Pizzeria Paradiso being very upfront about their charges.
“Dear PoPville,
Twice in the past month we encountered some hella-ridiculousness regarding tipping/service charges in DC restaurants…
One the waiter said upfront that the 20% was added to the bill, but the majority went to pay for back of house (dishwashers, cooks, etc), that staff got like 4%.
The other we weren’t told in advance. We’d split the bill and with the handheld credit card machine, the card was swiped, then the screen shown to us that asked if we wanted to add 18% gratuity. Not knowing 20% was already added, we tapped yes. Only after looking at the bill later did we see we’d basically tipped 38%.
While I understand the issues and needs to fund things since that proposition passed, this all feels like it’s getting out of hand…how do you even know if back of the house or whomever is actually getting this money? And then you’re put in the weird spot of “Do I really want to tip 40%”?? I’m ex-waitstaff and know the job hasn’t changed, and definitely want to support. But yeesh…
Wonder if citizens could encourage DC govt to amend the law to be like, “up your prices, don’t add the surcharge”….at least it’s more honest you know?”