Restaurants have gotten so expensive……also recycling and phone apps (15 Viewers)

[Doug B]

Can I take your order?

No, thanks. I'm just checking the menu prices.

You got to play it off, GB.

“Oops - I forgot my wallet at home. BRB” with a megawatt smile

 

[Doug B]

So black market.

Nah — the garage guy was probably a self-employed tradesman. He’s free to quote as he sees fit.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Was a pretty regular eat out Saturday night person but lately just pulled the plug. Can get a prime steak to cook myself or something in that tier and some prepared sides for 20/pp easily.

I'm with you but.......

Not having to do the prep work or the dishes? Man, that's worth something!

Agreed……once in awhile

Wife and I went to Texas Roadhouse tonight

1 margarita, 1 draft

Blooming onion type thing

Smothered chicken (single breast with mushrooms,onion), mashed, broccoli

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

$65 before tip

Meh….

 

[Joe Bryant]

Yep. I also noticed a lot more BBQ restaurants opening up around Houston and Austin serving more 'premium' BBQ, fancier sides, atmosphere, etc. It's a different game than pulling up to Luling for a quick bite.

Yup. I think Truth had a lot to do with that. Which is funny as the original in Brenham is the small town joint vibe.

It's an interesting change.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Was a pretty regular eat out Saturday night person but lately just pulled the plug. Can get a prime steak to cook myself or something in that tier and some prepared sides for 20/pp easily.

I'm with you but.......

Not having to do the prep work or the dishes? Man, that's worth something!

Agreed……once in awhile

Wife and I went to Texas Roadhouse tonight

1 margarita, 1 draft

Blooming onion type thing

Smothered chicken (single breast with mushrooms,onion), mashed, broccoli

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

$65 before tip

Meh….

That doesn’t seem that bad

Wife and I went to a local Italian joint friday

Bottle of wine - (was like a $40 bottle)
Bruschetta
Branzino
Eggplant parm
Tiramisu

$110 + $25 tip

 

[The Gator]

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

I've stopped ordering steaks when we go out for that exact reason. Why downgrade?

Also, by not ordering the steaks I'm usually having a slightly cheaper dish.

 

[The Gator]

Was a pretty regular eat out Saturday night person but lately just pulled the plug. Can get a prime steak to cook myself or something in that tier and some prepared sides for 20/pp easily.

I'm with you but.......

Not having to do the prep work or the dishes? Man, that's worth something!

Agreed……once in awhile

Wife and I went to Texas Roadhouse tonight

1 margarita, 1 draft

Blooming onion type thing

Smothered chicken (single breast with mushrooms,onion), mashed, broccoli

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

$65 before tip

Meh….

That doesn’t seem that bad

Wife and I went to a local Italian joint friday

Bottle of wine - (was like a $40 bottle)
Bruschetta
Branzino
Eggplant parm
Tiramisu

$110 + $25 tip

We went out recently before a movie. My wife and I like this local farm to table place with great cocktails. We like to get appetizers and drinks, this time it was pistachio crusted lamb, and surf-n-turf...shrimp over pork belly. I had two cocktails, she had one and it came out to $90 +$20 tip. We felt like that was perfectly reasonable for the quality of food/drinks we received. Spent about 1:45 there taking our time and chatting with the bartender. Nice little night out imo.

 

[caustic]

Just got back from a week vacation at the beach in FL. In 4 different restaurants we were told up front by our server that they had adopted a new policy. They add 20% to every bill, with 15% going to the server and 5% going to the rest of the staff (bar, dishwashers, bussers, etc). They were clear to point out that no additional gratuity was required or expected, but that if any was given it would go 100% to the server. And that if we didn't agree with the mandatory 20% on top, this was our chance to opt out and leave before we ordered anything.

A few places around here have started doing this as well - 15% added to each bill, but no more tipping. Ends up saving me a few dollars since I’d tip 20%+ otherwise.

 

[General Malaise]

So black market.

Nah — the garage guy was probably a self-employed tradesman. He’s free to quote as he sees fit.

Yeah, this. He dialed back his labor charge to take the cash offer.

I ask frequently for cash discounts and never once considered that black market or tax evasion.

 

[General Malaise]

Was a pretty regular eat out Saturday night person but lately just pulled the plug. Can get a prime steak to cook myself or something in that tier and some prepared sides for 20/pp easily.

I'm with you but.......

Not having to do the prep work or the dishes? Man, that's worth something!

Agreed……once in awhile

Wife and I went to Texas Roadhouse tonight

1 margarita, 1 draft

Blooming onion type thing

Smothered chicken (single breast with mushrooms,onion), mashed, broccoli

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

$65 before tip

Meh….

