A few questions about "going drinking" in a group

HamburgerBoy

Lifer
Apr 12, 2004
27,111
318
126
If someone mentions getting drinks as the primary purpose behind the event, can it be assumed even if the place serves food (which based on the name of the business is their own primary purpose) that I am socially obligated to purchase food? If so, and knowing that this is Mexican food, what is least likely to give me food poisoning? How do I ask for the taco equivalent of a well-done steak, cooked to the point of being inhospitable for any microbes? Additionally, how do you pay for stuff when in a group? Usually I don't carry cash, and I'm not certain that I will be able to procure sufficient non-credit funds in time. What are the odds that I can just pay for my own tab? I'd mention tipping, but I don't want to distract anyone reading.

As you can tell, I am new to this. If I am overlooking anything big (already checked up on the clothing requirements; I should be good there) that a novice might neglect, please inform me. Thanks for reading.
 

MustISO

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,927
12
81
and I thought I didn't get out much.

1. Food, well you can always go vegetarian but food poisoning or food borne illnesses can come from anything. If you get a meat dish just ask for the steak, chicken or pork to be cooked well done.

2. Paying, get separate checks or you pay for the group and everyone gives you cash.
 

Ns1

No Lifer
Jun 17, 2001
55,420
1,600
126
no.

it is socially acceptable to drink beer and eat chips, as long as you throw in a couple of bucks for tip.

PS: Bring cash and never be the last to leave
 

HamburgerBoy

Lifer
Apr 12, 2004
27,111
318
126
I thought about vegetarian, but was worried because of the likelihood of raw veggies or salsa, at least as a component. Are there vegetarian dishes that are always thoroughly cooked?

I'll work on the cash issue. The food is apparently quite cheap, so $15 for a small meal, a couple drinks, and tip will hopefully be more than enough.
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
60,067
10,553
126
Mexican food is safe and delicious. Get what looks good. Hopefully they have black bean and cheese burritos. I second taking cash. You might also be expected to buy a round for the group. Cash makes that easier without making you the default financier.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,583
984
126
If someone mentions getting drinks as the primary purpose behind the event, can it be assumed even if the place serves food (which based on the name of the business is their own primary purpose) that I am socially obligated to purchase food? If so, and knowing that this is Mexican food, what is least likely to give me food poisoning? How do I ask for the taco equivalent of a well-done steak, cooked to the point of being inhospitable for any microbes? Additionally, how do you pay for stuff when in a group? Usually I don't carry cash, and I'm not certain that I will be able to procure sufficient non-credit funds in time. What are the odds that I can just pay for my own tab? I'd mention tipping, but I don't want to distract anyone reading.

As you can tell, I am new to this. If I am overlooking anything big (already checked up on the clothing requirements; I should be good there) that a novice might neglect, please inform me. Thanks for reading.

1) Carry cash.
2) Mexican food is awesome. No need to burn the shit out of it, just enjoy it.
3) Try not to be a dork.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,583
984
126
I thought about vegetarian, but was worried because of the likelihood of raw veggies or salsa, at least as a component. Are there vegetarian dishes that are always thoroughly cooked?

I'll work on the cash issue. The food is apparently quite cheap, so $15 for a small meal, a couple drinks, and tip will hopefully be more than enough.

Are you going to Mexico to eat? :confused:

If you are just going to a Mexican restaurant in California I wouldn't worry about this at all.
 

BoberFett

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
37,562
9
81
Oh dear. Food is the least of your concerns. When people ask if you want to "go out for drinks" that's code for "gay sex."
 

HamburgerBoy

Lifer
Apr 12, 2004
27,111
318
126
The restaurant in question is frequently referred to as a "dive bar". This isn't a traditional Mexican restaurant; sorry, I should have made that clear. Additionally, doing a little searching, they apparently had a sub-A health inspection rating and their owner was actually defiant of it. I'm assuming that by today (several months past) they've cleaned up a bit, but in the off chance that I get there and still see a C rating proudly plastered...
 

