I question the sanity of people who would pay $60.00 for a child's lunch

So much wrong here. 5 people and the total was $500. Why would you even need the waiter to figure out who had how many kids?
No way is she your friend and you didn't know that's how shes is.
Since you do have the bill I assume or look up the prices, tell you friend how much she owes you.
Out of curiosity, did your friend tip generously?
What were you doing in such an expensive restaurant in first place?
So, it was $150 for her and $350 your part? She owes you $150 plus. Get it back slowly, but surely shorting her going forward.
I have a feeling gratuity was included in that $500.

Anonymous wrote:*Very Important‼️
Next time let the waitperson know ahead of ordering that you would like separate bills + be specific because it can be confusing afterward.

But I digress……
I would have probably specified to the waiter that I only was paying for one child vs. three, but that is due to the fact that I couldn’t afford the extra $200 you mentioned.
However if I COULD afford to do so - - I would have just paid for my friend’s two kids then casually mention that she can pay for mine the next time.

My answer may not be the most popular one on here, but truthfully this is how I would have handled things.

This doesn't sound like a friend who would have actually paid next time. People who trade off care about fairness generally even if not to the dollar, which this mom doesn't seem to.

She needs to pay her fair share so ask her for it today. It's really rude how she took advantage of you especially since you were willing to split it 50/50 even though she has 2 kids. Then pushed it even further when you paid for all 3 kids. Oh, heck no. $200 more. Nope! How much did she pay and how much did you pay? You were caught off guard but you can fix this by using your words now and standing up for yourself as this is a life lesson here and get your money back. Figure out the math and ask her for the difference for "Sally's and Larry's meals. Stand up for yourself OP you will get a lot a confidence after doing this and realizing you have a voice you can use.

It sounds like you can't actually afford to pay $60 for your kid to eat at a restaurant, so quit taking them to eat out at expensive places. Also, stop being a doormat in the moment and then complaining to online strangers later.

Anonymous wrote:I think I'd follow up and tell her: I need you to know that I'm pretty pissed about how payment was handled for our evening out. I volunteered to split the bill even though you have two kids and I have one, knowing that I would pay more. That was ok. Instead of simply splitting the bill, you insisted on having the waiter divvy out by item, which was a little embarrassing and resulted in me being charged for all three kids' $60 meals. When I noted that I was essentially paying $200 more than you dismissed it. You should have most certainly offered to pay me back. Again, I'm pissed and if not actual money, I am owed an apology.

I love this and, indeed, this is what transpired, but it is likely friendship ending unless the friend is the rare bird who is thick skinned and direct herself. So ask yourself if it’s worth it to you to get back $150.

Your friend was rude because she’s the one who insisted on splitting the bill by what people ordered, but then blew it off when the waiter messed up entirely in her favor.
I mean, she could have just offered to Venmo you the difference or pay the tip (if that worked out).
But it’s done now, I don’t think you can get it back unless you really need the $$
I just wouldn’t go out to dinner with her in the future.

This sounds fake or you creating drama. You tell the waiter only one child was yours, bill is incorrect and please fix it.

Why wouldn’t you just have the waiter fix it?! It’s so weird to me that people don’t just speak up.

You have the waiter correct the bill, how was this an issue.

I generally ask for a separate check at the beginning of the meal, but I don't go to places that would cost $500 for two adults and three kids. At that level of restaurant it seems tacky to ask for separate checks and doubly tacky to ask the waiter to redo them (when you didn't request it up front). You had the right idea asking your friend to split evenly but since she made it awkward by refusing to do that AND hasn't offered to reimburse you for the restaurant's error I wouldn't dine out with her again.

Anonymous wrote:I’d send her a text and ask her to Venmo you $120 for her kids meals. Keep the tone light and maybe even make a joke like how you are flattered the waiter thought you could handle parenting 3 kids (or whatever), but then say it would be great if she reimbursed you for her kids’ meals. Use the phrase “your kids’ meals” or “Maggie and Lisa’s meals.” Don’t get into how you’re annoyed and all, unless she pushes back and refuses to pay.

Do it NOW before more time passes.

She was a jerk to mooch like that. Are you both super rich?

This handle this today! Word it just like that: Lisa's meal" so she can see the absurdness of making YOU pay for HER kids meals.

You have the receipt op? Ask for the money back say he did the check wrong and request it. A true friend will pay it back.