| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | /r/Chicago Restaurant Surcharge Offenders List | |||||
2 | ***Link to Restaurant Surcharge Submissions Form (submit restaurants by clicking here)*** | |||||
3 | Restaurant Name | Surcharge % | Location | SOURCE (Please either link to a menu showing the surcharge or an image of a receipt for verification. https://imgur.com/ is a great site to upload images) | Notes | Is the surcharge implemented to replace tips? |
4 | All Boka restaurants | 3 | All over | Boka employee | "As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose." | No |
5 | All Hogsalt restaurants | 3.25 | All over the city | https://www.hogsalt.com/# | IT GOES TO THE RESTAURANTS, NOT TO STAFF | No |
6 | All Lettuce Entertain You restaurants | 3 | All | 2 examples: https://www.theoakville.com/menus/ https://www.emachicago.com/menu/ | Can request it be taken off | No |
7 | Alla Vita | 3 | 564 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661 | https://www.allavitachicago.com/menu | No | |
8 | Almost Home Tavern and Grill | 4 | Wrigleyville | https://imgur.com/a/a5ifQ6B | The 4% is charged when using a credit card. | No |
9 | Andros Taverna | 12 | Logan Square | They did not put it on the menu or online. In fact, they tried to take payment without showing me the receipt. When I asked for a receipt, they only showed me the list of charges on a handheld tablet. When I saw the charge, I spoke with the manager and said that the practice was deceptive, scummy, and likely illegal. I had to pay it though and they only provided a short form receipt. | See above | No |
10 | Apolonia | 5 | 2201 S Michigan | https://www.apoloniachicago.com/_files/ugd/9525c9_a41d4785ace04ddf9b48d69c04c59dec.pdf | No | |
11 | Armitage Alehouse | 3.25 | Lincoln Park | https://armitagealehouse.com/wp-content/uploads/ARM-DinnerCocktail-08-22-23.pdf | As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant, we have added a 3.25% surcharge to all checks. You may request to have this taken off your check. | No |
12 | Au Cheval | 3.25 | Fulton Market | https://auchevaldiner.com/chicago/food/ | No | |
13 | Avec | 3 | River North | https://imgur.com/a/d5wi6rJ | No | |
14 | Bambola | 3.5 | West Loop | N/A | Credit Card surcharge. Shown inline with food/drinks ordered so it's very easy to miss. | No |
15 | Bandit | 3 | West Randolph | https://media-cdn.getbento.com/accounts/214d52f9ad5944e03f1fb0ba17cd6c72/media/kWDb8mmyTiKeW4YhCagW_THE%20BANDIT_DINNER_MAY23%20%281%29.pdf | 3% to offset “rising operating costs in the idustry”. Removed upon request | No |
16 | Bar Goa | 4 | 116 West Hubbard St (River North) | https://www.bargoachicago.com/eat | "Surcharge: As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 4% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose." | No |
17 | Bar Siena | 3 | West Town, Randolph Street | https://imgur.com/a/mmNOalB | Charge is for “rising costs” - employee welfare, food, etc. Can be removed upon request but before the receipt is printed bc the copy I signed just had Total, tax, net total + tip field. (Customer copy probably had the surcharge but I wasn’t going to dig around for 3%) | No |
18 | Barbaro | 3.50% | 2525 W North Ave | https://www.barbarotaq.com/ | They add a 3.5% “credit card” surcharge to every check BEFORE you pay. Didn’t remove it when paying in cash. | No |
19 | Barcocina | 3 | West Town | https://www.barcocinachicago.com/files/wtdinner-pdf.pdf | A 3% customer service charge is added to all credit card transactions. Posted prices are in cash. Parties of 6 or more are subject to a 20% service charge. | No |
20 | BEATRIX | 3 | Streeterville | http://places.singleplatform.com/beatrix-1/menu?ref=google#menu_5753358 bottom of page | No | |
21 | Best Bar | 20% | Chinatown | Sorry don't have receipt but it's mentioned there (and not on their online menu) | The 20% just shows up on the receipt. On top of that, they put suggested tip requirements on an amount that includes the gratuity. Also, they only have an online menu (no physical menu available). | No |
22 | BIG KIDS | 18% | Logan Square | bigkidschicago.com | All of this fee goes directly to our staff. This provides the team with some much needed certainty about their wages and allows us to offer the same rate of pay to everyone, regardless of what position they are working. It is not necessary to leave extra, but in the case that you're feeling generous, any additional gratuities will be split evenly amongst the staff as well. | Yes |
23 | Birrieria y Taqueria Napoles | 3.99% | 4959 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 | See Google reviews | No | |
24 | Bloom Plant Kitchen | 3 | Wicker Park | https://www.bloompb.com/menus/ | It's labelled as "an environmental surcharge", whatever that means | No |
