In the US we have a wide variety of ways to pay. Some have the waiter process it, which can be slow as dirt. Some have a little electronic thing at the table you can pay and go, like Red Robin. Some you walk up to a counter and pay when you want, like at a couple of local Mexican restaurants. Some you pay when you arrive and order, like Jason's Deli.

These are all in a city of about 125,000 people in a central US state and within a three mile stretch of road.