$65 sounds entirely reasonable to me, but I've not been to a Texas Roadhouse in 30 years....

 

[Mister CIA]

Obligatory reference

 

[Doug B]

$65 sounds entirely reasonable to me, but I've not been to a Texas Roadhouse in 30 years....

Texas Roadhouse was one of our cheap family places that the four of us could get out for less than $60 up until around 2018. No alcohol or apps, though.

We had a system. The peanuts and yeast rolls were our “app”. My wife and I split the pork chops (6 oz each IIRC), which came with two sides. We’d order an extra baked potato by itself so we’d each have one (forgot what we did with the other side). My daughter got a burger and my son was still getting kid’s meals.

 

[Mitchie]

The only way to punish them is to not go

And I wouldn’t now that I know. It’s not like I’m stiffing the waiter. He/she would still get an 18% tip and I’d be kicking in another 5% for “to pay the staff”.

You'd hate South Beach. I noticed a lot of restaurants had a service fee of 20% already included and a note that said that doesn't include tip. My biggest WTF moment was when I went to the store in my hotel lobby and the bottled water also had that charge added on when I checked the receipt.

I'm not sure if this is commonplace everywhere, but post-COVID many restaurants near me have adopted a "service charge" for paying via credit card. Essentially a way to pass through the credit card fees restaurants pay to banks. I understand that restaurants have lost a lot of business since COVID and their own costs have gone up, but it's pretty off-putting to me as a consumer. I'd rather they embed the service charge in their prices, although I understand that restaurants are hesitant to raise prices even more than they have already.

Yep. I prefer businesses that give you the option to pay cash/debit and save 5%.

Seriously doubt anywhere does a 5% cash discount unless it's black market.

I had two garage doors replaced 4ish years ago. Got a bunch of quotes. $2200 was the avg bid. Asked one guy if he'd take a cash discount and he didn't hesitate to agree to $2000 in cash.

So black market.

License, bonded and insured.....maybe we have a different idea of what a black market is. I didn't find him on Silk Road.

well he ain't reporting that on his taxes so essentially a black market

How do you know that?

why else would he knock 10% off the price?

 

[Doug B]

why else would he knock 10% off the price?

I wouldn’t think the taxman (or the CC company) is privy to an independent tradesman’s quoting inputs.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

We're currently staying at a hight end resort in Big Sky Montana. A 12oz can of beer last night was $14 and the cheapest glass of red wine is $21.

To be fair, Montana and the remote west has always been stupid expensive. Quietly NYC++ pricing.

Just look at the price of real estate out there. Yet there's nothing but empty land as far you can see, so not like space is at a premium like in a big city.

 

[dkp993]

why else would he knock 10% off the price?

I wouldn’t think the taxman (or the CC company) is privy to an independent tradesman’s quoting inputs.

……. They are now.

 

[Chemical X]

Was a pretty regular eat out Saturday night person but lately just pulled the plug. Can get a prime steak to cook myself or something in that tier and some prepared sides for 20/pp easily.

I'm with you but.......

Not having to do the prep work or the dishes? Man, that's worth something!

Agreed……once in awhile

Wife and I went to Texas Roadhouse tonight

1 margarita, 1 draft

Blooming onion type thing

Smothered chicken (single breast with mushrooms,onion), mashed, broccoli

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

$65 before tip

Meh….

That doesn’t seem that bad

Wife and I went to a local Italian joint friday

Bottle of wine - (was like a $40 bottle)
Bruschetta
Branzino
Eggplant parm
Tiramisu

$110 + $25 tip

fyi - we’ve taken to bringing our wine. places charge maybe a $15-$20 corkage fee. some don’t. i’d rather pay $20 for my own bottle than $50 for theirs….especially now that most states allow you to bring home unfinished bottles.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Dinner in one of our preferred restaurants in Oakland, CA - shared appetizer, cocktail each, entree, glass of wine each, maybe a shared dessert - $200 to $240. We may bring our own bottle and pay the corkage.

We've stopped going out like we used to pre-COVID. Never mind the cost, it's just not as fun as it used to be for some reason.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

I've stopped ordering steaks when we go out for that exact reason. Why downgrade?

Also, by not ordering the steaks I'm usually having a slightly cheaper dish.

Agree, 1st time I’ve ordered a steak out in forever. Wont again forever lol

Was a pretty regular eat out Saturday night person but lately just pulled the plug. Can get a prime steak to cook myself or something in that tier and some prepared sides for 20/pp easily.

