From the “that is some shady shit” file, I went out for dinner tonight with some friends. When it came time to pay I noticed I had two receipts which showed the same grand total of $18.55 but different suggested tip amounts:

The one on the left is the actual meal receipt. It shows tips based on the total BEFORE TAX.

The one on the right is the credit card slip on which you write your actual tip amount and total. It shows tips based on the total AFTER TAX.

Not only am I anal about getting my tip calculations correct, I am also someone who always tips on the PRETAX total, not the grand total.

This little dirty trick, combined with other elements of my experience tonight, will ensure I never eat at this place again.