Weird Experience

Ok, this is the first time this has ever happened to me and I am wondering what you guys think: The week before last my boyfriend and I went to the Speakeasy in New Albany to eat dinner. Our server was really sweet and did a great job. We ordered two Woodfords on the rocks and settled in to listen to some soft jazz and study the dinner menu. We both decided on steaks; I was going to have the ribeye which came with mashed potatoes and asparagus. I asked if I could substitute the sauteed spinach and tomatoes from another dish and was told sure, but it was a $2 upcharge. I decided to just get the sirloin because the spinach came with it anyway. My boyfriend decided to get the ribeye and pay the upcharge for what I had originally asked for! (go figure!) Anyway, dinner was so so, seemed to me the cuts of meat were rather poor quality for the price and I was still fuming over the $2 charge for the spinach! We ordered two more Woodfords and listened to the Motown band (lots of fun). When I got the bill, no matter what I did, I couldn't get the numbers to add up. I decided to just pay it and keep quiet figuring it was the result of two Woodfords! All in all, too much money for the quality. The place has potential, but still has a long way to go.
Ok, the following week we went to an opening for the artists who have their work on the walls. All the artists sent out invitations to their friends and family and there was a really nice turn out. The restaurant didn't even participate! If it had been my place, I would have been passing out samples all over the place! This time, we only had drinks and again, two of us had two Woodfords on the rocks each. I go to pay for the drinks and my ticket reads: $6.50 + $6.50 + $6.50 + $6.50 + $2.24 tax for a total of $34.24. Can anyone spot the problem here? When I went to school 6.50 x 4 came to 26 + $1.82 tax would be $27.82, right? So, I asked the server if she could explain, since I was obviously confused and she showed me on the computer screen that they charge $1.50 upcharge (there's that word again) for "on the rocks" since they pour more alcohol. (Say what?) Ok, that's fine, but it doesn't show up on the ticket and no one tells you there's an upcharge when you order. My question: Am I the only one who thinks this is rather sneaky? Sure left a bad taste in my mouth (well, the Woodford helped wash it out, LOL)

The upcharge for on the rocks is fine as long as it is a bigger pour, but it should be on the check as $8.00 per drink.

If Robin will indulge me, a response to this in haiku:

In the wood we sit,
the sun has reached its apex,
yet we remain cool.

The upcharge for on the rocks is fine as long as it is a bigger pour, but it should be on the check as $8.00 per drink.

Which would be highway robbery. $8 per drink?! ... in New Albany?!

The upcharge for on the rocks is fine as long as it is a bigger pour, but it should be on the check as $8.00 per drink.

Which would be highway robbery. $8 per drink?! ... in New Albany?!

and for Woodford!!!

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'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.

[Robin Garr]

In the wood we sit,
the sun has reached its apex,
yet we remain cool.

The forum host smiles;
haiku promotes peaceful thoughts.
balance is achieved.

[Robin Garr]

I am wondering what you guys think

I would be irritated too, Carolyne.

Cutting directly to the chase: The issue isn't what they charged. It is their failure to communicate it to you until the check came. The unhappy surprise spoiled your evening. If you had known the issue up front, you could have made a decision and moved on.

Woodford

Even with a $1.50 upcharge, the math still comes out funny. It should only be $33.92. I guess its actually a $1.58 upcharge. I don't get why they wouldn't have the price of the drink including the upcharge printed on the ticket.

I don't mind paying $8 for a good drink, but I do mind a bill that doesn't add up properly. Since when do bars have hidden fees? I thought that was mostly credit card companies.

As others have stated, I don't mind if I'm told about an added charge when I ordered something (or if it's shown on a menu) but I do mind it when it comes as a surprise. Also I wouldn't pay a bill they didn't add up correctly no matter what I was told. I certainly expect a Computer System to be able to give me a correct bill!

Sounds like the IRS to me!
Have to say it will make me think twice before going there.

It should be printed on a menu. $8 for a Woodford. I have my bourbon menu and it is that price no matter what the modifier. I charge $7.50 for a 2 oz pour of woodford. $5.50 for makers. add a splash of coke (yuck!) same price. I add a $1.50 for Manhattans because I use a large glass and pour 3oz. I was a bit taken aback at 21C when I ordered a bourbon and water from one bartender - $8 something and then from another bartender - $6 something. When I questioned the price bartender they said some of the bartenders hit the modifier button on the order menu and it chargers for ice and water. I don't know .... seems excessive to me especially for Old Forester. Don't get me wrong it is a fine bourbon but even $6 seems pretty high. Needless to say I ordered form the second bartender.

Its stories like this that make me happy that you pay the same price for a bottle of Woodford from me, with no upcharge ever. Then you take it home and drink it there.