What's the etiquette of paying the check at the restaurant?

Question

The waiter sets the check holder in standing on the table. Do I lay it down after I put the credit card in? Or is there any rule at all?
Thanks.

Answer 1

It's pretty basic. Put the card inside with part of it sticking out and put it near the edge of the table.

-so if you are buying it is done and not a focus on who is paying and all of that. You are graciously taking care of it
-or if it is hidden inside and in the center of the table. The server has to wonder if you are ready and may have to interupt. If it is on the edge with a bit of the card the server can just take it and come back and say thankyou.

So all in all if you just put it on the edge you will denote class and it's about who you are with, not the cash. The server will not rush you as much as they are trying to figure out where you are in your dining and once you pay they will know. Big mistake people make is to think once they pay they will be rushed out and get no attention.

On a related note the best thing to do if say you are buying for a friend or say your parents....... find the server on the way back from the bathroom. Give them your card. Tell the server to come by again and ask if anybody wants anything else. When people say no or somebody wants coffee or something the server can just run it for you and drop it off.

Answer 2

There's usually a littlle pocket near the top inside the book. Just put your credit card in it, it'll stick out a bit. Then lay it at the edge of the table. That's the signal to the waiter to pick it up.

Answer 3

Whoever is paying puts the credit card or cash into the folder then lays it down on the table at the edge.

Answer 4

Yes, you place your credit card or money inside the holder they provide and lay it down on the table. If you are paying by credit card, they will bring it back to you for your signature and don't forget to add in the tip before signing. Place it back on the table for them to pick up again.

Answer 5

If you are with a date ... then relax and be sure there is a good tip included.

If you are with a large group ... don't fall for the idea of everybody paying an equal share. Somebody will always order alot more than you and you will be paying for their meal.

Try not to pay by credit card. It safer and more impressive to pay with cash. Show your friends how many hundreds you got on you. Its more fun.

Answer 6

laying it down would be a good indicator you are ready or you can flag them over if they are near and give it to them. there really isnt a right or wrong as long as they get their money at the end

Answer 7

let the other guy pay .no need to be a bigshot .whoever invited the group should pay and the others in the group should pitch in

Answer 8

I would put it down, and wait for him to take it. Seems right to me.