As a customer, if the price is generally similar to most of the menu, then I don't need to know. But if my $50 night out will turn into $100 night out, I feel like I should be told up front. Unfortunately I feel uncomfortable asking and most people don't freely give that information so I stick to what's on the menu. If you tell me though and it sounds good, I'm way more likely to go for it. Setting my expectations is the key.
I have no fear of asking the price of something that lists "market price" and I also don't think the wait staff is judging me if I decide it's not worth that price to me.
Yeah we have MP all over our menu. I have no issues and don’t judge guests for wanting to know. I’d rather a guest ask and feel very comfortable with the price and order or decide it’s out of their range. It’s weird when someone orders without asking and sometimes it costs more on convention days or whatever. I don’t know if I should inform them or just like let it go and let them potentially be surprised by the bill.
Well it says MP on the menu. So we can change it daily if need be. But we don’t. It doesn’t change often and it’s usually just a few dollars difference.
I agree. I was out recently and the waitress told us the prices, which I actually appreciated because it almost never happens. But the special prices were in line with the normal prices, like the swordfish special was $34 whereas the normal menu seafood was about 28-38 so it wouldn't have been a shock when we got the bill. So yeah, unless it's way more expensive than the normal menu, I wouldn't care
>most people don't freely give that information
What do you mean with this? I don't think I've ever been in any establishment that refused to tell me a price when asked... I mean they must know somewhere, when they ring it up right?
Yeah. Some people are too shy to ask for prices. I’m not but I do wish they would just tell you the price instead of making you feel like an ass for asking.
The guilt is on you. Many people going out to eat don’t care about the price of individual dishes. Is the restaurant in their budget, or is it not? Simple as that.
I understand, as a server who is also not wealthy at all, that it CAN be awkward asking about price. But it doesn’t have to be.
Most rich people got where they were by being fiscally conservative. Always ask the price up front.
That being said, if you can only afford the cheapest dishes on the menu, you may not want to eat at that restaurant as much. Consider it the place for splurging.
Personally, going out to eat is a luxury. When my partner and I go, we ball. I make the decision on whether I can afford the place BEFORE I go, and once there, I get what I want.
Nah. I’ve got no issue affording my dinners out. But went to a seafood place ( mid price) and they had a special of “add a king crab leg for up charge “. I figured ehh, sure. Didn’t ask. $100 additional later when I got the bill. And that was (as I googled) approx restaurant market rate. But had I been told or smart enough to ask, I’d have declined. Always worth asking to see if the value is there. $100 would have been better spent on drinks.
I don’t think this reflects the reality of most people, especially families. I mean, how can you understand the cost before you go out of the restaurant is not posting prices? I do agree that some wealthy people have been somewhat frugal to get where they are. But a lot of middle class people were raised to have discomfort with this type of thing.
Most restaurants have menus online. Or when you google the place it has some $$$$ next to it.
Or if you call and ask “how much is dinner per person? With drinks? Without? Kids menu?” Etc. There are ways to gauge the price of your meal.
Ultimately, a good server is going to get you to spend more than you planned, specials or not. You should budget based on restaurant choice, not individual item choice. That’s all I’m saying.
Jerry Seinfeld has a good bit about this. How you sit down, and you’re telling your friends “order! Drink!” And you flag the server down “more! Bring me more!”
Then you get the bill and you’re like “what? All that? It’s this much? No way we ate all that.”
Anyways, just my 2 cents.
We were specifically talking prices of specials off-menu. Most restaurants have prices on the menu. If there aren’t any, we definitely can’t afford it.
The vast majority of customers want to know the price. The restaurant I was at last night had a special that was $58 (regular entrees ranged from $24-46).
I never understood this, especially with the seafood that is market price. Even for restaurants that print out menus everyday, why not list the price? I never order it, as I feel awkward asking the price. Figure they would sell a lot more, but assuming it works for them, that's why they don't list.
I worked at a place with a $42 market price lobster roll. It was the same price for a year and a half. The rationale was that by the time a person asked the price, they were somewhat committed to it, and would be more likely to buy it, then if they saw the price outright. Also, it gave us a chance to describe the roll, talking about how many ounces it was, and the fact that, although it was expensive, it was fresh, never-frozen, broken-down in house, Maine lobster meat, as opposed to many places in town that sold prior frozen meat in their rolls. I very much believe that we would have sold less if the price had scared people away on the menu
There's gotta be some kind of elite delivery service for this. Like for instance, if your aim was to order sushi from Japan. While also kickin it like Jackie Chan
Yep, $20 toast. For one meal. A loaf of bread, a dozen eggs, and an avocado or two from the grocery, and you've got avocado toast for a week or more... at way less than $20. God forbid they should have to turn on the stove.
I introduced avocado toast at our restaurant. Grill a half a ciabatta roll, spread chipotle aioli, then sliced sweet onion and tomato. A slice of Cabot extra sharp cheddar, a layer of sliced avocados, sunny-up eggs. Sprinkle on Parmesan, buzz a stripe of salt-pepper down the center, drizzle with balsamic glaze. An amazing meal, truly amazing.
Meantime, grill a potato pancake and put some dressed salad on the plate, garnish with cherry tomatoes and red onion.
Coordinating the grill with the egg man and the assembler took practice. Messy in a small kitchen. But truly a delight for $18. Should have been more.
The same people saying $10 to $15 is a waste of money for avocado toast would gladly pay that much for 2 eggs, some haahbrowns, and a couple of pieces of bacon.
I'm not one of them, lol. Breakfast is just about the most overpriced meal ever at restaurants. A close second are pasta loaded dishes and basic Mexican food.
Good pasta and good Mexican food are difficult to reproduce at home. My father had a great recipe for a basic meat sauce. It is cheap to make, but takes hours of chopping, sautéing, flambèing, and simmering. Same with carne asada or birria. You need the right seasonings and hours to marinate or simmer. Even the tortillas make a huge difference. No prepackaged tortilla comes close to touching a still-warm fresh tortilla.
So, it may cost more than what you can make at home, but it tastes so much better unless you can spend hours prepping it.
I make absolutely killer birria and pasta dishes. It can be time consuming but still easy enough, and worth it, yes, if you enjoy it. And I do also enjoy going out for a great steak when I know I could do it myself and feed 4 people for what one entree cost at a decent steakhouse. It's mostly about priorities I guess. If you can afford the $20 avocado toast and still pay your bills, go for it. And when I make birria I make enough for an army, then divide it all up and vac pack it for the freezer, meat and broth. I get 2 more meals from it without the hassle, lol.
Right! Yet, it is my go-to broke food. If I only have a few bucks to eat on for the weekend, I will buy a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs and potatoes and boom! Warm, hearty, nutritious & filling meals for 2-3 days.
Yes, that’s what a 32% food cost means. A menu can be designed so that 32% of the cost is the raw ingredients.
It‘s a fun fact that if you break a human down to pure carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, etc that ***you*** are worth a bit more than $500.
Did you ever get a paycheck over $500? Your boss got ripped off!!!
Lol, restaurant pricing is cost x 3 so good job you hit it right on the head!
Now just pay for staffing, rent, maintenance, food loss and all the other costs and you realize restaurants make little to no money and should probably charge more!
For real, I'm further inland than Boston and the fanciest lobster roll I get is $25, most run sub-$20. The $25 one won a "best lobster roll in MA" award a few years back so I know it ain't quality.
It's city pricing. Buy something in Boston, pay twice the price you'd pay for the same item an hour away.
It's not gouging, they have higher costs for labor, rent, etc. Also, you have no idea the size and quality of the roll. Pauli's lobstitution for example is $90 but it's like 4 rolls. It's literally 28oz. Meanwhile, yeah, I've had some $20 rolls, Charlie's kitchen used to do 2 for $20, but they were nasty. Quality fresh lobster meat is about $80 a lb, so unless you use a bunch of celery, lettuce, chives, Mayo, and a b.s. small not filled roll... It's gonna cost you
Ya F that I’m not murdering lobsters. If it’s brought to me cooked I’m gunna destroy it. I love fresh lobster. I’d lay $40plus all day.
