‘Out of Control’ Hidden Service Charges at Restaurants
As if being required to leave a certain amount of gratuity, or tip, isn’t bad enough, now restaurants are sneaking in hidden charges. And, hungry patrons might not even notice.
Inside Look at ‘Out of Control Service Charges at Restaurants
On the heels of the coverage on KTLA, The Today Show is reporting the inside look at “out of control service charges” at restaurants. They’re being up-front about extra charges. Restaurants are adding to the bill, and you might not see it.
According to them, they’re trying to recover from the COVID pandemic, and offer competitive wages and extras like healthcare to their workers. But, is this practice deceptive?
The Deceptive Art of Hidden Fees
While it’s true many industries are suffering the after-effects of post-pandemic economics, being upfront with charges is the best practice in our opinion. Having hidden fees that one may not notice is not a good public relations move. Restaurant-goers are demanding transparency. Nobody wants to feel like they’ve been overcharged or secretly had to pay more than they agreed to pay.
Several restaurants have responded by removing surcharges or saying that they would remove fees if requested. So, while you’re asking if these restaurants do indeed have out-of-control service charges, you could also ask them to remove them. Whether they do or not remains to be seen. However, if our voices are loud enough and enough people share their concern, it may make a difference.
Are there any Restaurants that Don’t Have Hidden Charges?
It could be an upscale restaurant or a casual dining. Even fast food and delivery aren’t out of the running.
Reddit user, dcarstens compiled a LA Restaurant Surcharge Offenders List on which users can submit offending restaurants. The motivation seems to be more of a “I want to know” than “I’m not eating there.” As they said on the Today Show, pay attention to your check. Nobody wants to be duped.
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Complete List of Restaurants That Hide Fees
Since the Reddit list is for the Los Angeles area only, we’ve made this to cover the United States, nationwide. It’s open for user submission. Please use it at your own risk, and consider it a starting point only. For example, if you see a restaurant reported here, please ask the restaurant if they have extra surcharges so you’re aware before you dine.
View the Big Nationwide List of Restaurants with Hidden Fees
Here’s the nationwide list of restaurants with hidden fees. View the link, or scroll to see the list here.
Stay tuned as this list grows and hopefully makes a difference.
| Restaurant Name | Surcharge % | Automatic Gratuity % (or N/A) | Corkage Fee (or N/A) | City | State, Zip Code | Link to Menu | Source | Notes | Restaurant Reply (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza Hut | ? | N/A | N/A | All | CA | https://www.pizzahut.com/?ds_rl=1149043&gclid=Cj0KCQjwldKmBhCCARIsAP-0rfw2HmKYGltCXDv2J8Qs1UEJkk1EfaW8SZ-2ffxZMwsJi9YfblswPf0aAhRlEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds | "The service fee partially offsets the increased cost of operations in the state of California" | ||
| 71Above | Sky Lounge | 18 | ? | ? | Downtown Los Angeles | CA | https://www.71above.com/dinner | "18% Service Charge added to all checks and paid out to all hourly employees - Any additional tip would be shared by your service team. If your service experience does not merit the Service Charge, our Management would be pleased to remove it from your check." | ||
| Acapulco | ? | ? | N/A | Glendale | CA | https://www.acapulcorestaurants.com/location/glendale/ | x | ||
| Agnes Restaurant & Eatery | 4 | ? | N/A | Pasadena | CA | https://www.agnesla.com/menu | https://imgur.com/HPmdPhd | "Healthy LA" | |
| Alder and Sage | 20 | ? | ? | Long Beach | CA | https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hYhTb9gwW7BOsXlZVklzTkfdqP67TWcwDkHDWVLW0x4/edit | 20%* ("Parties of 6 or larger will be assessed a service charge of 20%" yet tips still requested. | ||
