On August 29, 2025, my wife and I visited Madroño’s for what we thought would be a nice dining experience. During our dinner, I heard the party behind us questioning some additional charges on their bill, which I thought was what establishments are doing today, passing the credit card fees charged by the banks to their dining customers. Their argument went on for a while, the manager was at their table explaining the charges, but they left not happy at all. When I got my bill, I quickly understood the reason for their argument. The bill was very confusing, with an additional charge that I figured was for the credit card fee, and once I looked it over, they were also charging the county tax (8% because of the alcohol license) to the meal, credit card fee and the imposed 20% tip. I spoke to the gentlemen serving us, I told him that I was ok with the tip amount since he did a wonderful job, but I was not going to pay taxes on it and the credit card fee. He went to speak with the manager who did not have the decency to come to our table, instead sent him back with a copy of the “IRS News Release on Tips Versus Service Charges” and a copy of the “Florida Department of Revenue, Sales and Use Tax on Restaurants and Catering”.
The manager highlighted certain sections of the forms, that clearly showed that Gratuities (Tips) are not subject to tax, contradicting himself, and it also showed what constitutes a service charge subject to taxes, and as you can see in the pictures attached, the credit card fee is a “Transaction Processing Fee”, not a restaurant service charge.
Also, in the IRS Newsletter, it clearly states that “Tips are discretionary (optional or extra) payments determined by the customer that employees receive from customers.” As you can see on my bill, that was not discretionary or optional, it was imposed on me by the restaurant even though we were a party of 2.
Additionally, the credit card transaction fee was 4% which is average everywhere doing this, but when given the option to pay cash, the restaurant returns only 3%, pocketing the additional 1% on top of the 8% they already charged on the tip. When the manager finally took the time to come to our table, he was very dismissive. When I showed him the discrepancies and contradictions on his part, he tried to tell me that the credit card fee was 3% and the additional 1% was for the waiter assistance, and the taxes on the tip were as per IRS paper. his attitude basically went from trying to explain the additional charges, to this is it, period.
This is a very dishonest and illegal practice, and they know it very well. In all my previous visits to this establishment this was not the practice. Think about this, that additional monies they are charging their unsuspecting customers, multiplied by the days they are open per year, could easily be an additional $15,000.00, if not more. Everyone, be aware, check your bills carefully, maybe they will go back to good business practice and not rip off their customers. Until then, I shall look for other alternatives for dinning on Nicaraguan food.
Josie U.
I loved everything about this restaurant! It was clean, nicely decorated, and gorgeous. Every staff member was also extremely kind, which elevated my experience. The food came out in an orderly, swift fashion and I absolutely enjoyed everything I ate! I can’t wait to come back the next time I’m in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephen Michael Fox Jr
Delicious Nicaraguan food with friendly, efficient service. The queso frito with maduro was a highlight, and both the carne asada and breaded chicken cutlet were flavorful and generously portioned. Tres leches for dessert was rich and creamy. Worth the wait on a busy night and highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jba 2488
Excellent meals.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
stephan miller
Service was outstanding, food was amazing, the prices are reasonable, will definitely be coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jhami Burgos
This is the best Nicaraguan food I have ever had in my entire life. I recommend this restaurant to any person looking for some good Nicaraguan food. Everything from the bread at the beginning to the flan at the end is amazing. We were curious about another dish and the manager lets us try some! Excelled service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
CVR
My husband ordered today and I have to say food was good, Churrasco is the best one I’ve ever had so tender juicy and delicious highly recommend it everything was great. And the perfect ending to a meal dessert Pío Quinto delicioso 👏🏼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MICHAEL RAMIREZ
Amazing Nicaraguan food, best service! I totally recommend this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
L G
What a gem of a restaurant! Service is friendly and warm from the moment they greet you. Food is so exquisite; each bite is full of flavor, tender and juicy cuts
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Quelddy Angelina
Each visit to this location of the Madroño Restaurant has been such a memorable experience. Yes, you may have to wait up to an hour for your table. But they got iced lemon water outside. The service and atmosphere is spot on, and every dish on the menu has been created to deliver the authentic Nicaraguan flavor and you won't be disappointed! The maduritos are fried to perfection, the quality of the food is superior. We ordered a dessert called Pablo Segundo to share, and everyone agreed it was the best way to finish such a great meal. Friendly staff, a bit busy but they seem to manage the visitor volume quite well, and you don't have to wait long for you order once you are inside. We will definitely be back for more!
