Restaurants have gotten so expensive……also recycling and phone apps (2 Viewers)

[Drunken knight]

wow yea... 2 pizzas, a dozen wings, and one cheesesteak = $77. I was not mentally prepared for that. This is outside of Raleigh.

Regarding cocktails, I'm giving up beer with most meals out. Lots of places are now charging $8 - $10 a pint... no thanks.

Pizzas include toppings? Toppings are where they get ya. You add 2 toppings to each of those pies and that sounds about right.

One pepperoni, one plain. The wings were $17 for the dozen. Been awhile, and I realize it's not .25 cent wing night anymore, but wow, are they always that expensive?

Weren't those nights the best? That and $5 pitchers of beer. Heaven. It is pretty crazy how much they charge for those little scrawny wings. Not sure the raw cost of the wings themselves, but seems a little excessive considering that they're pretty simple to prepare if you already have the deep fryer running.

I used to work with a very good wing place.. started off as a food truck and opened a brick and mortar.

Cost of wings were around $40-50/ 40lb case precovid. There was a scarcity which drove them up to $170. They are now floating around 80-120

 

[Major]

This stuff is regional. It's a big country. Even driving 20 miles in any direction, you get different prices.

I was reading that Cheesecake Factory post about the $16 cocktail, and I had a very similar sticker shock with pretty much that exact same number.
NYC, Ganesvoort Hotel had opened, had a roof deck pool, and it was a scene, man. Trendy place, I ordered a round, four drinks, and it was $60 or so. I drank that Don Julio Repo very slow, I can tell you that.

That was 2004.

Crazy NYC cocktail prices 20 years ago, Cheesecake Factory prices today. Is that reasonable? Understandable? I dunno.

Funny you mention that as I was just thinking back to NYC when the mixology thing just hit in the early/mid 2000s. You had a few speciality cocktail bars (Milk&Honey, Employees Only, Pegu, Death, etc) charging $10-15 for some really sophisticated drinks and folks thought it was crazy to pay that. Now you're lucky to get a gin and tonic for that price. I picked a good time to give up booze.

and yeah, I remember the Gaanesvoort. Never liked that place but man, those were peak Meatpacking District days when the area really started taking off. Lots of fun bars/clubs/restaurants around there.

 

[massraider]

and yeah, I remember the Gaanesvoort. Never liked that place but man, those were peak Meatpacking District days when the area really started taking off. Lots of fun bars/clubs/restaurants around there.

I think the opening of the Ganesvoort was kind of the beginning of the Meatpacking getting really dooshy.

But I had a ton of fun at Cielo, APT, 1 Little West 12th, Lotus, obviously Pastis.

 

[Major]

and yeah, I remember the Gaanesvoort. Never liked that place but man, those were peak Meatpacking District days when the area really started taking off. Lots of fun bars/clubs/restaurants around there.

I think the opening of the Ganesvoort was kind of the beginning of the Meatpacking getting really dooshy.

But I had a ton of fun at Cielo, APT, 1 Little West 12th, Lotus, obviously Pastis.

You're right, it started getting douchey around that time. Those places you named were all quality before the MPD craziness. My friends ran a club called PM across from Ganes which had a tough door but some amazing women. Met Prince there actually. Funny little dude.

 

[massraider]

My friends ran a club called PM across from Ganes which had a tough door but some amazing women. Met Prince there actually. Funny little dude.

Ha, I was trying to think of the name of PM. Who was the Haitain promotor guy there? I cannot remember his name.

 

[Major]

My friends ran a club called PM across from Ganes which had a tough door but some amazing women. Met Prince there actually. Funny little dude.

Ha, I was trying to think of the name of PM. Who was the Haitain promotor guy there? I cannot remember his name.

Yeah, you're thinking of Unik or Kyky. Their resident doorman was Aramis. They used to have a lock on some of the best parties in NYC. Wednesdays at Serafina were legendary.

 

[parasaurolophus]

Even crappy bbq places are charging $20/lb for brisket here now. High end places are going to the half pound pricing. And of course they want 20% for counter service.

Food trucks are like 30 bucks for bbq plates. Biggest scam out there.

Come eat our inferior food that we prepare using suboptimal equipment and pay us more.

 

[Chemical X]

wow yea... 2 pizzas, a dozen wings, and one cheesesteak = $77. I was not mentally prepared for that. This is outside of Raleigh.

Regarding cocktails, I'm giving up beer with most meals out. Lots of places are now charging $8 - $10 a pint... no thanks.

where outside, so i can avoid.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Longhorn for me and the wife and 2 kids (10 and 12 so they usually order off the adult menu now)

Ribeye
Fillet
1/2 rack of ribs
Shrimp skewers
Kids had pop wife and I had water

$110+tip

I’d say that’s pretty reasonable nowadays

Food was just ok though. My steak was decent but my kids fillet had a weird texture to it
Tried one of my other kids shrimp after he was full and they were like ice cold in the middle.
Oh and my wife’s salad came out about 30 seconds before her entree and mine came out after I was about half done with mine
Both steaks were also swimming in juices, assume they went right from the grill to the plate with no resting

I’m really not trying to sound like a complainer, this is like restaurant 101 stuff

Whoever said just treat yourself to a high end dinner every once and awhile and then cook at home his spot on

 

[ChiefD]

Took my daughter to this little diner for breakfast a couple towns over a couple of weeks ago. I had gone there years ago.