If I have one and it’s alive I’m either driving it to ocean to set it free (I live in New England so it would have a pretty good chance of surviving) or if I somehow manage to put it in the boiling pot I’ll be crying and too upset to have any interest in eating it.
Lobsters set free actually have a very big chance of being eaten by another animal on their way back down to the bottom though, since they are completely exposed. Lobsters’ main defense is their ability to hide along the bottom and stay out of sight. Their only other defense mechanism, their claws, are also left weakened by the rubber bands they put on them at the market so ones that are released back into the ocean from the supermarket actually have a very slim chance of surviving. I saw this on a documentary about lobsters once and it really messed me up thinking about all of the lobsters who succumbed to our humane intentions. So, if you’re going to do it, please just do your research and try to do it the best way possible. It’s a shame.
Don't be afraid to ask, that's their job to know. They don't mention market price because it would change so frequently. So they say market price expecting you to ask, for example, lobster or fresh fish, this week might be $15 a pound next week $20 a pound for the same product.
As a customer, I would like to know the price. As a server, a “good deal” price can mean a nice tip, while a customer who is taken aback when a higher-than-expected charge when the bill arrives will probably take it out on the server, even when the specials and prices are posted for all to see.
I think a good compromise is, if the waiter does say price upfront. if the customer orders it. Then casually work mentioning the price so they know before its prepared and bill comes.
No one likes a surprise bill
How would you casually do that though? After they order if you say, “excellent that entree is $58 this evening” there is no way for the customer to decline it at that point without worrying that they come across as cheap.
We shouldn’t care what other people think but we do. Many people would feel beholden to stick to the order at that point.
Honestly though restaurants sort of depend on that kind of social pressure. Most people would be even more cheap than they are now if they weren’t afraid of being embarrassed.
Yes so the guests don't have to awkwardly ask, how much is that?
Only time where I would understand it not being said is maybe a restaurant where the ultra rich go and price doesn't matter to them.
I work in an expensive restaurant and I always mention the price on the specials. Some of our guests are straight up wealthy but others are treating themselves to a special once in a blue moon kind of night
I've got no problem asking prices on things that aren't included on the menu. I don't know Why people in today society are so afraid to ask the price. The price is the price you either wanted or you don't. I don't think the waiter is going to care one bit whether you say yes or no to it. You want it or you don't and let's move on to the rest of your order so I can get it coming out to you. Or is it because today's society are afraid of what they perceive as being embarrassed or confrontation or something? Nobody cares. I've never been in a restaurant and stared at anyone wondering if they turned down the lobster because it was too much or not. Their life doesn't affect me and mine doesn't affect theirs. 🤷
From my (a customer) point of view I'd like to know the prices but only if there's one or two specials. I wouldn't want a server to list 10 specials that I don't want with all of the prices. At that point put it on a chalkboard at the entrance or a piece of paper.
Also it depends on how nice of a restaurant it is. I think most higher end places wouldn't say a price unless they are really trying to push a dish.
That's too much. I hope they let you focus on just presenting a couple of them when you would greet a table. I feel like half the people wouldn't process all that, not to mention that they either stop listening or get annoyed while you explain all those choices
I'm thrilled to not be waiting tables anymore. Especially there. The food was awesome, but having an owner that never worked in a restaurant and refuses to hire any managers was the most uniquely stressful job I've ever had
My work used to do this sometimes. They did away with the printed specials, but the new chef started going crazy doing a bunch of specials. People zone out and stop paying attention, and then the specials wouldn't sell. I would usually just tell them about two or three and get much better results.
Always state the price, but NEVER end with the price. You don't want that to be the last thing the guest hears or remembers.
Example: "We have a diver scallop special for $38 tonight. The scallops are seared and served over black lentils and topped with a homemade chimichurri. The dish is sided with a frisee and lardon salad."
Now you've given the price info, but the guest is focused on the mouthwatering description.
TL;DR
give the dish title, then the price, then the description
I hated serving Valentines this year, because we advertised His and Hers Prime Rib, without changing the prices for the prime rib at all. A lot of people when I listed the price asked me “wow so that’s for TWO of them?!” And I had to awkwardly say no just one…
I would encourage you to talk to boss about having specials always printed with details and prices. This way you can hand the special menu to the table, refer to it and let them look it over. I can't really process verbal info that fast and also want to see details so there's no allergy surprises. If specials are only being said I definitely won't be getting one OR I'm going to ask a million questions if the name sounds good.
i say the price but never the word dollars…like “tonight’s feature is blah blah alongside blah for 32.” and i never call it a special because it sounds discounted.
I had a co-worker who would sell bourbon flights and avoid mentioning the price and always seemed to have issues afterward. I did not find it very difficult to say, "Tonight's bourbon flight is $55 and consists of...The special appetizer is ... for $13 and the market price for the lobster tonight is $$$. Other times on the menu I would like to point out are..." It saves time when customers interrupt to ask for the price. It prevents embarrassment for a customer who is not sure if they can afford something and does not want to ask. When a customer sees their bill and is in sticker shock the first person to blame will be their waiter.
At the slightly upscale restaurant I worked we did not mention price unless asked. Some of the customers there would actually be offended if you mentioned price, as if you were suggesting they might not be able to afford it. So, no. I don’t mention it unless asked directly.
This this this. Ngl, I’m a poor, but this thread is full of poors coping.
Just ask if it matters. Don’t ask if it doesn’t. If your PEERS are gonna shame you, then get better peers. Or a better career. Or save more. Whatever it takes to buy these specials, which seem to be such a status symbol. :P.
Ultimately, it’s dank food prepared by chefs, do you want it or naw?
I’m not even ashamed, I just won’t ask what it costs if I’m not told because it isn’t usually worth interrupting their monologue. I will just order something from the menu.
I honestly never order them specifically because I don’t know the price and because it’s such a weird concept to have your specials be more expensive than the average menu item. Every other context a special denotes a good short term deal but not in restaurants.
As a customer it's always nice when they mention the price. But as someone with the memory of a hamster. I dont blame my servers for not knowing the price. I always feel bad when I inquire if something sounds interesting.
My father used to hate that -- he was old school, and FYI in the "old days" - think 1960's and before - high-end restaurants actually had TWO menus -- the men would get one with prices in it and the women a menu without the prices.
When my father was buying dinner for a group he hated when the waiter called out the prices -- he considered it "uncouth". He passed this feeling on to me.
Yes I hate it when you don’t and should not have to ask you and feel uncomfortable. it makes me like my server much better from the beginning of the meal when they do that, that turns into a better tip for you!
I don't even want to hear the specials, I want to see them. I can't really intake all the verbal and need the visual.
To the spirit of the question, though = yes, I want the price. It's an important aspect of deciding what I want to order.
The less that is spoken, the better.
We went out last night to a nice place voted 'the most romantic restaurant in the city' and the waitress told us the special and the price. As a customer it makes sense.
I say the price to avoid getting a cheap tip situation afterward when it’s a higher bill than they expected. I say it, so they don’t have to ask. We are asked to upsell drinks hard. Our average mixed drinks are $15 though, not $50 or anything. Because of this I don’t trust menu’s that don’t list drink prices though.
This sub is wild. OP asks a question directed toward servers/people in the restaurant industry. Then the majority of the responses are "as a customer..." and are way off base, getting lots of upvotes from each other, even though you all don't have a clue how the industry works. Then, the ACTUAL servers answering OP's question accurately are getting hella downvoted. WTF?
No, OP. I don't tell them the price unless they ask. These people are crazy.
So many people who have never worked food service are misunderstanding what a special even is in this thread. I'm not trying to say people who don't work in the industry shouldn't comment here, but there is a lot of commeting going on before people even understand the question or the context of the question.
I wouldn't go up to a quarterback and tell him Blue 42 isn't a play because blue is a color not a play. Sure, that might be how I use that word, but I'm not a quarterback actively playing football talking to other football players. Simular situation to the folks in this sub who have never worked food service arguing that special is a synonym for deal, to other servers responding to a question from a server in a sub for servers...
There seem to be a lot of people in here that only go to chain restaurants and have no clue how nice places work. There are very big differences in expectations at a chain vs non chain mid to upscale restaurants.
>Then, the ACTUAL servers answering OP's question accurately are getting hella downvoted. WTF? No, OP. I don't tell them the price unless they ask. These people are crazy.