I'm with you but.......

Not having to do the prep work or the dishes? Man, that's worth something!

Agreed……once in awhile

Wife and I went to Texas Roadhouse tonight

1 margarita, 1 draft

Blooming onion type thing

Smothered chicken (single breast with mushrooms,onion), mashed, broccoli

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

$65 before tip

Meh….

$65 sounds entirely reasonable to me, but I've not been to a Texas Roadhouse in 30 years....

Yeah, you’re right compared to other places right now. Was very average though

First time in 10 yrs or so for us as well. Had a gift card..

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I'm not sure if this is commonplace everywhere, but post-COVID many restaurants near me have adopted a "service charge" for paying via credit card. Essentially a way to pass through the credit card fees restaurants pay to banks. I understand that restaurants have lost a lot of business since COVID and their own costs have gone up, but it's pretty off-putting to me as a consumer. I'd rather they embed the service charge in their prices, although I understand that restaurants are hesitant to raise prices even more than they have already.

Yep. I prefer businesses that give you the option to pay cash/debit and save 5%.

Seriously doubt anywhere does a 5% cash discount unless it's black market.

I had two garage doors replaced 4ish years ago. Got a bunch of quotes. $2200 was the avg bid. Asked one guy if he'd take a cash discount and he didn't hesitate to agree to $2000 in cash.

We have had to use a tree service twice in recent years and both times they gave a discount for paying cash.

 

[General Malaise]

The only way to punish them is to not go

And I wouldn’t now that I know. It’s not like I’m stiffing the waiter. He/she would still get an 18% tip and I’d be kicking in another 5% for “to pay the staff”.

You'd hate South Beach. I noticed a lot of restaurants had a service fee of 20% already included and a note that said that doesn't include tip. My biggest WTF moment was when I went to the store in my hotel lobby and the bottled water also had that charge added on when I checked the receipt.

I'm not sure if this is commonplace everywhere, but post-COVID many restaurants near me have adopted a "service charge" for paying via credit card. Essentially a way to pass through the credit card fees restaurants pay to banks. I understand that restaurants have lost a lot of business since COVID and their own costs have gone up, but it's pretty off-putting to me as a consumer. I'd rather they embed the service charge in their prices, although I understand that restaurants are hesitant to raise prices even more than they have already.

Yep. I prefer businesses that give you the option to pay cash/debit and save 5%.

Seriously doubt anywhere does a 5% cash discount unless it's black market.

I had two garage doors replaced 4ish years ago. Got a bunch of quotes. $2200 was the avg bid. Asked one guy if he'd take a cash discount and he didn't hesitate to agree to $2000 in cash.

So black market.

License, bonded and insured.....maybe we have a different idea of what a black market is. I didn't find him on Silk Road.

well he ain't reporting that on his taxes so essentially a black market

How do you know that?

why else would he knock 10% off the price?

Because he can?

 

[Ilov80s]

Was a pretty regular eat out Saturday night person but lately just pulled the plug. Can get a prime steak to cook myself or something in that tier and some prepared sides for 20/pp easily.

I'm with you but.......

Not having to do the prep work or the dishes? Man, that's worth something!

Agreed……once in awhile

Wife and I went to Texas Roadhouse tonight

1 margarita, 1 draft

Blooming onion type thing

Smothered chicken (single breast with mushrooms,onion), mashed, broccoli

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

$65 before tip

Meh….

That doesn’t seem that bad

Wife and I went to a local Italian joint friday

Bottle of wine - (was like a $40 bottle)
Bruschetta
Branzino
Eggplant parm
Tiramisu

$110 + $25 tip

Bro where you at? How was it?

 

[Mitchie]

The only way to punish them is to not go

And I wouldn’t now that I know. It’s not like I’m stiffing the waiter. He/she would still get an 18% tip and I’d be kicking in another 5% for “to pay the staff”.

You'd hate South Beach. I noticed a lot of restaurants had a service fee of 20% already included and a note that said that doesn't include tip. My biggest WTF moment was when I went to the store in my hotel lobby and the bottled water also had that charge added on when I checked the receipt.

I'm not sure if this is commonplace everywhere, but post-COVID many restaurants near me have adopted a "service charge" for paying via credit card. Essentially a way to pass through the credit card fees restaurants pay to banks. I understand that restaurants have lost a lot of business since COVID and their own costs have gone up, but it's pretty off-putting to me as a consumer. I'd rather they embed the service charge in their prices, although I understand that restaurants are hesitant to raise prices even more than they have already.

Yep. I prefer businesses that give you the option to pay cash/debit and save 5%.

