This took place at the Destin, Fl location on Mother's Day.

My friends and I went to the Joe's Crab Shack for a Mothers Day dinner. We have all loved Joe's and Eat at Joe's as often as possible. We were a group of 11 however we all were paying seperate. One person paid for 5 people, one for 4 people and then one paid for herself and then I paid for myself. But it did get somewhat complicated. My best friend wanted to share the Steam Pot for 2 and since her son was paying for her, I gave him the money for me. However, I had already ordered a Cat 6 Hurricane so I had already created a check.

I want to say that the service was outstanding. The food was the best. However, the problem came when we paid. We did not find it out until a few days later when we were all talking. I got the bill for my ONE drink and it was $12.99 which is about $3.00 more then what it should have been, I noticed that I was being charged a auto gratuity. So I didnt care, but I put $15.00 in the book and excused myself to the restroom telling my friends to get my change.

A few days later, I remembered that I had not gotten my change back from my friend and asked her about it. She said that the server never brought it back. So basicly I paid $15.00 for ONE drink. I was alittle put out buy this. I paid a 50% gratuity. The friend who was paying for 4 told me that she also was charged for a auto gratuity and then the friend who paid for my meal and the other 5 was also charged the auto gratutiy of 18%.

From what I understand, this was not suppose to happen. Since we split the bill, it did not quailify as the large group auto 18% gratuity. According to Joe's menu a auto gratuity will apply to parties of 8 or more. I realize that we had 11 but since we split the check, I and others thought that we would pay what we deemed appropriate.

I just want to understand for future reference how the auto gratutiy works. Does it apply for any party of 8 or more that is seated together regaurdless of how the check is split?

I have no other complaints. This is one of the best locations in the chain and highly recommend it.