This is against restaurants in general, but this one took the cake by exploiting the "specials" price. Tonite I went to Niko's in Spokane, WA for the first time. I looked at the menu and saw items were $16-$20 in price range, on the expensive side.
The lamb shank I wanted was $17 and I was about to order that when the waitress told me they had a lamb "special". Now is it just me or does the word "special" holds intrinsic meaning that you are getting a deal?
At the grocery store, do the "specials" cost more or less? They cost less. Not at restaurants though. They figured out this is a great way to trick people. When my bill came I was shocked to see that the lamb "special" was $28! 65% more than the regular lamb menu item! Factor in their 8.1% tip and 20% gratuity (which they assume when running your card for approval) and the difference is nearly $15. Granted it was lamb rack not shank, (though the waitress said it was lamb chops, and they can always change the portion versus the price). The lesson here is: when the waitress tells you they have items on "special", ask how much they cost, and if they cost 40% more than any other item on the menu, file a complaint!
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