Open Tab

Ah, the "open tab" - a classic menu item that can often be found at restaurants across the USA. It's not exactly a type of food, but rather a way of keeping track of your food and drink orders at a restaurant or bar. Allow me to explain!

When you open a tab at a restaurant, you're essentially creating a running total for all the items you order during your visit. This is especially common at bars or places where you might be ordering multiple rounds of drinks or sharing plates with friends. The term "open tab" comes from the fact that the tab, or bill, is "open" and will be closed, or paid, when you're ready to leave.

Imagine you and your friends sit down at a trendy restaurant known for its craft cocktails. You decide to order a few small plates to share and try a variety of their unique concoctions. When the waiter comes to take your order, you might say, "We'd like to open a tab, please." This signals to the staff that you'll be running a tab and they'll add each item you order to your running total.

So, in essence, an open tab is not a food item itself, but a convenient and flexible way to enjoy a variety of dishes and drinks without having to pay for each one separately. It's a bit like a "tasting menu" for your entire meal, where you can mix and match to your heart's content. And, when the night is over and the check arrives, you'll be able to settle your open tab in one go. Happy dining!