25 | Blue Door (Art Smith) | 3% | 52 W Elm Chicago, IL | Ate there two weeks ago and didn't save receipt | This has been going on since Covid | No |
26 | Blue Sushi Sake Grill | 4 | Lincoln Park | https://bluesushisakegrill.com/locations/illinois/naperville/water-street/menu/daily-specials | Adds to both Naperville and Lincoln locations on to go orders | No |
27 | Bob-Os Hot Dogs | 3.00% | 8258 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago | Notice at Cash Register Station | Credit cards not allowed but still charge a surcharge | No |
28 | Boonie's Filipino Restaurant | 20 | Lincoln Square | https://www.booniefoods.com/terms-of-service | How much is the service charge and where does it go? We apply a 20% service charge to all checks. It is property of the restaurant and not considered gratuity. It is a taxed income of the restaurant that will be used towards the hourly wages of all employees. Why do you do a service charge? The traditional labor model in restaurants has historically been and is currently unjust and inequitable. With the service charge model, we can pay everybody at least the state minimum wage which then allows us to distribute the tips to the entire house, helping to close the wage gap between departments. This model is not unique to this restaurant. Many fast casual and fast food restaurants that accept tips operate this way and many full service restaurants around the country are beginning to implement this change. What if I don’t agree with this establishment’s stance on labor reform and equitable pay? As a guest in our home, we welcome you in unconditionally. Please tell your server that you do not agree with our service charge and we will remove it from your bill. | No |
29 | Bordel | 3.50% | 1721 W Division St | https://www.bordelchicago.com/snacks | "Merchant fee" applied to credit cards only, does not apply to cash, debit or prepaid card | No |
30 | Breakfast House | 3 | Avondale Irving Park RD | https://www.breakfasthousechicago.com/flavors | They claim you can ask to remove it. | No |
31 | Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club | 3.5 | Belmont Gardens | Its at the bottom of their menu | Credit card/debit card fee surcharge | No |
32 | Bungalow by Middle Brow | 8% | Logan Square | https://www.middlebrowbeer.com/drink-menu | “re: labor equity: we’ve added a 8% service fee to your check to support higher wages for our kitchen and dish staff. they HUSTLE; sit at the bar and watch’m. thank you for your support!“ | No |
33 | Cabana Club | 20 | Wicker Park | Can’t host it | Auto tip on drinks not shown on menu | No |
34 | Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! | 3 | Lincoln Park | https://www.cafebabareeba.com/menus/ | "As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose" | No |
35 | Carson's | 20 | Streeterville | https://ribs.com/menus-chicago/ | It doesn't say it on the menu and the server didn't say anything about it. But when the bill comes a 20% gratuity was already added to the check. They are sneaky and presumably trying to catch you off guard and double dip | Yes |
36 | Ceres Cafe | 20 | 141 W Jackson | Personal experience Posted on a sign as soon as you enter | Required 20% tip on Friday after 3pm | Yes |
37 | Chicago's Pizza | 3 | 4520 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641 | https://imgur.com/jr8oxJA | Not only is not listed on the door or menu and they don't mention it to you, it doesn't even appear on the bill! You get a total and you pay for the total and all of a sudden they print a paid receipt saying you agreed to a higher amount! When asked, they tell you about the credit card surcharge. | No |
38 | Coalfire | 3 | Lakeview | https://imgur.com/a/uOXBp90 | Says the fee is to "Maintain health and sanitation" on the paper bill you get. | No |
39 | Crosby’s Kitchen | 3% | Southport, 3455 N Southport Ave | www.crosbyschicago.com/content/site/assets/files/1036/ck_brunch_menu_web_6_23-1.png | States “a 3% processing fee will be added to all guest checks.” | No |
40 | Cruz Blanca | 3.25% | 904 W Randolph St | https://brewpub.cruzblanca.com/api/getMenus?filename=Cruz-Food-Cocktail.pdf | Surcharge removeable upon request | No |
41 | CSK Chicago | 3.99% | Lincoln Park | https://www.cskchicago.com/menu/ | Charges a 3.99% surcharge for card transactions; offers a 3.99% discount for paying in cash. | No |
