground and had fries all over the table. Not only is it disrespectful to the establishment but it kills the ambiance of the restaurant. I personally all the trash together and stack the plates when my group and I finish eating. I'm not saying that's a must but that's my way of keeping the area decent for them to clean. Consideration contributes to having an enjoyable experience.
Respect the Establishments Closing Time
Imagine working a 10 hr shift and 15 minutes before closing, a group of 7 walks in wanting a table? How about you sat a table over an hour ago and you're still there way past closing, serving that same table? Do onto others as you want to be done to you. "Well they could've just kicked us out" or "They should've never sat us then." may be what you're thinking. However, it's like wearing Crocs. Just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should. There are other places that will feed you late. Be kind to the establishment and those who work there. I had friends that were mad at me because I refused to grab a table at 9:45 when the restaurant closes at 10 pm. I didn't want to be "that table" and I also felt for the employees. Let them go home to their families. You wouldn't want anyone doing that to you. You get back what you put out. We can eat there another day at a way better time.
That's just a few things we should consider when we go out to eat with our friends and family. Going out to eat is supposed to be enjoyable and celebratory. Don't embarrass your friends and family by disrespecting each other, the restaurant, and the employees. Not only does that come back on you, but it's also going to make people not want to enjoy your company over food anymore. There are people I've eaten with and said to myself "This will be the LAST time" and it was. Don't be that human and don't tolerate that behavior from those you dine with either.
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