Anna J.
Yelp
My children and I have been coming here on and off for about 4 1/2 years. Even though they are a more pricey Indian restaurant, they have a few items that are unique that my daughter who is vegan likes. We have enjoyed coming in person as well as ordering via uber eats during the pandemic. Tonight we came in person for Sunday dinner. It was myself and two children. We ordered 3 orders of Naan, 2 orders of chicken tikka masala, a side of lentils, a appetizer and a soda. BTW...we like leftovers because this mamma doesn't always like to cook. This totaled $89 and change after tax. I paid with my credit card. I was charged $105. I looked at the bill more closely and realized I was automatically charged 20% gratuity for a party of 3. Why, I was never charged automatic gratuity before? I decided to look at the menu again to see if it was stated that they include a 20% gratuity on all parties regardless of group size. I also looked to see if the 20% gratuity was posted at the counter or the door. It was not. I asked my server why I was charged 20% gratuity on my bill when there was only 3 of us. She stated, " we do that because sometimes customers do not pay us any gratuity at all. They pay the bill and leave, that's why we will charge it automatically." I explained to her that customers are not required to pay a gratuity, as it is a monetary amount that is given to show gratitude for quality food/service. I personally always leave gratuity 15% for lunch and 20% for dinner and more if my experience was exceptional. The server could tell I was offended by it and offered to give me the gratuity back in cash from her apron. I told her No, however I will NOT be back because it was not stated anywhere that there is a automatic 20% gratuity for all party sizes. Honestly, I feel like I was subjectively charged an automatic 20% gratuity based on race and family make up. I am a single mother of tri- racial children, 50% black, 25% Asian, 25% white. I truly feel that the server assumed that I would not leave a gratuity and she took it upon herself to ensure she received what she felt she deserved to serve us. This is unfortunate experience. Like I said, I will never come here again or order from this restaurant again.