Woman’s Bill Exceeds Expectations By $130 After Restaurant Adds 'Prep Fee'

Shaking margaritas costs from $3 to $15 per drink.

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• September 12, 2024

Dining out is a cherished way to unwind after a long week, with many opting for a casual drink or meal as a treat. According to a 2017 report, over half of young adults in the U.S. indulge in dining out at least once a week.

However, recent experiences suggest that dining out has become a luxury, especially with surprising bill charges. A recent viral story highlights this issue, originating from a TikTok video by the creator known as @blondeswhoeat.

The video recounts an alarming experience at a Dallas restaurant where the bill included unexpected "prep charges" for drinks. The creator, baffled by the extra fees, shared her experience online, sparking widespread curiosity and concern.

In the video, the creator describes a dinner outing where the final bill amounted to $530, with $400 attributed to alcohol. The shocking detail was the extra charges labeled "prep" for shaking margaritas, ranging from $3 to $15 per drink.

This fee, added to the cost of the drinks, substantially increased the total bill. The creator was perplexed, as she had never encountered such charges before, and questioned whether this practice was common.

The video quickly gained traction on social media, drawing the attention of thousands of viewers beyond the creator’s usual audience. Despite not naming the restaurant, the video included enough details for Internet users to investigate.

The restaurant was speculated to be Mar Y Sol Cocina Latina, a Dallas establishment. This suspicion was seemingly confirmed when the restaurant posted a photo of a bartender shaking a drink on Instagram, accompanied by the caption, “No extra fees were charged in the shaking of this cocktail.”

Enjoying a drink with friends can be nice, as long as it doesn’t cost too much.

The restaurant's response, intended as a light-hearted retort, did not sit well with many viewers. Critics argued that the response was dismissive and failed to address the underlying issue.

Some expressed their disappointment, stating that the opportunity for a genuine apology and policy review was missed. Based on the negative feedback, others voiced their intention to cancel reservations or avoid the restaurant altogether.

The food was exceptional at a Dallas restaurant.

She usually doesn’t check bills, but she was shocked to see a $530 charge for a meal that should have cost about $100.

"Lalo Blanco skinny spicy margaritas, right? $14 plus prep, $3."

“What’s prep?”

“You charge $3 to shake the Margarita?”

"Then another girl got a Casa Dragonis Blanco. Her prep was $15."

“They charge the shaking, or the ‘prep,’ per the tequila of your choice.”

"Pretty bad, right?"

"Charging extra to “prep” aka SHAKE your drink is WILD! Or better yet.. a $70 margarita is wild! Has anyone ever seen this before?"

Online sleuths quickly figured out the exact restaurant the creator was referring to.

Several factors influence cocktail pricing, but a 'prep fee' is not often encountered.

Cases like these highlight the complexities of cocktail pricing. What exactly is a "prep fee," and can bars and restaurants tack on extra charges like that? Cocktail pricing often depends on several factors, starting with location. A martini in a Manhattan hotspot will run higher than at a local bar simply due to where it's served.

Each drink's price also reflects the cost of its ingredients, which vary widely. Then there's the concept of pour cost—the price percentage covering the ingredients. For instance, if a cocktail costs $10 and the ingredients come to $2, the pour cost would be 20%.

Commenters mocked the restaurant.

Commenters show support for the creator.

"Extra charges are ridiculous."

"A $75 margarita is insane."

"Next time - no prep."

"Hidden fees for drinks are insane."

"Prep?!"

"$5 for ice."

"$2.5 for "on the rocks' "

As dining out costs go up, people are paying more attention to how their bills are calculated. Restaurants must be fair with their pricing so customers aren't surprised by hidden fees.

Diners should check their bills and ask about any unclear charges. Restaurants must be upfront and respond to concerns to keep customers happy and avoid complaints.

The "prep charges" issue shows a more significant trend—diners and restaurants must work together to keep pricing fair and transparent. When prices are clear, everyone can enjoy the dining experience more.

Damjan