or Crab Shack or whatever it is called.

The food was ok but dreadfully expensive, although the wine was more reasonable.

Alaskan King Crab, MP at $585.

The big no,no was that Rolando, who waited on us, added 15% to the check. I figured it out without being told though and called him on it. I was a wimp and let it go but kicked myself all the way home. I did tell him that I tipped 35% "last night" which I did on a much smaller bar tab at Seahorse. Ha Ha.

But I decided that the next time that happened to me in Cancun, I would ask to see a menu and make sure there was nothing like this on it, then I would tell the waiter, or a manager, that I preferred to decide my own tip, and then tip 7.5% and tell the guy why.

I will not go back to this place as there are other wonderful seafood places where they do not do this. Trust me, this place is nothing special.

this happened to me at bubba gump /// they said heres your check with amount period //// heres your check with 15% added // pay either amount or whatever your comfortable with /// still didnt like the fact that they auto think they were worth the 15 /// so payed 10% percent just to despise them /// P.S. TJ left a e-mail for THE BRIAN for a room from nov 10th to MARCH 15TH /// real want or need that 4 months bad /// see ya in CANCUN

We have been to both places and was not happy with either of them....now that you mention the bill at Bubba Gump you have me wondering...we got a bill for 238.00 US for 4 of us which I thought was high but tipped 20% ....maybe the tip was included as we didn't look but from now on will pay more attention...we also would not go back to either place....

I've had the propina inclusivo pulled on me many times usually 15%,but once Carillos tried 20%.

From what I've seen places that do this have no policy,if the waiter tells the cashier they can print out a bill showing the added charge,other times they don't and the line item isn't even on the bill,it's a wierd and profitable game particularly if it's not caught and you add 20% to a 15% overage.

I agree, we tried it, never again. Okay food, good service but there are better places to spend money. Same goes for Lorita Joes. Great service, great view but mediocre food.

We had 3 cokes at Pat O'Brien's one night as it was hot out and we were thirsty $16 for 3 cokes plus Tip!!!!!!!! I will admit they were large cokes but still. I understand now why it was dead at Pat O'Brien's and down by Coco Bongo it was a mad house.

We actually had a great meal right in the middle of Market 28. Above average seafood and $2 beer. We ate great had a few beers and dinner for three was just under $50 including tip! No one spoke english but we got by. It was good enough that we had lunch there the next week.

I would suggest that perhaps you try Lorito Joe's again. I have been there several times recently. The chef is very good but Sunday is his day off so try another day until he gets the Sunday person better.

BUT, I was there a couple of weeks ago and had a perfect meal. Forget the service and view, which were excellent as always. The food was spectacular. I sandwiched two trips to Lorito Joe's around one to Lorenzillo's and the Lobster Thermador was clearly better at Lorito Joe's. Not even close really. Beyond wonderful.

Plus, we had a floor show, or should I say Lagoon Show, when a 7 foot long crocodile paid us a visit. The waiters tossed some food over for him, which of course they should not do, but it made for an interesting addition to the meal.

The only thing I did not care for, but it did not really bother me, was that on both recent trips, a guy who I assumed to be an employee but was not in any sort of uniform, was approaching tables with a camera and asking to take pictures, I assume for $$.

The servers are very attentive and I would not hesitate to recommend it based on my recent experience. The owner, Artemio, is rightfully proud of the new chef.

We were there on a Friday night. The service was great and the waiters were a lot of fun. The food was just okay. Actually the salad bar was great but the lobster was just average, the shrimp were good and the crab was some thawed out frozen thing that had no flavor. We had a great time but no one in our party wanted to return. There were just to many other places that are great in Cancun. I am glad you had a great meal because it looks like it could be a great restaurant.
Years ago we met Brant at OK Maguey and we had a very mediocre meal there but we tried it this time for lunch (it is called Casa Maguey now) and we had a great meal.
They all have good days and bad days. I just don't want to take a chance a second time and drop $300 for a party of 5 hoping that I will have a good meal.
If they charge average prices for average food then there isn't a problem. They have lived up to my expectations. But for first class prices they should have their act together each and every day. Good service doesn't make up for average food.
I might go back for a drink just to talk to my crocodile friend that go mad when I got a little too close.

Ok Norm-
I always ask you since we are both from the same state (cousins) ! We are going in about 4 weeks and I've studied and read and gotten Laura's maps and now some of the suggested restaurants are in question!YIKES!

If they add a tip can you challenge it? What if you don't feel it was worth that amount of tip? I don't want to eat at McDonalds so we know what we'll get, no tip and CHEAP! Just kidding about McDonalds but still I feel like the example you gave. I don't mind paying top price for a great meal and tip but top price for a mediorce food and service isn't good! HELP!

this is common in Playa del Carmen, they say it is becasue of the many European visiturs they have who do not tip, looks like Cancun restaurants are trying to do it too.
I, like you, would rather decide on what I want to tip based on service, and if it's good we tip more than 15%.