42 | Daisies | 25 | Logan Square | https://www.daisieschicago.com/ | Here at Daisies, we strive to provide the optimal experience not only for our wonderful guests, but for our dedicated employees. We devote tremendous energy to serving food and beverages comprised of the best ingredients, making as much from scratch as possible and sourcing the balance from ethically responsible purveyors. And we practice what we preach. A 25% service charge is applied to all dine-in checks to ensure our deserving staff members receive equitable pay and benefits. Thank you for support fair compensation for industry employees. also, Daisies does not make their 25% surcharge obvious. If my father wasn’t a receipt analyzer, the rest of us, after having enjoyed lots of wine, may have very easily added standard gratuity. Shameful. Delicious, but shameful. This is what is written on each page of their menu: A 25% SERVICE CHARGE IS APPLIED ON ALL DINE-IN CHECKS. THE SERVICE CHARGE IS INCLUSIVE OF ALL GRATUITY AND FEES. ANY ADDITIONAL TIP IS NOT EXPECTED. Daisies charged $21 to book a reservation, didn’t apply it to the final check, then applied a 25% service charge. All before tip. If the food was actually good I wouldn’t care. Booth was comfortable though | Yes |
43 | Doma Cafe | 15-18 | River North | https://www.domachicago.com/ | An automatic service charge of 18% is added to all dine-in and 15% on takeout orders in support of pay equity for Doma staff. Thank you for your support! | Yes |
44 | Dona Tola | 3% | Southport | They don’t have their menu on website | “Processing fee,” but it’s all bills. Good food at least | No |
45 | Duck Duck Goat | 3 | West Loop | Website: https://www.duckduckgoatchicago.com/menus As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. | No | |
46 | Dulce Mami | 3 | Cicero, IL | https://www.instagram.com/dulcemamicafe/ | 3% for using credit card & coffee is expensive $6 lattes (one size) | No |
47 | ELLA ELLIE | 3% PROCESSING FEE | LAKE | on receipt | the processing fee does not appear online or on the menu | No |
48 | Etta (Bucktown) | 3.50% | 1840 W North Ave | https://www.ettarestaurant.com/menu/# | Surcharge removeable upon request | No |
49 | Farm Bar | 3 | 1300 W Wellington Ave | Multiple reviews, had mine removed prior to paying bill, not noted anywhere on website or digital menu, no paper menus offered | No | |
50 | Fatpour | 3.99 | 2005 WEST DIVISION ST, Wicker Park | https://www.fatpourwickerpark.com/menu/ | 3.99% discount for using cash | No |
51 | Five Star Bar | 3 | 1424 W Chicago Ave 60642 Chicago, US | top of the menu: https://www.thefivestarbar.com/menu | Service fee of 3% for "Staff Health And Safety", so hopefully goes to some sort of health insurance budget, but you never know. There is also a digital fee if you scan and pay at your table (~$1.50). This fee is likely not charged if you pay through the server/bar staff. | No |
52 | Frontera Restaurants | 20 | River North and Loop | https://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/service-charge/ Plus listed on each menu | You already have Xoco on the list, but this is policy for the entire Frontera group | Yes |
53 | Galit | 5 | Lincoln Park | https://www.galitrestaurant.com/dinnermenu | It's not "optional" if it's automatically added to every bill. You can have it removed. And because they list in as for healthcare coverage that is the only thing they can legally use it for. For example, they can't use it to pay any restaurant overhead or vendors. OR labor for that matter. | No |
54 | Giordano's | 3% | Most Giordanos in Chicago (Will have to check individual locations) | Can be found once your check out. https://orders.giordanos.com/#/orderSetup/0ca2f02f-bb10-4912-8214-79afb86e5c87 | Note during checkout: In lieu of raising menu prices, we have added a 3% Surcharge to all orders to help offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (labor, benefits, food and beverage supplies). We appreciate your understanding and support! Note on receipt: Please be aware that we're temporarily adding a 3% Surcharge to all orders at select locations. | No |
55 | Girl and the Goat | 3% | West Loop | https://www.girlandthegoat.com/chicago/menu | "SURCHARGE As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose." | No |
56 | Golden Apple | 3 | 2971 N Lincoln | https://ordergoldenapplegrill.com/ | The fee is not disclosed on the menu or the bill; I just happened to see it when I was presented with the credit card receipt to sign. They do not give you a copy of that receipt so I have no way to show proof. | No |
57 | Goodi's Original | 2.50% | 9645 North Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714 | Posted at register | Mike Sica | No |
58 | Grapes & Grains | 21 | Fulton Market | https://ggwestloop.com/menu-new/ | "21% service fee added" | Unsure |
59 | Green Post | 3 | Lincoln Square | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ExC-UNVTDRYGNUYPoPLymImh3EUr7uRL/view?usp=drivesdk | 3% credit card fee added before we payed | No |
60 | Green Street Smoked Meats | 3.25% | 112 N Green St | https://greenstreetmeats.com/wp-content/uploads/GSSM-MobileMenu-Food-08-03-23.pdf | Surcharge removeable upon request | No |