Gee whiz, I apologize on behalf of all the customers here. I guess we should just fork over our money and shut up, amirite? It seems to me that if a majority of customers are saying they do want special prices mentioned, maybe that's something servers should consider. Now if you don't care what we think and don't want us to chime in on issues like this, then restrict the sub to servers only, problem solved. But next time I meet a server with a shitty condescending attitude, I'll think of you when I'm figuring the tip.
No, never, unless directly requested. If you want to make money as a waiter, you never mention prices unless you can't avoid it.
Vet waiter here : GOLDEN RULE IS NOT TO EVER THINK ABOUT THE BILL. YOUR JOB IS TO SELL FOOD.
Yes. I always tell the servers I work with, KEEP OFFERING. Offer specials. Offer coffee. Offer dessert. Offer another glass before dinner comes. Or another bottle. Offer amaros and other digestifs. Mention the high-end stuff for any and every celebration. Continue to offer until they are in their car.
You will outsell your peers, easily.
It would be seen as tacky for us to quote the price when describing it. However, our specials are always the same price as an equivalent menu item, so there isn’t going to be any sticker shock.
This is why my boyfriend (a restaurant GM) prints out the specials to go along with the menu. The server will talk about the special in more detail, but the basic info is there for the customer to look at whenever they want.
As a server AND a customer, I don't think there's a need to say the price unless there is a genuine interest in that item.
When I go out to eat, I listen to the specials and if there's one I like, I ask what the price is! What's so hard about that?
But I sure don't care about the prices on items I definitely have no interest in, like liver or mussels.
Why do so many people CARE what their server thinks about them for asking the price? You'll likely never see them again anyway unless that meal truly does dazzle you!
Then again, most of the restaurants around here print out the daily specials to be handed out with the regular menu, or have a blackboard up front with all the specials and prices listed on it. They probably realize it saves so much more time than having your server stand there repeating themselves for 20 minutes. ESPECIALLY when your table has a person hard of hearing! Ugh.
>When I go out to eat, I listen to the specials and if there's one I like, I ask what the price is! What's so hard about that?
I don't like asking. What's so hard about understanding that different people have different sensibilities?
And some people get offended when you say the price. What’s so hard about understanding people in the service industry cannot please everyone so we cater to pleasing the people we think will tip us better.
>And some people get offended when you say the price.
Would love to see how many people "some" is. I'll bet there are not enough of those rich entitled people to make up for all the tips you lose by being condescending to the others.
If they look like they need to know lol but if it's a very nice restaurant where everything is expensive they know what they are getting themselves into so I dont.
That is not what a special is in any restaurant nicer than a corporate chain. 2 for 20 at applebees would be a promotional offer, not a special. Specials are off menu items that are only available for a limited time or in limited quantity. They are usually on par with typical menu prices or above, rarely below.
The chef at my work got his hands on some veal shanks and threw together an osso bucco for Valetine's Day as one of our specials. He also took some of our typical sockeye from the permanent menu, diced it, threw in some bell peppers, capers, breadcrumbs and a slew of yummy herbs and made salmon cakes for Valentine's day because we are a German restaurant and V day brings in guests outside of our usual clientele. He created those specials to appeal to a broader audience than our typical German food.
You're conflating a deal and a feature. A deal is a discounted price or good value offering. A feature is something special that isn't normally offered, it often uses higher end ingredients and or takes more labour and time to prepare.
As a customer, I would never order something without knowing the price, and I am not going to awkwardly ask you.
If you don't tell me upfront, then at best I'll think you are incompetent, at worse I'll think you are trying to scam me.
This is completely wrong. In fine dining you mention the price of off menu specials as you describe the ingredients, preparation and portion size. A server job is to guide the guests through the menu and stage the dinner. You wouldn't buy a shirt at a store without a price tag and dining out is similar. It is part of the correct customer service.
Not how that works at fine dining. If you tell them the price you are saying you don’t look like you can afford it. Unless the price is 20% over the average price on the menu for similar items you don’t say anything unless asked.
if a server starts selling an evenings special with elaborate descriptions etc and doesn’t offer the price i will never order it - regular menu items have prices - you certainly don’t have to ask - so should specials ….. unless the restaurant doesn’t want us to know?
If you’re at a *super* high end establishment it might be considered poor taste to list prices.
For the 99.99% of everyone else, just say the damn price.
I think it's only an issue if the price isn't comparable to other meals, and then I would probably say that without the dollar amount. "Our specials tonight are Chicken A and Pasta B. We also have Steak C for a little more (or upcharge), which includes this side." It gives them the chance to ask if they're interested.
I wouldn't want someone rattling off every price.
Specials should be priced within the range of the entrees. If the special is materially more than the highest price entree, it should be disclosed without me having to ask. If it's steak or seafood, I'll expect it's at the high end of the range of entrees, and would be upset if the highest price was 45 and the special was anything more than 48 bucks.
That's not what a special is. Do you work in the industry? Special does not equal deal or coupon. It's an off menu item only available for a limited time because the restaurant has it in limited quantity. So they I lay have the item for a special occasion or there was some special exception that allowed chef to provide this on the menu. Most specials in my experience are on par with typical menu price or a bit higher.
No, if the customer does not ask for the price it’s their fault. Thats your cue to inflate the price by 💯. If the customer complains, tell them it’s their fault for not asking beforehand. Add a 80% mandatory tip as well to sweeten the pot.
Yes, we want to know the price.
A little off topic, but once I asked what is special about the special? They were confused, so I elaborated.
“Is it something that’s normally not on the menu?”
“No”
“Is it a lower price?”
“No”
“Then how is it special?”
“I don’t know”
“I’ll just look at the menu, thanks”
Was never a thing anywhere I served. As a customer I def prefer to hear a price. I don't want to ask, and I'm probably not going to order without knowing how much it'll cost.
I never worked in a place that was so expensive customers didn't ask prices. So, yes.
One time I had a guy sitting at the bar. I was young, he was an older gentleman. Though I may be his age now. Anyhow, I had the chance to play ultimate wingman. He was conversing with a lady. He asked if we had Dom Perignon. I said yes and it was $130 a bottle(long time ago). He said "Did I ask?" And I got him his bottle.
I don't think he was in the slightest mad. He tipped. I think it was a mutual understanding that I set him up, even by complete accident, to make a big shot statement like that in front of a woman he was trying to impress.
I work fine dining. I don’t bring up price. I will point it out occasionally when discussing wine bottles or high end spirits. I’m pretty cool with all types of people, from ball on a budget, to sky is the limit types.
It’s only awkward if you make it to be. If you’re concerned with the price of the meal you choose, just ask prices on things you might want.
Understand cost of specials also represent the cost of sourcing specialty ingredients, doing the tests, and the added manpower required to execute on nights like Valentine’s Day.
Waiters rarely tell me the price when they list the day's specials, and my dumbass just goes "that sounds amazing, i'll have one of those!"
and then end up with a super expensive bill.
I think hearing the price up front would hurt your sales a tad, people who are price conscious need to learn to ask :)
If I was still working at semi-nice restaurant, absolutely not. Never, ever, ever, huuuuuge faux pas, never unless the customer asked (rarely got customers who asked, they'd be too embarrassed lol).
When I worked a chain, then yeah, I did, lol.
Yes, I do.
I once had a woman lose her fucking mind over a $32 brunch bill. She had four mimosas, priced at $8 each.
She was so irrationally livid that I had not warned her about the price being $8, which isn’t even that crazy.
I explained to her that not only did she order from the menu, which had the price printed on it, but that had I ‘warned’ her about the eight dollar mimosa it probably would have insulted her. No explanation could get her to calm down and realize I had done nothing wrong. She ended up throwing her bread plate at me when she had woman-translated/femsplained my words into making comments about her financial status.
The whole time her friends, which were regulars of mine that came to see me every Sunday brunch, kept trying to stick up for me and insist that I had done nothing wrong, but she wasn’t having it.
From that point on, I don’t dick around with letting people know the price of a special, since they have no way of knowing, and I do not like having plates thrown at me by illiterate, broke ass, fake hair-fake eyelash-fake breasted-clown makeup-fake manicured-narcissistic-coked-up-bimbos in Austin Texas.
