Isn't the important issue the total cost of the meal? If the 17% surcharge was offset by 17% cheaper food relative to comparable restaurants in SF, I wouldn't be too upset. On the other hand, if food and drinks were the same price as similar restaurants before the 17%, then I would be miffed. I guess the issue is whether the meal was a decent value no matter how the bill was divided up.

If the above was something I couldn't answer, I would be reluctant to return. This may be especially difficult for tourists to determine, and tourists are unlikely to return anyway. I bet this is more common in restaurants that attract tourists and are not too concerned about repeat business.