61 | Half Sour | 3 | South Loop | https://halfsourchicago.com/half-sour-qr-menu | "3% surcharge will be added to the final bill to provide insurance for our beloved staff" | No |
62 | Holt’s | 3% | Park Ridge | Receipt | Unsure | |
63 | Hub 51 | 3 | River North | Located at the bottom of the menu, hidden away in a disclaimer about food allergens: "As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose." | No | |
64 | Hubbard Inn | 24 | 110 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654 | https://www.hubbardinn.com/menu "A 20% service fee will be added to your check. Additionally, a 4% restaurant surcharge has been added to all guest checks to help defray increased operating costs. Please let us know if you would like this charge removed from your check." | 20% Service Fee + 4% Restaurant Surcharge to help defray increased operating costs. Can ask to have this removed (unclear if you can have the 4% surcharge, or both removed). Additionally, when I was there in December, this was included as a line item above the total, with a tip line included, so if you were adding additional tip, you would likely be tipping on the surcharge + service fee. | No |
65 | Hutch American Bistro | 3 | Lakeview | https://imgur.com/a/feHqxRv | credit card fee | No |
66 | Kai Zan | 10% | Humboldt Park | https://imgur.com/a/GhAIGcu | 10% fee is automatic "gratuity" charged for takeout - do not know about fees for dine-in | Unsure |
67 | Kasama | 5 | 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 | https://www.kasamachicago.com/menus | Unsure | |
68 | King Crab House | 18 | 1816 N Halsted | https://kingcrabchicago.com/menu | 18% Gratuity added to all checks paid at guests discretion | Yes |
69 | Kumiko | 20 | West Loop | Final check | Automatic surcharge only mentioned on bottom of check to go towards establishment with encouragement to tip additional that goes towards only serving staff directly | Yes |
70 | Land and Lake | 3 | 1970 W. Montrose Ave. | https://www.landandlakeravenswood.com/dinner | Credit card fee. I was charged it. I was also charged $1 more for a side of fries for its price than what the menu provided during my visit said. | No |
71 | Lazy Bird | 3 | 200 N Green St | https://www.lazybirdchicago.com/ | "A 3% surcharge will be added to your final bill to assist in covering the costs of benefits for our valued team members. If you would like this removed, please let us know. Thank you for your support!" So not really tip replacement but still an added cost. | No |
72 | La Luna | 3% | 1726 S Racine Ave | https://www.lalunachicago.com/menu | Surcharge is not removeable - "to aid with increased market prices" | No |
73 | La Victoria | 3% | Logan Square; 2447 N Milwaukee | See bottom of PDF menu https://lavictoriachicago.com/ | Opened July 2023 with fee as if they didn’t just set their prices; A 3% surcharge will be added to each check to support rising operating costs affecting the restaurant industry. We are happy to remove this charge upon request. | No |
74 | Lady Gregory | 2.5% for using credit card | Andersonville | Personal experience July 2023 | No | |
75 | Lao Peng You | 4 | West Town | https://www.oldfriendchicago.com/ | 4% charge to provide health insurance | No |
76 | Lark | 20 | 3441 N Halsted | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/market-days-drag-brunch-at-lark-tickets-673384530257 | They don't list their fee on their website, but include it for special events. They then charge the fee to anybody who happens to come in during the event | No |
77 | Las Fuentes | 20% for 6 or less; 25% for 7+ | Lincoln Park; 2558 N Halsted | https://lasfuentesrestaurant.com/chicago-lincoln-park-or-bucktownor-alsip-or-morton-grove-las-fuentes-food-menu | They do acknowledge on the menu this is a gratuity, and while some servers will mention it, many will not. | Yes |
78 | Little Bad Wolf | 2.9 | Andersonville | https://www.littlebadwolfchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/LBW-Menu.pdf | Credit Charge surcharge | No |
79 | Logan 11 | 3% | 2230 N California Ave, Chicago | https://logan11.com/menu | Separately: Automatic 18% gratuity for parties of 6 or more. | No |
80 | Lost Larson | 15 | Andersonville | https://www.lostlarson.com/faq-1/ and Google reviews (sort by lowest rated) | This restaurant has this fee posted at their register and clearly on the menus. It is meant to replace tips and provide a more equitable wage for employees. Gratuities are still accepted but not expected. | Yes |
81 | Lost Never Found | 3.5 | Wrigleyville | https://qrco.de/bdMF4H | The online menu says 3%, the receipt says 3.5%, but the actual amount came out to 4.5%. Also the 20% gratuity is listed as 20% on the menu and receipt but came out to 22% | No |
