Check, please? Pretty please?

A fun piece in the WSJ on how waiters and waitresses size up customers has a sidebar on when and how a check should be brought to the table. Not as easy as it seems:

Some guests want the check without asking, some feel rushed if a check is placed on the table before they ask. When researchers asked customers which restaurant service mistake is worst in terms of overall satisfaction, they said not promptly settling the check when the guest is ready to leave, or problems with the check amount. (This complaint was second only to messing up the food order.)

My pet peeve: How the waitstaff will forget about a party once the entree is served (or in some cases once the dessert/coffee orders are taken). This is especially true if there isn't another party waiting for your table. Applebee's has introduced check holders that say, 'I'm ready to go!', though that seems a bit on the anal side (perfect for a big chain).

It's 'tricky,' says Serge Krieger, general manager of fine-dining spots TRU and L2O Restaurant, both in Chicago. Instead of leaving people in check limbo, 'we make them ask,' says Mr. Krieger. 'After coffee, we say, "Anything else I can get you?" And they usually ask for the check.'

Whatever gripes about service don't hold a candle to the old days.