| 71Above | Sky Lounge | 18 | DTLA | CA | Menu | "18% Service Charge added to all checks and paid out to all hourly employees - Any additional tip would be shared by your service team. If your service experience does not merit the Service Charge, our Management would be pleased to remove it from your check." | ||||
| Acapulco | Glendale | CA | Menu | ||||||
| Agnes Restaurant & Eatery | 4 | Pasadena | CA | Menu | Receipt | 4% Healthy LA | |||
| Alder and Sage | 20 | Long Beach | CA | Menu | 20%* ("Parties of 6 or larger will be assessed a service charge of 20%" yet tips still requested. | ||||
| Alimento | 4 | Silverlake | CA | Menu | "A 4% charge will be applied to all checks so that we may offer health insurance to full-time team members." | ||||
| All Day Baby | 3 | Silverlake | CA | Menu | Automatic 3% fee for "kitchen love" | ||||
| All Time | 20 | Los Feliz | CA | Menu | Even on takeout | ||||
| Alta | 3 | West Adams | CA | Menu | Wellness fee | ||||
| American Beauty | 3 | Venice Beach / West Hollywood | CA | Menu | "Heealth and happiness" surcharge to cover employee health insurance | source: former employee, and no, i did not get health insurance | |||
| Amiga Amore | 4 | Highland Park | CA | Menu | |||||
| Animal | 18 | Fairfax | CA | Menu | (temporarily closed) set to reopen Jan 1 2024 | ||||
| AOC | 5 | West Hollywood / Brentwood | CA | Menu | |||||
| Bacari | 4 | DTLA / Glendale / PdR / Silverlake / W. Adams | CA | Menu | |||||
| Ballasst Point | 5 | Long Beach | CA | Menu | |||||
| Bar Lis | 5 | Hollywood | CA | Menu | |||||
| Bardonna | 10 | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | |||||
| Barra Santos | 20 | Cypress Park | CA | Menu | The service charge is explained on the bottom of the menu. It says it is to “support equitable earnings, medical and retirement benefits for staff” | ||||
| Bavel | 4 | Arts District | CA | Menu | |||||
| Best Bet Pizzaria | 4 | Mar Vista | CA | Menu | "Healthy LA" | ||||
| Bestia | 4 | Arts District | CA | Menu | A server noted that this actually goes to staff | ||||
| Bicyclette Bistro | 4 | CA | Menu | A 4% service charge will be added to each guest check to ensure competitive industry compensation, as well as health and medical benefits, for all of our valued full time team members. In support of this initiative, the entirety of the charge is retained by the company. | Submitted as a current employee. Our parent company, Sprout LA is unable to provide employees with proof of where this money goes or how it is accounted for. I believe it is the businesses responsibility to pay for benefits, not the guests. | ||||
| Birdcage | 5 | Hollywood | CA | Menu | Reciept | "Admin fee" | |||
| Birdie G's | 3 | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | "A 3% charge is added by the restaurant to all checks to help offer fully covered health care to all employees. Please let us know if you have any questions. Thanks for supporting a healthier staff." | ||||
| The Black Cat | 4 | Silver Lake | CA | Menu | An optional 4% charge added to pay workers a living wage. | ||||
| Blossom Vietnamese Noodle Shop | 18 | Santa Monica / DTLA / Atwater Village | CA | Menu | "For Dining in ONLY, 18% Service Charge is Added to Your Final Check." | ||||
| Bombay Palace | 20 | Beverly Hills | CA | Menu | 20% service fee - before tax. | ||||
| Bone Kettle | 20 | Pasadena | CA | Menu | 20% Service Charge included in tax calculation | ||||
| Botanica Restaurant | 5 | Silver Lake | CA | Menu | Receipt | 5% Wellness Charge | |||
| Bottega Louie | 5 | DTLA / West Hollywood | CA | Menu | |||||
| Bossa Nova | 2.5 | DTLA / Hawthorne / WeHo | CA | Menu | "for the kitchen" | ||||
| Breakfast Club | 18 | Hollywood/Vine | CA | Menu | |||||
| Breakfast Republic | 4 | Culver City | CA | Menu | "A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks to help cover increasing costs and in support of the recent increases to minimum wage" written in small text on the bottom of the drinks menu | ||||
| Brick and Flour | 6 | Glendale/North Hollywood | CA | Menu | Cited "covid" and "supply chain issues" | Asked server to reverse the charge and they refused | |||
| Broken Shaker | 22 | DTLA | CA | Menu | Website | 18% service fee + 4% health CA surcharge | |||