Seriously doubt anywhere does a 5% cash discount unless it's black market.

I had two garage doors replaced 4ish years ago. Got a bunch of quotes. $2200 was the avg bid. Asked one guy if he'd take a cash discount and he didn't hesitate to agree to $2000 in cash.

So black market.

License, bonded and insured.....maybe we have a different idea of what a black market is. I didn't find him on Silk Road.

well he ain't reporting that on his taxes so essentially a black market

How do you know that?

why else would he knock 10% off the price?

Because he can?

sorry not following what you mean

 

[Mitchie]

why else would he knock 10% off the price?

I wouldn’t think the taxman (or the CC company) is privy to an independent tradesman’s quoting inputs.

A CC transaction leaves a trail if his income is audited, thought this was standard knowledge.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Was a pretty regular eat out Saturday night person but lately just pulled the plug. Can get a prime steak to cook myself or something in that tier and some prepared sides for 20/pp easily.

I'm with you but.......

Not having to do the prep work or the dishes? Man, that's worth something!

Agreed……once in awhile

Wife and I went to Texas Roadhouse tonight

1 margarita, 1 draft

Blooming onion type thing

Smothered chicken (single breast with mushrooms,onion), mashed, broccoli

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

$65 before tip

Meh….

That doesn’t seem that bad

Wife and I went to a local Italian joint friday

Bottle of wine - (was like a $40 bottle)
Bruschetta
Branzino
Eggplant parm
Tiramisu

$110 + $25 tip

Bro where you at? How was it?

This was Cariera’s in Dearborn Heights. We went to that Friends exhibit out at Great Lakes and there wasn’t anything we really wanted out there so just went closer home

It’s solid, they have pretty good veal which I usually get but opted for the branzino special. Their tiramisu might be the best I’ve ever had though

 

[beer 30]

Not having to do the prep work or the dishes? Man, that's worth something!

You literally have enough people to field an infield living under your roof, how are you responsible for dishes?

How much mayonnaise are you eating?

Eating?

In honor of this thread I decided to stop by a fast food joint on the way home last night. Kind of a upper tier place, chain but not national that I'm aware of, Super Chix. They specialize in chicken. Ordered a SuperStrami sandwich (breaded chicken filet with layers of pastrami on top) and a regular order of cheese fries. $10.49 for the sammich, $4.99 for the fries, with tax and 20% tip I was out the door for $19.97. Had I gone to Wendy's probably could have got out the door for $12-$15 which is basically the the previously described meal sans tip.

 

[guru_007]

Obviously restaurants have become more expensive, but some of these costs are getting outrageous, compounded by the tip everything culture.
Since Covid I have been tipping much more generously at sit down restaurants. I used to be a 15-20% guy, I'm now a 25-35%+ guy, but I may start scaling back if restaurants don't start reeling it in a bit.
Cases in point
Went to a ramen restaurant a few weeks ago at the behest of my one child still at home. Last time I took the family to ramen was back 5-6 years ago in Vegas. 5 of us. I expect to pay more in Vegas anyway, but the bill came out to ~$100.00 before tip. Fine. Went to this local place, three of us, $125 before tip. And the food was meh, with small portions - I'm talking bowl of ramen with 2 chicken strips in it. WTF, never going back to that place.
I expect to pay more for wings as I am aware of the international wing shortage, but 6 wings should not cost $12 in any universe. Not to age myself too badly here, but when I was in college I would go to the local place for wing night with $20 in my pocket and the wings were $0.10 each and the pitchers were like $5.00 each.
The credit card surcharges are stupid and unfortunately it ends up costing the server more than the restaurants. Went to two diners in NY over the past year or so. First one charged me a 4% c/c fee. Second one charged none. Second diner waitress received a higher tip.
When did sandwiches become so damn expensive? I eat lunch at my desk like over 95% of the time, but every now and again, I'll go pickup a sandwich from a local shop, be it a chain or mom and pop. These days I can't get out of there without spending $12-$15 for a normal size sandwich, bag of chips and a fountain drink. Yeah, this isn't break the bank kind of stuff, but it seems like pre-covid I could get a sandwich combo for like 8-9 bucks and THAT seemed expensive. Hell, I remember the days I could go to a deli and get a sandwich that would make 2 meals and that would cost 8-9 bucks.

Of course cost increases are not limited to restaurants, however, as going out to eat is probably one of my largest discretionary spends on a regular basis, I've already started cutting back. I take advantage of local (and some chain) coupons or promotions when I select where I'm going to eat about 50% of the time.