3 bacon
2 scrambled eggs
Healthy helping of hash browns
Toast

$7.95.

We each had a coke, so that was $2.00 extra. So $9.95 each for a damn nice breakfast. So about $21.00 plus tip after tax. Booyah.

I tipped the kid $20 cause it was slow on one of those bitter cold days. Awesome meal.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Took my daughter to this little diner for breakfast a couple towns over a couple of weeks ago. I had gone there years ago.

3 bacon
2 scrambled eggs
Healthy helping of hash browns
Toast

$7.95.

We each had a coke, so that was $2.00 extra. So $9.95 each for a damn nice breakfast. So about $21.00 plus tip after tax. Booyah.

I tipped the kid $20 cause it was slow on one of those bitter cold days. Awesome meal.

Had a good diner breakfast for lunch the other day, kind of place that looks like it hasn’t been remodeled since they opened 50 years ago

3 eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, hash browns and toast think it was like 12 bucks. best breakfast I’ve had in awhile

 

[shuke]

I guess this is the thread where a bunch of guys entering their 50's lament that prices aren't what they were a long time ago? I mean come on, guys. Yea, a cheeseburger isn't going to cost what it did in 1986.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I guess this is the thread where a bunch of guys entering their 50's lament that prices aren't what they were a long time ago? I mean come on, guys. Yea, a cheeseburger isn't going to cost what it did in 1986.

Not sure if you’ve noticed but everything has gone up like 25% in the last 3-5 years.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I guess this is the thread where a bunch of guys entering their 50's lament that prices aren't what they were a long time ago? I mean come on, guys. Yea, a cheeseburger isn't going to cost what it did in 1986.

I guess you just let everyone hang out on your lawn then?????

 

[Mitchie]

I guess this is the thread where a bunch of guys entering their 50's lament that prices aren't what they were a long time ago? I mean come on, guys. Yea, a cheeseburger isn't going to cost what it did in 1986.

Not sure if you’ve noticed but everything has gone up like 25% in the last 3-5 years.

wage growth also going up so if working for a lot of people shouldn't be a big issue, it's more of a psychological thing. Now if out of work or retired you may be screwed.

 

[SayChowda]

Went with the family to an Irish pub for lunch yesterday. Milks for the kid's were $4 each. Yikes.

 

[the moops]

I guess this is the thread where a bunch of guys entering their 50's lament that prices aren't what they were a long time ago? I mean come on, guys. Yea, a cheeseburger isn't going to cost what it did in 1986.

Not sure if you’ve noticed but everything has gone up like 25% in the last 3-5 years.

We all know that things have gotten more expensive. But some of these anecdotes in this thread are terrible examples

 

[DA RAIDERS]

crazy how unhealthy eating out can be with all the unnecessary oils, salts and sugars restaurants add to make your food taste better.

this is a huge factor for me as well. the amount of garbage that is added to crappy food, to make it palatable, is frightening.

 

[Stoneworker]

Burritos and Big Macs to Cost More in California as Pay Rises​

Minimum wage for California fast-food workers is set to rise to $20 an hour in April, a 25% increase from the state’s broader $16 minimum wage.

Restaurants including McDonald's, Chipotle, Jack in the Box and others say they will raise menu prices in California in response, with some McDonald’s franchisees estimating hundreds of thousands of dollars per restaurant in added labor costs.

For every dollar in hourly wage increases, a restaurant needs to increase prices by 2% to make up for the additional cost, industry consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions said. Jack in the Box told investors in November that its prices will rise 6% to 8% companywide this year, primarily to cover increased wages and other costs in California.

Fast-food prices already have been running high nationwide, and consumers are increasingly fatigued by the higher costs, leading to fewer restaurant visits or smaller orders, industry data shows.

WSJ - 2/4/24

 

[culdeus]

Burritos and Big Macs to Cost More in California as Pay Rises​

Minimum wage for California fast-food workers is set to rise to $20 an hour in April, a 25% increase from the state’s broader $16 minimum wage.

Restaurants including McDonald's, Chipotle, Jack in the Box and others say they will raise menu prices in California in response, with some McDonald’s franchisees estimating hundreds of thousands of dollars per restaurant in added labor costs.

For every dollar in hourly wage increases, a restaurant needs to increase prices by 2% to make up for the additional cost, industry consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions said. Jack in the Box told investors in November that its prices will rise 6% to 8% companywide this year, primarily to cover increased wages and other costs in California.

Fast-food prices already have been running high nationwide, and consumers are increasingly fatigued by the higher costs, leading to fewer restaurant visits or smaller orders, industry data shows.

WSJ - 2/4/24

I don't want a political fight but isn't this the free market at work?

 

[Stoneworker]

Burritos and Big Macs to Cost More in California as Pay Rises​

Minimum wage for California fast-food workers is set to rise to $20 an hour in April, a 25% increase from the state’s broader $16 minimum wage.

Restaurants including McDonald's, Chipotle, Jack in the Box and others say they will raise menu prices in California in response, with some McDonald’s franchisees estimating hundreds of thousands of dollars per restaurant in added labor costs.

For every dollar in hourly wage increases, a restaurant needs to increase prices by 2% to make up for the additional cost, industry consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions said. Jack in the Box told investors in November that its prices will rise 6% to 8% companywide this year, primarily to cover increased wages and other costs in California.