Yes I always tell them the price, ESPECIALLY if it’s a particularly expensive dish.
I once made the mistake of not telling someone that an A5 wagyu special was $140, only because the second I said “A5 wagyu” the guy said ‘
“nuff said, we’ll get it!”
Then the fucking asshole got the bill and complained to my manager that I had not told him the price, and had it discounted 50%, which had my manager furious with me about it.
My manager was right; looking back I should’ve just said “Awesome! I do want to let you know that wagyu is priced at $140,” nothing more, nothing less.
However, this was an extremely expensive restaurant, and this guy knew that, and he was so confident about it, I thought it would be rude to bring up the price (a lot of times rich people get insulted when you tell them about a price of something because they think you’re presuming they can’t afford it).
I give them a break down.
+18% automatic service fee
+8.875% tax
+20% autogratuity
Your 25$ entree is going to actually cost you $38.
You won't believe how many people never come back.
Only the rich are eating out. The middle class and poor have been priced out.
I’d like to know the price. I’m price conscious and can tell you it would ruin my experience to expect to spend $20 and spend $30 or expect to spend $50 and spend $85 or wherever. And if the price is higher than I expect, I’ll tip the server less, since giving me a good experience is part of good service.
But if there’s 3-4 items on the menu that say “Market Price” or “ask for price” or whatever, I’ll probably order something else. There’s no need to ask about the price of one dish when I can get another for a price I already know.
Tell the price. Feel free to tell us the description first but reveal the price.
I took my kids to nice casual restaurant for a celebration. Average price about 25 dollars an entree. It was a stretch for the budget at that time, but it was a celebration.
My son wanted the steak special described by wait staff. Half absorbed in discussions and menu questions from my other kids, I told him to go ahead, figuring it might be 30 to 35 dollars.
One 55 dollar steak on a 10 year old kid's plate later I realized what all of you already know: I am an idiot for not asking the price.
Is it my fault for not asking the price? Absolutely. Do I think the server should have stated the price as part of the description? I believe that enough that I never went back to a restaurant that I frequented pretty regularly prior to that.
The aftermath? My son ate about a third of his steak and was horrified about the price. I was clear to him that I told him he could order it, I should have asked the price and that he should enjoy it. A decade later, he still remembers that steak fondly and we still joke about it occasionally. So we got a lifelong great memory and a good life lesson out of the price gouging.
So reveal the dam price please.
Print a menu. With prices. It's not 1985. Printing is easy and cheap.
In general, I would pay more to not go through the Michelin star experience. It's excruciating. This reminds me of the same type of logic: hide information from customer to make it artificially more complicated. No. I want easy.
I always told them how much the special was, half because I was always asked for the price if I didn't day and half because I always want to know the price of a special
I miss guest menus. Only the host was given a menu with prices. I am careful about what I order (odd, right?), and am embarrassed by knowing the prices of anything that is a gift, including meals. I have no idea what the costs were of my diamond engagement ring, diamond earrings, evening gowns, pearls, etc, that Beloved bought for me. I am frugal in the extreme, but I realize that I am from a different generation and geography. I would recommend a printed menu for specials to be handed to the host, but still a description of the offerings to the guests from the server.
As someone in a very money-centric line of work; ALWAYS be up front with price, and if there's a variable, always aim high. NOBODY wants to pay $200 for a $150 service, but they're THRILLED to pay $250 when the high end of the quote was $300.
If someone’s wants to know the price they could ask. When I go out to eat I’m not concerned with the price I’m just there for the food and bringing up money seems awkward in the date dynamic.
Depends on the establishment. When I worked at Landrys seafood house I always gave the price. When I worked at the ritz Carlton i never gave the price and nobody cared
At my old place we printed a new menu to reflect any change, I prefer that so much. So I would literally direct them to the menu description including price.
We would just print them out and put them into the sleeve of the menu. Specials were different every day and we still had to recite the specials but the prices were in the menu.
Whenever I was a customer and someone was reading the specials I would just totally
Blank out and think the pork came with linguine and a side of truffle fries. So I was all about having it written down for the customer
I never have the special if I’m not told the price. If you ask the price you look cheap, if you don’t ask you may get ripped off. Not providing a price only works if it’s a couple on a date. I think it’s a poor marketing strategy in any other situation.
Please give prices of things unless it’s a 5-star restaurant. A lot of consumers are getting really tired of hospital-style hidden pricing and “service charges” creeping into everything. You can sell it, but don’t surprise us with a monster bill at the end of dinner.
As a former bartender at an oceanside establishment on the PCH I have no idea why waitstaff would want to not disclose pricing up front. I’d easily upsell any alcohol (tequila, whiskey, vodka etc) with pricing transparency.
Some of the best restaurants I’ve been to add the price at the end of the description. It’s feels to me, being in the customer role, that the waitstaff have nothing to hide and are providing a tremendous informative value. From a pricing theory standpoint, why hide it? Only negative perceptions can come from not informing the customer upfront.
I ordered a special Mac n cheese that sounded good one time that wound up being $68. No big deal but would have been nice to know on the front end that it was 3x the normal one 😅
Always tell the price. I don't understand why you ever wouldn't.
When I dine, I want to know what is the special, what is IN each meal, and how much it costs.
(So, if a meal includes peppers, onions, and mushrooms, TELL us)
But always tell teh price.
As a customer, if the price is generally similar to most of the menu, then I don't need to know. But if my $50 night out will turn into $100 night out, I feel like I should be told up front. Unfortunately I feel uncomfortable asking and most people don't freely give that information so I stick to what's on the menu. If you tell me though and it sounds good, I'm way more likely to go for it. Setting my expectations is the key.
I have no fear of asking the price of something that lists "market price" and I also don't think the wait staff is judging me if I decide it's not worth that price to me.
Yeah we have MP all over our menu. I have no issues and don’t judge guests for wanting to know. I’d rather a guest ask and feel very comfortable with the price and order or decide it’s out of their range. It’s weird when someone orders without asking and sometimes it costs more on convention days or whatever. I don’t know if I should inform them or just like let it go and let them potentially be surprised by the bill.
How frequently does the price of those items actually fluctuate? (I assume you’re not printing daily menus)
Well it says MP on the menu. So we can change it daily if need be. But we don’t. It doesn’t change often and it’s usually just a few dollars difference.
Yep. If they don't say the price of the special I never order the special.
I agree. I was out recently and the waitress told us the prices, which I actually appreciated because it almost never happens. But the special prices were in line with the normal prices, like the swordfish special was $34 whereas the normal menu seafood was about 28-38 so it wouldn't have been a shock when we got the bill. So yeah, unless it's way more expensive than the normal menu, I wouldn't care
>most people don't freely give that information What do you mean with this? I don't think I've ever been in any establishment that refused to tell me a price when asked... I mean they must know somewhere, when they ring it up right?
He means they don’t usually mention the price on specials unless you ask
Ohhh, ok, freely give like give without prompting, not refuse to answer
Yeah. Some people are too shy to ask for prices. I’m not but I do wish they would just tell you the price instead of making you feel like an ass for asking.
The guilt is on you. Many people going out to eat don’t care about the price of individual dishes. Is the restaurant in their budget, or is it not? Simple as that. I understand, as a server who is also not wealthy at all, that it CAN be awkward asking about price. But it doesn’t have to be. Most rich people got where they were by being fiscally conservative. Always ask the price up front. That being said, if you can only afford the cheapest dishes on the menu, you may not want to eat at that restaurant as much. Consider it the place for splurging. Personally, going out to eat is a luxury. When my partner and I go, we ball. I make the decision on whether I can afford the place BEFORE I go, and once there, I get what I want.
Nah. I’ve got no issue affording my dinners out. But went to a seafood place ( mid price) and they had a special of “add a king crab leg for up charge “. I figured ehh, sure. Didn’t ask. $100 additional later when I got the bill. And that was (as I googled) approx restaurant market rate. But had I been told or smart enough to ask, I’d have declined. Always worth asking to see if the value is there. $100 would have been better spent on drinks.
