Originally Posted by
JBord
Service charges, while typical in Europe, are rare in the US. Rare meaning maybe 1 out of every 1000 times. As an American, I get annoyed that I have to pay a 10% service charge in Europe for poor service. At least in the US it's optional. But again, when in Rome...
There is not. You will see food, tax, and total lines with a blank line for tip. No service charge included.
Nope, many larger cities have "service charges" in other terms. Employee health fund (that, as the SF Chronicle found out, often doesn't go to the employees), I got hit with a "
The 2.25% surcharge on your check represents our commitment to providing an award winning work environment" that I don't know even what it means! (Urban Farmer, Portland OR)
Oh yeah, and for those non-Americans, restaurants will be happy to take a tip even if they already charged a service charge. Make sure you look carefully. I've never had a waiter run out after me when I mistakenly put in gratuity even after the surcharge.