Fast-food prices already have been running high nationwide, and consumers are increasingly fatigued by the higher costs, leading to fewer restaurant visits or smaller orders, industry data shows.

WSJ - 2/4/24

I don't want a political fight but isn't this the free market at work?

It wasn't remotely intended to be a political post. Merely info on what is driving some of the increase in restaurant industry prices. And quantifying somewhat with the $/hr to % price increase ratio.

But to answer you question, no, this is not the free market at work. The wage increase was mandated by the CA gov't. No wage increase, no resulting price increase.

A government-appointed council could increase wages for California’s estimated half-million fast food workers to as much as $22 an hour starting next year, under a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday.

The law, known as the FAST Recovery Act, will establish a first-in-the-nation state council tasked with setting minimum wage standards in California for the entire industry, which relies heavily on the franchise business model and which labor advocates claim has long been plagued with wage theft and other worker abuses.

WSJ - 9/5/22

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

Since we don't have 1 where I live I dropped into a Long John Silvers last night for "nostalgia" as it's been decades since I've been there. 1 fish and chicken combo with a small drink, $18+. That'll be my last visit to LJS.

out where my wife grew up, they changed LJS to a sbux but you can still smell the fish.

makes me want to find a roy rogers and a howard johnson’s.

clam strips for the win!!!

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Burritos and Big Macs to Cost More in California as Pay Rises​

Minimum wage for California fast-food workers is set to rise to $20 an hour in April, a 25% increase from the state’s broader $16 minimum wage.

Restaurants including McDonald's, Chipotle, Jack in the Box and others say they will raise menu prices in California in response, with some McDonald’s franchisees estimating hundreds of thousands of dollars per restaurant in added labor costs.

For every dollar in hourly wage increases, a restaurant needs to increase prices by 2% to make up for the additional cost, industry consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions said. Jack in the Box told investors in November that its prices will rise 6% to 8% companywide this year, primarily to cover increased wages and other costs in California.

Fast-food prices already have been running high nationwide, and consumers are increasingly fatigued by the higher costs, leading to fewer restaurant visits or smaller orders, industry data shows.

WSJ - 2/4/24

MCD
$297/share (all-time high)
Up 11% YoY
Up 70% last 5 years
$215B market cap
$7B net revenue last quarter
2.25% dividend

CMG
$2482/share (all-time high)
Up 46% YoY
Up 325% last 5 years
$68B market cap
$313M net revenue last quarter

I'm just glad these little guys were able to survive another day by passing every cost they can think of on to the consumer in order to keep the lights on.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Burritos and Big Macs to Cost More in California as Pay Rises​

Minimum wage for California fast-food workers is set to rise to $20 an hour in April, a 25% increase from the state’s broader $16 minimum wage.

Restaurants including McDonald's, Chipotle, Jack in the Box and others say they will raise menu prices in California in response, with some McDonald’s franchisees estimating hundreds of thousands of dollars per restaurant in added labor costs.

For every dollar in hourly wage increases, a restaurant needs to increase prices by 2% to make up for the additional cost, industry consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions said. Jack in the Box told investors in November that its prices will rise 6% to 8% companywide this year, primarily to cover increased wages and other costs in California.

Fast-food prices already have been running high nationwide, and consumers are increasingly fatigued by the higher costs, leading to fewer restaurant visits or smaller orders, industry data shows.

WSJ - 2/4/24

I don't want a political fight but isn't this the free market at work?

It wasn't remotely intended to be a political post. Merely info on what is driving some of the increase in restaurant industry prices. And quantifying somewhat with the $/hr to % price increase ratio.

But to answer you question, no, this is not the free market at work. The wage increase was mandated by the CA gov't. No wage increase, no resulting price increase.

A government-appointed council could increase wages for California’s estimated half-million fast food workers to as much as $22 an hour starting next year, under a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday.

The law, known as the FAST Recovery Act, will establish a first-in-the-nation state council tasked with setting minimum wage standards in California for the entire industry, which relies heavily on the franchise business model and which labor advocates claim has long been plagued with wage theft and other worker abuses.

WSJ - 9/5/22

“Could”

 

[Stoneworker]

Burritos and Big Macs to Cost More in California as Pay Rises​

Minimum wage for California fast-food workers is set to rise to $20 an hour in April, a 25% increase from the state’s broader $16 minimum wage.

Restaurants including McDonald's, Chipotle, Jack in the Box and others say they will raise menu prices in California in response, with some McDonald’s franchisees estimating hundreds of thousands of dollars per restaurant in added labor costs.

For every dollar in hourly wage increases, a restaurant needs to increase prices by 2% to make up for the additional cost, industry consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions said. Jack in the Box told investors in November that its prices will rise 6% to 8% companywide this year, primarily to cover increased wages and other costs in California.

Fast-food prices already have been running high nationwide, and consumers are increasingly fatigued by the higher costs, leading to fewer restaurant visits or smaller orders, industry data shows.

WSJ - 2/4/24

MCD
$297/share (all-time high)
Up 11% YoY
Up 70% last 5 years
$215B market cap
$7B net revenue last quarter
2.25% dividend

CMG
$2482/share (all-time high)
Up 46% YoY
Up 325% last 5 years
$68B market cap
$313M net revenue last quarter

I'm just glad these little guys were able to survive another day by passing every cost they can think of on to the consumer in order to keep the lights on.