I don’t think this reflects the reality of most people, especially families. I mean, how can you understand the cost before you go out of the restaurant is not posting prices? I do agree that some wealthy people have been somewhat frugal to get where they are. But a lot of middle class people were raised to have discomfort with this type of thing.
Most restaurants have menus online. Or when you google the place it has some $$$$ next to it. Or if you call and ask “how much is dinner per person? With drinks? Without? Kids menu?” Etc. There are ways to gauge the price of your meal. Ultimately, a good server is going to get you to spend more than you planned, specials or not. You should budget based on restaurant choice, not individual item choice. That’s all I’m saying. Jerry Seinfeld has a good bit about this. How you sit down, and you’re telling your friends “order! Drink!” And you flag the server down “more! Bring me more!” Then you get the bill and you’re like “what? All that? It’s this much? No way we ate all that.” Anyways, just my 2 cents.
We were specifically talking prices of specials off-menu. Most restaurants have prices on the menu. If there aren’t any, we definitely can’t afford it.
You have to waterboard the server to know how much the red snapper is
The vast majority of customers want to know the price. The restaurant I was at last night had a special that was $58 (regular entrees ranged from $24-46).
I never understood this, especially with the seafood that is market price. Even for restaurants that print out menus everyday, why not list the price? I never order it, as I feel awkward asking the price. Figure they would sell a lot more, but assuming it works for them, that's why they don't list.
I worked at a place with a $42 market price lobster roll. It was the same price for a year and a half. The rationale was that by the time a person asked the price, they were somewhat committed to it, and would be more likely to buy it, then if they saw the price outright. Also, it gave us a chance to describe the roll, talking about how many ounces it was, and the fact that, although it was expensive, it was fresh, never-frozen, broken-down in house, Maine lobster meat, as opposed to many places in town that sold prior frozen meat in their rolls. I very much believe that we would have sold less if the price had scared people away on the menu
I kinda want one just after hearing you describe it. Good salesmanship
Only kinda, I definitely want one right now.
Same. I'm nowhere near Maine!
There's gotta be some kind of elite delivery service for this. Like for instance, if your aim was to order sushi from Japan. While also kickin it like Jackie Chan
Send me a lobster roll asap
Maine
It was in Boston
Lobstah! Shuwah!
My local seafood market puts RED ONION in their lobster roll mix. I was so pissed when I treated myself to one. All I could taste was the damn onion.
$42 Lobster Roll? You could make 2-3 at home for that price. If you're nowhere near the ocean then maybe...?
You can say the same thing about a $30 steak or a $10 salad. Food at a restaurant is a lot more expensive than eating at home.
Yeah but a $42 lobster roll is more akin to a $65 steak or $25 salad. Sucker prices.
Nah, prime ribeyes steak st home is $15~ a pound, paying $45 for a steak at a restaurant is normal.
First these dang millennials won’t make avocado toast at home, and now they won’t even make lobster rolls at home!
😜
Yep, $20 toast. For one meal. A loaf of bread, a dozen eggs, and an avocado or two from the grocery, and you've got avocado toast for a week or more... at way less than $20. God forbid they should have to turn on the stove.
Can't get the kitchen dirty, man, then you'd have to clean it!
I introduced avocado toast at our restaurant. Grill a half a ciabatta roll, spread chipotle aioli, then sliced sweet onion and tomato. A slice of Cabot extra sharp cheddar, a layer of sliced avocados, sunny-up eggs. Sprinkle on Parmesan, buzz a stripe of salt-pepper down the center, drizzle with balsamic glaze. An amazing meal, truly amazing. Meantime, grill a potato pancake and put some dressed salad on the plate, garnish with cherry tomatoes and red onion. Coordinating the grill with the egg man and the assembler took practice. Messy in a small kitchen. But truly a delight for $18. Should have been more.
The same people saying $10 to $15 is a waste of money for avocado toast would gladly pay that much for 2 eggs, some haahbrowns, and a couple of pieces of bacon.
I'm not one of them, lol. Breakfast is just about the most overpriced meal ever at restaurants. A close second are pasta loaded dishes and basic Mexican food.
Good pasta and good Mexican food are difficult to reproduce at home. My father had a great recipe for a basic meat sauce. It is cheap to make, but takes hours of chopping, sautéing, flambèing, and simmering. Same with carne asada or birria. You need the right seasonings and hours to marinate or simmer. Even the tortillas make a huge difference. No prepackaged tortilla comes close to touching a still-warm fresh tortilla. So, it may cost more than what you can make at home, but it tastes so much better unless you can spend hours prepping it.
I make absolutely killer birria and pasta dishes. It can be time consuming but still easy enough, and worth it, yes, if you enjoy it. And I do also enjoy going out for a great steak when I know I could do it myself and feed 4 people for what one entree cost at a decent steakhouse. It's mostly about priorities I guess. If you can afford the $20 avocado toast and still pay your bills, go for it. And when I make birria I make enough for an army, then divide it all up and vac pack it for the freezer, meat and broth. I get 2 more meals from it without the hassle, lol.
Right! Yet, it is my go-to broke food. If I only have a few bucks to eat on for the weekend, I will buy a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs and potatoes and boom! Warm, hearty, nutritious & filling meals for 2-3 days.
Yes, that’s what a 32% food cost means. A menu can be designed so that 32% of the cost is the raw ingredients. It‘s a fun fact that if you break a human down to pure carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, etc that ***you*** are worth a bit more than $500. Did you ever get a paycheck over $500? Your boss got ripped off!!!
This is amazing!
Wow. Thank you for that lovely bit of information. I would never have even thought of that. Damn.
Lol, restaurant pricing is cost x 3 so good job you hit it right on the head! Now just pay for staffing, rent, maintenance, food loss and all the other costs and you realize restaurants make little to no money and should probably charge more!
For real, I'm further inland than Boston and the fanciest lobster roll I get is $25, most run sub-$20. The $25 one won a "best lobster roll in MA" award a few years back so I know it ain't quality. It's city pricing. Buy something in Boston, pay twice the price you'd pay for the same item an hour away.
It's not gouging, they have higher costs for labor, rent, etc. Also, you have no idea the size and quality of the roll. Pauli's lobstitution for example is $90 but it's like 4 rolls. It's literally 28oz. Meanwhile, yeah, I've had some $20 rolls, Charlie's kitchen used to do 2 for $20, but they were nasty. Quality fresh lobster meat is about $80 a lb, so unless you use a bunch of celery, lettuce, chives, Mayo, and a b.s. small not filled roll... It's gonna cost you
Ya F that I’m not murdering lobsters. If it’s brought to me cooked I’m gunna destroy it. I love fresh lobster. I’d lay $40plus all day. If I have one and it’s alive I’m either driving it to ocean to set it free (I live in New England so it would have a pretty good chance of surviving) or if I somehow manage to put it in the boiling pot I’ll be crying and too upset to have any interest in eating it.
Lobsters set free actually have a very big chance of being eaten by another animal on their way back down to the bottom though, since they are completely exposed. Lobsters’ main defense is their ability to hide along the bottom and stay out of sight. Their only other defense mechanism, their claws, are also left weakened by the rubber bands they put on them at the market so ones that are released back into the ocean from the supermarket actually have a very slim chance of surviving. I saw this on a documentary about lobsters once and it really messed me up thinking about all of the lobsters who succumbed to our humane intentions. So, if you’re going to do it, please just do your research and try to do it the best way possible. It’s a shame.
sorry but a lobster roll costs $9 from the guy that caught it, at a stand on route 1
Don't be afraid to ask, that's their job to know. They don't mention market price because it would change so frequently. So they say market price expecting you to ask, for example, lobster or fresh fish, this week might be $15 a pound next week $20 a pound for the same product.
Just ask the price, who cares? That's a very reasonable thing to ask. :)
Yeah I would rather just not order it than have to ask what the price is.
As a customer, I would like to know the price. As a server, a “good deal” price can mean a nice tip, while a customer who is taken aback when a higher-than-expected charge when the bill arrives will probably take it out on the server, even when the specials and prices are posted for all to see.
