Anonymous
Post 08/13/2024 22:26     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

I went for a pizza with kids today and got confused with the 20% service change. Yes, it was listed as mandatory with taxes on top and a statement that tip is not required, but appreciated. Two small pizza, a basic salad and a kid’s juice for $80. I left $5 tip, not because the service was exceptional, but because it felt weird not to leave a tip. At the same time, I feel stupid for paying that much for pizzas. So no more eating out for a while!
Anonymous
Post 08/10/2024 17:24     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:No tip on top of a service fee.


+10
Anonymous
Post 08/10/2024 02:11     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

I avoid going out because of all the ridiculous fees and guilt tripping. I also pay cash at take out places because I'm sick of them rotating the screen around and presenting me with a tip screen....for a cup of coffee or pastry?
Anonymous
Post 08/10/2024 01:53     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:I asked my server about this over the weekend and she said it did not go to the servers. So I tipped on top of it but felt ripped off


Idiot
Anonymous
Post 08/10/2024 01:53     Subject: Re:DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
I don’t see what’s wrong with a 20% service fee if it goes to the server.


I do. It's a hidden fee that should be included in the cost of the food. And, unlike a regular tip, it can't be (easily) varied based upon the quality of the service. I hate tipping, it's a terrible system, but it is the one that we have. Expecting a regular tip is fine, but adding bogus non-negotiable fees is not. I don't go to hotels that have "destination fees" or "resort fees" either, for the same reason. It's dishonest.

And 20% is on the high end of tips. Every etiquette guide that I have read suggests that 15-20% is normal, assuming decent service. I have no idea why anyone would tip 20% for "average" service. That is crazy.


Where the guides from the 80s%? 20% has been the standard for decades now


No. 15% really is normal. 20% should be for outstanding service. And I'm a millennial.


You are a cheap a$$.



And you’re an idiot.
Anonymous
Post 08/08/2024 11:06     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

I’ve recently seen in a couple of restaurants the disclosure of the 20% service fee on the menu with a note that this is NOT a tip. I think in Maydan and also Perrys. It is very off-putting.
Restaurants don’t include it in the price of the food because then people wouldn’t eat there as the prices would look too expensive. In other words, the only way the industry works is through bait and switch
Anonymous
Post 08/08/2024 10:57     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:I asked my server about this over the weekend and she said it did not go to the servers. So I tipped on top of it but felt ripped off

If the server works at a restaurant that charges 20% service charge, none of which goes to the servers, then (s)he is free to find a better place of employment.
Anonymous
Post 08/07/2024 22:36     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:I asked my server about this over the weekend and she said it did not go to the servers. So I tipped on top of it but felt ripped off


Where does it go then? It's 20%, that's a tip. She is either lying or it's time to talk to the owner. It's gotta be illegal to have such a huge surcharge not disclosed upfront and only presented to you after you finish eating.
Anonymous
Post 08/07/2024 22:34     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:Haven't seen one in DC for a long time. You must eat out a lot of or near Spring Valley. Service fee is the tip if it's that 18-20%. If it's 3%, it's he covid left over one they haven't removed yet.


You can ask them to remove it.. It's annoying they keep having this and is just an extra tax they invent. Some are now being creative and call it an "employee health plan" or something like this. I just prefer to have it all included in the food price and see it upfront and then tip later.

I think service fee is technically a tip restaurants include to make sure people compensate their employees appropriately as not everyone tips or tips enough.
Anonymous
Post 08/07/2024 22:15     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

I asked my server about this over the weekend and she said it did not go to the servers. So I tipped on top of it but felt ripped off
Anonymous
Post 08/07/2024 22:12     Subject: Re:DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
I don’t see what’s wrong with a 20% service fee if it goes to the server.


I do. It's a hidden fee that should be included in the cost of the food. And, unlike a regular tip, it can't be (easily) varied based upon the quality of the service. I hate tipping, it's a terrible system, but it is the one that we have. Expecting a regular tip is fine, but adding bogus non-negotiable fees is not. I don't go to hotels that have "destination fees" or "resort fees" either, for the same reason. It's dishonest.

And 20% is on the high end of tips. Every etiquette guide that I have read suggests that 15-20% is normal, assuming decent service. I have no idea why anyone would tip 20% for "average" service. That is crazy.


Where the guides from the 80s%? 20% has been the standard for decades now


No. 15% really is normal. 20% should be for outstanding service. And I'm a millennial.


You are a cheap a$$.