DC restaurant service charges during COVID

[Anonymous]

Not sure what forum this belongs, but the last few times I have been in DC restaurants, I have had a "dine-in" of 18-20% service charge added to my bill. I am all for supporting our local restaurants and have provided evidence of vaccination and proof of ID. One restaurant I went to had terrible service. I was scolded because I stood up maskless and asked the bartender literally standing 2 feet away from me to refill the glasses which had not been refilled the entire meal. Honestly it all just seems so extra at this point between the upcharges and the city compliance. At this point its just easier to stay in MD and VA and pay the 20% tip I give for good service.

All first world problems, but my question for DCUM, are we going the European style of services charges and are tips not necessary anymore? And what do you do when you do have a service issue without looking like a Karen?

[Anonymous]

You were wrong not to put your mask back on to get that close to a server. The bad service was not refilling your meal, not getting scolded for poor behavior. I think its tacky but if they do that then I would not leave an additional tip. I wish they'd just raise the prices 20% to include the saleries and no tips.

[Anonymous]

If we all stopped tipping we can change this crazy

[Anonymous]

So don’t eat out in DC. Problem solved.
I haven’t eaten in DC since Covid and your post convinces me not to. Way too $$$ with extra service fee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You were wrong not to put your mask back on to get that close to a server. The bad service was not refilling your meal, not getting scolded for poor behavior. I think its tacky but if they do that then I would not leave an additional tip. I wish they'd just raise the prices 20% to include the saleries and no tips.

Of course Judgy Judy on here not answering the question. I didn't ask for your opinion on mask wearing and my behavior. and I was no closer to him when I was standing than when I was sitting. Well, unless COVID does not rise above 4 feet, in that case you're right and I was completely wrong. The same bartender was also later seen not wearing his mask talking to his employees while customers were nearby. Lots of wrong going on, but thanks for making sure we know that you are superior and can put people in their place.

[Anonymous]

I'm confused. It sounds like they are just making the tip automaticac, right? Anyone who doesn't tip a minimum of eighteen to twenty percent during this pandemic and labor shortage is kind of a jerk. If the service is excellent, just add a five percent tip on top of it to make it twenty five percent.

Or are you saying they add the service fee and the. Also expect a tip? That would be insane but I doubt that it what they are doing???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm confused. It sounds like they are just making the tip automaticac, right? Anyone who doesn't tip a minimum of eighteen to twenty percent during this pandemic and labor shortage is kind of a jerk. If the service is excellent, just add a five percent tip on top of it to make it twenty five percent.

Or are you saying they add the service fee and the. Also expect a tip? That would be insane but I doubt that it what they are doing???

Yes, they are adding a 18-20% service fee and then there is a blank tip line as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm confused. It sounds like they are just making the tip automaticac, right? Anyone who doesn't tip a minimum of eighteen to twenty percent during this pandemic and labor shortage is kind of a jerk. If the service is excellent, just add a five percent tip on top of it to make it twenty five percent.

Or are you saying they add the service fee and the. Also expect a tip? That would be insane but I doubt that it what they are doing???

Yes, they are adding a 18-20% service fee and then there is a blank tip line as well.

I think you might be misinterpreting this. I would assume the service fee is the tip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm confused. It sounds like they are just making the tip automaticac, right? Anyone who doesn't tip a minimum of eighteen to twenty percent during this pandemic and labor shortage is kind of a jerk. If the service is excellent, just add a five percent tip on top of it to make it twenty five percent.

Or are you saying they add the service fee and the. Also expect a tip? That would be insane but I doubt that it what they are doing???

Yes, they are adding a 18-20% service fee and then there is a blank tip line as well.

I think you might be misinterpreting this. I would assume the service fee is the tip.

I would assume this too though I'd probably add a few more bucks in the tip line. They're trying to make sure their staff gets tips in that range while probably acknowledging they are understaffed. They don't want someone to be able to leave nothing or a very low tip.

[Anonymous]

The "service fee" is not the tip. They expect a tip on top of the "service fee," which is income paid directly to the restaurant and on which you actually are taxed on your bill.

It's crazy. They should just raise their prices like any other business.

[Anonymous]

I would pay the service fee, not leave a tip and not go back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The "service fee" is not the tip. They expect a tip on top of the "service fee," which is income paid directly to the restaurant and on which you actually are taxed on your bill.

It's crazy. They should just raise their prices like any other business.

I mean, they're doing that too.

[Anonymous]

A lot of restaurants added a service charge during COVID to help keep the staff financially afloat. Did you ask how it was divided? Dishonest restaurant owners will keep the money, but good places divide the service charge between everyone who works the shift at an hourly rate.