This is a difficult subject to discuss objectively since both (customer and server) experiences are very personal.<p>Argument #1 happens frequently at locations that host larger parties (steak houses, for example) while almost never occurs at local pub&#x2F;restaurant.<p>I understand your point of view on #2, however, the job is to server food for the section, not a particular table. I understand its taboo to speak honestly about this - people don&#x27;t want to hear it; A manager doesn&#x27;t care that you had to split a check when a table walked out; A guest doesn&#x27;t care if you have a 7 top when they&#x27;re ordering a $300 bottle of wine.<p>Everyone has particular feelings about this situation and as a server you&#x27;re juggling all of your tables, expectations, emotions, and different cost&#x2F;reward scenarios.<p>Another caveat: when a table walks in and says, prior to ordering, &quot;Can we please split the check 7 ways?&quot; - freaking awesome! Now I know that my notes have to be extra neat and I&#x27;m going through steps of service being extra careful to place items.<p>Most people ask to split the check at the end when I rushed through the entire order and my pad is a total mess and I&#x27;m trying to decipher what happened so everyone is charged correctly.