TIL my local diner charges $2 extra for the exact same breakfast depending on what time you sit down

I got the same eggs and toast at Mabel's in Denver at 10:30 AM for $9, then my buddy went at 7 AM the next day and paid $11 for the same plate. The owner told me they bump prices during peak hours because people are too tired to leave. Has anyone else noticed this kind of time-based pricing sneaking into regular restaurants?

3 comments

3 Comments

gavin36521d agoTop Commenter

Is it the same exact plate with no difference in portion size or ingredients at all? I had a similar thing happen at a breakfast spot near me and when I asked they said the higher price covered the "early morning prep work," but the eggs tasted the same to me. Did you ask the owner if that $2 is just pure profit or if it actually covers something like staff overtime?

baker.holly21d ago

$2 more for the same eggs? I'd burn toast over that.

nancyg1421d ago

Oh man, that "early morning prep work" excuse sounds exactly like what I'd expect. It's just so frustrating when they act like it's some secret premium service but really it's the same old plate. I feel for you, that kind of thing really rubs me the wrong way too. Like, if they just said "hey, we charge a little more because we're open earlier and it's harder to find staff," I'd probably still grumble but respect the honesty. But making up a story about prep work when the eggs are identical? That's just shady. I honestly think most places just tack on that extra couple bucks because they can, and they know people won't make a scene over $2.