Not my problem, nor concern

 

[Zigg]

People blaming low wage employees for the greed of corporations amazes me.

 

[Mitchie]

People blaming low wage employees for the greed of corporations amazes me.

yep, many corporations had record profits last year.

 

[beer 30]

I go out from time to time with suppliers who typically take me to some nice places. Last week we were in Chicago for a trade show and went to Chicago Chop House for dinner. He was already one in at the bar when I got there, he ordered another, I had a double. Bar bill came to $105 before we sat down for 3 drinks. One app, two very nice steaks, 3 sides, 2 more drinks each (no wine just bourbon) and the dinner bill was $571 before tip. I though that was a bit stupid.

Price aside, how was the steak? I went there in like 2008 or around then with my now wife for our first date. I remember the food being great, but the crowd just skewed a lot older.

I ate at the Palm, Shulu's and the Chop House so had a pretty solid base to judge, Chop House was hands down the best. It was what I expected for the money paid. The other two charged similarly but at the Palm, while good, just wasn't 'that' good. Shulu's was an absolute ****show. We got seated a half hour late with a reservation, the waiter came over as soon as we were seated and announced he needed an extra 5 minutes because they were short staffed and he was waiting two other large tables solo. We sat down at 7:30, didn't finish up until after 10. Sides were fine but the steak was ****. Ordered medium and it was closer to well.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I guess this is the thread where a bunch of guys entering their 50's lament that prices aren't what they were a long time ago? I mean come on, guys. Yea, a cheeseburger isn't going to cost what it did in 1986.

Not sure if you’ve noticed but everything has gone up like 25% in the last 3-5 years.

We all know that things have gotten more expensive. But some of these anecdotes in this thread are terrible examples

Yeah, I don't understand some of the examples people are selecting. "I took my family to a sit-down place and paid $30 per person" is basically what I would expect if I went out. Everything's more expensive now than it was 10 years ago. Folks are just now noticing this?

 

[beer 30]

I guess this is the thread where a bunch of guys entering their 50's lament that prices aren't what they were a long time ago? I mean come on, guys. Yea, a cheeseburger isn't going to cost what it did in 1986.

Yea i guess it comes off that way reading through some of the replies but it's not intended that way from me. I don't mind paying for a good meal. My problem is I'm paying more for less quality, either in food or service or both.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I have 2 go to places I tend to roll into for lunch, vastly different but both provide a solid outing.

Place #1 - Built on fresh fish caught that morning...Grouper, Tilefish, Tripletail, Snapper and they have a variety of different salads that go with them, super healthy and you are going to pay for all that. What was $15-$18 about 4-5 years ago is now well over $25 for lunch and close to $40 for dinner per plate.

They also have a kick *** burger that's a tri-blend they make in house and with fries that will run you right about $20 which I think is pricey for a burger

-The bartender has been there 15 years, she makes sure Narragansett is always on tap for me.

Lunch for me is around 2-3 o'clock in the afternoon, I usually don't eat dinner outside of some snacks when I eat later in the day.
I would bet my avg bill with tip goes well over $50 some days.
1-2 times a week I hit this spot, and the people there are polite and civil, not a lot of riffraff

Place #2 - More of a Bar/Grill type spot and locals frequent in there around Hobe Sound, you can walk in at 2:00 on a Wed and the place will be packed
Why? Prices of course. You can get a patty melt with fries for under $10. They have daily lunch specials in the $10-$15 range and most of their menu is on the cheaper side
Big bar area and a lot of booths, Veterans from the military doing shots of whiskey at 11:30 in the morning, I usually buy a couple of them drinks when I am sitting in there.
And you got guys that only have 30-45 minutes that work in construction or they might be a plumber and it's just a mix of down to earth working class people

My bill for just myself will run under $20 like I said I tend to buy drinks in there for others when I'm feeling generous.
Usually just once a week, it's a little bit of a drive to get there, 15-20 minutes but the food is worth it.
But outside of those 2 places, I find fault almost everywhere and don't really like to try new spots often.

 

[General Malaise]

I go out from time to time with suppliers who typically take me to some nice places. Last week we were in Chicago for a trade show and went to Chicago Chop House for dinner. He was already one in at the bar when I got there, he ordered another, I had a double. Bar bill came to $105 before we sat down for 3 drinks. One app, two very nice steaks, 3 sides, 2 more drinks each (no wine just bourbon) and the dinner bill was $571 before tip. I though that was a bit stupid.

Price aside, how was the steak? I went there in like 2008 or around then with my now wife for our first date. I remember the food being great, but the crowd just skewed a lot older.

I ate at the Palm, Shulu's and the Chop House so had a pretty solid base to judge, Chop House was hands down the best. It was what I expected for the money paid. The other two charged similarly but at the Palm, while good, just wasn't 'that' good. Shulu's was an absolute ****show. We got seated a half hour late with a reservation, the waiter came over as soon as we were seated and announced he needed an extra 5 minutes because they were short staffed and he was waiting two other large tables solo. We sat down at 7:30, didn't finish up until after 10. Sides were fine but the steak was ****. Ordered medium and it was closer to well.