| The Butcher's Daughter | 3 | Venice Beach / West Hollywood | CA | Menu | "AN OPTIONAL 3% HEALTH AND WELLNESS FEE HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE BILL TO SUPPORT HEALTH INSURANCE FOR OUR STAFF." | ||||
| Cabra | 4 | DTLA | CA | Menu | Menu | A 4% charge added for "Staff health care" | |||
| Cafe Landwer | 8.5 | Culver City | CA | Menu | Service fee | ||||
| Cafe Sevilla | 5 | Long Beach | CA | Menu | Website | "A 5% surcharge will be added to all guest checks to help cover increasing costs & in support of the recent minimum wage & benefits for our dedicated team members." | |||
| Campsite Brewing Co. | 18 | Covina | CA | Menu | Website | Mandatory fee despite being Counter Service | |||
| Capo | 20 | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | disclosed on bottom of menu. Service charge is not in lieu of a tip; that’s extra. | ||||
| Cara Cara | 3 | DTLA | CA | Menu | Menu | "Wellsnes fee" | |||
| Cassia | 3 | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | "A 3% charge is added by the restaurant to all checks to help offer fully covered healthcare to our employees. Please let us know if you have questions." | ||||
| Ceviche Project | 18 | Los Feliz | CA | Menu | Receipt | Service Charge | |||
| Charcoal | 3 | Venice | CA | Menu | 3% kitchen staff surcharge | ||||
| Chulita | 4 | Venice | CA | Menu | "In order to support our dedicated kitchen team and to help provide benefits for all eligible team members, a 4% surcharge is added to all in house guest checks. Please note: the surcharge is not for service and not distributed to the service staff. Gracias! From Chulita Team" | ||||
| Clark Street Bakery | 4 | Brentwood / Echo Park | CA | Menu | charges 4% for 'Kitchen Love' even if you just get a sandwich to go | ||||
| Cosa Buona | 4-24 | Echo Park | CA | Menu | 4% for all checks; an additional 20% for parties of 5 or more | ||||
| Crossroads Clothing Store | 3 | WeHo | CA | Menu | |||||
| Crossroads Kitchen | 3 | WeHo | CA | Menu | "To support living wages for our back-of-the-house staff, a 3% service charge will be added to your check. " | ||||
| Damian | 4-18& | Arts District | CA | Menu | Receipt | 4% Wellness benefits, Parties of 6 and more will include a 20% service charge on the final bill. This service charge is subject to state tax | |||
| Dekkadence | 18 | DTLA | CA | Menu | |||||
| Desert 5 Spot | 5 | Hollywood | CA | Menu | |||||
| DiDi | 5 | WeHo | CA | Menu | 4% entertainment fee. Restaurant will remove; server said it went towards employee benefits but no details | ||||
| Domestic BBQ | 3 | Covina | CA | Menu | 3% service charge that can be removed but you have to ask the manager | ||||
| Duck House | 15 | Monterey Park | CA | Menu | "to ensure quality service and cover essential costs, a 15% service fee has been implemented on all Dine-In orders. This fee directly benefits our servers' salaries and operational expenses. Please note, the service fee is not a tip or gratuity" | ||||
| Dunsmoor | 4 | Glassell park | CA | Menu | Receipt | ||||
| El Torito | 4 | Hawthorne / MdR / Santa Monica | CA | Menu | To help offset increased labor costs due to new local, state, and federal ordinances, a 3.5% surcharge is included on all guest checks. | ||||
| Etta | 3.5 | Culver City | CA | Menu | About | We love our staff. To help cover health insurance, benefits and staff wellness we are adding a 3.5% charge for all transactions paid. | This is actually just pocketed by the owners. Theoretically it could go towards healthcare but most employees are below the hourly minimum to qualify for healthcare | ||
| Fanny's | 5 | Mid-Wilshire | CA | Menu | Receipt | 5% Service charge is added to all checks. It's not disclosed on their menu either. | |||
| Felix Trattoria | 3 | Venice | CA | Menu | Unclear Service Charge - Website Provides No Details | ||||
| Fia | 20 | CA | Menu | 20% Autograt for parties of 6 or more | |||||
| Foothill | 3 | Pasadena | CA | Menu | "20% gratuity for 8 or more. 3% surcharge for kitchen staff." | ||||