On August 29, 2025, my wife and I visited Madroño’s for what we thought would be a nice dining experience. During our dinner, I heard the party behind us questioning some additional charges on their bill, which I thought was what establishments are doing today, passing the credit card fees charged by the banks to their dining customers. Their argument went on for a while, the manager was at their table explaining the charges, but they left not happy at all. When I got my bill, I quickly understood the reason for their argument. The bill was very confusing, with an additional charge that I figured was for the credit card fee, and once I looked it over, they were also charging the county tax (8% because of the alcohol license) to the meal, credit card fee and the imposed 20% tip. I spoke to the gentlemen serving us, I told him that I was ok with the tip amount since he did a wonderful job, but I was not going to pay taxes on it and the credit card fee. He went to speak with the manager who did not have the decency to come to our table, instead sent him back with a copy of the “IRS News Release on Tips Versus Service Charges” and a copy of the “Florida Department of Revenue, Sales and Use Tax on Restaurants and Catering”.
The manager highlighted certain sections of the forms, that clearly showed that Gratuities (Tips) are not subject to tax, contradicting himself, and it also showed what constitutes a service charge subject to taxes, and as you can see in the pictures attached, the credit card fee is a “Transaction Processing Fee”, not a restaurant service charge.
Also, in the IRS Newsletter, it clearly states that “Tips are discretionary (optional or extra) payments determined by the customer that employees receive from customers.” As you can see on my bill, that was not discretionary or optional, it was imposed on me by the restaurant even though we were a party of 2.
Additionally, the credit card transaction fee was 4% which is average everywhere doing this, but when given the option to pay cash, the restaurant returns only 3%, pocketing the additional 1% on top of the 8% they already charged on the tip. When the manager finally took the time to come to our table, he was very dismissive. When I showed him the discrepancies and contradictions on his part, he tried to tell me that the credit card fee was 3% and the additional 1% was for the waiter assistance, and the taxes on the tip were as per IRS paper. his attitude basically went from trying to explain the additional charges, to this is it, period.
This is a very dishonest and illegal practice, and they know it very well. In all my previous visits to this establishment this was not the practice. Think about this, that additional monies they are charging their unsuspecting customers, multiplied by the days they are open per year, could easily be an additional $15,000.00, if not more. Everyone, be aware, check your bills carefully, maybe they will go back to good business practice and not rip off their customers. Until then, I shall look for other alternatives for dinning on Nicaraguan food.
I loved everything about this restaurant! It was clean, nicely decorated, and gorgeous. Every staff member was also extremely kind, which elevated my experience. The food came out in an orderly, swift fashion and I absolutely enjoyed everything I ate! I can’t wait to come back the next time I’m in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious Nicaraguan food with friendly, efficient service. The queso frito with maduro was a highlight, and both the carne asada and breaded chicken cutlet were flavorful and generously portioned. Tres leches for dessert was rich and creamy. Worth the wait on a busy night and highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent meals.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service was outstanding, food was amazing, the prices are reasonable, will definitely be coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is the best Nicaraguan food I have ever had in my entire life. I recommend this restaurant to any person looking for some good Nicaraguan food. Everything from the bread at the beginning to the flan at the end is amazing. We were curious about another dish and the manager lets us try some! Excelled service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband ordered today and I have to say food was good, Churrasco is the best one I’ve ever had so tender juicy and delicious highly recommend it everything was great.
And the perfect ending to a meal dessert Pío Quinto delicioso 👏🏼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing Nicaraguan food, best service! I totally recommend this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a gem of a restaurant! Service is friendly and warm from the moment they greet you. Food is so exquisite; each bite is full of flavor, tender and juicy cuts
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Each visit to this location of the Madroño Restaurant has been such a memorable experience. Yes, you may have to wait up to an hour for your table. But they got iced lemon water outside. The service and atmosphere is spot on, and every dish on the menu has been created to deliver the authentic Nicaraguan flavor and you won't be disappointed! The maduritos are fried to perfection, the quality of the food is superior. We ordered a dessert called Pablo Segundo to share, and everyone agreed it was the best way to finish such a great meal. Friendly staff, a bit busy but they seem to manage the visitor volume quite well, and you don't have to wait long for you order once you are inside. We will definitely be back for more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Delicious
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been going here since I was a kid and it has always had a great atmosphere and delicious food. Thank you for all the great memories 🙏😊
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I would go everyday if I could.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This restaurant make me proud to be a Nicoya! Best Nicaraguan restaurant in the whole Miami area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent restaurant. Delicious food and service is extraordinary.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...