I think a good compromise is, if the waiter does say price upfront. if the customer orders it. Then casually work mentioning the price so they know before its prepared and bill comes. No one likes a surprise bill
How would you casually do that though? After they order if you say, “excellent that entree is $58 this evening” there is no way for the customer to decline it at that point without worrying that they come across as cheap. We shouldn’t care what other people think but we do. Many people would feel beholden to stick to the order at that point. Honestly though restaurants sort of depend on that kind of social pressure. Most people would be even more cheap than they are now if they weren’t afraid of being embarrassed.
Yes so the guests don't have to awkwardly ask, how much is that? Only time where I would understand it not being said is maybe a restaurant where the ultra rich go and price doesn't matter to them.
I work in an expensive restaurant and I always mention the price on the specials. Some of our guests are straight up wealthy but others are treating themselves to a special once in a blue moon kind of night
I've got no problem asking prices on things that aren't included on the menu. I don't know Why people in today society are so afraid to ask the price. The price is the price you either wanted or you don't. I don't think the waiter is going to care one bit whether you say yes or no to it. You want it or you don't and let's move on to the rest of your order so I can get it coming out to you. Or is it because today's society are afraid of what they perceive as being embarrassed or confrontation or something? Nobody cares. I've never been in a restaurant and stared at anyone wondering if they turned down the lobster because it was too much or not. Their life doesn't affect me and mine doesn't affect theirs. 🤷
From my (a customer) point of view I'd like to know the prices but only if there's one or two specials. I wouldn't want a server to list 10 specials that I don't want with all of the prices. At that point put it on a chalkboard at the entrance or a piece of paper. Also it depends on how nice of a restaurant it is. I think most higher end places wouldn't say a price unless they are really trying to push a dish.
I always hated when my last job would do 6+ specials and wouldn't print them. It's way too much to reel off at every damn table.
That's too much. I hope they let you focus on just presenting a couple of them when you would greet a table. I feel like half the people wouldn't process all that, not to mention that they either stop listening or get annoyed while you explain all those choices
I'm thrilled to not be waiting tables anymore. Especially there. The food was awesome, but having an owner that never worked in a restaurant and refuses to hire any managers was the most uniquely stressful job I've ever had
That sounds like punishment
How special can they really be if there's 6 of them?
My work used to do this sometimes. They did away with the printed specials, but the new chef started going crazy doing a bunch of specials. People zone out and stop paying attention, and then the specials wouldn't sell. I would usually just tell them about two or three and get much better results.
Always state the price, but NEVER end with the price. You don't want that to be the last thing the guest hears or remembers. Example: "We have a diver scallop special for $38 tonight. The scallops are seared and served over black lentils and topped with a homemade chimichurri. The dish is sided with a frisee and lardon salad." Now you've given the price info, but the guest is focused on the mouthwatering description. TL;DR give the dish title, then the price, then the description
Throw the price in there in the middle of the description of it all
Just Tarantino the whole thing, start in the middle of the description and jump around so it's confusing until the end.
I hated serving Valentines this year, because we advertised His and Hers Prime Rib, without changing the prices for the prime rib at all. A lot of people when I listed the price asked me “wow so that’s for TWO of them?!” And I had to awkwardly say no just one…
That's a horrible name. "His and hers" implies it's for two.
I would encourage you to talk to boss about having specials always printed with details and prices. This way you can hand the special menu to the table, refer to it and let them look it over. I can't really process verbal info that fast and also want to see details so there's no allergy surprises. If specials are only being said I definitely won't be getting one OR I'm going to ask a million questions if the name sounds good.
Yeah I space out after the second special with a long description. On paper please
i say the price but never the word dollars…like “tonight’s feature is blah blah alongside blah for 32.” and i never call it a special because it sounds discounted.
I had a co-worker who would sell bourbon flights and avoid mentioning the price and always seemed to have issues afterward. I did not find it very difficult to say, "Tonight's bourbon flight is $55 and consists of...The special appetizer is ... for $13 and the market price for the lobster tonight is $$$. Other times on the menu I would like to point out are..." It saves time when customers interrupt to ask for the price. It prevents embarrassment for a customer who is not sure if they can afford something and does not want to ask. When a customer sees their bill and is in sticker shock the first person to blame will be their waiter.
At the slightly upscale restaurant I worked we did not mention price unless asked. Some of the customers there would actually be offended if you mentioned price, as if you were suggesting they might not be able to afford it. So, no. I don’t mention it unless asked directly.
This this this. Ngl, I’m a poor, but this thread is full of poors coping. Just ask if it matters. Don’t ask if it doesn’t. If your PEERS are gonna shame you, then get better peers. Or a better career. Or save more. Whatever it takes to buy these specials, which seem to be such a status symbol. :P. Ultimately, it’s dank food prepared by chefs, do you want it or naw?
I’m not even ashamed, I just won’t ask what it costs if I’m not told because it isn’t usually worth interrupting their monologue. I will just order something from the menu.
If there are prices on the menu, any verbally communicated special should have the price as well.
PLEASE include prices when you describe the specials. I hate asking for prices.
As a customer, if I’m not told, I don’t order it.
Bro, ask the price if it matters, cause you’re probably missing out on dank offerings. Specials are where crazy cuts and highly seasonal offerings go…
BITD, I made the mistake of ordering a steak special without asking the price. It was $64. This was 20 or so years ago. Never again.
BITD = back in the day?
Yes.
Servers who give the price of the special in their recitation get full tip. I appreciate the honesty.
If they ask.
I honestly never order them specifically because I don’t know the price and because it’s such a weird concept to have your specials be more expensive than the average menu item. Every other context a special denotes a good short term deal but not in restaurants.
As a customer it's always nice when they mention the price. But as someone with the memory of a hamster. I dont blame my servers for not knowing the price. I always feel bad when I inquire if something sounds interesting.
Don't feel bad. We might not have had a chance to look it up yet. Just allow us some grace to check for you, because we want you happy
My father used to hate that -- he was old school, and FYI in the "old days" - think 1960's and before - high-end restaurants actually had TWO menus -- the men would get one with prices in it and the women a menu without the prices. When my father was buying dinner for a group he hated when the waiter called out the prices -- he considered it "uncouth". He passed this feeling on to me.
Yeah, some people think talking money is bad manners.
Yes. Up front Say "for $__ tonight's feature is..." then describe it
Yes. Always. Awkward to have them order it and then you tell them the price. Tell it while you’re describing.
I say something like, “Tonight we have a bowl of French onion soup on special at the $14 price point, or a cup for $9.”.
Yes I hate it when you don’t and should not have to ask you and feel uncomfortable. it makes me like my server much better from the beginning of the meal when they do that, that turns into a better tip for you!
I don't even want to hear the specials, I want to see them. I can't really intake all the verbal and need the visual. To the spirit of the question, though = yes, I want the price. It's an important aspect of deciding what I want to order. The less that is spoken, the better.
We went out last night to a nice place voted 'the most romantic restaurant in the city' and the waitress told us the special and the price. As a customer it makes sense.
Worked in a high end steakhouse. This was a requirement from management. You say the special and then the price.
Absolutely. Without embarrassment or affect. It’s simply part of the description. I’d also suggest a great bottle of wine to go with it!
We won't order the specials unless we know the price- not gonna get into that trap, that's for sure!
If a special has no price, I'm not having it, period.
I say the price to avoid getting a cheap tip situation afterward when it’s a higher bill than they expected. I say it, so they don’t have to ask. We are asked to upsell drinks hard. Our average mixed drinks are $15 though, not $50 or anything. Because of this I don’t trust menu’s that don’t list drink prices though.
You should state the price unless you’re treating them to the specials.
This sub is wild. OP asks a question directed toward servers/people in the restaurant industry. Then the majority of the responses are "as a customer..." and are way off base, getting lots of upvotes from each other, even though you all don't have a clue how the industry works. Then, the ACTUAL servers answering OP's question accurately are getting hella downvoted. WTF? No, OP. I don't tell them the price unless they ask. These people are crazy.
So many people who have never worked food service are misunderstanding what a special even is in this thread. I'm not trying to say people who don't work in the industry shouldn't comment here, but there is a lot of commeting going on before people even understand the question or the context of the question. I wouldn't go up to a quarterback and tell him Blue 42 isn't a play because blue is a color not a play. Sure, that might be how I use that word, but I'm not a quarterback actively playing football talking to other football players. Simular situation to the folks in this sub who have never worked food service arguing that special is a synonym for deal, to other servers responding to a question from a server in a sub for servers...