| Forage | 15 | Silverlake | CA | Menu | "To ensure the wellbeing of our staff, a suggested 15% service charge is added to your order for dining in and 10% is added for take-out orders. If you would like this charge removed, please let us know." | ||||
| Found Oyster | 20 | East Hollywood | CA | Menu | "20% service charge added to each check, 100% of which is distributed to staff." | ||||
| Gasolina Cafe | 18 | Woodland Hills | CA | Menu | "A [sic] 18% SERVICE CHARGE IS ADDED TO ALL CHECKS. TIPS ARE POLITELY DECLINED" They do tell you this in advance, but they also have a tip line on checks. | ||||
| Girl & The Goat LA | 4 | DTLA | CA | Menu | "A 4% 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!" | ||||
| Gjusta | 18-20 | Venice Beach | CA | Menu | "20% service fee" | ||||
| Good Clean Fun | 20 | DTLA | CA | Menu | |||||
| Goodboy Bob Coffee (GBB) | N/A | Multiple Locations | CA | Menu | Report of Fraudulent Donation Campaign and COVID PPP Loan Application-Forgiveness | ||||
| Guerrilla Tacos | 3 | DTLA | CA | Menu | Article | 2019 LAist Article | |||
| Jemma di Mare | 4 | Brentwood | CA | Menu | |||||
| Hamburger Mary's | 5 | West Hollywood | CA | Menu | |||||
| Handroll Bar (HRB) | 18 | Century City - Westfield | CA | Menu | Counter Service / "No Tipping Establishment" | ||||
| Hatchet Hall | 20 | Culver City | CA | Menu | "All checks include a 20% mandatory service charge. It is our belief that our entire staff is integral to the service experience." | ||||
| Hayat's Kitchen | 18 | NoHo | CA | Menu | |||||
| Highlight Room | 3 | Hollywood | CA | Menu | |||||
| HiHo Cheeseburger | 6 | MdR / Beverly Hills / Santa Monica / Studio City | CA | Menu | Counter Service / "No Tipping Establishment" | ||||
| Hinoki & The Bird | 20 | Century City | CA | Menu | "As a non-tipping restaurant, we add a 20% fee to all checks. This is not a tip or gratuity, and tips are discouraged." | ||||
| Hippo | 4 | Highland Park | CA | Menu | |||||
| HiroNori Craft Ramen | 15 | various | CA | Menu | 15% service fee (supposedly no tipping establishment), one user says they also recommend tips | ||||
| Hodori Korean Cuisine | $1 | Eagle Rock | CA | Menu | Website | $1 surcharge for To-Go orders | |||
| Hole Mole | 10 | Long Beach | CA | Menu | "At this time, a 10% Service will apply to all orders." | According to this user, the 10% surcharge only applies to online orders and you can bypass it by ordering from Doordash for pickup | |||
| Holy Cow BBQ | Culver City / Redondo / Santa Monica | CA | Menu | Unclear Service Charge - See Menu | They claim it goes to servers, but it's kept as profit. | ||||
| Home | 4 | Los Feliz | CA | Menu | Website | "A 4% service charge will be added to each guest check to ensure competitive industry compensation, as well as health and medical benefits, for all of our valued full time team members. In support of this initiative, the entirety of the charge is retained by the restaurant. If you would like this charge removed, please let our staff know. Thank you for dining with us and supporting our staff." | |||
| Hong Kong BBQ | 3% | Chinatown | CA | Menu | |||||
| HopSaint | 3% | Torrance | CA | Menu | Receipt | "Local surcharge" | |||
| Horses | 4 | West Hollywood | CA | Menu | "A 4% restaurant fee will be added to all checks." | ||||
| Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe | 2 | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | "A 2% charge is added by the restaurant to all checks to help offer fully covered health care to all employees. Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting a healthier staff." | ||||
| Hugo's | 3 | WeHo | CA | Menu | 3% Surcharge for kitchen and staff | ||||
| Il Fornaio | 3 | Multiple Locations | CA | Menu | "Restaurant Adversity Surcharge – 3% As a result of supply chain difficulties & increasing operational costs the restaurant industry is experiencing (including rising wage, benefit & other government requirements), a 3% surcharge will be added to all checks. Grazie mille for your support during these challenging times!" | ||||
| Jin Cook | 5 | Glendale | CA | Menu | 5% for takeout orders over $100 | ||||
| Jitlada | 18 | Thai town | CA | Menu | Receipt | 18% service fee added, not a tip | |||