82 | Lowcountry Lakeview | 3 | Lakeview (I assume all others as well) | Personal experience in July 2023 dining in. Also this place is extra scammy because if you place an online order for pickup, there is no note of a surcharge but when you walk in to pay, it's automatically added. | No | |
83 | L. Woods | 3 | Lincolnwood | https://www.lwoodsrestaurant.com/menu/patio-menu/ | they really bitch if you try and have it taken off Part of the Lettuce Entertain You Group | No |
84 | Lula Cafe | 20 | Logan Square | https://www.lulacafe.com/menus/ | a 20% service fee will be added to all checks | Yes |
85 | Lyra | 3 | Fulton Market | https://media-cdn.getbento.com/accounts/30f866de599623432fc4d255acd58297/media/oAHDE52tRfaQYXJZPR9V_Lyra_Dinner_Menu_JULY23.pdf | Have seen it 2x - once about a year ago and another about 2 months ago. | No |
86 | Maple & Ash | 3.50% | 8 W Maple St | https://www.mapleandash.com/about/ | Surcharge does not appear to be removeable | No |
87 | Middlebrow | 8% | Logan Square | https://www.middlebrowbeer.com/drink-menu | Pretty sure they add the 8% to the total upon which the total is calculated. The Toast handheld defaults to 20% tip. | No |
88 | Middle East Bakery & Grocery | 4 (non cash adjustment fee) | Andersonville | https://maps.app.goo.gl/8G3ZsCouBuV7DXoP6 | Non cash surcharge of 4% for both the grocery and the grill (restaurant). They charge the fee for debit transactions as well, against Visa and MC policies. | No |
89 | Mi Tocaya Antojeria | 3 | 2800 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647, United States | https://www.mitocaya.com/ | No | |
90 | Monteverde | 4% | West Loop | https://monteverdechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/mv-menu-dinner-8.2.23.pdf | No mention of it being removed if asked to be removed | No |
91 | Montrose Saloon | 3 | Albany Park | Personally told at venue | No | |
92 | Moonflower | 3 | 4359 N. Milwaukee | https://www.moonflowerbar.com/foodmenu | A 3% Hospitality Supplement is added to all checks. This helps us contribute to our employees' health and wellness expenses. This can be removed from your bill upon request. | No |
93 | Oriole | 20 | West Loop | https://ibb.co/bvp3nwF | Yes | |
94 | Orkenoy (aka Ørkenoy) | 20 | 1757 North Kimball Avenue, Chicago; Humboldt Park neighborhood | Personal experience in July 2023; Yelp review from Feb. 2023 says the same: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ørkenoy-chicago?hrid=Yr_wQGeFIhjx7SuFE5hAow&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) | All in-restaurant diners (not sure about takeout) are charged an automatic 20% gratuity for food/beverage drop-off, as all ordering is handled by diners who have to scan a QR code and place their order online. Service did not involve checking on food/drinks or refilling water. In addition to the automatically applied 20% gratuity charge, the checkout process defaults to adding another 20% tip, which you can opt out of. I was in a party of 2. | Yes |
95 | Paradise Park | 18 | Wicker Park | Added on receipt | +18% no matter party size | No |
96 | Parlor Pizza Bar | 3 | All locations - 1826 W Division St | https://imgur.com/a/GUDirao | Fee is to offset an increase in menu prices. Receipt says it covers food/beverage/labor/benefits/supplies. They just recently added prices back to the menu if you dine in. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (Food, Beverage, Labor, Benefits, Supplies) We have added a 3% surcharge to all checks We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off. | No |
97 | Paulie Gee's Logan Square | 20 | Logan Square | https://pauliegee.com/logan-square/ | A 20% Service Charge is automatically added to every Pick Up order Paulie Gee’s Logan Square focuses on providing a stable and rewarding work experience that provides competitive wages for our entire team. We achieve this by utilizing a model which adds a percentage of the total to each guest bill automatically as gratuity. All added fees are split evenly across our entire team. From preparation to execution to packaging to hand off, all positions play an important roll in your carry out experience. Additional tips are appreciated but not required. | Yes |
98 | Perilla | 5 | West Loop | https://perillachicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Dinner_8.1.23.png | 5% fee is supposed to go towards kitchen staff; when going to pay, the shown tip amounts include the 5% fee in your subtotal. | No |
99 | Piece Pizza and Brewery | 3% | Wicker Park | https://ibb.co/3BsCDmG | "Health and Wellness Surcharge" | No |
100 | Pizza by Sal | 3 | 1133 Greenleaf Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 | https://imgur.com/a/2ZDzXGv | No | |