When you’re paying good money to eat out, you expect to have a great experience. Many restaurants are upstanding, and their wait staff work hard to provide you with just that.
But there are a few that resort to tricks and shady practices. Here are some to watch for:
1. Coffee Swaps: Decaf vs. Regular
Restaurants sometimes swap out your coffee order—especially if you ask for decaf. If it’s late and your server doesn’t want to make a whole new pot of coffee for you, they might just serve the regular and cross their fingers that you can’t tell the difference.
In fairness, the opposite is also true—they might empty out the dregs of the decaf pot into your mug and call it a day instead of making more regular.
Just like with your coffee order, you could be overpaying without even realizing it. Small, unnoticed costs add up over time, whether it’s on dining out or monthly bills.
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2. The Psychology Behind Menus
A surprising amount of psychology goes into designing a restaurant menu.
You might think categorizations like “Chef’s Specials” or “House Favorites” are an indication of the best meals, but they’re usually just the most profitable.
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3. Smaller Plates
Actual shrinkflation: Portion sizes decrease, but restaurant guests will notice and think others are getting scammed if half the plate is just a no man’s land of white space.
So restaurants use one simple trick: Smaller plates.
Few of us have the brainpower to distinguish if a plate is 11 inches or 12 inches, but 11 inches makes the portion look larger. That means you may be paying the same price for less food without realizing it.
If you’re looking to maximize value while dining out, consider ways to stretch your budget in other areas of spending. If you’re getting less value for your money, it’s important to make the most of every dollar in other areas—especially when it comes to saving for the future.
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4. The Truth About Restaurant Desserts
Your server might claim the dessert is homemade or crafted in-house, but it could actually be store-bought or frozen.
While you might still enjoy it, you’ve likely paid a premium believing it was something special. Save your money instead.
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5. Adjusting the Pre-Calculated Tipping Ranges
Point-of-sale devices simplify tipping with pre-calculated options, but restaurants often adjust these ranges to their advantage.
Instead of the traditional 15%, 18%, and 20% ranges, you might see higher options like 18%, 20%, and 22%. While tipping generously is commendable, it can quickly add up, especially if you’re dining out frequently.
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6. The Double-Dipping Scam
Also known as “double dropping,” this scam costs not you, but the restaurant.
Your server will send your order to the kitchen but never enter it into the system. Then they’ll give you someone else’s bill that has already been paid. You pay for it a second time, and the server keeps the money and the original tip.
Final Bite: Dining Out with Confidence
Dining out is meant to be an enjoyable experience, but it’s always good to stay informed. While most restaurants operate with integrity, being aware of these common tricks ensures you get what you pay for.
By keeping an eye on the menu, your portion sizes, and even your bill, you can dine with confidence and avoid falling victim to these sneaky tactics.
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