Gibsons

Lifer
Aug 14, 2001
12,530
35
91
I thought about vegetarian, but was worried because of the likelihood of raw veggies or salsa, at least as a component. Are there vegetarian dishes that are always thoroughly cooked?

I'll work on the cash issue. The food is apparently quite cheap, so $15 for a small meal, a couple drinks, and tip will hopefully be more than enough.

I've never had food poisoning from a Mexican restaurant, and I eat at a few of them frequently, at least once a week.

The safest thing is probably enchiladas, they usually come out way too hot to eat until they've cooled.

If you're really paranoid (and it sounds like you are), get veggie enchiladas (beans, not spinach). Don't eat the guacamole or salsa.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,583
984
126
The restaurant in question is frequently referred to as a "dive bar". This isn't a traditional Mexican restaurant; sorry, I should have made that clear. Additionally, doing a little searching, they apparently had a sub-A health inspection rating and their owner was actually defiant of it. I'm assuming that by today (several months past) they've cleaned up a bit, but in the off chance that I get there and still see a C rating proudly plastered...

Find another place to go. You're in San Diego right? There are tons of great Mexican places here that don't cost a fortune and aren't going to make you vomit.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,285
14,704
146
1) Carry cash.
2) Mexican food is awesome. No need to burn the shit out of it, just enjoy it.
3) Try not to be a dork.

That last one is unpossible for the OP.

Otherwise...I agree.
I LOVE good Messican food. It's probably my favorite when we go out.
 

KeithTalent

Elite Member | Administrator | No Lifer
Administrator
Nov 30, 2005
50,231
118
116
The restaurant in question is frequently referred to as a "dive bar". This isn't a traditional Mexican restaurant; sorry, I should have made that clear. Additionally, doing a little searching, they apparently had a sub-A health inspection rating and their owner was actually defiant of it. I'm assuming that by today (several months past) they've cleaned up a bit, but in the off chance that I get there and still see a C rating proudly plastered...

If you're that worried just eat dry tortilla chips and wash them down with beer.

KT
 

MotionMan

Lifer
Jan 11, 2006
17,124
12
81
The restaurant in question is frequently referred to as a "dive bar". This isn't a traditional Mexican restaurant; sorry, I should have made that clear. Additionally, doing a little searching, they apparently had a sub-A health inspection rating and their owner was actually defiant of it. I'm assuming that by today (several months past) they've cleaned up a bit, but in the off chance that I get there and still see a C rating proudly plastered...

Do you have any idea how hard it is to NOT get an A in California? Geez, go somewhere else.

As for your original questions, bring cash, buy food if you are hungry (or if others buy food or want to split appetizers), and ask for separate tabs/checks.

How did such a party animal get invited to that fine establishment?

MotionMan
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,583
984
126
The restaurant in question is frequently referred to as a "dive bar". This isn't a traditional Mexican restaurant; sorry, I should have made that clear. Additionally, doing a little searching, they apparently had a sub-A health inspection rating and their owner was actually defiant of it. I'm assuming that by today (several months past) they've cleaned up a bit, but in the off chance that I get there and still see a C rating proudly plastered...

What's the name of this shithole anyway?
 

SP33Demon

Lifer
Jun 22, 2001
27,928
143
106
Depending on how many people there are, if they can't do separate checks, usually they can split the bill evenly on credit cards but your friends have to be cool with that. Otherwise cash is the best option.

If you're worried about getting germs, just order something that's been cooked.
 

noobsrevenge

Senior member
Oct 14, 2012
228
0
76
why are you worried about what to eat?

if you are going drinking, don't eat, so you can get drunk faster. Duh.
 

dbk

Lifer
Apr 23, 2004
17,685
10
81
Just get some margaritas and get hammered then you won't worry about all these pointless things everything will taste delicious! If you get sick, that'll happen at the end of the night or the next morning. Nobody will know. Bring cash.
 

rga

Senior member
Nov 9, 2011
640
2
81
If you are hungry then eat. If you feel like drinking then drink. Ask for seperate tabs. If somebody has an issue with you eating while everybody else is just drinking, just say that you don't like drinking on an empty stomach.