The Hoboken Cafe 

How can it be that whenever some event here takes place in a bar, people do not give enough money for the bill so someone who's fed up with arguing puts much more money in than necessary?

Check yourself: You had three beers (7 each) and a burger (7.95). How much do you pay?

Wrong! First you forgot that you shared an appetizer (5.95) with someone, then you forgot to add THIRTY percent. Makes forty-two bucks. Why thirty? Cause its 8.25 city tax and 20 percent tip.[You may, therefore, deduct 1.75%, if you feel that you need to be silly. However, after three beers you should better not try.]

CONCLUSION: If you feel like paying 29, put in 42, or do not go to the city!

It's truly truly unfortunate that this happens. I have had this happen a number of times (even on occasion with close friends which I think is worse) and I have also often put in more money just to help the person who has to pay the bill out because it is not fair that one person bear the brunt of it all.

Sometimes people honestly don't realize how much things add up but sometimes people are just trying to get out of paying their share. Did you tell the person at the time that they owed more money? Although you would think we could all be adults about it, sometimes you just have to be direct about it.

I went to a birthday party not too long ago where a friend had a sit-down dinner with about 20 people. As the night went on people started leaving and would leave what they thought they owed for their portion. When the bill came and there were about 8 of us left, we all had to put in way more than we owed--there was no way we were going to let the b-day girl pay the difference.

Lately when I have been going out, I just open my own tab - it's just easier that way. I know this isn't always practical though, esp. when you are having dinner as well.

Hi I truely relate to all this as it has happened to me frequently ..short of splitting the bill equally amongst all parties (which doesnt seem fair to those who dont drink vs those who do ) or having seperate bills...which can be just as much a hassle...

Lately when I have been going out, I just open my own tab - it's just easier that way. I know this isn't always practical though, esp. when you are having dinner as well.

This is the correct answer. Especially if people are coming and going.

Look it has happenned many times... To which, I note exactly what I order, remember the prices, factor in tip and tax and I asked if it is enough. If there is a dispute, I tell them what I order and why I think I am paying my fair share. There will be times where I will be generous and put in extra bucks. Other times, I don't like it when I have to put in more.

Example of anger, I order Chinese food with a group of people (about 7 people). I only order Scallion Pancakes which should cost 3.25 according to the menu. I put in 5 for tax and tip. Well, the money was about 5 dollars short and I had to put in the 5. I did but I made sure I told EVERYONE, I am NOT paying 10 dollars for a 3.25 (not including tax and tip) dish. They finally figured out that the entire group forgot about tax and tip and shorted about 1-2 dollars each.

hmm, I have a solution... let's all move to thailand (might need to change the name of this site to bangkokcafe.com) where tax is included and tipping is not expected. And even if people still put in the wrong amount, everything is so cheap, it doesn't really matter (nothing beats a $2.00 mouth-watering all you can eat vegetarian buffet!)

There already is a thai cafe from the main nexus branch.

Or you move to Germany. Tax is included. Tips are much less (more like rounding up to the next Euro) and more flexible (anything from no tip to 20% is not uncommon). But the real advantage is that you usually have separate checks.

amizoguld said on 5/29/2004 5:14 PM

>hmm, I have a solution... let's all move to thailand (might need to change the name of this site to bangkokcafe.com) where tax is included and tipping is not expected. And even if people still put in the wrong amount, everything is so cheap, it doesn't really matter (nothing beats a $2.00 mouth-watering all you can eat vegetarian buffet!)

Hey Ben

Best thing for that situation is everyone should get separate tabs.
That way friendships don't get ruin over this.If and when anyone has a taste for food,let them order they own that way it will be on their tab,If they choose to share it thats on them,they still have to pay they own tab.

LiL Nancy

Well, I would not move to Germany to straighten up bills, but to see tall cute males.. hehe???

Anyway, in Japan, there is NO tipping customes (what a beautiful it is?) and taxes are included. Yeah, we are efficient as to numeric figure goes, but the way Japanese culture works, they are in a mess...

Del