 

[SWC]

one thing that has not gotten expensive is parnera same great food same great prices and like a billion fine dining locations all over america you cant beat it take that to the bank brohans

 

[Jayrod]

I like the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken burrito at Taco Bell off the $2 menu. A couple of those and I got a meal.

If we go out to eat as a family of 4 it is almost always a Mexican place and we usually get only a couple of sodas and no alcohol. Typically runs around $80 after tip.

We never do much more than that because it can easily fly well over $120 with appetizers and if I get a beer. I don't think I've ever taken the 4 of us to a steak house. We'll do one of the good BBQ places in KC when we are there, but that's probably the most expensive dining my kids have ever been to with us.

My wife and I will do some nicer stuff and drop $60-75 on just the two of us for a special occasion, but one of our favorite places is a Thai restaurant that typically only runs up to about $30 after tip. My wife doesn't drink at all and eats vegan for the most part, so she is pretty cheap usually.

 

[massraider]

Being in the industry, i can say during and since the pandemic foodservice workers are fewer and fewer. My company does a three year salary evaluatoin versus the market and my whole staff received a large raise last fall. Cooks that were making $14 an hour are now 17-18. Experienced qualified help are finally being paid a somewhat livable wage and the consequence is higher menu prices. Coupled with the increase in food prices, some as high as 50% or more it's no surprise prices are what they are. Restaurants, clubs and other venues have to pay more than the fast food places and for some reason those jobs are now seen as long term employment instead of as a stepping stone to a more skilled, higher paying job. Not sure how it's going to shake out but it seems unsustainable as currently constructed. Glad I am at a non profit and nearing retirement.

Opening a sit down restaurant, a nice middle of the road place, is a terrible investment. Some place with servers and bartenders, not crazy expensive, but nicer than a fast food place? Awful investment. Not because it simply IS a restaurant. But because it is going after the middle of the road crowd. Not the 'buy a dozen wings for $8 restaurant', and not the $400/person dinner.

But that's the segment most likely to suffer when anything bad happens, the segment most likely to cut out dining. Most susceptible to a downturn.

Cheap places are still a great value, they will cruise along. The really expensive places will suffer if a 2008 happens, but for the most part, their clientele really don't feel the price of eggs or gas going up.

Restaurants are seeing prices go up regularly, I mean every quarter. Casamigos silver is $15-20 more than it was 4 years ago--wholesale.

Someone asked why it's more common for drink prices to be so outrageous. The answer is: Entree price tends to be what everyone looks at. No one checks Google for cocktail menu prices. They should. It's also kind of like a cigarette tax. Only affects the drinkers. I'm a non-drinker, what do I care what drinks cost? That kind of thing.

 

[General Malaise]

why else would he knock 10% off the price?

I wouldn’t think the taxman (or the CC company) is privy to an independent tradesman’s quoting inputs.

A CC transaction leaves a trail if his income is audited, thought this was standard knowledge.

It is possible for vendors to do business in cash AND also pay taxes on those cash transactions. Maybe this guy didn't want to deal with the hassle of a credit card transaction?

 

[Doug B]

It is possible for vendors to do business in cash AND also pay taxes on those cash transactions. Maybe this guy didn't want to deal with the hassle of a credit card transaction?

And either way ... it's not your concern as the paying customer.

 

[BassNBrew]

The only way to punish them is to not go

And I wouldn’t now that I know. It’s not like I’m stiffing the waiter. He/she would still get an 18% tip and I’d be kicking in another 5% for “to pay the staff”.

You'd hate South Beach. I noticed a lot of restaurants had a service fee of 20% already included and a note that said that doesn't include tip. My biggest WTF moment was when I went to the store in my hotel lobby and the bottled water also had that charge added on when I checked the receipt.

I'm not sure if this is commonplace everywhere, but post-COVID many restaurants near me have adopted a "service charge" for paying via credit card. Essentially a way to pass through the credit card fees restaurants pay to banks. I understand that restaurants have lost a lot of business since COVID and their own costs have gone up, but it's pretty off-putting to me as a consumer. I'd rather they embed the service charge in their prices, although I understand that restaurants are hesitant to raise prices even more than they have already.

Yep. I prefer businesses that give you the option to pay cash/debit and save 5%.

Seriously doubt anywhere does a 5% cash discount unless it's black market.

I had two garage doors replaced 4ish years ago. Got a bunch of quotes. $2200 was the avg bid. Asked one guy if he'd take a cash discount and he didn't hesitate to agree to $2000 in cash.

So black market.

