Run a tab意思

"Run a tab" is a term commonly used in bars, restaurants, or any establishment where customers order items for consumption and pay at the end. It means to keep a running tally of the items you've ordered and consume, which will be paid for all at once when you're ready to leave.

Here's a step-by-step explanation of what happens when you "run a tab":

  1. Opening the Tab: When you first sit down and are ready to order, you would inform the server or bartender that you want to "open a tab." They will then assign you a tab and may give you a card or check presenter to keep at your table.

  2. Ordering and Consumption: As you order drinks or food, the server will note each item on your tab. You can continue to order and consume items as you like, and each new item will be added to your running total.

  3. Viewing the Tab: If you want to check the current balance of your tab, you can ask the server for a "tab check" or "check please." They will bring you a printout or show you the current balance on a portable device.

  4. Closing the Tab: When you're ready to pay and leave, you would inform the server that you want to "close the tab." They will finalize the total, including any taxes and tips, and you can settle the bill with cash, a credit card, or another payment method.

  5. Payment and Receipt: After paying, you will receive a receipt for the transaction. You can then leave the establishment, and your tab is considered closed.

Running a tab is a convenient way to enjoy your time without worrying about paying for each item immediately, especially if you plan to stay for a while or have multiple rounds of drinks. It's also a common practice to have a group tab, where multiple people contribute to the same bill.

In some contexts, "running a tab" can also refer to keeping a record of transactions or debts, but in a bar or restaurant setting, it always means keeping a running total of your orders.