Route 66 Smokehouse — Restaurant in New York

Oktoberfest - October 26, 10:47 PM

I recently visited Oktoberfest and had an unexpected experience with what seemed to be a billing issue. After ordering three $13 drinks, my bill totaled over $60. When I pointed out the discrepancy, the bartender apologized and attempted to adjust it multiple times at the register. However, I noticed each attempt added a 25% gratuity, resulting in a total that far exceeded the expected amount. When I questioned this, the bartender casually mentioned that an automatic gratuity is “always added,” which didn’t align with typical tipping practices for a single drink.

Ultimately, it seemed as though this might be a questionable practice designed to increase the bill, assuming patrons wouldn’t notice. When I mentioned I couldn’t justify paying that amount for such small drinks, the bartender’s response was unexpectedly unprofessional; he even refused to provide a board game my group had requested.

It became extremely obvious the employee was running the scam when his eyes went wide when I called out the cost and the auto gratuity, why would you says it’s a mistake 3 times before finally saying “oh, actually it’s not a mistake”. You didn’t realize it was a mistake 3 times? Jesus dude, come on! Lie a little better, eh?

If the building or restaurant owner reads this, I’d be happy to share more details on the experience—it may be worth looking into to ensure employees are not stealing from...

I'm never this person. But this was such a bad experience. We literally encouraged people to choose another food option outside that day. We went as a group of 7 after work, booked a reservation several days prior. We ordered drinks and apps for the table (including wings). We did not get any plates for the table. We literally had bones in a used cup. Then, for a barbecue spot, you'd think if you ordered a barbecue type item you might get some sauce. You do not. We asked for it. There was four meals that definitely should have and arguably all of them could have. They brought just two of those little cups you get from a to-go type place and then they charged us for them! We would have gotten refills on drinks if anyone came to check on us ever. We had to ask for the check and by the time we were ready to go some of the group started leaving. We had one person paying who waited behind but one of the servers flew up saying "they're leaving without paying" meanwhile the one person paying took the check to a bar to wrap it up and get out.

Absolutely atrocious experience.

It was meant to be a fun event for us. We had intentions to get several drinks, play some games and have fun and we couldn't wait to leave and we ultimately found a better place to go for the next...

Such a shame. This place is adorable, has a wonderful menu and some really cute waiters that are attentive [note, some] but the last two occasions in which I went I had to wait an obscene amount of time for something as simple as a beer on tap. Mind you that I understand meal times get busy, but when the interior of the restaurant is very empty, and you are sitting outside with only a handful of tables, it really is confusing how things take so long. My last experience I had some friends in from overseas. Our drinks took a while, the food took even longer, the ribs were supremely dry, my pulled pork sandwich was dry as well and the sweet potato fries were dried out and flavorless. But the icing on the cake had to be the 40 mins we waited for our check in that I had to go inside and ask my waitress who was just sitting at the empty bar for it in person and bring it back out to my table and then bring it back inside with our cards, despite us being the last or second to last table there. Unfortunately I will not be going back to this...