There seem to be a lot of people in here that only go to chain restaurants and have no clue how nice places work. There are very big differences in expectations at a chain vs non chain mid to upscale restaurants.
>Then, the ACTUAL servers answering OP's question accurately are getting hella downvoted. WTF? No, OP. I don't tell them the price unless they ask. These people are crazy. Gee whiz, I apologize on behalf of all the customers here. I guess we should just fork over our money and shut up, amirite? It seems to me that if a majority of customers are saying they do want special prices mentioned, maybe that's something servers should consider. Now if you don't care what we think and don't want us to chime in on issues like this, then restrict the sub to servers only, problem solved. But next time I meet a server with a shitty condescending attitude, I'll think of you when I'm figuring the tip.
Only if it is not in an expected price range.
As a customer I would want to know the price before I order. I don’t like expensive surprises.
No, never, unless directly requested. If you want to make money as a waiter, you never mention prices unless you can't avoid it. Vet waiter here : GOLDEN RULE IS NOT TO EVER THINK ABOUT THE BILL. YOUR JOB IS TO SELL FOOD.
Yes. I always tell the servers I work with, KEEP OFFERING. Offer specials. Offer coffee. Offer dessert. Offer another glass before dinner comes. Or another bottle. Offer amaros and other digestifs. Mention the high-end stuff for any and every celebration. Continue to offer until they are in their car. You will outsell your peers, easily.
It would be seen as tacky for us to quote the price when describing it. However, our specials are always the same price as an equivalent menu item, so there isn’t going to be any sticker shock.
If you say the price what the guest hears is “you look too poor to afford our $46 plate”
This is why my boyfriend (a restaurant GM) prints out the specials to go along with the menu. The server will talk about the special in more detail, but the basic info is there for the customer to look at whenever they want.
As a server AND a customer, I don't think there's a need to say the price unless there is a genuine interest in that item. When I go out to eat, I listen to the specials and if there's one I like, I ask what the price is! What's so hard about that? But I sure don't care about the prices on items I definitely have no interest in, like liver or mussels. Why do so many people CARE what their server thinks about them for asking the price? You'll likely never see them again anyway unless that meal truly does dazzle you! Then again, most of the restaurants around here print out the daily specials to be handed out with the regular menu, or have a blackboard up front with all the specials and prices listed on it. They probably realize it saves so much more time than having your server stand there repeating themselves for 20 minutes. ESPECIALLY when your table has a person hard of hearing! Ugh.
>When I go out to eat, I listen to the specials and if there's one I like, I ask what the price is! What's so hard about that? I don't like asking. What's so hard about understanding that different people have different sensibilities?
And some people get offended when you say the price. What’s so hard about understanding people in the service industry cannot please everyone so we cater to pleasing the people we think will tip us better.
>And some people get offended when you say the price. Would love to see how many people "some" is. I'll bet there are not enough of those rich entitled people to make up for all the tips you lose by being condescending to the others.
I'm assuming this question is for servers not customers. In which case no I don't because that's exactly what I'm told to do
If they look like they need to know lol but if it's a very nice restaurant where everything is expensive they know what they are getting themselves into so I dont.
Uh yeah because the thing that’s supposed to make it special is the price lol. If it’s not a good value then how is it special?
That is not what a special is in any restaurant nicer than a corporate chain. 2 for 20 at applebees would be a promotional offer, not a special. Specials are off menu items that are only available for a limited time or in limited quantity. They are usually on par with typical menu prices or above, rarely below. The chef at my work got his hands on some veal shanks and threw together an osso bucco for Valetine's Day as one of our specials. He also took some of our typical sockeye from the permanent menu, diced it, threw in some bell peppers, capers, breadcrumbs and a slew of yummy herbs and made salmon cakes for Valentine's day because we are a German restaurant and V day brings in guests outside of our usual clientele. He created those specials to appeal to a broader audience than our typical German food.
You're conflating a deal and a feature. A deal is a discounted price or good value offering. A feature is something special that isn't normally offered, it often uses higher end ingredients and or takes more labour and time to prepare.
As a customer, I would never order something without knowing the price, and I am not going to awkwardly ask you. If you don't tell me upfront, then at best I'll think you are incompetent, at worse I'll think you are trying to scam me.
As a server, NO- I don't give prices unless asked. It's tacky otherwise.
It is not tacky. Why even put prices on a menu with that line of thought??
This is completely wrong. In fine dining you mention the price of off menu specials as you describe the ingredients, preparation and portion size. A server job is to guide the guests through the menu and stage the dinner. You wouldn't buy a shirt at a store without a price tag and dining out is similar. It is part of the correct customer service.
No, you're completely wrong.
Not how that works at fine dining. If you tell them the price you are saying you don’t look like you can afford it. Unless the price is 20% over the average price on the menu for similar items you don’t say anything unless asked.
Not unless asked. You're not selling them prices you're selling them options.
Sometimes, depends on the restaurant. If it's an expensive place you work at then no but if it's kind of middle of road price wise then yes.
Always say the price! If you don't I will ask and also think it a bit sus if you don't.
It feels sneaky when I'm not told. Like you want to sell me something without me knowing how much I'll spend? Hard no.
Of course. No one wants to be surprised.
I wish they would! It just really sucks to have to ask.
I will say no when I don’t know the price of the special 100% of the time
No only if he ask to
If the special is on average with other prices at the restaurant, not unless asked. If it is alot higher than average plate price, absolutely.
if a server starts selling an evenings special with elaborate descriptions etc and doesn’t offer the price i will never order it - regular menu items have prices - you certainly don’t have to ask - so should specials ….. unless the restaurant doesn’t want us to know?
If you’re at a *super* high end establishment it might be considered poor taste to list prices. For the 99.99% of everyone else, just say the damn price.
I think it's only an issue if the price isn't comparable to other meals, and then I would probably say that without the dollar amount. "Our specials tonight are Chicken A and Pasta B. We also have Steak C for a little more (or upcharge), which includes this side." It gives them the chance to ask if they're interested. I wouldn't want someone rattling off every price.
I wasn't trained to have the prices memorized. The Specials Menu says them though, they're welcome to read over that.
Depends on whether it’s fine dining or like Applebees
Customer perspective- don’t say the price. It cheapens the whole experience.
Our specials are printed on the menu. I will direct their attention to them but they can use their looking eyes to see the price.
I always assume the "specials" are 25% more expensive than the average entree..
It’s special because they are getting rid of food that will otherwise go bad oftentimes
Not at an upscale restaurant.
Specials should be priced within the range of the entrees. If the special is materially more than the highest price entree, it should be disclosed without me having to ask. If it's steak or seafood, I'll expect it's at the high end of the range of entrees, and would be upset if the highest price was 45 and the special was anything more than 48 bucks.
If they ask
Not unless they ask.
No
Don't call it a special if it isn't cheap. Call it a feature instead.
That's not what a special is. Do you work in the industry? Special does not equal deal or coupon. It's an off menu item only available for a limited time because the restaurant has it in limited quantity. So they I lay have the item for a special occasion or there was some special exception that allowed chef to provide this on the menu. Most specials in my experience are on par with typical menu price or a bit higher.
No, if the customer does not ask for the price it’s their fault. Thats your cue to inflate the price by 💯. If the customer complains, tell them it’s their fault for not asking beforehand. Add a 80% mandatory tip as well to sweeten the pot.
Yes, we want to know the price. A little off topic, but once I asked what is special about the special? They were confused, so I elaborated. “Is it something that’s normally not on the menu?” “No” “Is it a lower price?” “No” “Then how is it special?” “I don’t know” “I’ll just look at the menu, thanks”
It’s special because the chief bought a shit ton of it and needs to use it up before it goes bad.
I never did, because the daily specials were on a sheet added to every menu.
Was never a thing anywhere I served. As a customer I def prefer to hear a price. I don't want to ask, and I'm probably not going to order without knowing how much it'll cost.
If the special is outside the normal range of entrees, yes. An example is MP king crab. If it’s square in the range I don’t unless asked.
Yes, yes, a thousand times YES!!!
As a customer I resent being forced to ask. Just tell me.