License, bonded and insured.....maybe we have a different idea of what a black market is. I didn't find him on Silk Road.

well he ain't reporting that on his taxes so essentially a black market

How do you know that?

why else would he knock 10% off the price?

Because he can?

Sorry good buddy. That $2k goes right into his pocket. Rough numbers, but he avoids 5% state income, 20% federal income, and 15% FICA. He avoided sending $880 to the IRS and $66 to the cc company by cutting you a $200 discount. Also if you keep your reported income down, you get cheap health insurance financed by guys like you. There's a whole another cash economy out their for trades people. It's kind of unfair when a legit company paying taxes, workers comp, health insurance, and unemployment insurance has to compete against small operations. That said, it's not on you or anyone else to regulate this and a good deal is still a good deal. I know a guy I help get a business started. Helped him with his taxes for two years. He eventually said screw it and went to cash only and stopped filing. Wonder if it will ever catch up to him (other than his social security being crap).

 

[BeTheMatch]

I'm not sure if this is commonplace everywhere, but post-COVID many restaurants near me have adopted a "service charge" for paying via credit card. Essentially a way to pass through the credit card fees restaurants pay to banks. I understand that restaurants have lost a lot of business since COVID and their own costs have gone up, but it's pretty off-putting to me as a consumer. I'd rather they embed the service charge in their prices, although I understand that restaurants are hesitant to raise prices even more than they have already.

Yep. I prefer businesses that give you the option to pay cash/debit and save 5%.

Seriously doubt anywhere does a 5% cash discount unless it's black market.

I had two garage doors replaced 4ish years ago. Got a bunch of quotes. $2200 was the avg bid. Asked one guy if he'd take a cash discount and he didn't hesitate to agree to $2000 in cash.

I do that all the time too with tradespeople - that's part of reason why I'll use guys running their own shop. But I've even had chains do it too.

 

[Grahamburn]

We're currently staying at a hight end resort in Big Sky Montana. A 12oz can of beer last night was $14 and the cheapest glass of red wine is $21.

Blame Costner.

 

[guru_007]

So black market.

Nah — the garage guy was probably a self-employed tradesman. He’s free to quote as he sees fit.

Yeah, this. He dialed back his labor charge to take the cash offer.

I ask frequently for cash discounts and never once considered that black market or tax evasion.

Always ask for cash discounts. No idea why anyone would not or think it's shady in any manner.
What they do what their fees is up to them. Cash and liquidity are king. I've received cash discounts on just about every home renovation project I've ever done from HVAC to remodels, to smaller jobs like painting. With cash, the guy does not have to deal with fights if checks bounce or customers dispute charges on credit cards, nor have to pay cc transaction fees. On a $2,200 job merchant fees can easily be 60-100 bucks so discounting 200 for cash is well within reason.
I'm not going to argue against those who do not ask. Keep paying whatever you're quoted. Seems like consumers think the only thing you can negotiate are vehicles. Completely wrong.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Just got back from a week vacation at the beach in FL. In 4 different restaurants we were told up front by our server that they had adopted a new policy. They add 20% to every bill, with 15% going to the server and 5% going to the rest of the staff (bar, dishwashers, bussers, etc). They were clear to point out that no additional gratuity was required or expected, but that if any was given it would go 100% to the server. And that if we didn't agree with the mandatory 20% on top, this was our chance to opt out and leave before we ordered anything.

I love this. Lately I’ve become one of those guys who has to scrutinize the bill and ask about how the added gratuity works so I don’t end up tipping 45%. In our area it’s only recently they started adding 15-20% automatically when it’s just two of us at the table. We’re all used to that for large groups. I’m ok with it as long as it’s explained but too often I feel the servers are actively trying to hide it. Last guy didn’t bring me the itemized bill - just the totaled print out to sign. We had a fixed price meal for two so it was easy to do the math and I knew it was high so I asked the server. It was so odd and awkward as he kept trying to avoid the question with weird jargon answers so I said - hey I just want to tip you a fair amount so can you bring me the itemized check and I’ll figure it out? He said something about the restaurant being able to pay its staff a fair wage and that struck me as the wrong thing to say in that situation.

 

[Da Guru]

Went to a bar near Royal Oak MI. yesterday.

2.50 22oz domestic drafts all day. 3 dollar wine pours. Half off all apps on Wedesday.

Had 2 tall Coors Lites, wife has 2 wines, split 3 apps. Bill was 32.00 before tip.

