Tropical Thai Restaurant — Restaurant in Sarasota

READ THIS! THEY WILL TRY TO RIP YOU OFF!! I have attached my bill for reference. Summary at the bottom.

I went to this restaurant with my family and our subtotal on the bill was $87.33. The tax on the bill was $15.72. I added a tip of $19.95. Please see the attached pictures for reference. I glanced at this bill at the restaurant and something didn't seem right so I had to ask for a copy of my bill. (They wouldn't have given me a copy if I hadn't asked).

When I went home and reviewed the bill, I saw that the "Subtotal" added up to more than the sum of all the individual items. As you can see in the picture, the sum of all the items is $81.60 (3.95 + 3.95 + [10.95 x 6] + 3.50 + 4.50 = 81.60). On top of this, there was a charge of $15.72 under the "Tax" section (Which is 18% of the subtotal, way too high for tax in Sarasota county).

I called the restaurant the next day and inquired about why the Subtotal was higher than it should be and why the tax was so high. The lady on the phone told me the "Subtotal" actually included the tax. I checked this and the real subtotal of $81.60 plus the 7% tax comes out to $87.31. So then I asked about charge that was under the Tax section. She said this was actually the gratuity fee and not the tax. I understand that many places have a mandatory gratuity fee if you have a large party (We were only 7 people). However, most restaurants don't try to trick people by hiding the gratuity fee as the Tax.

Basically, this restaurant had hidden the tax under the subtotal and then charged an 18% gratuity fee disguised as the "Tax". This is clearly seen on the bill where it's written in the Tax row. They are purposely ripping people off, especially because the lady would not have given me a copy of my bill; she only did after I specifically asked for it. The lady offered me my tip money back on the phone but this isn't about the $20 I lost. This restaurant is completely dishonest and I'm sure they do this with all the bills. I wonder how many people a day get scammed by these fraudulent bills. This is a completely dishonest restaurant and everyone should be aware of how they scam...

My family and I have been visiting this matriarchal-owned restaurant since it was in its original historic location on Main Street over 20 years ago. The owner is a lovely woman who remembers her loyal customers and takes great pride in providing authentic, delicious Thai cuisine. The art and, if you’re lucky to sit at one of the center tables with carved inlays beneath the glass, similarly reflect the beauty of Thai culture. We’ve never had a dish that disappointed us over all these years. As a vegan with food allergies, they’re always accommodating of my requests, and there’s an extensive part of the menu that’s macrobiotic for those who are interested. They serve a number of Asian beers, as well as wine, and the Thai iced tea is particularly delicious. The lunch menu features soup, salad, an entree, and a small dessert—a fantastic offering for the price. Dinners are larger with separate appetizers, but it’s worth ordering extra to have leftovers to take home. Tropical Thai is truly a Sarasota institution—one of the few restaurants where you feel at home, whether you’ve just come from the opera or the beach. Knowing that by dining there you’re supporting a woman-owned and run small business vs some big chain? Well, that’s the cream on the Thai doughnut, In my mind! Be aware that depending on your zip code, Door Dash and others may deliver to you from them and they also always take takeout orders to go. Please don’t miss out on this gem of a place if...

I would like to start off with the interiors of the restaurant: as I walked in I was welcomed by a soothing classical music which is a reason on why I'm giving it the first star. Then as I was making my selection, the server didn't bother to ask me if I wanted to have anything else other than water and her behavior was quite cold...as cold as the AC they had going on. The AC was gelid which was quite unfortunate since I just walked in from a stormy weather. Please, change the temperature according to the exterior.

The second star that I'm giving is due to the quick service. The food was out quickly which made me wonder the authenticity of it...I ordered some Thai spring rolls which have meet in it, but for some reason the meat had an odd taste. The thing that shocked me most was the tastelessness of my entree. I ordered sweet and sour chicken and it turned out to be boiled chicken (instead of sautéed) accompanied by boiled vegetables soaked in what seemed to be tomato sauce. I was not able to finish the plate.

I am very shocked on the ratings it has had. I came here during dinner at the peak hours and not even half of the restaurant was full.

Tropical Thai is not worth a...