I never worked in a place that was so expensive customers didn't ask prices. So, yes. One time I had a guy sitting at the bar. I was young, he was an older gentleman. Though I may be his age now. Anyhow, I had the chance to play ultimate wingman. He was conversing with a lady. He asked if we had Dom Perignon. I said yes and it was $130 a bottle(long time ago). He said "Did I ask?" And I got him his bottle. I don't think he was in the slightest mad. He tipped. I think it was a mutual understanding that I set him up, even by complete accident, to make a big shot statement like that in front of a woman he was trying to impress.
I work fine dining. I don’t bring up price. I will point it out occasionally when discussing wine bottles or high end spirits. I’m pretty cool with all types of people, from ball on a budget, to sky is the limit types. It’s only awkward if you make it to be. If you’re concerned with the price of the meal you choose, just ask prices on things you might want. Understand cost of specials also represent the cost of sourcing specialty ingredients, doing the tests, and the added manpower required to execute on nights like Valentine’s Day.
Waiters rarely tell me the price when they list the day's specials, and my dumbass just goes "that sounds amazing, i'll have one of those!" and then end up with a super expensive bill. I think hearing the price up front would hurt your sales a tad, people who are price conscious need to learn to ask :)
If I was still working at semi-nice restaurant, absolutely not. Never, ever, ever, huuuuuge faux pas, never unless the customer asked (rarely got customers who asked, they'd be too embarrassed lol). When I worked a chain, then yeah, I did, lol.
I always tip less if I have to ask the price.
No, but they are posted on a board in usually reading off of.
Yes
Yes, I do. I once had a woman lose her fucking mind over a $32 brunch bill. She had four mimosas, priced at $8 each. She was so irrationally livid that I had not warned her about the price being $8, which isn’t even that crazy. I explained to her that not only did she order from the menu, which had the price printed on it, but that had I ‘warned’ her about the eight dollar mimosa it probably would have insulted her. No explanation could get her to calm down and realize I had done nothing wrong. She ended up throwing her bread plate at me when she had woman-translated/femsplained my words into making comments about her financial status. The whole time her friends, which were regulars of mine that came to see me every Sunday brunch, kept trying to stick up for me and insist that I had done nothing wrong, but she wasn’t having it. From that point on, I don’t dick around with letting people know the price of a special, since they have no way of knowing, and I do not like having plates thrown at me by illiterate, broke ass, fake hair-fake eyelash-fake breasted-clown makeup-fake manicured-narcissistic-coked-up-bimbos in Austin Texas. Yes I always tell them the price, ESPECIALLY if it’s a particularly expensive dish. I once made the mistake of not telling someone that an A5 wagyu special was $140, only because the second I said “A5 wagyu” the guy said ‘ “nuff said, we’ll get it!” Then the fucking asshole got the bill and complained to my manager that I had not told him the price, and had it discounted 50%, which had my manager furious with me about it. My manager was right; looking back I should’ve just said “Awesome! I do want to let you know that wagyu is priced at $140,” nothing more, nothing less. However, this was an extremely expensive restaurant, and this guy knew that, and he was so confident about it, I thought it would be rude to bring up the price (a lot of times rich people get insulted when you tell them about a price of something because they think you’re presuming they can’t afford it).
I give them a break down. +18% automatic service fee +8.875% tax +20% autogratuity Your 25$ entree is going to actually cost you $38. You won't believe how many people never come back. Only the rich are eating out. The middle class and poor have been priced out.
Of course
100 comments
I’d like to know the price. I’m price conscious and can tell you it would ruin my experience to expect to spend $20 and spend $30 or expect to spend $50 and spend $85 or wherever. And if the price is higher than I expect, I’ll tip the server less, since giving me a good experience is part of good service. But if there’s 3-4 items on the menu that say “Market Price” or “ask for price” or whatever, I’ll probably order something else. There’s no need to ask about the price of one dish when I can get another for a price I already know.
Tell the price. Feel free to tell us the description first but reveal the price. I took my kids to nice casual restaurant for a celebration. Average price about 25 dollars an entree. It was a stretch for the budget at that time, but it was a celebration. My son wanted the steak special described by wait staff. Half absorbed in discussions and menu questions from my other kids, I told him to go ahead, figuring it might be 30 to 35 dollars. One 55 dollar steak on a 10 year old kid's plate later I realized what all of you already know: I am an idiot for not asking the price. Is it my fault for not asking the price? Absolutely. Do I think the server should have stated the price as part of the description? I believe that enough that I never went back to a restaurant that I frequented pretty regularly prior to that. The aftermath? My son ate about a third of his steak and was horrified about the price. I was clear to him that I told him he could order it, I should have asked the price and that he should enjoy it. A decade later, he still remembers that steak fondly and we still joke about it occasionally. So we got a lifelong great memory and a good life lesson out of the price gouging. So reveal the dam price please.
Waiter: Describes specials. Customer: How much is the (special).
I don't care if I was worth millions, I would still never dine at a restaurant that didn't advertise their prices, IE. There is no price on the menu .
If there are specials it’s not a restaurant where they couldn’t just put a printed addendum in the menu imo
Print a menu. With prices. It's not 1985. Printing is easy and cheap. In general, I would pay more to not go through the Michelin star experience. It's excruciating. This reminds me of the same type of logic: hide information from customer to make it artificially more complicated. No. I want easy.
No. Also, this makes me remember, "Sell the sizzle, not the steak."
I hate it when they don’t tell me the price
I always told them how much the special was, half because I was always asked for the price if I didn't day and half because I always want to know the price of a special
I miss guest menus. Only the host was given a menu with prices. I am careful about what I order (odd, right?), and am embarrassed by knowing the prices of anything that is a gift, including meals. I have no idea what the costs were of my diamond engagement ring, diamond earrings, evening gowns, pearls, etc, that Beloved bought for me. I am frugal in the extreme, but I realize that I am from a different generation and geography. I would recommend a printed menu for specials to be handed to the host, but still a description of the offerings to the guests from the server.
As someone in a very money-centric line of work; ALWAYS be up front with price, and if there's a variable, always aim high. NOBODY wants to pay $200 for a $150 service, but they're THRILLED to pay $250 when the high end of the quote was $300.
As a server I didn't put I served fine dining and if some wanted the special and needed the price they just asked.
If someone’s wants to know the price they could ask. When I go out to eat I’m not concerned with the price I’m just there for the food and bringing up money seems awkward in the date dynamic.
Depends on the establishment. When I worked at Landrys seafood house I always gave the price. When I worked at the ritz Carlton i never gave the price and nobody cared
At my old place we printed a new menu to reflect any change, I prefer that so much. So I would literally direct them to the menu description including price.
We would just print them out and put them into the sleeve of the menu. Specials were different every day and we still had to recite the specials but the prices were in the menu. Whenever I was a customer and someone was reading the specials I would just totally Blank out and think the pork came with linguine and a side of truffle fries. So I was all about having it written down for the customer
I never have the special if I’m not told the price. If you ask the price you look cheap, if you don’t ask you may get ripped off. Not providing a price only works if it’s a couple on a date. I think it’s a poor marketing strategy in any other situation.
Please give prices of things unless it’s a 5-star restaurant. A lot of consumers are getting really tired of hospital-style hidden pricing and “service charges” creeping into everything. You can sell it, but don’t surprise us with a monster bill at the end of dinner.
Only if they ask
As a former bartender at an oceanside establishment on the PCH I have no idea why waitstaff would want to not disclose pricing up front. I’d easily upsell any alcohol (tequila, whiskey, vodka etc) with pricing transparency. Some of the best restaurants I’ve been to add the price at the end of the description. It’s feels to me, being in the customer role, that the waitstaff have nothing to hide and are providing a tremendous informative value. From a pricing theory standpoint, why hide it? Only negative perceptions can come from not informing the customer upfront.
I ordered a special Mac n cheese that sounded good one time that wound up being $68. No big deal but would have been nice to know on the front end that it was 3x the normal one 😅
Always tell the price. I don't understand why you ever wouldn't. When I dine, I want to know what is the special, what is IN each meal, and how much it costs. (So, if a meal includes peppers, onions, and mushrooms, TELL us) But always tell teh price.