It is a huge pain in the ass for restaurants.
If you REALLY want to do the right thing, then call the restaurant ahead of time. Tell them you have a large group and you'd like to set up a fixed menu with choices on it. For instance a choice between 2-3 apps, 2-3 entrees, and a dessert. Maybe throw on 2 drinks per person or whatever. Most restaurants have packages for this, and they'll quote you a price PER PERSON, with gratuity included. That way, everyone understands how much they're responsible for ahead of time. Even if you're a group of 8 people and all 8 people bring a card, it's still easier than dividing the check based on who had what. It's not ideal (the restaurant gets charged for every card transaction) and you should try to consolidate the bill on as few cards as possible, but it's still better.
If you REALLY want to do the right thing, then call the restaurant ahead of time. Tell them you have a large group and you'd like to set up a fixed menu with choices on it. For instance a choice between 2-3 apps, 2-3 entrees, and a dessert. Maybe throw on 2 drinks per person or whatever. Most restaurants have packages for this, and they'll quote you a price PER PERSON, with gratuity included. That way, everyone understands how much they're responsible for ahead of time. Even if you're a group of 8 people and all 8 people bring a card, it's still easier than dividing the check based on who had what. It's not ideal (the restaurant gets charged for every card transaction) and you should try to consolidate the bill on as few cards as possible, but it's still better.