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Diners Outraged by Mysterious “Large Party” Fee at Seattle Restaurant
Restaurant-goers across the nation are raising alarms about a perplexing new charge appearing on their bills, urging fellow diners to remain vigilant. A receipt from the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle, Washington, has particularly ignited a firestorm of discussion online after revealing an unexpected fee that left customers scratching their heads.
The image, widely shared by the Facebook account Elm Streethouse, showed an additional $15 tacked onto a tab at the hotel’s Six Seven restaurant. But this wasn’t the recently implemented plastic bag fee now common in Washington state, which encourages customers to bring reusable bags. Instead, the charge was labeled a “Large Party fee,” adding a significant 20% to the total bill.
One bewildered diner recounted their experience, stating, “I went out for drinks and a few small plates, thinking it would be a normal night. Two people, nothing wild.”
Despite their small party size, consisting of only two individuals, the 20% surcharge was applied. “We ordered a couple of cocktails, sliders, burrata, and called it a day.
When the check comes, the total already feels higher than expected, so I actually look at the receipt instead of just tapping my card. That’s when I see a 20% ‘Large Party’ charge added on.”
The diner emphasized that the server never mentioned the fee beforehand, nor was there any visible signage. “No heads-up, no sign, no mention from the server.
Just quietly baked in like it’s the most normal thing in the world,” they explained. Further scrutiny of the receipt revealed that the extra charge was not for staff gratuities or large group services.
It was, in fact, a “pier maintenance fee,” as the restaurant is located on a pier at 2411 Alaskan Way, Pier 67. The charge, the diner discovered, was intended to help “ownership maintain the integrity of the over-the-water facility so I can have a ‘unique experience.'”
Before the addition of this fee, the bill stood at $79.50. After the “pier maintenance fee” and tax, the final amount surged to $105.27.
The diner expressed their frustration, stating, “So I’m paying an automatic 20% surcharge, not as a tip, but as a cover charge disguised as one… after already paying inflated menu prices… plus tax… plus still being expected to tip on top of that.” They continued, “At no point did I ask to personally sponsor the structural integrity of the building.
If there’s a pier fee, just put it in the prices or tell me upfront. Don’t slap a fake gratuity on the bill and then clarify in fine print that it doesn’t even go to the people serving me.
Nothing like finishing a meal feeling like you accidentally signed up for a micro-subscription to a dock.”
The incident has sparked a debate among diners, with many questioning the legality and ethics of such undisclosed charges. Commenters on social media suggested that without proper notification through menus, signage, or verbal communication, customers might have grounds to dispute the charge with their credit card companies.
“Is there anything posted on the menu, table, door stating the fee. If not dispute the additional charge on your CC,” one commenter advised.
Another added, “If you used a cr card you might be able to dispute this large party charge. Would have discussed this before paying the bill…unbelievable.”
As hidden fees become a growing concern for consumers, this incident serves as a stark reminder for diners to meticulously review their bills before paying and to inquire about any unfamiliar charges.