I went to Mallory Square for the sunset and it started to rain so myself and friends stopped at the bar for "Captain and Coke" and 2 glasses of wine. The bar was crowded because of the number of people trying to get out of the rain so I waited patiently for the bar tender to take my order. Though I believe the bar tender could have been more efficient we eventually recieved our drinks. Wen he told me the total amount due, I was shocked. I know that gratuity is added to ALL bills (it is clearly posted over the bar) but there was no way that the amount was accurate. I called it to the attention of the bar tender that something was wrong and asked how much the two "Captains and Cokes" cost. The reply was "...about $8..." and change. (I now forget the exact amount since this hapened last month).
The following day I went back to the bar and spoke to a different bar tender and she was able to confirm that I had been over charged. I ended up speaking to the manager on duty and relayed my experience with pertinent facts since the event was fresh in my mind,. The manager took notes and seemed interested in my statement. I explained that I was NOT looking for a refund nor was I looking for a complimentary beverage. I simply wanted him to be aware of the incident.
I do not know what happened after I left but the incidnet will not be repeated since neither I nor my friends will ever return to that bar even though we had been there on multiple occassions previously. It is my opinion that the bar tender(s) was padding the bill so the "included gratuity" could be inflated.
Readers may want to double check their bills and ask questions if something doesn't seem right.
For all it's worth, I have eaten at El Meson de Pepe in the past and confirm what others have written. The food IS good