| Jon & Vinny’s | 18 | Brentwood / Fairfax / Slauson | CA | Menu | 18% "Service Fee" that does NOT go to staff | ||||
| Joy on York | 3 | Highland Park | CA | Menu | Receipts | "Health Care" fee. Can an employee confirm if it actually goes to them? | |||
| Kahuna Tiki | 3 | NoHo | CA | Menu | 3% fee with no explanation. They add it to your bill at the end with no additional text. | ||||
| Ka'Teen | 5 | Hollywood | CA | Menu | Menu | "5% service fee is added to all checks in support of health benefits to our staff. The entirety of the fee is retained by the company." | |||
| Karl Strauss | 4 | City Walk | CA | Menu | |||||
| Katsuya | 5 | Hollywood | CA | Menu | Website | "To help defray the rising costs of the restaurant industry, a 5% surcharge will be added to your check. If you would like this surcharge removed, please let us know. Thank you for supporting a healthier and happier restaurant staff." Also 20% autograt for parties 6 or more | |||
| KazuNori | 16 | Multiple Locations | CA | Menu | No Tipping Establishment - Surcharge Also Applicable to Deliveries | ||||
| Kismet | 4 | Los Feliz | CA | Menu | "A 4% charge is added to every check and retained by the restaurant to help us provide health benefits to our team." | ||||
| Kombu Sushi | 4 | Silverlake | CA | Menu | |||||
| La Cha Cha Chå | 4 | DTLA | CA | Menu | |||||
| Lamill Coffee | 18 | Silverlake | CA | Menu | |||||
| Le Cellar | see comment | Pasadena | CA | Menu | Charges for bottled water ($8) after requesting tap, calculates tip on post-tax total | ||||
| Le Petit Paris | 4 | DTLA | CA | Menu | "Surcharge of 4% added to all checks to help cover increased costs and minimum wage increases for our dedicated staff." | ||||
| Lillie's @ The Culver Hotel | 4 | Culver City | CA | Menu | Receipt | 4% "Wellness" surcharge, tip based on post-tax amount | |||
| Little Dom's | 4 | Los Feliz | CA | Menu | "A 4% charge is added to all checks to provide health insurance and raise the standards for non-tipped employees. Thank you for supporting our team. If you would like this charge removed, simply let your server know." | ||||
| Little Sister | 3 | DTLA | CA | Menu | Article | 2019 LAist Article | |||
| Lonely Oyster | 2.5 | Echo Park | CA | Menu | "BOH - Living Wage" fee | ||||
| Loreto | 4 | Frogtown (Atwater Village) | CA | Menu | |||||
| Lucques | 3.5 | West Hollywood | CA | Menu | Statement | 3.5% Surcharge is removable upon request per statement from The Lucques Group (see link) | |||
| Luv2eat Thai Bistro | 18 | Hollywood | CA | Menu | |||||
| Maggianos Banquet Dept | 18 | CA | Menu | They say it goes to paying the staff, that are paid hourly, and they discourage guests from tipping. The manager's rationale, tipping on top of the service fee wont be a good value for the customer. | |||||
| Mama Shelter Rooftop Bar | 3 | Hollywood | CA | Menu | "A 3% charge will be added to your check to help provide healthcare benefits For our employees..." | ||||
| Manzke | 4 | Beverly Hills | CA | Menu | Submitted as a current employee. Our parent company, Sprout LA is unable to provide employees with proof of where this money goes or how it is accounted for. I believe it is the businesses responsibility to pay for benefits, not the guests. | ||||
| Manuela | 4 | DTLA | CA | Menu | "A 4% service charge will be added to each guest check to help ensure all our staff are given a competitive, living wage as well as continued health benefits. If you would like this charge to be removed or have any questions regarding the charge, please inform our staff or a manager." | ||||
| Margot | 18 | Culver City | CA | Menu | |||||
| Majordomo | 3 | Dogtown (Elysian Park) | CA | Menu | Receipt | BOH Service Charge | |||
| Marina | 3 | Pasadena | CA | Menu | "to support competitive kitchen wages & healthcare," but they will remove the charge upon request | ||||
| Marvin Wine Bar | 20 | Beverly Grove | CA | Menu | "❋ A 20% SERVICE CHARGE IS ADDED TO ALL CHECKS. THIS IS USED TO HELP PAY FRONT OF HOUSE, KITCHEN & MANAGERS. EXTRA GRATUITY GOES TO THE SERVERS. ❋" | ||||