Shulas was in Portland for about as long as Mike lasted in Alabama. I went once with Goldman Sach's on their dime, back when prime brokers could spoil clients. I'm glad I didn't pay for it. Was not impressed. The waiter spent a good portion of the evening trashing every other steakhouse in the city. That was BEFORE serving up the most expensive meh steak I've ever had.

 

[Chemical X]

what is the general thought of people here with drinks when they go out? we’ve begun asking restaurants if they have a corkage fee. some have one for $15-$20. i’d rather bring my own bottle. it’s at the point now that we are usually celebrating something when we go out, so we’d like a drink or 2, but i have a hard time forking over $13 for a glass of wine or paying $15 for a spritz. 4 drinks now are basically $60 or so, right? bottles are at least $30-$40?

 

[Doug B]

Yeah, I don't understand some of the examples people are selecting. "I took my family to a sit-down place and paid $30 per person" is basically what I would expect if I went out. Everything's more expensive now than it was 10 years ago. Folks are just now noticing this?

There are some things confounding the discussion a bit:

1) Top-end steakhouses are getting mixed in with "decent casual" with fast casual with "family friendly" with fast food. The varying clienteles are making decisions based on very different priors.

2) Bluntly: different levels of "income comfort" are apparent. There are people in this thread already, right now, priced out of the Applebee's/Olive Garden level of restaurant. There are people who have either cut back or eliminated the quick fast food trips due to price. Then there are people (not a lot, I assume) in this thread that wouldn't change their eating-out habits if every place doubled their prices tomorrow while their income stayed the same. In economic terms, eating out varies widely in elasticity among individuals (but maybe less so when looking at society as a collective? Dunno).

3) For the main thrust of this thread, the time element isn't ten years. It's more like 24-48 months. I'm sure some posters have talked about how things were ten years ago, or similar. But this thread doesn't get created if the "eating out" inflation graph doesn't have a 2021-23 hockey stick.

 

[Doug B]

For every dollar in hourly wage increases, a restaurant needs to increase prices by 2% to make up for the additional cost, industry consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions said. Jack in the Box told investors in November that its prices will rise 6% to 8% companywide this year, primarily to cover increased wages and other costs in California.

Fast-food specific -- maybe chain restaurants, as well:

The bolded is something I wasn't hip to. I just assumed that high wages in one state wouldn't affect menu prices in another state. Didn't think fast food customers in Alabama and Mississippi were subsidizing California wages. Instead, I though a Big Mac, say, in L.A. just cost 150% more than it did in Fairhope, AL or Gulfport, MS.

 

[General Malaise]

what is the general thought of people here with drinks when they go out? we’ve begun asking restaurants if they have a corkage fee. some have one for $15-$20. i’d rather bring my own bottle. it’s at the point now that we are usually celebrating something when we go out, so we’d like a drink or 2, but i have a hard time forking over $13 for a glass of wine or paying $15 for a spritz. 4 drinks now are basically $60 or so, right? bottles are at least $30-$40?

Love the corkage fee out here. $10-$15 is what we're charged and totally worth it. I think general etiquette is not to bring in a bottle that the restaurant has available, but I'm not 100% on that.

If you buy wine from @Buc in Exile at his fabulous Bell's Up Winery, you won't have that problem because he sells only to customers. Damn fine wine he's got there!

 

[the moops]

I'm excited for more McDonald robots and self check out stuff. The fewer minimum wage workers touching my food the better

 

[Drunken knight]

what is the general thought of people here with drinks when they go out? we’ve begun asking restaurants if they have a corkage fee. some have one for $15-$20. i’d rather bring my own bottle. it’s at the point now that we are usually celebrating something when we go out, so we’d like a drink or 2, but i have a hard time forking over $13 for a glass of wine or paying $15 for a spritz. 4 drinks now are basically $60 or so, right? bottles are at least $30-$40?

Love the corkage fee out here. $10-$15 is what we're charged and totally worth it. I think general etiquette is not to bring in a bottle that the restaurant has available, but I'm not 100% on that.

If you buy wine from @Buc in Exile at his fabulous Bell's Up Winery, you won't have that problem because he sells only to customers. Damn fine wine he's got there!

we have a bit of a catch 22.

one of my/our closer friends is a distributor who specializes in California/old/rare. When we go out he likes to bring bottles with him. I am happy to pay corkage.
problem is he locks us into these wines. They are very good and I enjoy them, but I also like sampling what a restaurant has to offer as they are typically designed to pair with the menu...and i really enjoy old world (European)

 

[BeTheMatch]

what is the general thought of people here with drinks when they go out? we’ve begun asking restaurants if they have a corkage fee. some have one for $15-$20. i’d rather bring my own bottle. it’s at the point now that we are usually celebrating something when we go out, so we’d like a drink or 2, but i have a hard time forking over $13 for a glass of wine or paying $15 for a spritz. 4 drinks now are basically $60 or so, right? bottles are at least $30-$40?

Love the corkage fee out here. $10-$15 is what we're charged and totally worth it. I think general etiquette is not to bring in a bottle that the restaurant has available, but I'm not 100% on that.

If you buy wine from @Buc in Exile at his fabulous Bell's Up Winery, you won't have that problem because he sells only to customers. Damn fine wine he's got there!

we have a bit of a catch 22.

one of my/our closer friends is a distributor who specializes in California/old/rare. When we go out he likes to bring bottles with him. I am happy to pay corkage.
problem is he locks us into these wines. They are very good and I enjoy them, but I also like sampling what a restaurant has to offer as they are typically designed to pair with the menu...and i really enjoy old world (European)

My father-in-law does this. And I don't like it. Mostly because he's my father-in-law and he does it.

