DEAR MISS MANNERS: When dining out, it seems that the latest way for the server to take the order and present the bill is via an electronic tablet. I’m fine with the ordering part, but not with the billing.
First, in many cases, the server comes to your table and simply gives you an amount that you owe, and then stands there and waits for the payment. This can be awkward, especially now that many of us are using cash to avoid credit card upcharges, and the servers seem to get impatient, especially if they are busy.
Secondly, I like to review my bill before I pay it to make sure that that I am not over- or undercharged (yes, I will tell the server when he or she misses something and undercharges me).
When I’ve asked for a paper copy to look at prior to paying, I am often met with rolling eyes and other subtle expressions of impatience. What is the best way to respond to this? You wouldn’t buy anything anywhere else without being able to see the entire price; why would a restaurant be any different?
GENTLE READER: The best way to deal with subtle expressions of impatience when you ask for a copy of the bill is to ignore them. The best way to deal with eye-rolling (which is not, to Miss Manners’ thinking, subtle) is to ask to speak with a supervisor.
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(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