| Max Karaoke Studio | 20 | Little Tokyo | CA | Menu | "...charged us a 20% gratuity, and this is not in writing anywhere." | ||||
| Melody Wine Bar | 4 | Virgil Village | CA | Menu | Receipt | Employee Benefit | |||
| Melrose Umbrella Co | 40 | WeHo | CA | Menu | Receipt | ||||
| Met Her At A Bar | 3 | Mid-Wilshire | CA | Menu | |||||
| Met Him at a Bar | 3 | La Brea | CA | Menu | Receipt | 3% Healthcare Love + 18% Brunch Autograt | |||
| The Misfit | 4 | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | "A 4% charge is added to all checks that will be distributed entirely to our hardworking kitchen staff." | ||||
| Milo & Olive | 3 | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | |||||
| Mirate | 4 | Los Feliz | CA | Menu | |||||
| MoMo Paradise | 18 | Arcadia / Rowland Heights / Torrance | CA | Menu | Receipt | Service Charge | |||
| The Morrison | 2.9 | Atwater Village / Burbank | CA | Menu | |||||
| Mother Wolf | 5 | Hollywood | CA | Menu | "5% wellness fee is added to all checks in support of health benefits for our staff, but it is not a fee for service. If you would like this fee removed, please let us know. A 20% service charge will be added to parties of six or more." | ||||
| Norah | 5 | WeHo | CA | Menu | 5% "Administration fee" whatever that is | ||||
| Norms | 3 | Multiple Locations | CA | Menu | "A 3% menu surcharge will be added to all guest checks to help cover the increasing cost of doing business in California while maintaining portion sizes and everyday affordable specials." | ||||
| Olivetta | 20 | WeHo | CA | Menu | Auto gratuity in the fine print, but you are not told by waiter | ||||
| Openaire | 4 | Koreatown | CA | Menu | 4% CHARGE IS ADDED TO PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR OUR EMPLOYEES, THIS CHARGE MAY BE REMOVED UPON REQUEST. | Employees magically disappear once you ask them to remove the charge. The service is atroscious anyways. | |||
| Ospi | 4 | Venice | CA | Menu | Receipt | 4% Employee Benefit Support | |||
| Ototo | 18 | Angeleno Heights (Echo Park) | CA | Menu | "an 18% fair wage and operational fee will be added to all dine-in bills. this is not a gratuity or tip.,," | ||||
| Orsa & Winston | 20 | DTLA | CA | Menu | "fair wages" | ||||
| Osteria La Buca | 5 | Hollywood / Sherman Oaks | CA | Menu | |||||
| Osteria la buca | 5% | Melrose and Sherman oaks | CA | Menu | Receipt | cash not accepted | |||
| Otium | 5 | DTLA | CA | Menu | Menu - "A 5% surcharge will be added to all guest checks to defray the rising cost of operating in Los Angeles. Kindly let your server know if you would like this removed." | ||||
| Pablitos Tacos | 10% | Burbank | CA | Menu | 10% service fee for any order ( takeout and inside) and on top of that the prices listed are cash prices which trigger another 3% fee if you pay by card | ||||
| Paradise Cove Beach Cafe | 5% | Malibu | CA | Menu | Receipt | 5% Sustainability Fee | |||
| Pasjoli | 15 | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | "We add a 15% service charge to your bill that is fully distributed to our hourly employees to equalize wages between our front- and back-of-house teams." | ||||
| Perch | 4 | DTLA | CA | Menu | 4.5% safety and security fee. (Extra note: they charged us a 30% fee in 2021) | Does not go to staff | |||
| Petit Trois | 18 | Hollywood / Sherman Oaks | CA | Menu | Indeed | "The 18% service charge is not a tip. Any tip you leave will be shared by staff working today." - I'm a former FOH employee, our base wage was $2 above minimum and BOH made minimum. No health care or benefits - owners kept service charge. | 18% Service Charge is being removed August 2nd. Going to a 4% surcharge that will be removed on request. Current FOH employee, can confirm that service charge did go to staff's hourly. They have also provided insurance the past two years I've been there (which they price match). | ||
| Petty Cash | 5% | Fairfax | CA | Menu | "A 5% service charge will be added to each guest check to ensure competitive industry compensation, as well as health and medical benefits, for all of our valued full time team members. In support of this initiative, the entirety of the charge is retained by the company. If you would like this charge removed, please let our staff know." | Asked server and he said that it does go to employees but very few are fulltime. Also said he would never work somewhere that was 'shady' | |||