Needless to say the place was jammed.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Just got back from a week vacation at the beach in FL. In 4 different restaurants we were told up front by our server that they had adopted a new policy. They add 20% to every bill, with 15% going to the server and 5% going to the rest of the staff (bar, dishwashers, bussers, etc). They were clear to point out that no additional gratuity was required or expected, but that if any was given it would go 100% to the server. And that if we didn't agree with the mandatory 20% on top, this was our chance to opt out and leave before we ordered anything.

I love this. Lately I’ve become one of those guys who has to scrutinize the bill and ask about how the added gratuity works so I don’t end up tipping 45%. In our area it’s only recently they started adding 15-20% automatically when it’s just two of us at the table. We’re all used to that for large groups. I’m ok with it as long as it’s explained but too often I feel the servers are actively trying to hide it. Last guy didn’t bring me the itemized bill - just the totaled print out to sign. We had a fixed price meal for two so it was easy to do the math and I knew it was high so I asked the server. It was so odd and awkward as he kept trying to avoid the question with weird jargon answers so I said - hey I just want to tip you a fair amount so can you bring me the itemized check and I’ll figure it out? He said something about the restaurant being able to pay its staff a fair wage and that struck me as the wrong thing to say in that situation.

I have no issues with the "mandatory" tip provided they are up front - especially since I tip 22-25% anyway.

I did get annoyed at a Hotel Bar that I go to to see live music on Wednesdays that automatically added an 18% tip on each drink ordered without really publicizing it. When I got home I noticed on the receipt that I tipped 22% on top of the total bill (which already had the 18% tip added) and realized the same likely happened the week before - but now that I know it's there I just throw $2-4 on the bill (3 beers) on top of the 18% already charged.

 

[massraider]

Last guy didn’t bring me the itemized bill - just the totaled print out to sign. We had a fixed price meal for two so it was easy to do the math and I knew it was high so I asked the server. It was so odd and awkward as he kept trying to avoid the question with weird jargon answers so I said - hey I just want to tip you a fair amount so can you bring me the itemized check and I’ll figure it out? He said something about the restaurant being able to pay its staff a fair wage and that struck me as the wrong thing to say in that situation.

Sometimes people say the wrong thing when they get caught trying to double dip. He knew what he was doing, I promise.

Whether he did or not, you should definitely see the itemized before they see your card. This isn't the CletiusMaxmus Scholarship for Wayward Cocktail Waitressses.

 

[Boston]

Went to a bar near Royal Oak MI. yesterday.

2.50 22oz domestic drafts all day. 3 dollar wine pours. Half off all apps on Wedesday.

Had 2 tall Coors Lites, wife has 2 wines, split 3 apps. Bill was 32.00 before tip.

Needless to say the place was jammed.

$3 wine pours...do you actually have a copy of their menu you can post...social clubs don't even come close to that and they are as cheap as you get.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Got some to-go wings from a local bar in the area yesterday and their "special" that night was $1 wings. That's a far cry from the .25-.50/wing from the olden days.

 

[General Malaise]

I'm not sure if this is commonplace everywhere, but post-COVID many restaurants near me have adopted a "service charge" for paying via credit card. Essentially a way to pass through the credit card fees restaurants pay to banks. I understand that restaurants have lost a lot of business since COVID and their own costs have gone up, but it's pretty off-putting to me as a consumer. I'd rather they embed the service charge in their prices, although I understand that restaurants are hesitant to raise prices even more than they have already.

Yep. I prefer businesses that give you the option to pay cash/debit and save 5%.

Seriously doubt anywhere does a 5% cash discount unless it's black market.

I had two garage doors replaced 4ish years ago. Got a bunch of quotes. $2200 was the avg bid. Asked one guy if he'd take a cash discount and he didn't hesitate to agree to $2000 in cash.

I do that all the time too with tradespeople - that's part of reason why I'll use guys running their own shop. But I've even had chains do it too.

I learned long ago that it never hurts to ask for a cash discount. I've had small business owners and restaurants agree to it. It's not that uncommon.

 

[General Malaise]

Just got back from a week vacation at the beach in FL. In 4 different restaurants we were told up front by our server that they had adopted a new policy. They add 20% to every bill, with 15% going to the server and 5% going to the rest of the staff (bar, dishwashers, bussers, etc). They were clear to point out that no additional gratuity was required or expected, but that if any was given it would go 100% to the server. And that if we didn't agree with the mandatory 20% on top, this was our chance to opt out and leave before we ordered anything.

