We had friends in town and decided to try J Paul's as we had never been there before. We had an early reservation and were seated at a nice table on the back deck. We brought bug spray along, per another review, but never used...it, nor felt a single bug that night.
The service was very attentive all night long. We had an appetizer (goat cheese bruschetta), two salads, four entrees' (filet, 2 primer ribs and risotto) and many drinks. They were all very good (some drinks better than others). Everyone was quite satisfied. When the bill came I handed the server an AmEx card to pay the $300 bill. She politely said they did not take AmEx (not many nice restaurants don't take AmEx) . No problem, I handed her my Visa card. She takes it and we complete the transaction with their new Clover POS device right at the table.
After she leaves, I look at the receipt and realize there is a 3.5% credit card "convenience" fee on there. We eat out a lot and always pay with credit cards. I had never seen this at a restaurant before, but more importantly was never told about it by the server (although I didn't have $300 + tip on me regardless). I realize that credit cards charge a fee, but if 80% of your clientele uses credit, please just roll it into the price of your services. And if you're going to charge such a fee, why not take AmEx? I know it was only $10, but that is not how nice dining establishments should operate. Hopefully J Paul's will see this and handle it differently going forward.More