| Pez Cantina | 5 | DTLA | CA | Menu | |||||
| CA | Menu | ||||||||
| Pijja Palace | 19 | Silverlake | CA | Menu | "A service charge of 19% is added to your final check" | Very rude owner, tells people to GTFO if you refuse to pay flat service fee | |||
| Pine & Crane | 3 | Silverlake / DTLA | CA | Menu | "We add a 3% surcharge to subsidize healthcare for our employees. If you would like it removed, please simply let a team member know. Your support is greatly appreciated." | ||||
| Pitfire Pizza | 3 | Pasadena | CA | Menu | 6% "Happy & Healthy surcharge" | ||||
| Pizza Hut | ? | Chain | CA | Menu | Screen Capture | "The service fee partially offsets the increased cost of operations in the state of California" | |||
| Pomodoro | 3 | Westwood | CA | Menu | New 3% surcharge has been added to checks without warning if paying with credit cards. This is to offset transaction fees. | ||||
| Prince Street Pizza | 4 | DTLA | CA | Menu | Receipt | 4% Service Charge | |||
| Pura Vita | 3 | WeHo / Redondo Beach | CA | Menu | |||||
| Queen Street | 20 | Echo Park | CA | Menu | management claims it’s for equitable pay, medical, and retirement. | ||||
| Queen Violet | 20 | WeHo | CA | Menu | |||||
| Red Bird | 5 | Arts District | CA | Menu | 20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more plus 5% staff healthcare charge | ||||
| Red House KBBQ | 18 | Cerritos | CA | Menu | Yelp | ..."when they bring you bill as it has a space for tip and if you didn't know they already include the tip..." | |||
| République | 4 | La Brea | CA | Menu | |||||
| Petit Trois | 4 | Hollywood / Sherman Oaks | CA | Menu | we will be transitioning from the previous 18% service charge to a 4% surcharge, starting August 2nd. | ||||
| Redbird | 5 | DTLA | CA | Menu | A 5% service charge will be added to each guest check to ensure competitive industry compensation, as well as health and medical benefits, for all of our valued full time team members. In support of this initiative, the entirety of the charge is retained by the company. | ||||
| Ronan | 4 | Melrose | CA | Menu | |||||
| Rosaliné | 20 | West Hollywood | CA | Menu | "As a non-tipping restaurant, Rosaline adds a 20% administrative fee to all checks. This is not a service charge or gratuity and supports higher wages and benefits for our hourly team. If you have questions about this fee, please ask for a manager." | ||||
| The Rose | 5 | Venice Beach | CA | Menu | "A 5% charge will be added to your check to help cover the cost of health care benefits that we offer our full time employees. Thank you for supporting our staff. If you would like this charge removed, please let your server know and the charge will be removed." | ||||
| Rossoblu | 4 | DTLA | CA | Menu | "In order to support our dedicated kitchen team, and to help provide benefits for all eligible team members, a 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks. Please note that this surcharge is not distributed to the service staff." | ||||
| Ruby Fruit | 4 | Silverlake | CA | Menu | "4% Security Fee is added to every check to ensure the safefty of our guests and staff." | ||||
| Rustic Canyon | 4 | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | "A 4% charge is added by the restaurant to all checks to help offer fully covered healthcare to our employees. Please let us know if you have questions. Thanks for supporting a healthier staff!!" | ||||
| Saffy's | 4% | East Hollywood | CA | Menu | "A 4% service charge will be added to each guest check to ensure competitive industry compensation, as well as health and medical benefits, for all of our valued full time team members. In support of this initiative, the entirety of the charge is retained by the restaurant." | ||||
| Saltie Girl | 18 | Echo Park | CA | Menu | "An 18% service charge will be added to all checks. this goes to cover wages for all staff and full medical benefits to all full-time employees. if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us." | ||||