I love this. Lately I’ve become one of those guys who has to scrutinize the bill and ask about how the added gratuity works so I don’t end up tipping 45%. In our area it’s only recently they started adding 15-20% automatically when it’s just two of us at the table. We’re all used to that for large groups. I’m ok with it as long as it’s explained but too often I feel the servers are actively trying to hide it. Last guy didn’t bring me the itemized bill - just the totaled print out to sign. We had a fixed price meal for two so it was easy to do the math and I knew it was high so I asked the server. It was so odd and awkward as he kept trying to avoid the question with weird jargon answers so I said - hey I just want to tip you a fair amount so can you bring me the itemized check and I’ll figure it out? He said something about the restaurant being able to pay its staff a fair wage and that struck me as the wrong thing to say in that situation.

I have no issues with the "mandatory" tip provided they are up front - especially since I tip 22-25% anyway.

I did get annoyed at a Hotel Bar that I go to to see live music on Wednesdays that automatically added an 18% tip on each drink ordered without really publicizing it. When I got home I noticed on the receipt that I tipped 22% on top of the total bill (which already had the 18% tip added) and realized the same likely happened the week before - but now that I know it's there I just throw $2-4 on the bill (3 beers) on top of the 18% already charged.

The first, last and ONLY cruise I ever took did this. I didn't notice until about 3 days into the trip. Every single f'n beer I ordered was with an 18% gratuity added AND a tip line. Nobody disclosed this to me, so I was adding a couple bucks on every beer before I learned what was happening.

 

[Ilov80s]

And don’t get me started on the cost of foie gras and white truffle. Making it so you can barely feed a family these days.

 

[Galileo]

Got some to-go wings from a local bar in the area yesterday and their "special" that night was $1 wings. That's a far cry from the .25-.50/wing from the olden days.

I remember $0.10 wing nights. I'm old...

 

[Keerock]

Was a pretty regular eat out Saturday night person but lately just pulled the plug. Can get a prime steak to cook myself or something in that tier and some prepared sides for 20/pp easily.

I'm with you but.......

Not having to do the prep work or the dishes? Man, that's worth something!

Agreed……once in awhile

Wife and I went to Texas Roadhouse tonight

1 margarita, 1 draft

Blooming onion type thing

Smothered chicken (single breast with mushrooms,onion), mashed, broccoli

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

$65 before tip

Meh….

That doesn’t seem that bad

Wife and I went to a local Italian joint friday

Bottle of wine - (was like a $40 bottle)
Bruschetta
Branzino
Eggplant parm
Tiramisu

$110 + $25 tip

Bro where you at? How was it?

This was Cariera’s in Dearborn Heights. We went to that Friends exhibit out at Great Lakes and there wasn’t anything we really wanted out there so just went closer home

It’s solid, they have pretty good veal which I usually get but opted for the branzino special. Their tiramisu might be the best I’ve ever had though

Best tiramisu I've ever had (and by far our favorite Italian in the area is Salvatori Scallopini. Not fancy (which I prefer), but really, really good. We prefer the original Birmingham location.

 

[Keerock]

Got some to-go wings from a local bar in the area yesterday and their "special" that night was $1 wings. That's a far cry from the .25-.50/wing from the olden days.

I remember $0.10 wing nights. I'm old...

Was just reminiscing with an old friend, talking about how we would go to Chili's pretty much every night for their free happy hour wings and get out of there for $10 each for a couple of beers apiece. This was back in the early '90s though.

 

[Ilov80s]

Was a pretty regular eat out Saturday night person but lately just pulled the plug. Can get a prime steak to cook myself or something in that tier and some prepared sides for 20/pp easily.

I'm with you but.......

Not having to do the prep work or the dishes? Man, that's worth something!

Agreed……once in awhile

Wife and I went to Texas Roadhouse tonight

1 margarita, 1 draft

Blooming onion type thing

Smothered chicken (single breast with mushrooms,onion), mashed, broccoli

12 oz ribeye (was good, I make better at home), salad, mashed

$65 before tip

Meh….

That doesn’t seem that bad

Wife and I went to a local Italian joint friday

Bottle of wine - (was like a $40 bottle)
Bruschetta
Branzino
Eggplant parm
Tiramisu

$110 + $25 tip

Bro where you at? How was it?

This was Cariera’s in Dearborn Heights. We went to that Friends exhibit out at Great Lakes and there wasn’t anything we really wanted out there so just went closer home

It’s solid, they have pretty good veal which I usually get but opted for the branzino special. Their tiramisu might be the best I’ve ever had though

Nice, I’ve been though it’s been years. Glad it’s still around and doing alright.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

one thing that has not gotten expensive is parnera same great food same great prices and like a billion fine dining locations all over america you cant beat it take that to the bank brohans

Probably my least favorite restaurant to eat at