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They charged me for water!

October 10th, 2014 at 08:31 pm

I took my husband to dinner last night. We went to a really nice restaurant, but I had a coupon that was going to make it pretty reasonable. Last night was not reasonable. I spent way more than I budgeted. They charged me for WATER! And my water was more expensive than my soda. And if I knew they were going to charge me for water, I definitely wouldn't have gotten both. $3.50 for WATER! Frown And the parking garage that we parked in (Which I have parked in before) was $20.00!!!! For 1.5 hours!!! Last time I parked there it was $7.00. And they automatically charged us 18% gratuity...for a a table of 2? So, I am going to have to trim some things. Puts me futher behind. Yuck!

6 Responses to “They charged me for water!”

  1. Ima saver Says:
    1412972553

    That is terrible. I can't imagine $3.50 for water!!

  2. snafu Says:
    1412973967

    You had such a good time at DH's initial birthday celebration dinner on the 6th! Was the choice of the second restaurant based on having a coupon? You sound so upset, I hope the dinners you and husband ordered were delicious and lived up to your expectation. Did the menu explain there was an automatic 18% gratuity? Did you feel the level of service warranted an 18% gratuity? What would you feel was correct?

  3. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1413036661

    Was it bottled water?

  4. scfr Says:
    1413039002

    Are you in the USA? I've been to countries where it is customary for restaurants to use bottled water and charge for it.

    I've never heard of an automatic gratuity being added except for large groups, and that is always with plenty of warning. The definition of gratuity implies that it is voluntary. It sounds like what you received was a surcharge. If they used the word "gratuity" and there was nothing on the coupon or menu or signage to let you know it would be added, I'd consider disputing it.

  5. rachel021406 Says:
    1413210152

    snafu - We did go to dinner because of the coupon and because I wanted him to have something on his actual birthday as well. The food was good and we had a great time. I just felt kind of blindsided. There was no explanation that there was an automatic gratuity. And I don't think I would have done 18%.

    Frugal - I received both. Sometimes they filled from a bottle. But sometimes they filled it from a pitcher.

    scfr - Yes. US. And I have never had automatic gratuity for 2 people. We decided we just wouldn't go back. There is another place similar that we go to for special events that is just as good, cheaper, and we know they don't charge for automatic gratuity AND we don't have to pay to park.

  6. snafu Says:
    1413322265

    Thanks for the head's up on new-to-us restaurants. We were gifted a 'Treasure Book' which has hundreds of two-for-one card/coupons for upper scale restaurants, major chains, hotels, shops etc. I prefer to eat at home but am feeling the pressure to join family and friends at high end restaurants. Parking in our city is such a nightmare we're trained to ask about parking before making any appointments or reservations. I'll now ask if there is predetermined gratuity.

    Our DSs both worked as waiters at fairly up scale restaurants while university students so we fully understand the desire for generous gratuities, manager's grab, and tip out but we also have had a full view of what goes on in the kitchen and back-of-house prep .

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