Why did you have to walk back to your hotel? Weren't there any ATMs around? Did you have cash at your hotel? If so why not just carry some with you?

You were eating by yourself? Your post suggests that there were other people dining with you. They did not have any cash either? Did everyone stiff the waiter?

Can you give the city and name of the resturant, so we can get thier side of the story? And so other posters that don't believe in cash can stay away, and learn from your experience.