Weird Experience

Should they even be charging tax on alcohol? Not the case in KY.

Unfortunately, while I understand (pouring more for an "on the rocks" drink) I have been unhappily disappointed with several restaurants who did this with no notice; it seems to be more of a Louisville trait, as I've never experienced it in Chicago. I don't mind the upcharge as long as the customer is told of it in advance, but that has never happened to me here. And, the upcharge I've gotten has ranged from 25 cents to $1, but I've never been charged $1.50!

I had a bourbon on the rocks at the Penninsula Hotel in Chicago. I think it was $17.

Thanks for giving me another reason to be glad I dont drink. 8 bucks for a beverage is ridiculous. Unless it's 2 or 3 gallons of said beverage.

I had nearly the same experience a couple of months ago at Speakeasy. Even after using our restaurant.com gift pass, the total seemed high, so I added it up when we got home and we were overcharged (at least I thought at the time). Since it was only a few bucks I did not go back. I whole-heatedly agree about the steaks. I had hi hopes for Speakeasy since it came recommended from a good friend of mine, but the quality/taste was sub par.

8.00 seems to be the going rate for Woodford. Here's the Park Place spirits list. Woodford 8 Bulleit 7.

I do not believe that anyone from the Speakeasy chimes in or is aware of this forum however several of my former employees work there and I can pass on this info to them. I can say that the two that I know of are easily the best I have ever seen, and one in particular (Adam) has just been promoted to floor manager. He will definitely want to hear this. Brad and Co. have had a somewhat bumpy ride the last year but they are definitely making progress in the right direction and this is the kind of input they need to hear. I'll pass it along.......

Ahh how I miss the Bistro...it was easily our favorite place to eat before the baby and when we had a free night.

*back to Speakeasy, I should note that we ordered the appetizer sampler, and it was excellent. The steaks and mashed potatoes, however, were bland. I dont think there was any seasoning at all. The service and ambiance are wonderful though. I would like to give it another shot, but there are so many proven good steaks out there for nearly the same price that I'm not sure our one good night out every few weeks can be chanced anymore.

How can you be charged some 'phantom' charge that isn't written on the ticket? It's not just sneaky, it seems downright illegal. But, I'll admit, I don't know the laws regarding ticket itemization.

[Robin Garr]

8.00 seems to be the going rate for Woodford. Here's the Park Place spirits list. Woodford 8 Bulleit 7.

Woodford $8 and Bulleit $6 at Bourbon's Bistro. (PDF Bourbon list, may take a moment to download)

Thanks for giving me another reason to be glad I dont drink. 8 bucks for a beverage is ridiculous. Unless it's 2 or 3 gallons of said beverage.

sometimes the quality of a thing is more valued than the quantity of it.

I agree the charge should be accounted for on the bill...
but this thread reminds me of a pet peeve of mine. It is aggravating when you are presenting a bill at the end of a meal..and people are acting like you deceived them about the upcharge for an item (ala kobe tenderloin, souffle, caviar, foie gras..etc). It is clearly noted on the menu that there is an additional charge, yet they act like you are charging them twice for something.
And while I have your attention, it always helps when people do a little research before they embark on a fine dining endeavour, It is not the servers fault you assumed they would have a Caesar Salad, Filet Mignon, or A1 sauce.
If you dont consider yourself adventurous or a least bit flexible, check out the menu before you arrive, just a phone call or mouse click away.
In the case at speak easy..it doesnt seem that communication is a strongsuit and who reads a spirits list to see what the extra charge is anyway.... so i understand that.

I've never heard of an upcharge for a drink on the rocks, though quite honesly that might be because I generally don't price my cocktails before I order them. I'm curious about the amount of bourbon served when ordered "neat" - is it generally a 3 oz. pour, and if so is there an upcharge?

$2 for rock pour and $3 for up pour is fairly standard issue. While this structure doesn't provide the best value for your money at the call level, when you jump into the super premiums, you can really get your money's worth! You get charged the same $2 for a rocks pour of pappy 20 at $15.
Generally, restaurants aren't gonna charge you $4 for a rocks pour at that level (usually because it's a pain to set- up all those buttons in the POS.)

Glad to know I'm not the only one who thought it was weird! My advice to the owners: Be honest, be upfront, put all charges on the tickets, be flexible, order quality food if you are going to charge quality prices and put more light on the artwork if you are going to have artwork!

I've never worked at a restaurant that didn't charge an on the rocks upcharge. Most places I've worked charge 50-75 cents and the pour is larger. And also- I think $8 is the average for a woodford on the rox in this town...which is why I'm fiiiine with Old Forrester.

I must agree here, 50-75 cents SHOULD be the norm...$1.50+ is absurd, as is the price of $8.00 for Woodford. Also depending on the computer system, it should have been on your bill. I use Micro's and it shows you any and all upcharges plainly on your recipt.

FYI, I charge $6.00 for Woodford on the rocks...no hidden upcharge