The big problem in Playa is if you ask about it, some will tell you it's not a tip, they might say it's tax or something and alot of people will fall for that and give them an additional tip on top of that already added in amount. very shady!

Also guys, this is just a thought, but, it isn's lobster season, so perhaps that's why the lobster isn't the best righ now. November is the best time fro good fresh lobster,

I think every where we went the people of Cancun were customer oriented. I think if you wanted to challenge something on the bill they would be more than happy to explain the charges or actually do something about it.
I went out on a two tank dive and my regulator leaked air the whole time and when I complained back at the office they immediately offered my a free dive the next day to make up for it. When I told them I was leaving the next afternoon they offered me a 50% refund. Imagine! Cash refunds. Times are changing.

When we went downtown to eat, every restaurant that had people outside trying to lure you in with free drinks or appetizers almost always were disappointing.
Now if you just want cold beer and appetizers I think they were all at least good and some were great.

La Habichuela never drags you in off the street and the food is wonderful. La Dolce Vita both the hotel zone and downtown were great. We had a great meal at La Patagonia that we discovered by accident as we were at the scuba store next door.
We had a couple of meals at the Royal resorts where we were staying and they were actually quite good. I have never been a fan of their restaurants (except for breakfast!) but I was surprised and we will try them again.
It is all a matter of taste.
The average restaurant in Edmonton or Calgary or Tulsa or Oklahoma City will have a better steak than any restaurant in Cancun except maybe Ruth Chris. It is just their grain fed beef against grass fed. I have had steak in Edmonton at a family steak house that puts anything in Seattle to shame. It all depends where you get your meat.
Same with Lobster. Is it fresh or has it been frozen.
The best meals I have had in Cancun were the Filet of fish done any way you like. They take what ever the catch of day is and give you a huge filet and then cook it the way you want (lots of garlic!!!). For a few dollars more you usually can have the entire fish cooked!
There are no bargains on seafood in Cancun except maybe the fish filet.
You go up to Wal Mart and the cost of fresh shrimp or lobster is the same as back home. What I enjoy most is the service. When we leave a restaurant we have almost always been treated wonderful and we have had a great dining experience. When the food is top notch you can't wait to go back.

like they may try and tell you. Chuy and I ate in Playa last trip and Chuy refused to pay the bill until it was fixed...Chuy even pulled out his Cancun driver's license to show he was a local and knows better than to be fooled by that. They quickly changed the bill.

But we are going to be watching very closely this trip. I don't care if they go ahead and add it so much, but TELL SO ON THE MENU!!!

di

********** CLICK **********

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

I couldn't resist!!!

Cat

yes, I've been told it is illegal to add on a seperate amount of tax on teh bill. The restuarant does have to pay taxes but it isn't supposed to be passed on to customers other than adjusting the price for the food on the menu.

I always let them get away with ripping me off (within reason obviously).. Even when I know it when they are trying to get a way with a few dollars... These fellow mexicans work sooo hard to make us happy and the only think that they want is money for their families. I am sure they are faced with rude and snobby tourist all day who feel that they can boss these people however they want (no disrespect to anyone here).

I usually put a blind eye on it so I dont make them feel bad.. I spend thousands of $$$ a week for fun, let them have their joy as well....

These people lost so much after the hurricane and we have to help them get back on their feet again. Not that I am throughing money at people but If a few dollars makes a difference for someone then let it be.

Mike-
Don't you think that's an apathetic view of life? Just by you being there you are helping their economy. I'm sorry but I can't agree with anyone knowingly "ripping you off". There will always be those who are unfairly cheap but if these people are allowed to over-charge or add on money they KNOW isn't owed them then they too will have no reason to give good friendly service because they will know they'll hust add on what they feel they "need".

Sorry but I don't agree.

Consider this, the money that you are being ripped off for may only be a few dollars but it is most likely not going to find its way into the pockets of the staff, the people who really need it the most; however most likely end up in the restaurant owner's pockets.

212eric V.P.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE GUIDE Cancun Travel Survey Guide Book

Eric-
Exactly. That's why I'd rather GIVE it to someone personally who really earned and deserves it! Thanks...You made my point!

I agree,
There seems to be an awful lot of money in Cancun and I don't think it is the waiter’s pocket.
I saw a new Porsche dealership!, I saw at least one New Ferrari drive by, a couple of Lincoln Navigators, one Cadillac Escalade and quite a few BMW's!! I don't think the waiters were buying any of these!
Even if I pay the bill with a credit card I hand the tip in cash to the waiter.

I always tip the waiters in cash too.... I feel so bad for them... My pont is that we have to give a little and display our generosity. The only people that make me mad are the ones selling fake silver no tip for them.