"Splitting a Coffee" in a Restaurant?
#1
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"Splitting a Coffee" in a Restaurant?
Mrs. Fredd and I were enjoying lunch in an upscale (by local standards) restaurant the other day.
The couple at the next table had finished their main course and asked to split a dessert, then said they would split a coffee as well. They debated regular vs decaf (chose regular), and the server brought them one cup of coffee along with a shared dessert.
She even gave them a refill.
We'll split the odd appetizer, salad, or dessert, most often when recommended by the server (and not all in one meal). I don't think we've ever split a main course, but know folks with small appetites who do and realize some restaurants add a surcharge.
But splitting a coffee? That takes me back to the "one coke - two straws" days of my youth in the 50s.
It was a first for us. Is this at all commonplace?
The couple at the next table had finished their main course and asked to split a dessert, then said they would split a coffee as well. They debated regular vs decaf (chose regular), and the server brought them one cup of coffee along with a shared dessert.
She even gave them a refill.
We'll split the odd appetizer, salad, or dessert, most often when recommended by the server (and not all in one meal). I don't think we've ever split a main course, but know folks with small appetites who do and realize some restaurants add a surcharge.
But splitting a coffee? That takes me back to the "one coke - two straws" days of my youth in the 50s.
It was a first for us. Is this at all commonplace?
#5
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I don't have a problem with that given the cost of wine in restaurants and I think the waiter handled it really well. Maybe they each wanted a taste but not a full glass - that's fine. But when it is coffee or soft drinks with unlimited refills, sharing one and then getting a refill is clearly violating the spirit of the restaurant's policy.
#6
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I don't have a problem with that given the cost of wine in restaurants and I think the waiter handled it really well. Maybe they each wanted a taste but not a full glass - that's fine. But when it is coffee or soft drinks with unlimited refills, sharing one and then getting a refill is clearly violating the spirit of the restaurant's policy.
However, let's hypothesize that it's a cheap wine and an expensive coffee, say, a $6 glass vs. a $3 cup.
My only rationale for drawing a distinction is that it's a second glass of wine versus a first cup of coffee.
IMHO the server handled it with class by offering a refill. I guess I'm overly sensitive about being labeled as a cheapskate, and your comments have reassured me that "splitting" one coffee between two diners is not common practice.
#7
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I eat out ALOT and I've never seen anyone split a coffee. Splitting dessert, on the other hand, is so common that waiters will often bring a second fork when only one person orders dessert, even if they've expressed no desire to share.
#8
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Splitting a coffee is a cheapskate move because it's customarily an item that comes with free refills. Indeed, in this case the server did even refill it. If I were the manager I wouldn't have allowed it. Splitting items that don't come with refills is fine, though. E.g., splitting an appetizer or dessert is common.
#9
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I always split a bottle of wine and, if dessert is ordered at all I will split it. But splitting a coffee and then accepting a refill is appalling behavior.
#10
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It seems like it's strictly a matter between the other table and the restaurant. Unless you were looking for someone else's permission to try it yourselves next time.
#11
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I plead guilty to simple curiosity.
#12
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I will admit I've never heard anyone ask to share a coffee. You were curious. That's understandable. Others are offended. I think that's absurd.
#13
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I've split beer with Mr. Kipper at the end of a meal, and occasionally, they'll give us two half pints. I've not split coffee with anyone, and it seems weird to ask to split that.
#14
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I've spilt a glass of wine with my wife, but never ordered it that way. I've just grabbed it and taken the odd sip. There's also a local bar where I feel comfortable asking for a half glass of wine at the end of the evening. They usually pour me one and don't add it to the tab.
#15
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I've spilt a glass of wine with my wife, but never ordered it that way. I've just grabbed it and taken the odd sip. There's also a local bar where I feel comfortable asking for a half glass of wine at the end of the evening. They usually pour me one and don't add it to the tab.