 

[beer 30]

For every dollar in hourly wage increases, a restaurant needs to increase prices by 2% to make up for the additional cost, industry consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions said. Jack in the Box told investors in November that its prices will rise 6% to 8% companywide this year, primarily to cover increased wages and other costs in California.

Fast-food specific -- maybe chain restaurants, as well:

The bolded is something I wasn't hip to. I just assumed that high wages in one state wouldn't affect menu prices in another state. Didn't think fast food customers in Alabama and Mississippi were subsidizing California wages. Instead, I though a Big Mac, say, in L.A. just cost 150% more than it did in Fairhope, AL or Gulfport, MS.

Funny, wife and I were just discussing that at lunch today. What used to cost my around $8 at Wendy's now costs me $13. For the two of us at Moe's, her & I could eat for about $20. Now it's $35.

We live in South Carolina

 

[Doug B]

At one of the chain burger joints around us (the one I mentioned upthread with no staff or hiding-out staff) ... in late 2019, they charged $7.40-something (after tax) for my son's regular order (two 6-piece nuggets and a medium fry). That same order recently was just under $11 -- $10.90-something.

Cane's Chicken Fingers ... their price for a Caniac combo (six fingers + fixings & drink) was ~$11 + tax in the mid-2010s. In summer 2022, it was $15.79 and I believe it's north of $16 today. I'm tempted to pass by and take a picture of the drive-thru menu to see.

Posted this last July — still holds true.

 

[nirad3]

At one of the chain burger joints around us (the one I mentioned upthread with no staff or hiding-out staff) ... in late 2019, they charged $7.40-something (after tax) for my son's regular order (two 6-piece nuggets and a medium fry). That same order recently was just under $11 -- $10.90-something.

Cane's Chicken Fingers ... their price for a Caniac combo (six fingers + fixings & drink) was ~$11 + tax in the mid-2010s. In summer 2022, it was $15.79 and I believe it's north of $16 today. I'm tempted to pass by and take a picture of the drive-thru menu to see.

Posted this last July — still holds true.

I get their box combo. 4 fingers is enough for me, plus I ditch the cole slaw and they give you extra fries as a result. I typically upgrade to the larger drink since I love their sweet tea. I think I get out of there for under $14, which is probably one of the better values in "fast-ish" food.

 

[urbanhack]

I go out from time to time with suppliers who typically take me to some nice places. Last week we were in Chicago for a trade show and went to Chicago Chop House for dinner. He was already one in at the bar when I got there, he ordered another, I had a double. Bar bill came to $105 before we sat down for 3 drinks. One app, two very nice steaks, 3 sides, 2 more drinks each (no wine just bourbon) and the dinner bill was $571 before tip. I though that was a bit stupid.

Price aside, how was the steak? I went there in like 2008 or around then with my now wife for our first date. I remember the food being great, but the crowd just skewed a lot older.

I ate at the Palm, Shulu's and the Chop House so had a pretty solid base to judge, Chop House was hands down the best. It was what I expected for the money paid. The other two charged similarly but at the Palm, while good, just wasn't 'that' good. Shulu's was an absolute ****show. We got seated a half hour late with a reservation, the waiter came over as soon as we were seated and announced he needed an extra 5 minutes because they were short staffed and he was waiting two other large tables solo. We sat down at 7:30, didn't finish up until after 10. Sides were fine but the steak was ****. Ordered medium and it was closer to well.

Shulas was in Portland for about as long as Mike lasted in Alabama. I went once with Goldman Sach's on their dime, back when prime brokers could spoil clients. I'm glad I didn't pay for it. Was not impressed. The waiter spent a good portion of the evening trashing every other steakhouse in the city. That was BEFORE serving up the most expensive meh steak I've ever had.

Have you gone to a a McMenamins lately?

They've always had mediocre food. It's just decent and serviceable, but never great. Their prices are off the charts. $20+ for a burger and fries, $40+ for a large pizza. $21 for fish and chips. I'm never setting foot in one of those again.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I go out from time to time with suppliers who typically take me to some nice places. Last week we were in Chicago for a trade show and went to Chicago Chop House for dinner. He was already one in at the bar when I got there, he ordered another, I had a double. Bar bill came to $105 before we sat down for 3 drinks. One app, two very nice steaks, 3 sides, 2 more drinks each (no wine just bourbon) and the dinner bill was $571 before tip. I though that was a bit stupid.

Price aside, how was the steak? I went there in like 2008 or around then with my now wife for our first date. I remember the food being great, but the crowd just skewed a lot older.

I ate at the Palm, Shulu's and the Chop House so had a pretty solid base to judge, Chop House was hands down the best. It was what I expected for the money paid. The other two charged similarly but at the Palm, while good, just wasn't 'that' good. Shulu's was an absolute ****show. We got seated a half hour late with a reservation, the waiter came over as soon as we were seated and announced he needed an extra 5 minutes because they were short staffed and he was waiting two other large tables solo. We sat down at 7:30, didn't finish up until after 10. Sides were fine but the steak was ****. Ordered medium and it was closer to well.

