screwed by soda

I never ordered as part of a big group at Soda, but at all other places, the bills usually say whether or not tips are included.

If you saw something like the following list on your bill, wouldn't you figure that tax and tips were included?

3 Beers = $15

2 Cakes = $5

1 Olive = $10

$2.51

$4.88

Total = $37.39

So where do you get those $10 dollar olives? They must be the best olives in the world!

Subject: hmm

Now that i think about it most place demand a reservation for a party of 6 or more, i guess they had the right to put tip on check!

Subject: Re: hmm

sneakyonstmarks wrote: Now that i think about it most place demand a reservation for a party of 6 or more, i guess they had the right to put tip on check!

what planet are you from? no place explicitly demands reservations for larger parties; some, that otherwise don't take reservations, allow it. but anyhow, we are talking about a bar, not a restaurant.

raw wrote: I never ordered as part of a big group at Soda, but at all other places, the bills usually say whether or not tips are included.

If you saw something like the following list on your bill, wouldn't you figure that tax and tips were included?

3 Beers = $15
2 Cakes = $5
1 Olive = $10
$2.51
$4.88
Total = $37.39

why don't people read the original post, much less the rest of the thread, before expressing their precious insights and opinions?

as i first said, the bill distinctly did not say tips were included.

furthermore, as i later explained, the bill was barely legible - the waiter eventually pointed out where the tip was scribbled, but it was completely overwritten by thick red marker used to write the total.

putz wrote: [quote=raw]I never ordered as part of a big group at Soda, but at all other places, the bills usually say whether or not tips are included.

If you saw something like the following list on your bill, wouldn't you figure that tax and tips were included?

3 Beers = $15
2 Cakes = $5
1 Olive = $10
$2.51
$4.88
Total = $37.39

why don't people read the original post, much less the rest of the thread, before expressing their precious insights and opinions?

as i first said, the bill distinctly did not say tips were included.

furthermore, as i later explained, the bill was barely legible - the waiter eventually pointed out where the tip was scribbled, but it was completely overwritten by thick red marker used to write the total.

The following is your original post. Where do you say "the bill distinctly did not say tips were included" ?
"with a large group at soda bar last night... the check came to more than expected and it wasn't until we spent a long time trying to figure who owed more that we were told that the tip had been included. perhaps we should have assumed it, but nevertheless criminal to not tell us that on the check or when it was delivered. additionally, we found a modest overcharge. bastards. watch out!"

raw wrote: [quote=putz][quote=raw]I never ordered as part of a big group at Soda, but at all other places, the bills usually say whether or not tips are included.

If you saw something like the following list on your bill, wouldn't you figure that tax and tips were included?

3 Beers = $15
2 Cakes = $5
1 Olive = $10
$2.51
$4.88
Total = $37.39

why don't people read the original post, much less the rest of the thread, before expressing their precious insights and opinions?

as i first said, the bill distinctly did not say tips were included.

furthermore, as i later explained, the bill was barely legible - the waiter eventually pointed out where the tip was scribbled, but it was completely overwritten by thick red marker used to write the total.

The following is your original post. Where do you say "the bill distinctly did not say tips were included" ?
"with a large group at soda bar last night... the check came to more than expected and it wasn't until we spent a long time trying to figure who owed more that we were told that the tip had been included. perhaps we should have assumed it, but nevertheless criminal to not tell us that on the check or when it was delivered. additionally, we found a modest overcharge. bastards. watch out!"

ugh, why do i bother. "...NOT TO TELL US THAT ON THE CHECK..."

The common practice is large parties (around six or more) are automatically charged an 18% service charge (or gratuity) at restaurants/bars.

Some restaurants that may have been stiffed in the past, automatically charge tips, like Tavern on Dean. I don't agree with that, but they were probably stiffed enough.

I was once tricked. I took a large group from work to a bar and we ordered directly from the bar, no wait staff. When the bill came it had a service fee. I paid a tip and only noticed the service fee afterwards. Good thing I was reimbursed. So that's another thing to be careful about.

ugh. this happened to me and a group of friends recently at Soda - no indication on the bill of the subtotal, listing the tax or the added gratuity. and like the OP, we spent a lot of time debating who owed more before challenging the bill and THEN someone told us. so, I guess it's still going on... and it's f'ing lame.

and then so many other times, you need a lasso and cattle prod just to get someone to come by and take your order - even when it's fairly empty. i may start shifting my business to other nearby venues. how's Franklin Park?

Looks like no one is bitchin about this topic anymore, but I'm new to posting and thought I'd vent too I also have ALWAYS had sucky service at Soda.

Especially if I try to get food. Like an abused wife, I've kept going back. I think I've officially moved on. Glad to hear I'm not the only one.

I feel better. Thanks everyone.

I've had several illegible bills at Soda, come to think of it. They weren't high, so I didnt think about it.

When I'm at a place w lots of people, I try to just pay every few drinks. It keeps you from getting stuck w a huge bill at the end, esp if some people leave early.

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