I don’t think I’ve ever seen this, perhaps it’s regional.

There are many restaurants both in the city north of us and south of us that don't have prices -- most being chains. Assume that they can up the price of drinks easily if they aren't listed but isn't that what a menu is -- a listing of food and drink and how much you're going to pay for them?

That is interesting - I don't think I've ever seen prices not listed.

I have never seen that with the exception of some places that have to provide all drinks from bar side of the restaurant.. But they don't list always drinks on the menu other than coffee and hot tea.. You have to ask sometimes. Or there will be a separate drink menu.

The practice of omitting prices of non-alcoholic beverages and other incidentals is de rigueur in most upscale restaurants.

I don't consider most chain restaurants to be upscale, and so that can't be the reason Martha is seeing this. Some upscale restaurants have prix fixe, in which case drinks are included, and others have wine lists, which always have prices, in my experience. In an upscale restaurant, if a price is not listed, then to me that would indicate that it is free, provided that there are prices listed for food. In a chain restaurant, drink prices are usually based on the size of the drink, and that may be why they do not have them listed on the menu, but they should be listed somewhere. If they are not, then the wait person is going to have to do some explaining, and that would be a waste of time.

I see this often. You don't know you owe $5 for a Coke or Ice Tea until you get the check. ASK!

Chisue, or if refills are free! When my oldest was in middle school, he developed a penchant for craft root beer at a local restaurant. It could easily outpace a cocktail tab.

Can't name a place with a handheld menu that the drink prices were listed. Neither the alcoholic nor soft drink prices.

This is why I only drink water unless it is included in the price of the buffet or meal. Sometimes I do even then. I will not pay 3.00 for a soda or anything else. someone just told me an ice tea was 5.00 at one place she was at.

Agree they are overpriced, listed or not. I guess if it's unlimited and you drink a lot of soda you're getting your moneys worth. NOW cocktails...I didn't realize how expensive they are...$13.+ for a drink?? And people go out to bars and order 4 and 5??!! That must be one big bill...Glad I don't drink often...

Here's a menu from a restaurant with hand-held menus that has prices for the drinks. This is what I am used to seeing.

If you want to save money or avoid higher charges, don't eat out.

Owners of ordinary restaurants whether in small or large towns are more likely just getting by than than making great fortunes.

Cocktail prices are often not shown unless there's a cocktail menu but beer, wine, other items seem to always be listed. But what would that matter, if you don't see a price for something that interests you, ask.

I was confused when I read this thread, but now I'm really wondering, what's up with that?

Do they charge different prices, depending on who you are, e.g. a tourist, a regular, etc.?

What's up with that?