Shulas was in Portland for about as long as Mike lasted in Alabama. I went once with Goldman Sach's on their dime, back when prime brokers could spoil clients. I'm glad I didn't pay for it. Was not impressed. The waiter spent a good portion of the evening trashing every other steakhouse in the city. That was BEFORE serving up the most expensive meh steak I've ever had.

Have you gone to a a McMenamins lately?

They've always had mediocre food. It's just decent and serviceable, but never great. Their prices are off the charts. $20+ for a burger and fries, $40+ for a large pizza. $21 for fish and chips. I'm never setting foot in one of those again.

This is a real place? sounds like it would have been next door to Chotchkie's in Office Space

 

[General Malaise]

I go out from time to time with suppliers who typically take me to some nice places. Last week we were in Chicago for a trade show and went to Chicago Chop House for dinner. He was already one in at the bar when I got there, he ordered another, I had a double. Bar bill came to $105 before we sat down for 3 drinks. One app, two very nice steaks, 3 sides, 2 more drinks each (no wine just bourbon) and the dinner bill was $571 before tip. I though that was a bit stupid.

Price aside, how was the steak? I went there in like 2008 or around then with my now wife for our first date. I remember the food being great, but the crowd just skewed a lot older.

I ate at the Palm, Shulu's and the Chop House so had a pretty solid base to judge, Chop House was hands down the best. It was what I expected for the money paid. The other two charged similarly but at the Palm, while good, just wasn't 'that' good. Shulu's was an absolute ****show. We got seated a half hour late with a reservation, the waiter came over as soon as we were seated and announced he needed an extra 5 minutes because they were short staffed and he was waiting two other large tables solo. We sat down at 7:30, didn't finish up until after 10. Sides were fine but the steak was ****. Ordered medium and it was closer to well.

Shulas was in Portland for about as long as Mike lasted in Alabama. I went once with Goldman Sach's on their dime, back when prime brokers could spoil clients. I'm glad I didn't pay for it. Was not impressed. The waiter spent a good portion of the evening trashing every other steakhouse in the city. That was BEFORE serving up the most expensive meh steak I've ever had.

Have you gone to a a McMenamins lately?

They've always had mediocre food. It's just decent and serviceable, but never great. Their prices are off the charts. $20+ for a burger and fries, $40+ for a large pizza. $21 for fish and chips. I'm never setting foot in one of those again.

Yeah, the last time we went I swore off for good. Unfortunately, I've sworn it off for good a dozen or so times. I never learn.

Their service can be really rough too. Just puzzling how they continue to thrive.

 

[General Malaise]

I go out from time to time with suppliers who typically take me to some nice places. Last week we were in Chicago for a trade show and went to Chicago Chop House for dinner. He was already one in at the bar when I got there, he ordered another, I had a double. Bar bill came to $105 before we sat down for 3 drinks. One app, two very nice steaks, 3 sides, 2 more drinks each (no wine just bourbon) and the dinner bill was $571 before tip. I though that was a bit stupid.

Price aside, how was the steak? I went there in like 2008 or around then with my now wife for our first date. I remember the food being great, but the crowd just skewed a lot older.

I ate at the Palm, Shulu's and the Chop House so had a pretty solid base to judge, Chop House was hands down the best. It was what I expected for the money paid. The other two charged similarly but at the Palm, while good, just wasn't 'that' good. Shulu's was an absolute ****show. We got seated a half hour late with a reservation, the waiter came over as soon as we were seated and announced he needed an extra 5 minutes because they were short staffed and he was waiting two other large tables solo. We sat down at 7:30, didn't finish up until after 10. Sides were fine but the steak was ****. Ordered medium and it was closer to well.

Shulas was in Portland for about as long as Mike lasted in Alabama. I went once with Goldman Sach's on their dime, back when prime brokers could spoil clients. I'm glad I didn't pay for it. Was not impressed. The waiter spent a good portion of the evening trashing every other steakhouse in the city. That was BEFORE serving up the most expensive meh steak I've ever had.

Have you gone to a a McMenamins lately?

They've always had mediocre food. It's just decent and serviceable, but never great. Their prices are off the charts. $20+ for a burger and fries, $40+ for a large pizza. $21 for fish and chips. I'm never setting foot in one of those again.

This is a real place? sounds like it would have been next door to Chotchkie's in Office Space

Oh, it's real alright and on the surface, you think "Hey man, this is COOL".....hippie art, Dead fans, beers with names like Hammerhead and Terminator, hamburgers with a fried egg on it. They've got concert venues, some spots have hotels, big outdoor gardens at some places, an old elementary school that let you smoke cigars in the Detention Room. There's like 50 of them around the PNW.

But they pool their tips, so if you want to see what socialism looks like in the restaurant industry, go to a McMenamins. They've also perfected the concept of "Shrinkflation" - oh, your chicken sandwich might still only cost $18, but it's like the size of a slider now. And not a good one. If you get excited about tator tots, then I suppose McMenamins could be for you, but you better not have high blood pressure because the only ingredient I can reliably taste is table salt when I eat these.

Family of four isn't getting out of a McMenamins for less than $100 and immediate regret.

 

[Keerock]

Since we don't have 1 where I live I dropped into a Long John Silvers last night for "nostalgia" as it's been decades since I've been there. 1 fish and chicken combo with a small drink, $18+. That'll be my last visit to LJS.