| Saltie Girl | 4 | West Hollywood | CA | Menu | |||||
| Salsa & Beer | 3.95% | NoHo / Lake Balboa | CA | Menu | Google Review | "Customer Assistance" fee | |||
| San Pedro Fish Market | 3.50% | Long Beach | CA | Menu | for “employee benefits” however svc charge can be removed upon request | ||||
| Santa Monica Brew Works | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | Receipt | 18% automatically added (don't recall if it's pre or post tax). The upcharge is listed on the IRL menu, though easy to miss. Can't see any mention on their website. Different person commenting: it's clearly displayed on the registers when you go up to order. | ||||
| SHIN | 4 | Hollywood | CA | Menu | 4% Health Insurance for employees | ||||
| Son of a Gun | 18 | Beverly Grove | CA | Menu | |||||
| Soulmate | 25% | WeHo | CA | Menu | Receipt | 5% "WeHo competetive industry compensation" + 20% Service Charge | |||
| Speranza | 18% | Silver Lake | CA | Menu | Other customers have gotten 20% surcharge and staff was very vague in what it was for just that it was not tip. | ||||
| Stout Burgers & Beers | 3.5 | Multiple Locations | CA | Menu | "Healthy LA - A 3.5 % charge is added to every check to assist in providing healthcare benefits to our employees. Thank you for supporting a healthier and happier workplace. If you would like the charge removed, please let us know." | ||||
| Sugarfish | 16 | Multiple Locations | CA | Menu | "A 16% fee will be added to your bill— This is not a gratuity or tip. We are a no-tipping establishment. The fee is revenue that is not segmented or designated in any way; it is taxed per state law and is used to fund all of our operations." | ||||
| The Sun Rose | 18 | WeHo | CA | Menu | |||||
| CA | Menu | ||||||||
| SusieCakes | 3 | La Brea | CA | Menu | Receipt | 3% "HealthyTeam" surcharge | |||
| Sycamore Kitchen | 10 | Fairfax | CA | Menu | |||||
| Tacos Tu Madre | 5 | Westwood / WeHo / Larchmont / Los Feliz | CA | Menu | 5% surcharge for healthcare + benefits for full time staff | ||||
| Tallula's | 4 | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | "A 4% charge is added by the restaurant to all checks to help offer fully covered health care to all employees. Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting a healthier staff!" | ||||
| Tartine Bakery | 4 | Multiple Locations | CA | Menu | "A 4% surcharge will be added to all food and beverage sales in support of employee benefits." | ||||
| Tartine Bianco | 5 | DTLA | CA | Menu | |||||
| The Terrace @ Marbourne Hotel | 20% | Beverly Hills | CA | Menu | Receipt | 20% Service Charge | |||
| Tenno Sushi | 10% | Little Tokyo | CA | Menu | Receipt | "Take-Out" fee. you dont realize theyre charging you this until you check your e-receipt. This is in addition to tipping. | |||
| The Terrace at Marybourne | 20 | Beverly Hills | CA | Menu | 20% service charge | ||||
| Seapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook | 20 | Laguna Beach | CA | Menu | Receipt | Undiscolsed Service Fee | |||
| The Semi-Tropic | echo park | CA | Menu | owners keep significant portion of tips | |||||
| The Warehouse Restaurant | 15 | Marina del Rey | CA | Menu | Menu | ||||
| Un Solo Sol | Boyle Heights | CA | Menu | No tips allowed. Can anyone confirm employees are paid a living wage? | |||||
| Uovo | 16 | MdR, Santa Monica, Wilshire | CA | Menu | "No tipping" establishment | ||||
| Vino Wine & Tapas Room | 3.8% for CC and 20% on checks <$200 | Encino | CA | Menu | "Prices reflect cash pricing. A 3.8% fee is charged for all credit card transactions. 20% gratuity is charged for parties of 5 or more and checks over $200" | ||||
| The Waffle | 5 | Hollywood | CA | Menu | Receipt | ||||
| Wong's Wok | Silverlake | CA | Menu | Word is, owners keep Credit Card tips | |||||
| Wood Pizza | 3% | Silver Lake | CA | Menu | Including pick-up orders | ||||
| Xuntos | 20 | Santa Monica | CA | Menu | 20% service charge per them "non-negotiable." |
Report a Restaurant for Extra Hidden Fees Here
You can fill out the Report Hidden Surcharges Form in the link or below.