Millie's is a fabulous Richmond restaurant, but our service last time was the WORST service I have ever received at a restaurant. We asked our server to split our party of 4 into 2 checks when we sat down; she said that was no problem. The rest of our meal was fabulous. When the check came, the server "suggested" a gratuity on our check (20%, and my husband and I would have tipped at least 25% on our share). We asked her to put what we had on our card (restated our drinks and food) and were told we needed to have a dollar amount. No big deal, we estimated and gave her the amount for each card based on the total. We fully intended to tip with cash, so didn't include her "suggested gratuity" in our card totals. She brought our receipts to the table and had ADDED her suggested gratuity to our cards. When I am not in a large party (the menu does state that for large parties gratuity is added) I don't want someone forcing me to tip a certain amount. We waited about 15 minutes for her to come back, and finally had to get up to ask someone to find our server. She did rerun our cards (after speaking with a manager) and we reduced her tip from 25-30% to a dead on 10%. It kills me to tip so low; I have waitressed and KNOW it is hard work. But, 1) to suggest gratuity is the ultimate insult to your customers and 2) to force that suggested gratuity by sliding it on the credit card is even worse.
However, the food is always delicious. Great drinks; good wine selection. Lots of unique beers as well. The dining area is smaller, and reservations are suggested. Not sure if we'll be back after our last visit, but it is a cool local restaurant.
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