Ever sat down at a restaurant, ordered what felt like a simple meal, and still walked out wondering where your money went? Turns out, there’s a whole playbook of psychological tricks behind those menus. From leaving off dollar signs to making certain dishes sound irresistible -hello, Grandma’s Apple Pie, it’s all about getting us to spend more without realizing it. Even tip jars and music tempo are part of the game!
I travel and eat out often, and this makes me rethink how I read menus, especially in touristy spots. Have you noticed any of these tactics on your own trips? Or found places that do things differently and more transparently?