Long John Silvers is one of the few national fast food chains I've never stepped foot in. Fast food fish never struck me as something I must have. Have yet to order a Filet-o-Fish either

LJS fish is pretty darn good imo. I haven’t had it in a few years. I always eat too much (fries, hush puppies, chicken, fish) and feel like crap after from all of the grease

I used to go as a kid. That one closed for awhile and reopened recently but I can never convince my family to get it
The one time I got them to but in it was shut down for a water main break or something

I know once I get it it’s going to be instant regret

Scotty Simpson's FTW... So good.

And the best fried fish sandwich... Wendy's (usually only available during Lent), followed closely by Arby's

Also, we really like the Fried fish from Primo's Pizza. There's a couple of Fish Frys around during Lent that are darn good too...

 

[Keerock]

Took my daughter to this little diner for breakfast a couple towns over a couple of weeks ago. I had gone there years ago.

3 bacon
2 scrambled eggs
Healthy helping of hash browns
Toast

$7.95.

We each had a coke, so that was $2.00 extra. So $9.95 each for a damn nice breakfast. So about $21.00 plus tip after tax. Booyah.

I tipped the kid $20 cause it was slow on one of those bitter cold days. Awesome meal.

Had a good diner breakfast for lunch the other day, kind of place that looks like it hasn’t been remodeled since they opened 50 years ago

3 eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, hash browns and toast think it was like 12 bucks. best breakfast I’ve had in awhile

Wife and I go to Leo's most Sundays after Church. $9.99 for 3 eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, hashed browns, toast. Decent price for a lot of food.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I go out from time to time with suppliers who typically take me to some nice places. Last week we were in Chicago for a trade show and went to Chicago Chop House for dinner. He was already one in at the bar when I got there, he ordered another, I had a double. Bar bill came to $105 before we sat down for 3 drinks. One app, two very nice steaks, 3 sides, 2 more drinks each (no wine just bourbon) and the dinner bill was $571 before tip. I though that was a bit stupid.

Price aside, how was the steak? I went there in like 2008 or around then with my now wife for our first date. I remember the food being great, but the crowd just skewed a lot older.

I ate at the Palm, Shulu's and the Chop House so had a pretty solid base to judge, Chop House was hands down the best. It was what I expected for the money paid. The other two charged similarly but at the Palm, while good, just wasn't 'that' good. Shulu's was an absolute ****show. We got seated a half hour late with a reservation, the waiter came over as soon as we were seated and announced he needed an extra 5 minutes because they were short staffed and he was waiting two other large tables solo. We sat down at 7:30, didn't finish up until after 10. Sides were fine but the steak was ****. Ordered medium and it was closer to well.

Shulas was in Portland for about as long as Mike lasted in Alabama. I went once with Goldman Sach's on their dime, back when prime brokers could spoil clients. I'm glad I didn't pay for it. Was not impressed. The waiter spent a good portion of the evening trashing every other steakhouse in the city. That was BEFORE serving up the most expensive meh steak I've ever had.

Have you gone to a a McMenamins lately?

They've always had mediocre food. It's just decent and serviceable, but never great. Their prices are off the charts. $20+ for a burger and fries, $40+ for a large pizza. $21 for fish and chips. I'm never setting foot in one of those again.

This is a real place? sounds like it would have been next door to Chotchkie's in Office Space

Oh, it's real alright and on the surface, you think "Hey man, this is COOL".....hippie art, Dead fans, beers with names like Hammerhead and Terminator, hamburgers with a fried egg on it. They've got concert venues, some spots have hotels, big outdoor gardens at some places, an old elementary school that let you smoke cigars in the Detention Room. There's like 50 of them around the PNW.

But they pool their tips, so if you want to see what socialism looks like in the restaurant industry, go to a McMenamins. They've also perfected the concept of "Shrinkflation" - oh, your chicken sandwich might still only cost $18, but it's like the size of a slider now. And not a good one. If you get excited about tator tots, then I suppose McMenamins could be for you, but you better not have high blood pressure because the only ingredient I can reliably taste is table salt when I eat these.

Family of four isn't getting out of a McMenamins for less than $100 and immediate regret.

I like tots, assuming they’re hot and greasy and salty. Oven tots just aren’t the same

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Since we don't have 1 where I live I dropped into a Long John Silvers last night for "nostalgia" as it's been decades since I've been there. 1 fish and chicken combo with a small drink, $18+. That'll be my last visit to LJS.

Long John Silvers is one of the few national fast food chains I've never stepped foot in. Fast food fish never struck me as something I must have. Have yet to order a Filet-o-Fish either

LJS fish is pretty darn good imo. I haven’t had it in a few years. I always eat too much (fries, hush puppies, chicken, fish) and feel like crap after from all of the grease

I used to go as a kid. That one closed for awhile and reopened recently but I can never convince my family to get it
The one time I got them to but in it was shut down for a water main break or something

I know once I get it it’s going to be instant regret

Scotty Simpson's FTW... So good.

And the best fried fish sandwich... Wendy's (usually only available during Lent), followed closely by Arby's

Also, we really like the Fried fish from Primo's Pizza. There's a couple of Fish Frys around during Lent that are darn good too...

I’ve only been once and it was years ago but I’m going to hit it up for lunch one day. Friday is a WFH day but I’ll make a mid-week trip sometime soon

I’m always on the lookout for a good fish fry.