This is what I do as well. Then I don't return to that restaurant on the basis of shenanigans.

Simply ask for it to be removed.

Then, if you wish, tip the staff whatever amount you prefer. (Though at this point, any restaurant that tries sneakily adding an additional charge to my bill probably isn't getting anything).

	▲	JohnFen 3 hours ago \| parent [-]
		> Simply ask for it to be removed. No, that's too unpleasant and would put a dour note on the evening. Particularly if I'm there with a date. I'm OK with simply not returning.

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yuye 12 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

It's pretty common where I live in Asia, and they almost always write it on their menu, too. I don't really see it as shenanigans as long as it's communicated in advance. We don't have a tipping culture, though.

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JohnFen 11 hours ago | parent | next [-]

They disclose it in the US as well. It's shenanigans to me because it's sneaky. Rather than being honest an increasing the price of the food, they're using a "service fee" separately to try to trick you into thinking the restaurant is less expensive than it is. I genuinely find it offensive, for pretty much the same reason that I find tipping culture offensive.

	▲	ryandrake 7 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Yea, taken to the extreme, I don't think anyone would think it's fair: Restaurant A's pasta is $14.95, printed clearly on the menu. Restaurant B's pasta is $13, with a 15% service fee written in tiny letters on the menu somewhere. Restaurant C's pasta is $2.99, with a 500% service fee written in tiny letters on the menu somewhere. You're paying the same thing at each restaurant. If you think C is sneaky and unethical (which I hope everyone would), then why is B ok?

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account42 10 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Anything where the sticker price is not the full price you pay is "shenanigans" as far as I'm concerned.