Question 1

What is the "River Walk Hidden Fee Restaurant Bills" scam in San Antonio?

Accepted Answer

Restaurants along the San Antonio River Walk, particularly between the Arneson River Theatre and the Commerce Street Bridge, add undisclosed charges to tourist bills including a "River Walk fee", mandatory gratuity, or a patio surcharge not listed on the menu. The extra charges are buried in the itemised bill and staff count on tourists not scrutinising the total. Ask for a physical menu with all fees disclosed before ordering, and specifically ask whether a service charge or surcharge applies to patio or riverside seating. Review the itemised bill line by line before paying. If an unlisted charge appears, ask the manager to explain it — in Texas, mandatory service charges must be disclosed before the transaction.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Hotel Room Delivery Menus" scam in San Antonio?

Accepted Answer

Scammers slide printed fake restaurant menus under hotel room doors near the River Walk and downtown area. Victims call to order food, pay over the phone, and the food never arrives. The number is untraceable. Discard any unsolicited menus slipped under your hotel door. Use hotel front desk recommendations, Google Maps, or Yelp to find actual restaurants. Never give payment info over the phone to an unknown restaurant.

Restaurant Scams in San Antonio

River Walk Hidden Fee Restaurant Bills

Fake Hotel Room Delivery Menus

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